Is the LT woth the extra cash over the HD L serie

[cavaselis]

I cant figure out the search option on this forum so here goes nothing.

Im looking for a tractor for my house, I have to mow around 3/4 acre and plow snow with it. Some people have told me that the L series in a re-badged murry??? Anyways I want to purchase something that is gonna last a good 10-15 years and be able to handle up to 3 acres if my next house calls for it.I really like the Kubota BX series but is out of my price rangeand probaly more than I need.I really would like to spend no more than 3-4k for a gas 2wd John deere.The LT 170 or LT 180 looks pretty nice and is what im leaning towards.

Oh yeah we dont pay MSRP do we what would a good price be for a LT 170?

Also the G 100 is that pretty much the same as a l series?
Thanks

 

[yellowsocks93]

If I were you I would lean more towards the LT 180 than the 70. You get a better motor. It's a Kawasaki. I looked at Deere's website to see what brand the LT 170 had because I knew it was Kohler or Briggs but unsure and they don't list it as a model anymore. Now they have an 18 horse Kawasaki powered LT 190. Looks like a good one and it comes standard with the 48'' deck. I don't think the L series are rebaged Murrays. They are built by JD. The G-100 is a little bigger than the normal L 100's geared more towards the homeowner needing a normal size garden tractor. I prefer the LT 180 or 90 myself and that's what I am going to trade in for once my GT 242 breaks if it ever does. The Kawasaki motor runs like a clock!

 

[fgross335_2210]

I'm comparing the L's, LT's and LX's for my sister and her hubby. Notable differences from JD's brochure:

LT series has 40% longer design life than L's
LX's have 42% longer design life then LT's

LT series frame 33% thicker than L series
LX series frame 30% heavier than LT series

LT's have a pedal to lift mower or snowthrower
LX's have a lever to lift mower or snowthrower

LX mower decks have a 20% thicker cast-iron spindles vs. LT's

L's and LT's do not have cruise control; LX's do

Fuel capacity is L=2.1, LT=2, LX=3 gallons

Dealer also mentioned:

L's have cables connecting controls such as the brake pedal
LT/LX have rods connecting controls = more durable

L's have "generic" motors, i.e., briggs, kohler
LT's have motors designed specifically for tractor use (Kohler and Kaw) meeting Deere's standards
LX motors are considered more premium (mostly Kaw) then LT

The transaxle gets stronger as you move from L to LT to LX. Probably only a concern for pushing or throwing snow.


Having mowed with an LX188 for 5 years, I can attest that they are built every built as well as the larger Deere's. The L series seems a little too light/cheap to me. My guess is a well-maintained LT with a Kaw motor will last a very long time. If you push a lot of snow the LX transaxle will put up with more abuse.

You might consider a 1-2 year old LX versus a new LT...just an idea!

Fred G

 

[BANDAMAN]

cavaselis.
Welcome to TBN! I am the owner of a 2002 JD LT180. It is a fine machine. When I was shopping I started out looking at the lower end Sabres and Scott's (Home Depot) which are now both the JD L series. I am sure they are good machines, but I was not satisfied with the quality. I narrowed my choice between a New "old" LT166 nd the 2002 LT180. The 166 had the Briggs and Stratton Vanguard Motor, the 180 has the Kawasaki. I paid several hundred more to get the Kawasaki. In my opinion the Briggs and Kohler's are not in the same ball park as the Kawasaki. It purrs like a kitten. Smoothest 17 hp I have ever seen. I also went with the 42" Freedom mulching deck. It is like vacuuming your yard, leaves no clippings behind and you can trim with both sides, and mow in the rain if you want. (no clumping). I just put a brand new JD plow, suitcase weights and chains on it this winter. It did a very nice job of keeping my asphalt drive clean. The foot implement lift is really nice and not available on the L or LX series. Long Story short I have 67 hrs and it was great for mowing 3/4 to 1 acre. I now have over an acre and it still does great, but I've got my heart set on a Kubota BX2230 with FEL to use for landscaping and such. e-mail me if your near Michigan and want a good deal on an immaculate LT180 with mower and plow. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[DAP]

I own an LX288. Paid 4.8k for it new. It pulls a 350lb leaf vacuum without even a giggle. It has a 4' deck with 3 blades and I can cut 3 acres of lawn in 2 hours with it (lots of obstacles). I also can cut a 3.5 acre timothy field with a century of row tractor ruts in it in 2 hours. It pulls a 1 ton estate wagon loaded to the gills with split hardwood without even so much as a raised eyebrow.

After about 150 hours, it has never failed to start, EVER, despite cold NY winters.

I demand a lot from this machine. And I would NOT do this at home with an HD L series unless I liked rebuilding machines at my own expense.

BTW, the LX288 has the 18hp gas Kawasaki Twin V motor in it. 3 gallon tank, 48C convertible deck (ANYONE know why it is called a convertible? What's it convert to?) and of cource the Twin Touch hydro tranny, electronic PTO and no friggin cupholder.

I presently use this machine to finish cut, field cut, vacuum leaves, vacuum paddock manure, skid small trees, haul with a 1 ton estate wagon, give goat rides, spike aeration, harrowing with chains, ... I think that's about all on the abuse list.

Every time I wish I had a zero turn mower, I have to remind myself of the versatility.

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[yellowsocks93]

Your 48C deck means it can be changed from side discharge to mulching to bagging. Great deck! If ya want a cupholder get the 7 dollar add on from your JD dealer. It's self adhesive.

 

[vsimon]

Thanks for the detailed discription LT's and LX's I agree a KW and a k62 trans
are worth the extra cash..I've been researching my best and you guys sumed
it up in a nut shell. lx280AWS for me!!