Your 'convertible' deck converts from side discharge to mulching to power-flow (bagger) with the optional kits.
Glancing at the Stoneham's site info, the LX and GT series are very similar - in fact they appear more closely related to each other than do the GT and GX series garden tractor lines. Both LX and GT look like they use the exact same frame, front axle, spindles, front tire size, both have manual steering. (The upscale GX series gets into power steering.) Same exact 18hp Kawaski engine in the LX280 and GT235 (is the LX277 no more?). Both can take the same mower decks. The overall dimensions are amost identical although the GT may have a slightly wider track? Turning radii are the same.
The biggest difference in the spec lists appears to be that the GT series uses the (Kanzaki) "K71B" transaxle (theoretically a heavier-duty unit than the "K62" model used in the LX series), and has bigger rear tires (24x12-12 vs 22x11-10). Oddly there is a slightly smaller gas tank on the GT (2.75 vs. 3 gallons).
Without fluids or mower deck the GT weighs about 10% (50 lbs.) more. Except for the transaxle, not sure where that extra weight comes from.
The GT can use all the implements that the LX takes and adds a few more in the 'ground engagement' area. Examples - the GT is rated for the larger (and heaver) "10" cart instead of the "7", a tiller, bigger front blade, bigger power-flow bagger unit, and the like.
As I said, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong at all with the LX series, lots of happy owner reports out there, but for 'just' a few hundred more I had to think about going to the GT. On the other hand the GX is a very different animal and the price jumps significantly.
Tim
