The Ariens 1540 H series tractors were made from mid 80's until very early 90's. It is a much stouter machine than the LA series, the frame is very stout, similar in design to the uni-frame 9 gauge YT series. it has a solid steel bar type front axle with a reinforced front frame section and it's H design nearly eliminates flexing or cracking. the 1540 is capable of using a tiller and other ground engaging equipment. The Ariens uses a Eaton 750 transmission that is rated at more than double the torque of the k46 (Eaton 750= 215 continuous/ 345 int / 540 peak; k46= 120 cont/ 170 int/ 300 peak). The Eaton is also a much better design, single pump with two motors, one on each axle, to apply equal torque to both axles at all times for much improved traction. I am VERY surprised that it failed as it is a very stout unit in comparison to the K46.
I am a collector of tractors and have owned/bought/sold/kept in access of 200 tractors and the JD light duty machines are a poor choice in their class regarding durability. They have exceedingly high failure rates with transmissions, deck mounting system, and body parts (breaking, cracking) and also of note are electrical issues. If your budget is 2k, you are exceedingly better off spending that money on a low hour 90's model WheelHorse 400/500 series machine, you will be handing it down to your children, they are that good. I would also consider a low hour JD GT235 series machine as it will out work and out last the new LA or x300 two fold even if you are staring out 15 years to the rears. Find one with under 400 hrs thats been stored indoors and well cared for and you will be very satisfied.
If you are determined to go new, a husqvarna made garden tractor with a stout hydrogear 300 series or tuff-torq k65 transmission can be had, such as the GT2554/Sears GT/Toro GT 2200, all are a a better product, generally, than the low end JD. I hate to berate a brand, but in the 2k price class, it is extremely competitive so one must look for the most durable components available VS brand. Most all are very similar concerning features and appearance so look for the highest quality transmission, the most common item to fail, in the price range. One must also consider were to purchase a product, the independent dealers win big over the box stores, although Sears is pretty decent with response time and quality of the techs they send out, usually independent contractors that are well trained.
So thats it...me, I would absolutely purchase a good used WheelHorse 400/500 series or look for a JD GT235 10 fold VS a new product in the 2k price range. You will get much more for your money if you shop wisely. I can think of no product made in 2010 that i would classify as a "quality" machine in the 2k price class.
I am a collector of tractors and have owned/bought/sold/kept in access of 200 tractors and the JD light duty machines are a poor choice in their class regarding durability. They have exceedingly high failure rates with transmissions, deck mounting system, and body parts (breaking, cracking) and also of note are electrical issues. If your budget is 2k, you are exceedingly better off spending that money on a low hour 90's model WheelHorse 400/500 series machine, you will be handing it down to your children, they are that good. I would also consider a low hour JD GT235 series machine as it will out work and out last the new LA or x300 two fold even if you are staring out 15 years to the rears. Find one with under 400 hrs thats been stored indoors and well cared for and you will be very satisfied.
If you are determined to go new, a husqvarna made garden tractor with a stout hydrogear 300 series or tuff-torq k65 transmission can be had, such as the GT2554/Sears GT/Toro GT 2200, all are a a better product, generally, than the low end JD. I hate to berate a brand, but in the 2k price class, it is extremely competitive so one must look for the most durable components available VS brand. Most all are very similar concerning features and appearance so look for the highest quality transmission, the most common item to fail, in the price range. One must also consider were to purchase a product, the independent dealers win big over the box stores, although Sears is pretty decent with response time and quality of the techs they send out, usually independent contractors that are well trained.
So thats it...me, I would absolutely purchase a good used WheelHorse 400/500 series or look for a JD GT235 10 fold VS a new product in the 2k price range. You will get much more for your money if you shop wisely. I can think of no product made in 2010 that i would classify as a "quality" machine in the 2k price class.
