Lawn Tractor - JD vs Craftsman

[mjncad]

I have a 2005 JD L130 with 56-hours on it and I'm quite disappointed with it. I didn't expect it to be of the caliber of my JD 4200 CUT; but it definitely could be better.

I bought it new with the intent of mowing native grass that is choking out the nasty weeds that I used to use a rotary cutter for. I also bought it since is was less money than a MMM for my 4200 and seeing the hassles of putting on and removing the mower for my CUT swayed me to get a separate mower. Although I am not cutting golf course greens quality grass; I don't abuse it either.

In the time I've owned it, I have had the following issues with it:

1. I'm on my third mower belt; the first slipped off the pulleys and got trashed in the process, the second belt failed at the splice joint.

2. I'm on my third set of blades, which given the material being cut I can't blame on Deere. I'm using Gator Blades on it now.

3. I had an idler pulley bracket on the mower deck break off in my hand as I was removing the deck to change blades last year.

4. At 50-hours I changed the oil & filter, air & fuel filters, new plugs gapped to spec and torqued properly. Now it's hard to start, especially when warm.

5. The other day I was half way through my 1.8-acre flat lot when the mower deck quit. I thought it threw a belt again; but it didn't. I'm guessing the electric PTO switch puked, or the clutch. The seat switch works, so it's not that. I have a new $20 switch on order, which I hope cures the problem as a new clutch is $155.

Modifications I've made to the unit:

1. Removed the blasted RIO (Lawyer) switch, and jumpered the connector.

2. Slimed the tires.

3. Drilled a hole in the plastic deflector chute to bungee it in the up position for storage.

4. Added three wash ports to the deck, which work better than I expected.

5. Added nose art and a name to it.

6. Added 84-pounds of suitcase weights to the rear to help lighten the front end for easier steering. It helps; but not as much as I had hoped, so I can't imagine a plow blade being on the front of the thing.

What I like about it:

1. Maneuverable. I finished the other half of the yard with the 4200 and 5-foot rotary mower, and I'd forgotten just how difficult it is to maneuver around obstacles with 8 to 10-feet of hardware hanging off the back of the tractor.

Now I'm trying to decide whether to look at an X324 as I would like the AWS. I only need a mower since the 4200 does all the real tractor work. I would even consider a used JD 445 or 455; but the nearest ones that showed up on machinefinder.com were in Iowa, and were holding their value quite well. I would prefer liquid cooling and a fuel injected engine; but $$$$ reality usually bursts that bubble quickly.

Unlike you Midwest and east coast guys, we don't have a plethora of dealers representing non JD brands to choose from.

 

[GreenLawnFarm]

Craftsman makes ok hand tools. I can't stand dealing with their parts dept. and have a hard time buying equip. i can't get parts for.

 

[LBrown59]

Now I'm trying to decide whether to look at an X324 as I would like the AWS. I only need a mower since the 4200 does all the real tractor work.
1*I would even consider a used JD 445 or 455; but the nearest ones that showed up on machinefinder.com were in Iowa, and were holding their value quite well. I would prefer liquid cooling and a fuel injected engine; but $$$$ reality usually bursts that bubble quickly.

Unlike you Midwest and east coast guys, we don't have a plethora of dealers representing non JD brands to choose from.

* That's what I was looking for when I found something better for the same or less money .

Craftsman makes ok hand tools. I can't stand dealing with their parts dept. and have a hard time buying equip. i can't get parts for.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

* That's what I was looking for when I found something better for the same or less money .

Good for you L.B.!

 

[mjncad]

I looked at the Kubota web site last night at the BX's on down and ruled them out due to the single pedal HST control. I have that on my L130 and working in reverse is a pain as it's an unnatural motion for me.

The other factor is there are only three Kubota dealers relatively near me. The closest wouldn't give me the time of day when I was shopping for my 4200. The other two are a PITA to get to.

 

[LBrown59]

1*I looked at the Kubota web site last night at the BX's on down and ruled them out due to the single pedal HST control.
2*I have that on my L130 and working in reverse is a pain as it's an unnatural motion for me.

3*The other factor is there are only three Kubota dealers relatively near me. The closest wouldn't give me the time of day when I was shopping for my 4200. The other two are a PITA to get to.

1*When did they go back to the single pedal HST control?
Can any anybody else confirm this?
2*You should sill try a BX as it may not operate feel handle the same as your L130 simply because it has the same single pedal HST control?

3*In that case I'd be checking out new and used at Barlow Equipment.
That's where the 2 i pictured came from.

Barlows is over 300 miles from me
The place in WVA where I bought my BX23 is only 58 miles from me .

I've driven more miles to the Wva.dealer than I have to Barlows in KY.

Sometimes close is not always shorter.

 

[Scooby074]

LB, i can confirm that the T series lawn tractors have a single rocker for the hydro I test drove one several weeks ago. I didnt sit on a BX though so i have no idea.

I believe the deeres use separate forward and reverse pedals.

 

[mjncad]

The "L" series Deere's use the single pedal system while the "X" series use the dual pedal system I prefer.

For some things I don't mind driving a fair distance; but where two of the Kubota dealers I haven't checked out yet are just more of a PITA to get to than I care for, especially if we ever get to build on our 35-acres. There is a Deere dealer less than 10-miles from our property.

Anyway, here is the latest saga concerning my "L"emon. I got the new $20 PTO switch and it was an easy 5-minute installation. Fired up the tractor, engaged the PTO switch and the whole thing shut down with no power to anything. The fuse looked fine; but I replaced it anyway and put the old switch back in. Started the tractor and engaged the PTO, and no mower; but the engine ran as expected. Put the new switch back in, fired her up and engaged the PTO and it died completely. The fuse obviously blew.

So now it appears the old switch was fried due to an ongoing slight over-current situation; but now I have to track down a short in the system. I'm hoping I find a frayed wire; but I'm expecting the dam thing will need a new clutch at $155.

I even picked up an "X" series brochure today; but I really would like to find a good 445 AWS or preferably 455 AWS as I prefer liquid cooling, shaft drive and fuel injection. I told the dealer to call me if one comes in...we'll see; but I'm not holding my breath. I checked Machinefinder and Tractorhouse today and the nearest 445's and 455's to me are about 400+ miles away.

I may even reconsider trying to find a mower deck for my 4200; though I still think those are a PITA to put on and take off, which I'd have to do because of the limited space available to me on each side of the 4200.

 

[LBrown59]

LB, i can confirm that the T series lawn tractors have a single rocker for the hydro I test drove one several weeks ago.
1*I didnt sit on a BX though so i have no idea.

2*I believe the deeres use separate forward and reverse pedals.

1*see 2*
2* Same as Kubota BX.

I looked at the Kubota web site last night at the
1* BX's on down and ruled them out due to the single pedal HST control. I have that on my L130 and working in reverse is a pain as it's an unnatural motion for me.

1*This is not correct Newer BXs have 2 pedals
Older ones have single petals.

The "L" series Deere's use the single pedal system while the "X" series use the dual pedal system I prefer.

For some things I don't mind driving a fair distance; but where two of the Kubota dealers I haven't checked out yet are just more of a PITA to get to than I care for, especially if we ever get to build on our 35-acres. There is a Deere dealer less than 10-miles from our property.

Anyway, here is the latest saga concerning my "L"emon. I got the new $20 PTO switch and it was an easy 5-minute installation. Fired up the tractor, engaged the PTO switch and the whole thing shut down with no power to anything. The fuse looked fine; but I replaced it anyway and put the old switch back in. Started the tractor and engaged the PTO, and no mower; but the engine ran as expected. Put the new switch back in, fired her up and engaged the PTO and it died completely. The fuse obviously blew.

So now it appears the old switch was fried due to an ongoing slight over-current situation; but now I have to track down a short in the system. I'm hoping I find a frayed wire; but I'm expecting the dam thing will need a new clutch at $155.

I even picked up an "X" series brochure today; but I really would like to find a good 445 AWS or preferably 455 AWS as I prefer liquid cooling, shaft drive and fuel injection. I told the dealer to call me if one comes in...we'll see;
1*but I'm not holding my breath. I checked Machinefinder and Tractorhouse today and the nearest 445's and 455's to me are about 400+ miles away.

.

1*I went with the 2 BX1500s because I got tired of holding my Breath for one thing. .

 

[asylum575]

I have a 1993 Craftsman 18HP 42" cut and a 2007 BX24 60" deck. The Craftsman has been a workhorse. Now that I'm cutting over an acre of lawn, she's struggling. The 3 bin bagger is what keeps her around. I usually mow with the Craftsman, but every so often I'll take off the BH and FEL on the BX and go mowing. What a dream to have power steering while mowing.
I'll keep the Craftsman around through the end of the year, but plan on getting a mulch kit and a lawn collection system for the BX.

 

[Scooby074]

I even picked up an "X" series brochure today; but I really would like to find a good 445 AWS or preferably 455 AWS as I prefer liquid cooling, shaft drive and fuel injection. I told the dealer to call me if one comes in...we'll see; but I'm not holding my breath. I checked Machinefinder and Tractorhouse today and the nearest 445's and 455's to me are about 400+ miles away.

Those 445 and 455 deeres sure seem to be holding their value. Several on machinefinder are 3-4k and look pretty well used. Better condition ones are over 5 some are 9K!!. A new x324 is something around 5K. Are the 455s that good? Would they be the equivalent to a x500 in the current series? Liquid cool and shaft drive would definitely be selling points. I hates belts

Edit: i did a little reaserch, you can get liquid cool in the 500 but it looks like you got to go to the 700 for shaft drive but, I could be wrong.

 

[mjncad]

Those 445 and 455 deeres sure seem to be holding their value. Several on machinefinder are 3-4k and look pretty well used. Better condition ones are over 5 some are 9K!!. A new x324 is something around 5K. Are the 455s that good? Would they be the equivalent to a x500 in the current series? Liquid cool and shaft drive would definitely be selling points. I hates belts

Edit: i did a little reaserch, you can get liquid cool in the 500 but it looks like you got to go to the 700 for shaft drive but, I could be wrong.

Yeah I've noticed the same thing concerning the 445's & 455's holding their value. The 445's & 455's are equivalent to the X700 series. When I was shopping for my 4200 in 2001 I test drove a 455 with a loader that had only 89-hours on it. It was a nice little unit and it was traded in for a larger CUT, and that was the only reason I didn't buy it as I wanted something a tad larger. The 455 has a Cat 0 hitch as I recall, and the X700's have a limited Cat 1. Since I want it for mowing, I don't care about the hitch.

Besides price, my other gripe about the X-series is the blasted RIO lawyer switch is an integrated unit with the PTO switch and I don't know if I can easily disable the RIO like I did with my "L"emon 130.

I really do have the itch for the all wheel steering too, which of course jacks up the price whether new or used.

 

[LBrown59]

Those 445 and 455 deeres sure seem to be holding their value. Several on machinefinder are 3-4k and look pretty well used.
1* Better condition ones are over 5 some are 9K!!.
Are the 455s that good?
2* Would they be the equivalent to a x500 in the current series?
I hates belts

Yeah I've noticed the same thing concerning the 445's & 455's holding their value.
3*The 445's & 455's are equivalent to the X700 series. When I was shopping for my 4200 in 2001 I test drove a 455 with a loader that had only 89-hours on it.
4*It was a nice little unit and
5* it was traded in for a larger CUT, and that was the only reason I didn't buy it as I wanted something a tad larger.
The 455 has a Cat 0 hitch as I recall,
and
6*the X700's have a limited Cat 1. Since I want it for mowing, I don't care about the hitch.

1*I think you can do better for about the same or less.At least I did.
2*You would have to buy a JD 700 series to equal a 455 or 425 .
3*This is correct.
4*and 5* IE garden tractor.

 

[hilld]

I found when looking for a used machine, it helps to do so out of season. I realize that your "Lemon" is currently out of commision, but I purchased my x300 used in Feb for $1250, including the large grass catcher (2 bushel). It was 2 years old and not very well maintained, I took it straight to my dealer and had them service it, replace the bad blades and replace the hour meter that was broken. Besides from the fact they installed the wrong blades the first time around, I have a great mower for just over $1500, the MSRP on this unit with the bagger is around $3k. I am happy and would do it again in a heartbeat. I found it on craigslist, but I was looking for about 4 months or so.

Hope that helps.

Derek

 

[QueBota]

I'll second that. If you are not it hurry to purchase I would look around for a deal on and older "garden tractor" level mower. From what I have seen they tend to be built heavier and use higher quality components.

You may be able to find a well maintained older unit for a reasonable price. Even if you have to put a few $$$ into it I think you will still be way ahead of any entry level lawn tractors currently offered.

You would have to spend at least $2.5K to purchase something currently produced to match the older GT level products.

However, if all you need to do is mow an acre or less of level, smooth lawn the better entry level lawn tractors, if properly maintained, should provide many years of service.

Dave

 

[herd]

There is absolutely no comparing the two, one is cheap but will do the job and the other is expensive but you won't be dissatisfied with the Deere. I ran a Craftsmans 18hp Kohler with 46'' cuts for several years on 1.4 acres. While the engine was outstanding, it was basically a good heavy duty engine on a medium duty mower and frame.

The peripherial equipment such as starter, solenoid, belts, pulleys, etc, do not last long, I was spending a couple hundred each year on maintenance. I went fm that to a 48'' Snapper ZTR, outstanding mower but made best for turf and not rough terrain.

I now mow 3+ acres and the Snapper was killing me bouncing up and down so I went to get the JD 54'' but saw an outstanding buy on the Husqvarna 54''. I have used the Husky for 3 months now, very, very satisfied with it.

Good luck, let us know what you settle on.

 

[joes_427_vette]

Deere entry level machines are just that. They have the name but built no better than the craftsman / murray.

To get a good machine in JD colors the deck alone will be 2k. The rest of the unit although expensive at purchase will last a lifetime. Spend the money and be happy or scrimp on a cheapee and spend your time fixing. I have a 4110 JD and it works great.

 

[LBrown59]

There is absolutely no comparing the two, one is cheap but will do the job and the other is expensive but you won't be dissatisfied with the Deere. I ran a Craftsmans 18hp Kohler with 46'' cuts for several years on 1.4 acres. While the engine was outstanding, it was basically a good heavy duty engine on a medium duty mower and frame.

The peripherial equipment such as starter, solenoid, belts, pulleys, etc, do not last long, I was spending a couple hundred each year on maintenance. I went fm that to a 48'' Snapper ZTR, outstanding mower but made best for turf and not rough terrain.

I now mow 3+ acres and the Snapper was killing me bouncing up and down so I went to get the JD 54'' but saw an outstanding buy on the Husqvarna 54''. I have used the Husky for 3 months now, very, very satisfied with it.

Good luck, let us know what you settle on.

Same thing as a Craftsman.

 

[SCDolphin]

I had the same dilema 2 yrs ago. None of the 100 series JD's are rated to pull a trailer much less a disc. I bought the Craftsman GT 6500 with the smaller 48" deck vs 52" (ordered it that way). The blades are stout. The spindles are greaseable unlike the JD which are not. The belt is easy to remove and it will pull ground impliments. The 26 hp Kohler has tons of power. For the money I could not be happier. I have posted about this before. It is also easy on gas.

Good luck

 

[archerm3]

Isn't comparing a JD to a Craftsman like comparing a BMW to a Kia?

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Isn't comparing a JD to a Craftsman like comparing a BMW to a Kia? )</font>

Maybe if your comparing a Craftsman with an upper end JD.... not an L series.

Yeah, I was thinking more like comparing a Yukon to an Escalade.