LT1045 or LT1050? Also, what does warranty cover?

[Meig]

It's time for a lawn tractor now that I have about an acre to mow, and I've been checking out the various models and brands and have decided on a CC.

The two models I am looking at are the LT-1045 and the LT-1050. The price difference is $300 and the only differences I can see are:

1. 1050 has a 23hp twin cylinder, 1045 has a 20hp twin cam, single cylinder.

2. Deck size, 1050 is 50", 1045 is 46".

Does it make sense to spend $300 more for those differences? I guess this year both models are using the same Courage engine, so that isn't even a factor like it was last year.

Also, does anyone know exactly what the 3-year warranty covers? Does it cover only the engine? I am having trouble locating any online info about residential warranties.

Thanks much.

 

[Fordlords]

That is a very good question, as while noting the differences in an earlier thread comparing the Courage to the Command engine I checked out Kohler's site and both engines come with a 2 year warranty from Kohler at the manufacturer level. And I see on Cub's site some components of the 1000 series such as chassis and frame are covered by a 5 year limited warranty. Perhaps a dealer can spell out exactly which things carry which warranty, or if the 3 year warranty is a complete, "bumper to bumper," deal from Cub and what a customer might expect to receive as far as repairs as if they are at your house or if you have to haul the machine in to a dealer (a BIG problem for most LT home owners who do not have the means to transport a tractor.)

"Little greenie," the Craftsman we have is demonstrably not built as good as a Cub LT, but it's one year warranty was clearly spelled out, and Sears sent out a repairman within 2 days after the two warranty repairs were needed, and it was fixed correctly both times. I know for sure TSC or Home Depot are not going to do anything themselves for new CC buyers at their stores, yet are dealers going to be genuinely interested in performing warranty repairs on machines they did not sell, and travel to owner's homes to do the work in a prompt manner? Let me say IMHO probably not.

Looking at the prices at TSC for the Cub LT's today they are not priced any less than what a dealer would sell them for. This tells me that if I were considering buying one, it would be from no one other than a dealer who I could get good service from and could tell me everything about what I was buying, and put the important aspects such as warranties in writing. Anyone agree with this logic?

-Fordlords-

 

[gamble77]

From Cub Cadet:

3-Year warranty covers materials and workmanship on tractor and engine. Hour limitations are as follows;

Series 1000-1500 = 120 hours
Series 2500 = 150 hours
Series 3000 = 180 hours

5-year warranty covers the frame, pivoting cast-iron front axle and drive shaft (if equipped).

The hour limitation more or less weeds out any "up-start" commercial guys trying to get into the business for next to nothing...which we see a lot of. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[davefrommd]

Lowes is discontinuing the cub cadet line which includes lawntractors and stringtrimmers. I saw a brand new cub cadet marked down with 50" CUT FOR $1799.00 REGULAR $1999.00 at lowes. I bought a used/returned/repaired cub cadet LT 1024 with 31 hours on it for $500.00 as-is. It runs fine and everything works. It's a 24hp 50" cut. dave