Need help with purchase

[keltonkrew]

New to the forum. I've done some searches but really couldn't answer my questions.

I'm in the market to buy a new mower. My yard-man (POS) bit the dust. I still have a cheapy Craftsman 4000 with 42" deck. Kohler engine runs good, but mower doesn't cut well, uneven (probably the bent frame) - it's a dog but a spare.

Started looking at JD. I know the ones sold at HD are rated 60% life of the premium models. The only one that I've looked at is the L130. Kohler 23 v-twin.

I've also been researching cub cadet. Initially was leaning toward the 1042. After reading a little, decided that the 2042 would be better, although more $$$.

At this price range, I can get into a JD premium model (LT150), however this has a B&S engine. A couple of hundred $$ more, the LT160 with the Kohler, but it's a single piston. I really like the v-twin (I think).

I have about 3 acres total. about 1.5 I mow with my Bolens (Iseki) diesel 4x4 with 48 finish mower (lake lot). The rest is around my house where I use my lawn mower. I want one to last a bit.

so, with that said any advice would be appreciated.

L130 from HD
1042
2042
L150 from John Deere
L160 from John Deere.

 

[gamble77]

The first thing you need to do is mark anything off that you are planning on purchasins from a "big box store."

Secondly I think for your needs you will be happier with the 2042. Plust those Kohler V-twins are worth the extra $.

 

[DmansPadge]

I agree with Gamble77! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cyberkrazze]

To be honest, i haven't seen any "premium" models sold of any brand at a department store. Check your local dealers, so they can give you info on why they are priced the way they are. Also, if anything ever goes wrong, or you need to get warranty work done, you will probably have to bring it to a dealer, not a HD store. We are in a small town and we had a customer purchase a unit at a department store in the next town over. It was priced higher than our normal price and he brought it in to us to get setup correctly because it didn't work, because it wasn't put together correctly.

 

[keltonkrew]

Thanks for the replies. The "premium" JD mowers I was talking about was at a John Deere dealer. He carried the 2 models that HD carries too. I haven't actually been to HD to look at the mowers. He said the L118 and L130 are the models HD carries and are rated at 60% life of the premium models.

 

[JohnNH]

Back in late 04 and into early 05, I went through the same process. I looked at JD, MF and CC as well as a few cheapo's.
I ended up buying a CC 2042 with a twin bagger and 17cuft trailer. I cut just about 1 1/2 acres and like most, there are endless landscape projects that keep me putting the 2042 through the paces.

My 2042 was perfect from the day of delivery. It does a great job cutting, mulching, bagging and can easily out pull a belt drive tractor. The manufacturing of the 2042 provides easy access for maintenance and my dealer is always there for service.
Note: The people on this site have endless experience with the cub cadet products and will always offer you reliable support.

Did I mention that I love my cc 2042 = go buy one - you will never be sorry and it will last for many years to come.

JohnNH

 

[JTKub]

Keltonkrew- the JD LT series use the same tufftorq transaxles and as far as I know, the same chassis as the "L" series sold at big box. You really need to step up to a JD "LX" or above for a premium deere. I'm not against buying the lower end stuff from big box stores, it just complicates things should you need warranty work. The CC 2042's are fine machines. Not as cozy as a kubota, simplicity or deere, but heavier built than most & WAAY less $.
G/luck
Joel

 

[keltonkrew]

Well...I went and bought a 2042 on Saturday. This is one nice machine. My wife mows with it as I cut our other lot with my Bolens (Iseki) tractor and finish mower. The yard didn't need cutting but she had to cut anyways. Her first comment about it was.....ALRIGHT...IT'S GOT A DRINK HOLDER!.

Much tighter turning radius and this thing is just plain smooth.

Thanks to those for talking me into buying this /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tonybada]

I am in the same boat and I think I am going to go with the CC 2042. Hopefully you still feel the same way about yours.

 

[keltonkrew]

I just bought mine last weekend. I'm impressed with the build quality and how sturdy it looks. I was shocked when I opened the hood.....oil dipstick like on a car, air filter on top like a car, easy to get to. I removed the deck just to see if I could and put it back on. This is going to make maintenance very simple!