New Owner - Limited Distribution Husq. GT48DXLS Garden Tractor

[HusqGT48DXLS]

I noticed that as well Tom.

It does seem absurd to me that they finally make a product, that at least on paper, could really challenge Deere, and really build strong market share in this class, and choose to make it some oddball limited run. That certainly doesn't bode well for later parts availability for things like mulch kits and baggers. That being said, why bother putting out unique accessories if it is a limited run? Why tool up at great expense to make that happen?

I do not think parts will be an issue. The 48" "Clear-Cut" deck is new this year, so it will be installed on all the new tractors with fabricated decks. My bagger had two metal mounts for the back of the tractor depending on model so I think this will be a universal fit too. All the other parts seem to be standard Husqvarna body parts, Tuff Torq will supply transmission parts and Kawasaki will supply engine parts. Husqvarna customer service told me this is a spring limited edition run and will not be available for new orders later in the year. I think we got lucky.

 

[haakebecks]

I installed my mulch kit today. Here are a few pics. The stock blades must be a real high lift blade? There is quite the angle on the end. The plug on the deck is attached with 2 bolts. The rearward bolt would require to take of the anti scalp wheel in order to get the nut that came with it on. Instead I just put a washer then lock washer and a normal nut on. I can't remove it by hand now but that's fine. View attachment 506694View attachment 506695View attachment 506696View attachment 506697View attachment 506698View attachment 506699View attachment 506700

Curious to hear how effective the mulch kit is!

 

[TMR]

I tend to perhaps use my mower just a bit as a brush hog i.e.; I do cut some tall grass/weeds in a field I own...maybe once or twice a year. My 25hp 42" Craftsman handled it albeit marginally...I overlapped at least 50% and bungied up the discharge chute. Worked best in the fall after all the grass/brush turned brown. I never had a clog...other than around the discharge chute.

I am encouraged at comments regarding the new deck...sounds like it "exits" the cut grass quite strongly? I would appreciate any further comments regarding the deck and how clean it stays in weekly use? I never had to clean my 42"...sometimes I think it may have been the smaller tow blade deck...I hope to not have issues with the new Husqvarna 48" fabricated deck. All operating reports will be appreciated. Thanks...Tom Martin

P.S. I also would like some comments regarding general traction...I have operated with rear wheel weights and chains for many years on my last two lawn tractors...may do that again as I find it helpful and reassuring. I do realize I have not had the rear locker before TMR

 

[HusqGT48DXLS]

My front yard has a 7 degree slope. At the bottom, I have a few small areas that push 10 degrees. I engaged the locking differential and lifted the front wheels off the ground with a little over aggressive push of the pedal. I have never owned a small garden tractor that would pull like this one.

 

[haakebecks]

Finally picked this up today. Definitely a different experience than my much narrower and older kubota. Doesn't seem over powered to me, but discharge out the side is fantastic.

It's wet here in the PNW and definitely was today. I had some really tall grass along some drainage ditches to do and it dealt with them with ease. Traction with the selectable locker was fantastic. I went through spots where I would have had the old kubota stuck in drier conditions and this walked right through them.

I do hate the whole can't backup thing without disengaging the mower or putting it into a dedicated mode, but know that all of them are doing that these days.

Now the bad. Husqvarna QC and fit/finish leaves something to be desired. Missing the H in Husqvarna on one side of the cowel because each letter is poorly attached sticker. More rattles than my old Kubota. The white lettering indicating deck height literally rubs off when it got a little fuel on it.

Definitely interested in the mulch kit results from folks or from someone who puts on some gator blades.

 

[Lawnking]

I'm considering this tractor.My dealer has one in stock and I will look at it today.I have a yt46ls with the k46 autolocker that I hate with a passion.The tranny is starting to slip on hills after 80 hours of use.Turning radius is abysmal and it tears up my lawn.

 

[Jonny B]

I just bought this mower several weeks ago. After approximately 3 1/2 hours all of the electronics (I. e. , the clutch, rear end lock, head lights, hour meter and battery meter) stopped working while I was cutting. The mower still starts and runs but nothing else turns on. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what was the problem?

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

I just bought this mower several weeks ago. After approximately 3 1/2 hours all of the electronics (I. e. , the clutch, rear end lock, head lights, hour meter and battery meter) stopped working while I was cutting. The mower still starts and runs but nothing else turns on. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what was the problem?

Not specific to this mower, but it sounds like either a fuse or a wire came loose on the back of the ignition switch.

 

[Lawnking]

Went ahead and bought this mower and it was delivered today.Cut the grass and I have to say I'm impressed.The airflow out the discharge chute is unbelievable.The clippings disappear.
Now I just have to adjust the deck so I get an even cut.I think it's going to be a winner.One negative is it's the loudest mower I have ever owned.Wear hearing protection.

 

[tk tom]

My new mower finally arrived. I have not mowed the grass due to rain, but here are some initial observations and pictures.

1. The mower deck is extremely loud when running at full throttle compared to my old John Deere L118.
2. A few design or build issues:
a. The seat does not adjust back far enough.
b. The mower deck adjustment lever should have been installed on the right side. The 48" deck and extra long chute make it difficult to get on from the right side. The lever and seat arm rest make it challenging to get on from the left side unless the mower height is 3" or greater. The handle catches my leg in any lower setting.
c. The steering wheel is rotated about 45 degrees with the wheels straight.
d. Front and rear wheels inflated to 35 psi. Front max is 14 psi. Rear max is 10 psi.
3. The mower deck was not adjusted properly at the factory. The cut height was 3 3/4" on the 3" setting. The adjustment nuts are fully backed off at the end of the threaded rod to reach the correct cut height.
4. Shipping issue: The right side foot rest was damaged in shipping due to poor packaging. The chute was held up with a rubber band inside the crate with the top edge resting on the foot pedal edge (see picture). The bouncing in shipment gouged and removed several inches of paint. A simple foam insert would have prevented this issue.

ON EDIT: I had a chance to mow the lawn today. It cuts better than my John Deere so it looks like the new "Clear-Cut" deck has solved the major complaint about poor cut quality of the old fabricated decks. I mowed wet grass and it worked great without any clumping. In the Pacific Northwest, we do not have the luxury of waiting until the grass is dry to mow. The 48" deck will take some time to get accustomed to after using a 42" deck for years. I do have to turn the steering wheel considerably more than my John Deere for the same turns.

Where the **** did you buy your mower? If how you describe it is how you received it then the dealer is incompetent, you bought it online, or at a box store.