Buying Advice Newbie here. Please give noob advice please.

[VBReds]

After extensive research, I have begun to narrow down my choices.

I have 3/4 acre with 2 slopes (moderate) in the back. My budget is $1,700 or less. I have narrowed my choices down to the:

1) Cub 1042
2) Cub 1045
3) Husq 2242 with Briggs 22 horse
4) Husq 2042 with Kohler 20 horse
I'm open to Deere or something else that might be better than what I've already got here.

I have elimated the Troy Bilt and Toro models. I need some advise. Of the 4, which would you recommend for me? I have done extensive research on this forum and haven't found much on Husq models here. I was confronted by someone at Lowes today...he told me last year he put the units together for Lowe's and by far (according to him) the Husq models are the sturdiest and best built. He said he saw a lot of Cubs returned for problems. He didn't work for Lowe's any longer! Anyways, I do plan to check out the dealer when I get to my final destination (OH). Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[JTKub]

Husqvarna LT/GT's are the same as sears machines. Both built by electrolux/AYP. Sears, husq, MTD and CC use hydro-gear brand hydrostatic drives if that's important to you. If you need a new machine capped at $1700, I'd probably get a JD 100 series from a JD dealer (they use tuff-torq hydros). Second choice would be husqvarna as they have a dealer network, third would be CC.

G/luck
Joel

 

[VBReds]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll take another look at Deere.

Also, I plan to tow a yard cart and maybe a tool or two. Any of those that might work for that function (of course mow my lawn as well).

Any preference on the Briggs 22 horse vs the Kohler 20 horse? I know that the Briggs has 2 cylinders and quite a bit more displacement.

Thanks again!

 

[Mickey_Fx]

With what you've given as to the work load the tractor is likely to see, I'd give consideration of a good used mid-line model that is better suited for slops and pulling. Might be in the end one of these may give you better service.

 

[cager]

VBReds...
I had a 1996 Husqvarner GT220...22 hp Kohler Command...hydro...50in deck...until I purchased a cc2554 in Dec 05. I didn't stay with the Husqvarner line since I wanted something with a shaft drive.
My Husqvarner had close to 1000 hours on it. The hydro tranny simply wore out. Its a sealed unit. I never checked on repair or replacement of the tranny as I figured it would cost a few bucks. However, it still mows well... just can't pull anything or proceed up slopes at its normal speed. I gave it to my daughter and her husband and they use it on their acre lot now. The engine on that machine is still tough as nails...only wish the tranny was that tough.
Hope you enjoy your machine...no matter what you decide on.

 

[VBReds]

cager---
thank you for your comment.

I am leaning toward Hus with a 22 horse Briggs. I can't decide on the Briggs vs Kohler engine. Any preference from you people (the experts)

If I went with a 22 horse Briggs Husq from Sears or a dealer, will I be able to pull even a light load (mulch or something like that). I definitely want the capability of doing that, but based on what I am hearing the tranny's are a little weak and not for that purpose.

Thanks!

 

[kvrdave]

I have both a 20.5 hp B&S Craftsman and a 22 hp B&S John Deere. I love the motor and think that most anything with 20 hp and twin cylinders will do what you need. Having said that, I would not buy the JD again. You can certainly always get parts, but it seems you have to get them from JD and they are spendy (except for simple things like spark plugs, etc.) But on the Craftsman, I can get parts from lots of cheaper sources on the internet.

Ease and price of getting parts would be my biggest concern. If I could go back in time, I would have taken the $2k I spent on the JD and bought a bigger Craftsman.

 

[VBReds]

Interesting advice and logic dave. Thanks!

I believe I have decided to get the cheapest twin cylinder that my wife will allow. Probably the Husq 22 horse B&S from Sears or a dealer for $1599. The only thing the Husq does not have is the port on the deck to wash the underside. I'm thinking this might be a useful feature (CC has it) but wonder if it just isn't easier to pop off the deck and wash with garden hose.

Does anyone else have any comments. I will be buying this sucker in 2 weeks.

 

[kvrdave]

Keep in mind that my craftsman is a thrasher currently. Having said that, I have to take the deck off a lot because I beat up blades on rocks, ruin belts, etc. I can take it off in less than 5 minutes pretty easy. I haven't taken the one off the JD yet and have just scraped from underneath. Don't honestly know how hard it is to get at, but they are all probably pretty similar.

I have generally been opposed to using a hose underneath just because I have a fear of it sitting there rusting little parts I don't want rusted, so even if I had one, I'd probably pull off the deck and scrap the grass off with something. Probably not a rational fear /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif