Which lawn tractor to buy?

[skiff]

I bought a used XT3 GSX in 2021 and kept it for a couple of years (replaced it with a Kubota BX series). I bought it mostly for grass cutting but I did use it for pulling attachments which is not something a zero is recommended to do. Features I liked were the hydrostatic drive, tight turning radius, electric deck bclutch, serviceable rear end, power steering (electric assist), locking rear differential, and electric power deck (electric assist). What I didn't like was the deck lift was a little finicky and the mower thru a lot of grass (54" deck). It did do a good job cutting the grass. I would have liked to keep it.

 

[TreePointer]

Since you will be doing more than mowing with it, the best advice given here has been to look into the transaxle model used.

If you are open to a ZTR, you'll never regret the speed, cut quality, and the ability to power through taller grass. After almost 30 years of lawn tractors, I got my first ZTR and am kicking myself for not getting one sooner. It also opens your shopping to other brands like Toro/eXmark, etc.

 

[eddieirvine]

Here is my thoughts buy a Bad boy made in US and built the way anyone would want it built ! Very heavy duty you won't be let down

 

[Raber]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

 

[Raber]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

Hi ! I haven't posted much on this site since I don't own much machinery. However, I have a large lawn to tend to, so I own a ride on mower of which I am more than satisfied. It's the Kubota GR 2120, diesel, 4WD, I own since 2013. More than 200 hours on it now, never a problem. Very tight turn radius. Wide tires and 4wd make it perfect for dealing with steep slopes. It can tow its own weight (900 pounds) on a Swisher VTT trailer. Hydrostatic transmission. Not much ground clearance though, so I had to level my forestry trails. No hydraulic on it, except for the mower lift and power steering. It's not a real tractor and nearly not as tough, with cast aluminium gear casings. But for me it perfectly does the job. In case that helps. Costed me 8,500CAD 10 years ago.

 

[somanytractors]

If you just use it for mowing and dragging a trailer around you really need to look into a zero turn. Some, if not most, do have a trailer hitch too.
If they have them where you're at, dixie chopper is the best. They are really fast, mow well even at full speed, and they're durable.
They have a flat deck so the top can be replaced when it rusts out (or they did, make sure they still do).
And instead of the troublesome hydrostatic transmissions, they have a hydraulic pump with a motor for each wheel and a control valve to control them. They never quit. The only thing that really wears out on them is the motor and of coarse belts, blades, etc.

They are expensive but I would buy a used dixie chopper before a new deere.

 

[22R]

If you could find you a older Kubota G1800/1900 Diesel powered mower it will last a lifetime.
This is my backup to my Exmark ZTR and yard trailer hauler.

 

[sunandsand]

Bought a Husqvarna 21CK46 (or something like that) brand new from Lowes in 2012 for $2,200. It has a bit less than 300 hours on it, so it has not been used hard or put away wet. It is kept inside a building, and serviced according to the manual. I am not hard on machinery, and I am good with tools - I do things right, no bubble gum or baling wire. It is used to mow about two acres of plain old grass on a flat lot - no rocks, hidden rebars, land mines or anything else.

It is without a doubt the worst piece of garbage it has been my displeasure to own. It is broken more than every other vehicle I own put together - several motorcycles (one from 1952), three cars (including a geriatric Honda, a Mercedes convertible and a Subaru which my wife drives like she hates it), a Kubota 2601, which IS used pretty hard, and an airplane . . .

The Husqvarna won't go ten whole hours in a row without *something* breaking, failing, or falling off. Broken spindles, failed batteries, substandard welds which broke ten hours from new (fixed under warranty), dry rotted front tires ("We've never seen that before, but here's a set of free inner tubes."), bolts made of butter (Grade zero bolts), defective carb from new (replaced with one from eBay, now the thing runs *almost* well), three mufflers (metal fatigue), seat falling apart (I weigh a whole 160 pounds) and more, more, more, I keep records and logbooks for everything.

Yes, Lowes has a "warranty" - you have to deliver it to them, they'll take it to their "service center" located in parts unknown (I'm in the Daytona area) and they'll "get back to you in 30 days or so" with an *estimate* of how long it will take to fix it - IF - in THEIR opinion, whatever is broken is in fact covered under warranty or if you are going to pay for it.

I prefer Charmin to their warranty . . .

When this thing breaks again, which if past performance is any indication will be real soon now, I intend to give this thing a full bore Viking funeral - so the *entire* membership of Tractor By Net is cordially invited to watch YouTube for the festivities!

Best Regards,

Mike/Florida

 

[22R]

Great post Mike. I look forward to the Youtube video.
What kind of airplane you have?

22R

 

[Gord Baker]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

The Switch alone for an Electric Clutch is $100. Replacing an Electric Clutch depending on Model can go to $1,500. MTD makes the smaller Lawn Tractors. Pass on the B&S Chinesium Engines. An older used 100 Series could be right for you.