My Craftsman that I've used for eleven summers finally died today.When smoke comes from the engine and not through the exhaust system,I guess it's time for a new one.The local Lowe's store has Husqvarna,Troy-Bilt,and John Deere (too expensive).Does anyone have any experience with Troy-Bilt or Husqvarna? Thanks.
Lawn Tractor Recommendations
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OK Hog Shooter
Member
Nothin runs like a Deere... I don't know about either of the other two, but they both have good reputations.
Hog
Hog
HAWKEYE10
Member
What about another Craftsman? It lasted 11 years! What is not to like about that? Don
I found a used Deere last year for not too much money. Watch the classifieds or check with the guys who repair them.
rolltide14
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Have been selling Husqvarna for 20 years, best for your money. Try to find a local dealer with a service department the price will be the same and you have the someone to take it back to if you need warranty service. I was a Deere dealer for many years and watched as they cut quality on there mowers to offer a lower price. Part of the price you pay for a Deere is the name. If you have a larger yard consider an Exmark Quest, starts about $3199, comes with a three year warranty and sold only at dealerships that have a service department.
rolltide14
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Just for general information all Craftsman mowers are built by other companies. If the model number starts with 917 it's built by AYP (American Yard Products) which is owned by Husqvarna. The Husqvarna mowers are built to a higher standard in most cases and have a factory warranty. I know in manny cases the warranty is extra on Craftsman.
diamonback68
US Veteran
My Craftsman is 15 seasons old and still going strong, run an acre every week from April 'til October when the grass here in Florida just stops growing. Think I need a new set of blades though. 
OLDFED
Member
I always start with a check in Consumer Reports. They seem to have an unbiased and updated list.
teesur
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Through the years, (a great many of them), I've had very good luck with John Deere products from 50-20 tractors to
my L-110 lawn tractor which is now 7 years old and still
doing just fine, It cuts about 3 acres of yard every two weeks or so and all I do is change the oil regularly and
sharpen or replace the blades.
teesur.
my L-110 lawn tractor which is now 7 years old and still
doing just fine, It cuts about 3 acres of yard every two weeks or so and all I do is change the oil regularly and
sharpen or replace the blades.
teesur.
Delta Rose
Member
+ 1 on John Deere. My LT-180 is running strong after 9 years and still has lots of life left. The local JD dealer always has the parts I need for basic maintenance.
tork'd
Member
it must be nice to have a choice..
SWMBO works for John Deere..
i have 1 choice..
SWMBO works for John Deere..
i have 1 choice..
speedyquad
Member
my dad bought a john deere in 1983. he mowed 6 acres with it weekly, including stumps and roots. it went through a tornado in 1985 and did a lot of tree hauling, pulling, and other clean up work in the following years. you'd be surprised how much needs done after a tornado. it's still going strong, although they purchased another JD at home depot for mom to use, his still did the greater part of the mowing. dad's gone now, but i still use that old deere to help mom mow when i can and if her brother isn't using it.
the only things replaced on it were the seat which had gotten a few tears in the twister, a couple of front tires and belts for the mower deck. i've gotta say though, the quality between the newer one and the older one are worlds apart, but then again, the new one cost about half as much as the old one.
the only things replaced on it were the seat which had gotten a few tears in the twister, a couple of front tires and belts for the mower deck. i've gotta say though, the quality between the newer one and the older one are worlds apart, but then again, the new one cost about half as much as the old one.
Pilgrim
US Veteran
Just went thru this and after a LOT of research, i got a cub cadet at Tractor supply...model 10 46....the v twin Kohler engine and the hydro tranny ...12 inch turning did it for me. That thing is so smooth, its like driving a car.
dougb1946
Member
Apparently I went the cheap route. I have 16 years on an MTD from Walmart. Beat the snot out of it. Park it in a snowdrift over winter. Shred dead branches, toss rocks, mild off roading. Keeps on starting and running. Change the blades out once in a while, seat looks a lot like duct tape, tuned it up once. Started right up this year after sitting out all winter. Did have to tighten some bolts and screws last year, changed the cutter belt once, one head light is dead. But if it's dark enough to need headlights, it's past Miller time.
Watch out for lawn tractor gangs, known as gangstors.
Regards,
Turnerriver
Regards,
Turnerriver
mountaingun629
Member
Make this a big vote AGAINST Husqvarna!
If the grass is damp or even looks green, this piece of **** plugs up with clippings to the point that it will kill the engine. (25 HP twin Briggs with 48" mower.) I like the tractor part just fine, but the mower deck is the absolute worst piece of junk I have ever seen! (But it is OK for mowing dead dry grass.)
Myron
If the grass is damp or even looks green, this piece of **** plugs up with clippings to the point that it will kill the engine. (25 HP twin Briggs with 48" mower.) I like the tractor part just fine, but the mower deck is the absolute worst piece of junk I have ever seen! (But it is OK for mowing dead dry grass.)
Myron
COL Jagdog
Member
I have 3 Husqvarna's (a 48"/24 HP at our fishing camp, and a 48"/24 and a 52" at the farm) -- great mowers.
I did just buy a Ferris 1500 (mainly because I have never owned a zero radius turn mower and the dealer is a friend of mine). -- Have not used it yet but is is wicked fast (48" with 20 HP Kawasaki V-Twin -- runs 10 mph)
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