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)
OK Hog Shooter
Member
I bought the smallest Ferris made five years ago as a trail maintenance mower on my farm. Many of my trails were cut with a hand axe and a Stihl chainsaw. I didn't want trails that were "noticeable" to trespassers. I can cut trails through pretty dense brush without any issues and have never bogged it down. Getting used to the steering mechanism was a hoot... like being buzzed on good porter without drinking any! Once I got the hang of it, I really like it's manuverability. I only wish I had got a bigger one!
guitar1580
Member
Turnerriver, now that's what I'm talkin about. Nice machines. I'm a tractor guy, more of an International Harvester guy myself, but I like 'em all, and hope to have a full sized IH someday.
Mudcat, I dont know if you use your machine for more than mowing, like pushing snow or plowing, but I'd save the several grand you'll spend at Lowes or Sears and do what I did.
I know yours blew, but if you have time, I'd try to find a 70s or 60's Cub Cadet, when they were still made by IH, shaft driven, or a Wheel Horse (ok, the vintage Green ones are good too). I got a near mint one-owner low hour 1975 Cub for around $600. You may have to put a few hundred into usual items like a clutch, tune up, mower deck bearings, carb kit, etc. At first, mine ran like a dog and stalled on a slope, due to no fuel filter, and a dead beetle plugging the fuel line and blocking fuel flow.
They have a super heavy duty frame, a tranny as good as some cars, and do not wimp out under a load like a belt driven plastic machine, ever, especially if you're doing any heavier pulling. Power to spare. It will last forever, instead of 10 yrs, for half the $$.
I found a guy an hour away in who has a Cub Cadet salvage yard, and nearly every used part by the dozens. I got spare wheels, tires, chains, wheel weights, spring assist, snow blade, for very reasonable prices. My other friend has a new $3000 Deere, and was a little envious of my IH when he saw how it was built.
Most of the old tractor brands have forums too. Like this one, I've learned lots from the CC forum. Good luck with whatever you get.
Josh P
I detailed all of the paint with compound and car wax. It had probably never been cleaned since 1975 and was covered with baked on grass, and I thought the hood would need painted, but 80% of the scratches buffed out, and the orig paint and decals shined up nicely. All I repainted was the white part of the mower deck and front rims. All in all, a worthwhile project.
. Nice machines. I'm a tractor guy, more of an International Harvester guy myself, but I like 'em all, and hope to have a full sized IH someday.Mudcat, I dont know if you use your machine for more than mowing, like pushing snow or plowing, but I'd save the several grand you'll spend at Lowes or Sears and do what I did.
I know yours blew, but if you have time, I'd try to find a 70s or 60's Cub Cadet, when they were still made by IH, shaft driven, or a Wheel Horse (ok, the vintage Green ones are good too). I got a near mint one-owner low hour 1975 Cub for around $600. You may have to put a few hundred into usual items like a clutch, tune up, mower deck bearings, carb kit, etc. At first, mine ran like a dog and stalled on a slope, due to no fuel filter, and a dead beetle plugging the fuel line and blocking fuel flow.
They have a super heavy duty frame, a tranny as good as some cars, and do not wimp out under a load like a belt driven plastic machine, ever, especially if you're doing any heavier pulling. Power to spare. It will last forever, instead of 10 yrs, for half the $$.
I found a guy an hour away in who has a Cub Cadet salvage yard, and nearly every used part by the dozens. I got spare wheels, tires, chains, wheel weights, spring assist, snow blade, for very reasonable prices. My other friend has a new $3000 Deere, and was a little envious of my IH when he saw how it was built.
Most of the old tractor brands have forums too. Like this one, I've learned lots from the CC forum. Good luck with whatever you get.
Josh P
I detailed all of the paint with compound and car wax. It had probably never been cleaned since 1975 and was covered with baked on grass, and I thought the hood would need painted, but 80% of the scratches buffed out, and the orig paint and decals shined up nicely. All I repainted was the white part of the mower deck and front rims. All in all, a worthwhile project.
smith41mag
Member
DO NOT BUY CUB CADET. To many problems.
guitar1580
Member
41smith, umm, maybe youre talking about the new dept. store Cub Cadets. If youre talking about the IH ones, you should re-check your facts before you make a broad statement like that. I know a multitude of individuals who would strongly disagree with you.
JP
JP
speedyquad
Member
that is something else that needs to be said. tractors and lawn mowers that are bought at home depot, lowes, walmart, and even sears craftsman mowers are now throw away mowers. meaning they are no longer meant to give you ears of service. to buy one of that caliber, you must go to a dealership and spend more money. it may cast more up front, but in 10-15 years when you have purchased 5 of the other tractors, you have ended up spending less.
jdh
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Please, do elaborate.
ol' geeser
Member
If you have a Kubota dealer close check their stuff...Our local youth baseball org. bought one in 1983 and it tended to 9 fields, sometimes twice a week and was loaned to the local flying club as a tow tractor for airshows as needed until 2005 when it was semi retired. it was then outfitted with a three point hitch setup and the mower deck scrapped and it still used daily from April thru the middle of September. BTW it was replaced with another Kubota....
RichFromIllinois
Member
Whatever brand you buy, be sure that it has a rollbar, sometimes called a ROPS -roll over protective structure. I know of a case where a guy was mowing near a ditch, the mower slid sideways into the ditch and rolled on top of him. He was killed, but would have walked away if his machine had a rops.
Steve in Vermont
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I agree. I've had very good luck with John Deere, trading the last one after 10 years to upgrade to 4 wheel steering. Bought from a dealer and paid retail but it's a better machine than those sold at the discount stores. And John Deere has a 4 year/300 hour guarantee so whatever you buy be sure of three things: (1) Quality (2) Warranty and (3) good follow-up service (Actually this applies to vehicles, dishwashers, guns, almost anything).
Pilgrim
That is the model I think I am going to get. I have some hilly ground to mow and do not think a deck any bigger than this would be good. Also have you seen the blade drive belt "route" on the 3 bladded decks.
It is worse than a pretzel. The 46" belt drive looks much simpler.
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