Newbie Needs Help deciding which LT

16 years ago

A week ago I didn't know much about LT's so I started searching and lurking here only to find out I know less then I originally thought. My requirements are listed below along with some makes/models I've been looking at but I'm really looking for advice and recommendations from the knowledgeable members here.

My yard is a little less than 1/2 acre, relatively flat and without landscaping for now. I plan to landscape around the LT's capabilities so things like a super-sharp turning radius aren't really high on the priority list. The grass is just barely starting to come in which has prompted the research for an LT purchase and isn't thick...yet. It's Kentucky bluegrass if that matters and mulching is top priority.

The budget is a little meager; I'd like to stay around $1500 if possible. Things I'd like it to do, but aren't really priorities, are pulling small attachments (seeder, possibly an aerator) and plowing light snow with a blade (3-4" is at the high end of a typical snow fall).

I was attracted to a Deere at first, particularly the LA120 originally but the price is a little steep and other threads have hinted that there are better options.

I've also recently been looking at the Craftsman 22 hp 42 in. Deck, DYS 4500 Lawn Tractor, 80th Anniversary Edition that's on sale for $1599 as seen at the bottom. I have a slight sour taste for the Craftsman mowers due to the loose steering and bent front axle assembly that my in-law's Craftsman suffers from, but I think that's more 'operator error' and lack of attention/maintenance than anything...but that I'm saving for another thread.

I'm also partial the orange paint on the Husqvarna mowers but I'm not sure which model I should look at.

I plan on making a purchase very soon (the lawn is getting out of hand even though it's thin) and would appreciate any and all input that anyone has.

Thank you in advance.

Here is a link that might be useful: DYS 4500 Lawn Tractor

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Comments (8)

yetty734
16 years ago
hello,

my dad has that dys4500 in the 26 hp 54 inch version...the transmission is barely enough to get up small hills and the traction is way less than desirerable for plowing snow. also the steering is very loose and seems like it wouldnt take much to bend something. i would stay away from craftsman at all cost. now for the john deere lt. wow. i have an lt150 that gets used like a diesel compact and it absolutely amazes me. its hauled though mud, snow and ice as thought i were 4x4 every winter with tire chains, cuts 150 hours or grass every year and has hauled logs that some compact tractors would have struggled with. the only problem i have ever had is a leaking gutter that caused 3rd gear on the tractor to have a "shared key"....long story. go john deere...although husqvarna is not a bad choice i would go green.:(yth1542xp would be a great husqvarna choice)

P.S my john deere could possible be for sale for about $1500 dollars with a bagger, a snow plow, tire chains, and a custom weight bracket(works just as well as wheel weights). the 3rd gear problem i have been told by my dealer is fine as long as i dont plow snow or haul in it(u could mow forever with it and it would get worse.)

my email address is ccbwoodworker@yahoo.com if ur interested
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mownie
16 years ago
There was a recent thread about the flimsy nature of a Craftsman steering axle. Click the link below and read. Some posts in that thread allude to this being a problem with the Craftsman machines.

Here is a link that might be useful: Craftsman axle bent
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davidld
16 years ago
Certainly nothing wrong with the 1 cyl LA-110 @ $1649 in your application.
Look for one of those days when Lowes runs 10% off on all lawn tractors.
They were running one of these 2 weeks ago
I think that applies to Deere as well, or if it didnt, that's not what the ad said.
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faded
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you for the input, it is appreciated!

Great link, that sounds exactly like the problem with the in-law's Craftsman. I'm going to see about getting a pic of it this weekend and adding it to that thread if I get the time.

I did some hard looking today and it looks like I'm stuck between the John Deere LA120 and the Husqvarna YTH2348...not sure which is better. Put a mulch kit on the Husky and the price for either is exactly the same, dealer or 'box store'. So, can anyone comment as to which is better? I've read the posts on buy the one that 'feels' better (like when you sit on it) and truthfully they both feel really good...so I'm still stuck. Anyone???

The LA110 would do the job, but for a little extra change the LA120 would be worth it for me...mulch cover, stronger twin motor, etc.
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mownie
16 years ago
No, no, no, please start a new thread in regard to your case and post pics to that. It will be just as relevant in a new thread.
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docrx
16 years ago
faded- Have you driven either one or sat on them to see which is more comfortable. For under a half of acre a Poulan or Yardman may suit your purpose since you just want to mow a flat piece of ground and pull a cartful of mulch. They are in the $1000.00 and will more than serve your purpose. Look up Slammer's rules docRx
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bighagrid
16 years ago
Yardman/Poulan sold at Wal-Mart and Rent a Center..Both very reputable places, especially when they need servicing..Give me a break!!!! If ya got a 1500 limit, pass go and the box stores..go to JD dealer or Husqvarna and buy something that'll suit ya purpose and where ya can get it serviced if need be...I hear dollar general will be handling yardman soon also..BTW ya might want to look at the Simplicity as well...sorry bout the saecasm but sometimes the truth needs to be told to avoid another hardship...
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morris07034
16 years ago
I did a video review of my own 4500...I shopped around a lot and picked this becasue it was a good price and had the basic features I wanted...so far so good.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.mentalking.com
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Newbie Needs Help deciding which LT

Comments (8)

yetty734

mownie

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Newbie Needs Help deciding which LT

Comments (8)

yetty734

mownie

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morris07034

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