So I am starting to look for a new riding lawn mower. I have a 1 acre yard with 6 trees and a small but steep hill. I have a 12 year old craftsman LT2000 that has had a pretty hard life. The brakes are gone, the frame is warped, the body is rusting, the seat is crumbling to pieces, the deck is crooked, the blades do not turn off with the lever anymore, the wiring for the headlights melted through, it isn't very easy to start and I think the valves need adjusting. I did what I can for it and she still runs but I think it is time for a new one.
I have done some pondering and I think I would like to upgrade a little with my next purchase. A more powerful engine, a hydrostatic transmission, a heavier frame and a stronger deck would be nice! I do use my lawnmower to mulch, bag, plug aerate and dethatch, all of which more power and a stronger machine would help with. I also want to get away from the belt driven tranny and those tiny break pads to stop. They always took a beating on my old machine and a hydro tranny would really be nice and should solve those wear issues. I would like to stay in the 42 to 46" deck size. My current machine is a 42" deck and that is fine for me.
My initial research has pointed me towards the John Deere D125 and the Cub Cadet Enduro LT46. Both have V-twin engines, hydrostatic transmissions and decent reputations and mostly positive reviews. The JD has a Briggs and Stratton engine, which I prefer, where the Cub is Kohler. The Cub though has an 11 gauge deck and 4 scalp wheels compared to the JD's 13 gauge deck and only 2 scalp wheels. Other than that, they are very similar in features and price. The JD comes with a rebate for a free dump cart right now, (worth $200) so that sweetens the deal a little bit.
I have never owned these brands before but people seem to love or hate both of them, depending on who you ask. The parts availability and after purchase support seems much better with John Deere but is just with my limited research. I am open to other brands and suggestions but would like to keep the price below $2k. Do not tell me to buy a commercial grade Exmark for $5k, I do not need or want it.
Here are some links, the home depot's website is better than the manufacturers website as far as listing specifications:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/John-Deere-D1...20986/300187012
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Cub-Cadet-XT1...-LT46/205617433
Any input or suggestions would be great!
I have done some pondering and I think I would like to upgrade a little with my next purchase. A more powerful engine, a hydrostatic transmission, a heavier frame and a stronger deck would be nice! I do use my lawnmower to mulch, bag, plug aerate and dethatch, all of which more power and a stronger machine would help with. I also want to get away from the belt driven tranny and those tiny break pads to stop. They always took a beating on my old machine and a hydro tranny would really be nice and should solve those wear issues. I would like to stay in the 42 to 46" deck size. My current machine is a 42" deck and that is fine for me.
My initial research has pointed me towards the John Deere D125 and the Cub Cadet Enduro LT46. Both have V-twin engines, hydrostatic transmissions and decent reputations and mostly positive reviews. The JD has a Briggs and Stratton engine, which I prefer, where the Cub is Kohler. The Cub though has an 11 gauge deck and 4 scalp wheels compared to the JD's 13 gauge deck and only 2 scalp wheels. Other than that, they are very similar in features and price. The JD comes with a rebate for a free dump cart right now, (worth $200) so that sweetens the deal a little bit.
I have never owned these brands before but people seem to love or hate both of them, depending on who you ask. The parts availability and after purchase support seems much better with John Deere but is just with my limited research. I am open to other brands and suggestions but would like to keep the price below $2k. Do not tell me to buy a commercial grade Exmark for $5k, I do not need or want it.
Here are some links, the home depot's website is better than the manufacturers website as far as listing specifications:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/John-Deere-D1...20986/300187012
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Cub-Cadet-XT1...-LT46/205617433
Any input or suggestions would be great!