best lawn tractor???

[w_r_ranch]

Husqvarna, hands down. Husqvarna GT52XLS (52") 24HP Kawasaki Garden Tractor

It is built way better than the $5000 John Deere it replaced. I'm especially impressed with the fabricated deck, frame & real steel hood. It has 24 HP, 2-cylinders w/Tough-Torq K66 Hydro. It's been great thus far (4 yrs) & it still makes me wish I never bought the John Deere in the first place.

​

Regardless of the make, pay attention to the transaxle... Cheap mowers (IE 'yard tractors) have cheap (extremely light duty) transaxles & are not suitable for pushing snow or even cutting non-level ground. A good garden tractor has a much stronger transaxle, however they do cost more.

Tuff Torq (which supplies many mower/tractor manufacturers)... FULL LINE COMPARISON

Also, here is an article that may be of interest to you & help in the decision making process: Lawn Tractor Transmission Types

 

[seedcorn]

IF you want a tractor capable of real work and longevity, it will cost real money. If you want a lawn mower that you will occasionally use to do some minor things, many good choices. My 2 cents, buy the dealer and service department.

 

[Nyboy]

Ranch 4 years !!!! looks like it was never used

 

[w_r_ranch]

LOL!!! That was when it was brand new, although it still looks real good because I wash it after each use.

 

[SprigOfTheLivingDead]

IF you want a tractor capable of real work and longevity, it will cost real money. If you want a lawn mower that you will occasionally use to do some minor things, many good choices. My 2 cents, buy the dealer and service department.

Thanks. Good point. I wish Tractor Supply carried what I want. There's no solid place by my but there's one that may work.

Husqvarna, hands down. Husqvarna GT52XLS (52") 24HP Kawasaki Garden Tractor

It is built way better than the $5000 John Deere it replaced. I'm especially impressed with the fabricated deck, frame & real steel hood. It has 24 HP, 2-cylinders w/Tough-Torq K66 Hydro. It's been great thus far (4 yrs) & it still makes me wish I never bought the John Deere in the first place.

View attachment 26157

View attachment 26158

View attachment 26159
​

Regardless of the make, pay attention to the transaxle... Cheap mowers (IE 'yard tractors) have cheap (extremely light duty) transaxles & are not suitable for pushing snow or even cutting non-level ground. A good garden tractor has a much stronger transaxle, however they do cost more.

Tuff Torq (which supplies many mower/tractor manufacturers)... FULL LINE COMPARISON

Also, here is an article that may be of interest to you & help in the decision making process: Lawn Tractor Transmission Types

Thank you for the recommendation and the information. I've been toiling in the brands and info for a few weeks and there's so many options. I kind of set on Husq given its reputation, price point and features

 

[Collector]

@SprigOfTheLivingDead ,I have a 26 horse craftsman , it’s just ok. I would not recommend it for the money they want. Next time I want to get 4 wheel drive and implements like I should have donewhen we bought this one. Go with the Husky you will be happy.

 

[Nyboy]

@baymule seems very happy with marigold

 

[seedcorn]

Don’t forget that “garden tractor/lawn mowers” belt driven. The amount of pulling power is controlled by the strength of belt and hold on pulleys. If you buy a tractor, it has an actual transmission. Dad had a 12 HP Allis that would drag any 30+ HP lawn mower all over town. It had a tractor transmission.

Good news is break a pulling belt-$15 expense. Break a tractor transmission, huge $$$$$$. Although not sure you break a transmission unless you forgot to maintain it.

 

[SprigOfTheLivingDead]

Don’t forget that “garden tractor/lawn mowers” belt driven. The amount of pulling power is controlled by the strength of belt and hold on pulleys. If you buy a tractor, it has an actual transmission. Dad had a 12 HP Allis that would drag any 30+ HP lawn mower all over town. It had a tractor transmission.

Good news is break a pulling belt-$15 expense. Break a tractor transmission, huge $$$$$$. Although not sure you break a transmission unless you forgot to maintain it.

Good point. As much fun as a compact tractor would be I just don't think I'm there yet, so the $9k cost would be ridiculous. So right now I'm just focused on something between the two

 

[Nyboy]

Are new tractors like new cars, drive off lot lose big money ? I will never buy another new car after seeing loss. i will only buy a 1 to 2 year old car. What about a used tractor in new like condition