Teachu2
Platinum Member
So it's not any better, except it is?
Comparison Husqvarna GT48DXLS Compared to John Deere
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So it's not any better, except it is?
s219
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You could look at any of their numerous models on that same frame and they only differ by options. Not a fundamentally different mower other than that. The GT48 happens to be better optioned in my opinion, but it does not cross over into something radically new and better. They really need a better frame and other fundamental changes before this is something new and truly groundbreaking.
Teachu2
Platinum Member
I don't think anyone claimed that it was new or groudbreaking, or even ground-engaging. It is well-equipped for those of us who need a 48" deck and a manually locking differential, at a value price. The frame is heavier than the YT series, and I believe it up to the tasks I would use it for. Anything beyond mowing grass, weeds, and brush would best be left to a SCUT or CUT, but I'd venture to say that also applies to the Deere offerings until at least the x7xx series. At that point, it's a shootout between the Deere x7xx, the Kubota B and BX, the Massey GC1715, and a host of small tractors from many manufacturers.
The previous owner of my property used a L130 to mow what he could, borrowed a neighbor's BX for what he couldn't, and left the rest overgrown. I mowed it with a Mitsubishi MT2301 and a 4' rotary cutter, which was pretty scary on steep grades. The L130, in spite of it's weaknesses, never had a frame failure - and that was a lightweight frame. It had a Kohler Command, which was outstanding, and a K46, which wasn't. It is now enjoying the easy life, mowing 1.5 acres of flatland lawn.
The GT48DXLS is better - heavier frame than the YT, bigger tires than the YT, manually locking differential (better than the YT and the JD x380). Better than anything else in it's price range. For my application, it is nearly as good as the JD x590, and half the price. Had the difference been less than a thousand dollars, the Deere would have been a contender. At over three thousand more, it just made no sense. I couldn't justify a $6000 weed mower, and the x590 would have been exactly that for me. My actual lawn is very small - takes about 15 minutes with a Honda self-propelled walk behind rotary, and is really too small and oddly shaped to make effective use of a rider. I will soon be seeding the back yard, roughly a quarter-acre of hillside, and will probably mow it with the GT.
I have a tractor for tractor work. This is a dedicated mowing machine, and predominately a weed mower for areas that are not easily accessible with my tractor. The GT exceeds my expectations in this role.
The previous owner of my property used a L130 to mow what he could, borrowed a neighbor's BX for what he couldn't, and left the rest overgrown. I mowed it with a Mitsubishi MT2301 and a 4' rotary cutter, which was pretty scary on steep grades. The L130, in spite of it's weaknesses, never had a frame failure - and that was a lightweight frame. It had a Kohler Command, which was outstanding, and a K46, which wasn't. It is now enjoying the easy life, mowing 1.5 acres of flatland lawn.
The GT48DXLS is better - heavier frame than the YT, bigger tires than the YT, manually locking differential (better than the YT and the JD x380). Better than anything else in it's price range. For my application, it is nearly as good as the JD x590, and half the price. Had the difference been less than a thousand dollars, the Deere would have been a contender. At over three thousand more, it just made no sense. I couldn't justify a $6000 weed mower, and the x590 would have been exactly that for me. My actual lawn is very small - takes about 15 minutes with a Honda self-propelled walk behind rotary, and is really too small and oddly shaped to make effective use of a rider. I will soon be seeding the back yard, roughly a quarter-acre of hillside, and will probably mow it with the GT.
I have a tractor for tractor work. This is a dedicated mowing machine, and predominately a weed mower for areas that are not easily accessible with my tractor. The GT exceeds my expectations in this role.
Topcat14
Bronze Member
Quick question- how do you know it’s a heavier duty frame?
Good luck to you-- I get people get excited with a new tractor, and justifiably so. The Husqvarna GT48DLS is a nice “entry” level tractor. I’m sure all you guys that have one will enjoy it. Hope it last for you!!
Good luck to you-- I get people get excited with a new tractor, and justifiably so. The Husqvarna GT48DLS is a nice “entry” level tractor. I’m sure all you guys that have one will enjoy it. Hope it last for you!!
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ThirdMan
Gold Member
You wouldn't consider the JD 1 family at all?
Teachu2
Platinum Member
Quick question- how do you know it’s a heavier duty frame? Went to Lowe's and looked under the YTH on display. Thinner steel and less of it. Mine is thicker by about 50% and has more and larger reinforcements. This confirms my dealer's observations and the Husqvarna reps claims. Couldn't inspect a Deere - the dealer doesn't stock them.
The Husqvarna GT48DLS is a nice “entry” level tractor. I disagree. The GT48DXLS is not a tractor in my eyes - it's a riding mower. It's a tougher, better equipped riding mower than most, but it's still a riding mower. I wouldn't consider putting a FEL on it, it doesn't have a 3pt hitch, or a PTO, or hydraulic hookup - so it's really not a tractor. Sure, it'll pull a trailer, but so will a tricycle. The x7xx Deeres are tractors, the Kubota BXs are tractors, even some of the older garden tractors were tractors, but in spite of marketing labels, this is not a tractor. It's a mower - lawn, weeds, grass, small saplings. It climbs like a goat, and will shove pretty hard, but it's still a riding mower. That's what I bought it for. If I wanted a small tractor to compliment my Kioti, I'd have bought a smaller diesel 4x4 with HST and power steering that fit the wife. Didn't need that, and she didn't want that. She runs the new mower like a champ.
There's always something bigger/better/badder/more expensive out there. Doesn't make them a better match for a particular application. I've got some very nice, accurate, powerful, expensive rifles, but I shoot the .22s in the back yard much more often.
Topcat14
Bronze Member
I think the problem comes in when owners of the GT48DXLS try to compare their tractor to a X380/390 or even a X590- Trust me the build quality isn’t even close. I get your dealer didn’t even stock any so I don’t blame you. Well I’m not going to bad mouth your new tractor. Suffice to say we can agree to disagree on build quality. Good luck!!
Teachu2
Platinum Member
I don't know what you disagree on build quality about - maybe Deere has slipped in their build quality. Are they not assembling parts correctly? Cross-threading bolts? Leaving off the armrests? Not installing the front brushguard? I don't know, having not seen a new Deere above the L1xx in person.
I can attest to the build quality of my GT48DXLS. I've been over and under the machine, and ridden it hard on challenging terrain, and it's perfect. Every fastener was installed properly, deck was adjusted perfectly, and it all works perfectly. The dealer did an excellent job prepping it, so I had no issues at all when it was delivered to me. Kawasaki and TuffTorq seem to have held up their end of the deal, as well.
I'm not bad mouthing Deere's build quality - I believe that I could buy a x590 sight unseen and have a fine machine delivered. I believe it to be a slightly superior machine to what I bought, but what I bought exceeds all my expectations and certainly meets my needs exceptionally well. The x590 would do so, too. The x380/390, assembled to perfection, would not - the lack of a locking differential in my application makes it the wrong tool for the job. It's like comparing a Porsche 911 to a Ford F-350 - Porsche is far superior, until you need to tow a 28' gooseneck stock trailer.
I admire John Deere as a company. They have worked long and hard to build their brand, and have used their reputation and brand recognition to expand their market. They have built a parts network that is second to none. They have a huge, intensively loyal customer base. Those customers are offered a huge variety of products to spend vast amounts of money buying. The brand carries a premium price, and the company remains profitable. If my local dealer provided the quality of customer service in the consumer lawn and garden section or the small tractor arena that they do in the Ag tractor area, I'd probably own a green tractor and a green mower today, and be about $20k lighter in the bank account.
I'm not claiming Husqvarna to be superior to John Deere in any way except in my specific case. The particular model I purchased meets my needs in every way, and exceeds them in some. NONE of the other Husqvarna models do that. There are many, many mowers on the market that do not meet my needs, and only a very few that do. Of those, only the Deere x590 and the Husqvarna GT48DXLS have local dealers, and that mattered to me.
If I had to make the decision again today, I'd be unhappy. I believe the supply of GT48DXLS models is likely exhausted - they were a limited run this year, and many others recognized the value. Maybe they will be a regular production unit next year, maybe not. I'm glad I got mine!
Teachu2
Platinum Member
I would consider it, along with Kioti, Mahindra, LS, Branson, and all the rest.
s219
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The GT48DXLS (and other Husky GT models) I have looked at all seem to be built fine, as in, they properly put together the machine per design. It's the components themselves that are behind a higher end Deere. Advantages to the GT48DXLS compared to other Husky models include some of the options like the engine, transmission, and deck, but it's the same basic GT frame, components, and design that's been around for several years now in various GT52 variations and various Craftsman Pro Series garden tractor variations.
I think what it comes down to is that a lot of people don't want to pay a premium for some of the advantages Deere brings to the table in terms of design, quality of components/frame, etc. I can understand that. Maybe it doesn't matter to everyone, or maybe things like engine and transmission are all that do matter. All I can say is that when I shopped these machines in 2015 and again in 2016, I really noticed that the Deere's were so much better made all the way around. I actually found it frustrating that none of the other brands were making something that could compete, regardless of price. I think Deere knows that, which is why they command and get more money. But it's not always a huge difference. Back when I bought in 2016, the GT52XLS was $3400 at Lowes and I got the X380 discounted to $3700 after rebate. For $300 more it was a much better/nicer machine and a no-brainer to go with Deere.
I think in another thread, tk_tom, who is a Husky dealer, noted that it's Deere's market, and theirs to lose, because nobody else is really challenging them when it comes to 300 series and up. I completely agree with that. Husky would impress me if they took a shot at it. I don't think it's on their radar though -- they seem to just make different variants on the same GT platform whether the models are to be sold at Lowes, Sears, or dealers.
I think what it comes down to is that a lot of people don't want to pay a premium for some of the advantages Deere brings to the table in terms of design, quality of components/frame, etc. I can understand that. Maybe it doesn't matter to everyone, or maybe things like engine and transmission are all that do matter. All I can say is that when I shopped these machines in 2015 and again in 2016, I really noticed that the Deere's were so much better made all the way around. I actually found it frustrating that none of the other brands were making something that could compete, regardless of price. I think Deere knows that, which is why they command and get more money. But it's not always a huge difference. Back when I bought in 2016, the GT52XLS was $3400 at Lowes and I got the X380 discounted to $3700 after rebate. For $300 more it was a much better/nicer machine and a no-brainer to go with Deere.
I think in another thread, tk_tom, who is a Husky dealer, noted that it's Deere's market, and theirs to lose, because nobody else is really challenging them when it comes to 300 series and up. I completely agree with that. Husky would impress me if they took a shot at it. I don't think it's on their radar though -- they seem to just make different variants on the same GT platform whether the models are to be sold at Lowes, Sears, or dealers.
Teachu2
Platinum Member
Had the x3xx Deere been available with a locking differential, I'd probably bought one in spite of my local dealer. That was a non-negotiable feature for me - my application requires it in order to handle the terrain. Without it, I would have kept the 12 year old JD L130 I was unable to use on areas I needed to. The JD alternative with a locking differential was the x590, a somewhat superior machine at a far higher price. It wasn't a $300 difference, it was $3000+. I decided to go with Good Enough instead of Even Better, and so far I am very happy with the GT48DXLS. I am also very pleased with my dealer, which is the icing on the cake.
It should be noted that I have no need for this machine to do anything but mow grass, weeds, and brush on some very challenging, steep terrain. It will be used on about 1.5 acres, 3-5 times a year - probably average <50 hrs/yr. No "tractor work", just mowing. It excels in my application, as would have the x590. The x590 may have capabilities that others need, but I would never use - so those were of no value to me. I intend to maintain the mower I bought, repair it if needed (if the frame turns out to be weak, I'll fix that - but it shows no sign of weakness), and run it until one of us dies, so resale was not a factor to me.
It's always tempting to buy bigger/faster/stronger/prettier. I try to match the tool to the job. This tool matches my job.
It should be noted that I have no need for this machine to do anything but mow grass, weeds, and brush on some very challenging, steep terrain. It will be used on about 1.5 acres, 3-5 times a year - probably average <50 hrs/yr. No "tractor work", just mowing. It excels in my application, as would have the x590. The x590 may have capabilities that others need, but I would never use - so those were of no value to me. I intend to maintain the mower I bought, repair it if needed (if the frame turns out to be weak, I'll fix that - but it shows no sign of weakness), and run it until one of us dies, so resale was not a factor to me.
It's always tempting to buy bigger/faster/stronger/prettier. I try to match the tool to the job. This tool matches my job.
Well said. I will utilize my GT48DXLS in the same way, just to mow my lawn. I seriously considered the JD X380 as well as the X570. To me the the three main components were engine, transmission, and deck. The engine and transmission of the Husqvarna had better specs than the X380 and slightly lower than the X570. The Husqvarna deck is equal to or somewhat superior(stronger discharge force of grass clippings) to the JD with the Husqvarna deck shell coming with a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. I've noticed no frame flexing with the Husqvarna and the steering is nice and tight. For my use I just couldn't justify $4400 for the X380 and $6000 for the X570 when I was able to buy the GT48DXLS for $2800!
s219
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This is one area where I guess people are just not capable of understanding -- if you compare the Deere's Accel Deep deck side by side with the deck on the Husky, you will immediately see some key advantages on the Deere. That you think the Husky deck is equal or even superior tells me you didn't compare them very closely or at all.
The Accel Deep deck is based on a pro zero-turn deck and is designed for high-speed mowing (ie, it is very deep and has a huge amount of airflow, stamped design with rounded corners), high-efficiency, and more reliable performance with better lubricated and better protected spindles and bearings. It's got a lot of heavy duty pro features not offered on any Husky models. Deere is 10ga stamped from single sheet, Husky 11ga fabricated/welded. I am sure the Husky has a good deck, but it's not even in the same class as the Accel Deep decks and that should be obvious. The Husky deck doesn't even have adjustable wheels!
TMR
Gold Member
S219...doesn't sound like you have looked very close at the new Husky fabricated deck. The prior version (i.e. 2016) had very bad reviews on clipping distribution and deck clogging. Prevented me from considering what otherwise looked to be a solid product.
The new deck appears to have completely reversed that compliant. I use my mower almost entirely in rural/wooded settings and often end up mowing very tall, weedy trails, etc. This mower throws the clippings like a two stage snow thrower...and does not seem to have any clogging or cleaning requirements on the under deck area. My guess is that your comments are without foundation and based upon "green" blindness. BTW...your comments may have been accurate until this deck was redesigned.
Also, your vision must be limited as one of the first things I had to do was to adjust the height of my guide wheels. "The Husky deck doesn't even have adjustable wheels!"
Well I am sure I will discover "faults" with the new Husky mower I am very pleased at this point. I , unlike you, have had a chance to give it a really good workout, including portions of my trails with 2-3 foot high weeds/grass/wild flowers. At this stage I am pleased...particularly when you add in the initial cost of less than $3K. Would be pleased to take you out to my property with your Deere (i.e. $3K new or less) and see just how competitive it is...BTW...I could tow you out when you get stuck.
Thanks S219...I have enjoyed many of your posts...I was unaware that you were a JD fan. Please do better research and read more from those who own this new limited production model...AND...only compare to similar priced JDs...not those that cost twice as much AND/OR not those lacking primary features...such as a manual locking rear diff lock. TMR
After reading this thread, that's what it has been about. Trying to compare Essentially a box store consumer mower to a JD high end mower. To me a comparison to a JD D160 or D180 would really make the Husky shine, as it is similarly priced.
I will say that for larger purchases like CUT's I would be whiling to pay the higher price for something like a Deere. With all the computerized BS on tractors today, 10-15 years down the line when these systems start to break down I want to be able to get the parts and support needed and not have it NLA. As stated, JD has the BEST parts network around.
For something like a 3K lawn tractor, eh, I don't worry so much about it because A) they are limited use machines and B) if it lasts 6-7 years I can throw it away and enjoyed having it.
Seriously dude??? relax on the comparisons. the GT might be fine for you-- but it does not compare to X-380 Nobody that knows anything thinks the deck on Husky and X380 are equal. Its not even close. I highly doubt you have ever seen a X380 or X570 in person. I hope your husky lasts you longer than your last Husky. If you enjoy buying a new tractor every 4 or 5 years a husqvarna is a fine choice!!
Teachu2
Platinum Member
You can call the GT48DXLS a box store consumer mower, but you are incorrect at this time. It is a limited distribution dealer-only consumer mower - not that that matters. It could be a regular model next year, and in Lowe's shortly thereafter. If Home Depot called Deere Corporate Headquarters and said "We'd like to order 22,740 x590 models to be sold through our 2,274 stores and serviced by the John Deere dealer closest to the consumer", do you really think JD would turn down the sale?
If you compare the GT48DXLS to the x380, the Deere comes up short. If Deere produced exactly the same model as the GT48DXLS in green with Deere decals, and called it a x490, it would retail for $4999 and get rave reviews.
I love how you combined "whining" and "willing" to create "whiling". That describes my feelings exactly - if the GT48DXLS had not hit the market exactly when I needed it, I would also have been willing to buy a x590 for nearly $7k out the door, but I would have been whining all the way about there being no suitable competitors.
Your comments about parts support on Deere products are valid. OTOH, paying more than double initially offsets distant future parts concerns somewhat - tractors don't often break unrepairably, and if you saved enough on the initial purchase to buy a new one if it does....
I do find it interesting that none of the critics of the GT48DXLS appear to have first-hand knowledge of the product. Then again, I admittedly don't have first-hand knowledge of the x380 or x590, as the local dealers don't stock them and won't order one in for approval. I do have first-hand knowledge of the GT48DXLS, and can tell that it is different from the Lowe's Husqvarnas. Kind of like a Ford F350 Super Duty is different than a Ford F150.
When you get down to brass tacks, both the GT48DXLS and the x590 satisfy my particular needs. If I were buying a mower for flat lawns, this discussion would have no relevance, but I was looking for a mower to do grass, weeds, and light brush on steep hillsides. Both have adequate drivetrains, which should last a long time and should have comparable availability of parts. Kawasaki and TuffTorq don't discriminate based on who used their components. I prefer the fabbed deck, because I can hammer it out and patch/weld as needed virtually forever - with downtime measured in hours and minutes, not weeks and days.
airbiscuit
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I have been following this thread, and it seems that both sides make reasonable arguments (and some shrill ones). My take on this is that the Deere 5xx and 7xx tractors are very good (as are their Kubota equivalents I suspect). Accordingly, Deere has been able to charge a steep premium for those features/quality.
I am pleased that Husqvarna is stepping up their game to add in features we want at a reasonable cost. I hope they keep chasing this more robust lawn and garden tractor market at a reasonable price. Deere will be complacent for a while, but may have to lower their prices or build a value line with those features. They didn't come out with the 3032e/3038e CUTs because they wanted to, they did it because the competition was taking too much market share on lower priced CUTs with basic features.
My guess is that it will be easier for Husqvarna to add a little more beef to their frame than it will be for Deere to cut $$$$ from their price. This competition is good for consumers.
I am pleased that Husqvarna is stepping up their game to add in features we want at a reasonable cost. I hope they keep chasing this more robust lawn and garden tractor market at a reasonable price. Deere will be complacent for a while, but may have to lower their prices or build a value line with those features. They didn't come out with the 3032e/3038e CUTs because they wanted to, they did it because the competition was taking too much market share on lower priced CUTs with basic features.
My guess is that it will be easier for Husqvarna to add a little more beef to their frame than it will be for Deere to cut $$$$ from their price. This competition is good for consumers.
s219
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I shopped mowers for 2-3 years before buying my X380 last spring. I looked at and drove several Husky GT models, most recent was a GT52XLS model in 2016. I saw a GT48 in person last weekend, and other than options it is identical to the GT52 and it's spinoff Sears Pro GT model made by Husky (Sears has different color scheme and styling but otherwise the same). Now, it's true you can only buy the GT48 at dealers this year, but other than options it's identical to the GT52 that I can get at Lowes.
The adjustment on the GT deck is absolutely nothing like the adjustment on the Deere, and the pictures I posted show that very clearly. Here's how you set the height of the wheels on the Husky:
Technically, a lot of mower decks "adjust" like that. With tools. Crapola. Here are the Deere wheels, which can be adjusted on the fly without tools:
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Teachu2
Platinum Member
I shopped mowers for 2-3 years before buying my X380 last spring. I looked at and drove several Husky GT models, most recent was a GT52XLS model in 2016. I saw a GT48 in person last weekend, and other than options it is identical to the GT52 and it's spinoff Sears Pro GT model made by Husky (Sears has different color scheme and styling but otherwise the same). Now, it's true you can only buy the GT48 at dealers this year, but other than options it's identical to the GT52 that I can get at Lowes.
The adjustment on the GT deck is absolutely nothing like the adjustment on the Deere, and the pictures I posted show that very clearly. Here's how you set the height of the wheels on the Husky:
Technically, a lot of mower decks "adjust" like that. With tools. Crapola. Here are the Deere wheels, which can be adjusted on the fly without tools:
The only options available on the GT48DXLS are engines. The manually-activated locking differential is not an option - it's a standard feature. This feature is not available on the GT54, it has an automatic locking differential which gets mixed reviews. I like control.
The deck wheels are adjustable on the GT48DXLS, the x380 wheels are hand adjustable. I don't think that adjusting them on the fly is safe - I would stop and get off to adjust them. Their purpose, if I understand them correctly, is to prevent scalping the lawn in uneven terrain. That has not proven to be an issue for me - but I can see if I was a landscaping professional it might have value. I suspect those spindles might be damaged by my terrain, but I would have to try it to be sure.
I have read where it is possible on the GT54 to force the mower deck to contact the frame on uneven terrain, but I have not found this possible with the GT48.
I'm not knocking the x380 or the x590 at all - or the GT54 for that matter. All have their places and uses - each is the right tool for someone's job. You are happy with your choice, I am happy with mine.
