5 tractors under 2K

slammer · Jul 5, 2004

There have been several lengthy threads about inexpensive lawn tractors lately so I did just a 10 minute search. Here are 6 lawn tractors under 2K. All have HST transmissions, all are at least a 42" cut. All have B&S engines. Which would you buy? Which is the best bang for the buck?

1. JD L118 Limited Edition Lawn Tractor $1999.00
HST w/cruise(foot), cast iron front axle, 42" cut, 20hp B&S

2. Craftsman #27362 $1699.00.
24hp B&S, HST w/cruise(fender), cast axle, 48" cut.

3. Cub Cadet #13AR11CP712 , $1999.00.
24hp B&S, HST w/cruise(foot)
Cast axle, 50" cut

4. Husqvarna YTH2148 $1799.00.
21hp B&S, HST(fender) Cast axle

5. Murray(# 425620X92) $1299.00.
18.5hp B&S, 42" cut HST(fender)
Standard axle

6. Troy built Horse #14AT809H766, $1999.00
21hp B&S, 46" cut. HST w/cruise (fender)
Standard front axle.

For my part the Cub is the best bang for the buck. Largest engine in it's class and largest cut. I also consider the foot controlled tranny a big plus. What do you guys think? Also feel free to list other brands in the 2K range that I missed. This might turn into a buyers guide.

The criteria are HST, minimum 42" cut, minimum of 17HP.

Slam

sterlingtrucks · Jul 5, 2004

The Cub is the best deal, model 1024. The JD118 is the cheapest made just lift the hood and check out the cheap metal bracket holding the hood on. I would expect more from that name brand. I would stay away from craftsman for the expensive propriatory parts. But if all one needs is a rider to mow the lawn and they could care less about brand and cut then the cheaper priced murray line, yardman etc. will last for 10+ yrs with proper care and the parts are cheaper also. Just my opinion.

jetman356 · Jul 5, 2004

Sterling,

Besides expensive parts, is the Craftsman a good make. I see alot of older ones around on acreages up here in Alberta Canada and am considering buying one instead of a JD.

I would get a Cub Cadet (posts are always good), but they don't seem to sell them up here.

slammer · Jul 5, 2004

( Sterling,

Besides expensive parts, is the Craftsman a good make. I see alot of older ones around on acreages up here in Alberta Canada and am considering buying one instead of a JD.

I would get a Cub Cadet (posts are always good), but they don't seem to sell them up here.
)

I know you were addressing Sterling but I thought I would chime in if you did'nt mind. The 10+ year old Craftsman mowers you see around still mowing are much better machines than the current crop from Sears (AYP).

I ranked the Cub number 1 with the Deere second, the Husqvarna third, Craftsman fourth, Troy fifth, and the pitiful junk that is Murray? Dead last. No offense to Sterling but 10 years from a NEW Murray is stretching it IMO. The deck and steering will do good to go 5 years. I believe they are designed that way intentionally. Hence the cheap price.

Slam

Bird · Jul 5, 2004

( For my part the Cub is the best bang for the buck. Largest engine in it's class and largest cut. I also consider the foot controlled tranny a big plus. )

I agree on all points. The fender mounted hydro ain't really bad, but I sure do prefer the foot control.

tellico · Jul 5, 2004

The cub would be best of that bunch.Cast front axle is important with weight of twin cylinder mtrs.There is no such thing as too much horsepower.--also look at Huskee at tractor supply,made by mtd like the cub.

Gear drive walk-behinds start about 2000.00.

What about a good used ztr?

SPIKER · Jul 5, 2004

lot of people bad mouthing the murrys, mine works and has been going strong on VERY rough ground and use. 4~5 acres for first 2 years then now abour 2~3 acres. most of it is reclaimed pasture. mine is 46" gear drv, iwht 20hp b&s quantem IC type engine with press oil feed & filter. two VERY importaint features. hydstat, and foot rest? not sure as I like to mow bare foot everynow and again...

Mark M

slammer · Jul 5, 2004

( hydstat, and foot rest? not sure as I like to mow bare foot everynow and again... Mark M )

Foot rest? I think that if you read that post again you will see that it is "foot control". As in foot controlled HST.

BTW, glad you have been lucky with your Murray. How old is it?

Slam

rcaretti · Jul 5, 2004

I'm looking for a tractor in the same price range. It's tough going trying to compare all the different tractors out there. For 2K, you could look at a few craftsmen garden tractors as well, like the #27366, $1999.

Kohler Pro 25 hp V-Twin OHV
48" cut HST(fender)
Cast Axle

Plus a few extra's like an hour meter, ammeter, and electric clutch for engaging the mower blades.

Sears sometimes runs 10% off with a sears card, which could save a couple hundred more.

I'm still not sure what to buy. While they don't make them like they used to, my Murray mower seems to be hanging on for another year. It was given to me in 1997, and is 20 years old this year.

slammer · Jul 5, 2004

(
I'm still not sure what to buy. While they don't make them like they used to, my Murray mower seems to be hanging on for another year. It was given to me in 1997, and is 20 years old this year. )

I would rather have your mower properly reconditioned than a new Murray.

The Garden Tractor you mentioned is a good option. I only researched LT's but the supposedly heavier built GT w/Kohler is a much better bet.

Slam