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

SPIKER · Jul 6, 2004

MY Murry is I blieve a 2000/2001, and was a close out when Quality FF went out of buisness , it was originally a $2100 something tractor but with the 40% savings it was $1200 something out the door. no taxes for farm use here. so I ended up going with it. ther were a few $2400 soemthign yardmans there but unfortuneatly while waiting at the counter the guy in fornt of me bought the last one /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I's still satisfied with the murry though I wish is rode better... problaby anythign will beat you up on my rough yard though /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Mark M

NIXON · Jul 6, 2004

( Which would you buy? Which is the best bang for the buck?

Slam .
I went the Husqvarna 2148 route . It's probably too big for the yard I have now ( sub 1 acre ). But it will be expanding a bit in future . If I get 5 years of decent service from it I'll be happy .
By then I'll have the yard and property tamed with the Husq, 2148 and the L3130 and I'll get a smaller Cut to replace them both. Probably a CK 20 or B7500 . I really was impressed with the JD 280 . Very well designed . But considering the price difference ,and future plans , I just couldn't justify it .
John

slammer · Jul 6, 2004

I think you did fine John. In almost all cases more power and deck is a good thing. The machine should give you 10 years easy.

Slam

yooperdave · Jul 6, 2004

This seems like a good deal for $2,000.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4310638931&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

Yooper Dave

yellowsocks93 · Jul 6, 2004

If your talking about JD's here with the LT and GT the LT's are pretty nice if you have a small lawn. They are pretty well built. I like the LT 190 because it is cheap and you get electronic PTO and a better dash with more indicator lights. The GT's are nice but they can get kind of expensive. They are pretty nice also. A fair amount bigger than my GT 242 from 1996. I like my GT. It is very well built. The plastic hood is a ton thicker on mine that the new ones however.

slammer · Jul 6, 2004

( If your talking about JD's here with the LT and GT )

LT = Lawn Tractor. GT = Garden Tractor.

Slam

yellowsocks93 · Jul 6, 2004

Whoops!

slammer · Jul 6, 2004

( Whoops! )

No problem. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Slam

PaulieD · Jul 21, 2004

I want to thank you guys for posting this information. My 10 year old Craftsman was in need of too many repairs and I had an urge for a new lawn tractor. This post pointed me in the right direction. After doing more research on the net, I had my choices down to the Craftsman, the Cub Cadet and the Husquvarna. But before I went to the box stores, I visited my local New Holland/Husquvarna dealer (where I bought my TC-30) and asked him for some prices.

He had a Husquvarna 2248 in stock, set up and ready to ride, with a front bumper (something for which the Lowes store was going to charge me $ 49.00). This unit had a Kohler engine, as opposed to the Briggs engine on the 2148. His price to me was $1850. He offered no special financing, but the unit was assembled and ready to go, had the bumper (I really need one), and I knew he provided full service for the equipment. My decision became easy.

I mowed my 1.5 acre lawn as soon as I got home. I knocked 25 minutes off a 2 hour and 20 minute job. It cut and rode beautifully. Bottom line: I'm very happy with this purchase and I'm thankful to you guys for all the great background information and knowledgeable opinions.

Paul

mwood · Jul 21, 2004

John: Sounds like you got a good deal from a great dealer. Sometimes, the dealer is more important than the price / features.

When I first bought my house it came with a 20 year old JD 216. The first summer, it ran poorly and was somewhat rusty, so I started looking around at some of the newer tractors.

Man!!! They sure don't make them like they used to!!! Plastic parts (In areas I don't think plastic should be used like mower deck belt covers, etc...) Does anyone here remember the good old wheel horse tractors! All metal construction, built like a tank, easy to maintain.... (sorry, Got sentimental for a moment /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

Anyway, I'd have to agree with the Cub leading the group. They seem to be solid tractors which are designed to last more than a few years. All of these tractors do seem to have kinda wimpy decks though. I'm not sure if it's just the price group, or what, but after doing all the research, I did an engine overhaul on the JD 216 (which now runs like a champ by the way) and now am taking care of some much needed maintenance (transaxle). It just seems smarter than trying to find a quality new mower.