Craftsman powered by Honda vs. others

[canoetrpr]

I decided to take a peek at what Sears has to offer.

I've got 1.5 acres and not a ton to spend so I am looking at all my options.

I encountered a 16.5 HP tractor that Craftsman offers , powered by a Honda engine - don't know exactly which engine.

Bear in mind the prices are CDN $.

This is more expensive than their offerings of the same tractor with a a B&S engine - I am assuming all the extra dough is going towards the engine.

What is your opinion on going with something like this vs. an entry level JD (125) or Husqvarna (1942T)? B&S in the JD and Kohler Courage 19PH in the Husqvarna.

Anyone know who is makinge these machines for Sears these days?

 

[canoetrpr]

I decided to take a peek at what Sears has to offer.

I've got 1.5 acres and not a ton to spend so I am looking at all my options.

I encountered a 16.5 HP tractor that Craftsman offers , powered by a Honda engine - don't know exactly which engine.

Bear in mind the prices are CDN $.

This is more expensive than their offerings of the same tractor with a a B&S engine - I am assuming all the extra dough is going towards the engine.

What is your opinion on going with something like this vs. an entry level JD (125) or Husqvarna (1942T)? B&S in the JD and Kohler Courage 19PH in the Husqvarna.

Anyone know who is makinge these machines for Sears these days?

 

[Spiffy]

I know Electrolux (Poulan, Weedeater among many other brands) was making yard products for Sears, but I'm not sure if Poulan mfgs their own lawn tractors and they may not be making them for Sears to, even if they do. AYP would be among other "usual" suspects. I believe Husqvarna is also an Electrolux brand, so you might find some answers on whoever builds the orange mowers too.

The courage and intek are Kohler and B&S "economy" models respectively. I am curious whether Honda and Kawasaki have economy models.

Sears products intrique me in both senses of the word (I do often buy craftsman hand tools): they might have two identical looking mowers sitting side by side; one has a 10gage deck the other a 13gage deck yet the thing the sales sign promotes is engine HP (10% HP isn't really a big deal when you're putting 20HP to a 4ft deck) or something.

Best thing is look at all the specs, so you can at least somewhat know what you're comparing. Then find one that seems solid to you and fits you......only problem with climbing on every model is the "right" machine might have twice the price tag as you had in mind. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Spiffy]

I know Electrolux (Poulan, Weedeater among many other brands) was making yard products for Sears, but I'm not sure if Poulan mfgs their own lawn tractors and they may not be making them for Sears to, even if they do. AYP would be among other "usual" suspects. I believe Husqvarna is also an Electrolux brand, so you might find some answers on whoever builds the orange mowers too.

The courage and intek are Kohler and B&S "economy" models respectively. I am curious whether Honda and Kawasaki have economy models.

Sears products intrique me in both senses of the word (I do often buy craftsman hand tools): they might have two identical looking mowers sitting side by side; one has a 10gage deck the other a 13gage deck yet the thing the sales sign promotes is engine HP (10% HP isn't really a big deal when you're putting 20HP to a 4ft deck) or something.

Best thing is look at all the specs, so you can at least somewhat know what you're comparing. Then find one that seems solid to you and fits you......only problem with climbing on every model is the "right" machine might have twice the price tag as you had in mind. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[dubba]

Let me first preface by saying I love Honda Motors, I worked on the cars for years & have genuine respect for the company.

I tried to find the identical mower on the US sears site, but it doesn't exist. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Your profile doesn't state if you have a tractor now or will have in the future /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I went the JD route. Except I went used. Because I didn't buy new, I got a 325 with a 48" deck, hydraulic lift, front blade, & spreader. The tractor has been great so far. I think the older ones are just as good as the new, maybe not quite as fancy. One thing I do like about up-sizing from the smaller tractors are the wheels, Bigger rear wheels give a better ride, more traction, & less imprints.

Your results may vary.

 

[dubba]

Let me first preface by saying I love Honda Motors, I worked on the cars for years & have genuine respect for the company.

I tried to find the identical mower on the US sears site, but it doesn't exist. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Your profile doesn't state if you have a tractor now or will have in the future /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I went the JD route. Except I went used. Because I didn't buy new, I got a 325 with a 48" deck, hydraulic lift, front blade, & spreader. The tractor has been great so far. I think the older ones are just as good as the new, maybe not quite as fancy. One thing I do like about up-sizing from the smaller tractors are the wheels, Bigger rear wheels give a better ride, more traction, & less imprints.

Your results may vary.

 

[treed]

Electrux and AYP are one and the same. Electrux is the parent company, which divisions like AYP, Frigidiare, etc. AYP makes most of the tractors for Sears, Poulan, Husqarvarna, Weedeater, among others.

 

[treed]

Electrux and AYP are one and the same. Electrux is the parent company, which divisions like AYP, Frigidiare, etc. AYP makes most of the tractors for Sears, Poulan, Husqarvarna, Weedeater, among others.

 

[canoetrpr]

I'll get that profile updated. I've got a 34hp CUT - Kubota L3400 that I bought new after much advice seeking from TBN.

I decided that I'd be best with a dedicated riding mower and a dedicated machine for the rest of the farm.

Now I'm looking at the dedicated riding mower but given that I spent - well - about 18000 $ more on my brand new CUT, I've to to keep this purchase on the cheap side. Of course I don't want junk either!. Have not been able to find anything used that looks worthwhile.

 

[canoetrpr]

I'll get that profile updated. I've got a 34hp CUT - Kubota L3400 that I bought new after much advice seeking from TBN.

I decided that I'd be best with a dedicated riding mower and a dedicated machine for the rest of the farm.

Now I'm looking at the dedicated riding mower but given that I spent - well - about 18000 $ more on my brand new CUT, I've to to keep this purchase on the cheap side. Of course I don't want junk either!. Have not been able to find anything used that looks worthwhile.