GT48XLS Owner's manual

GeeMSee · Aug 3, 2013

Yesterday I ordered a new GT48XLS garden tractor, bagger and snow blade that will be delivered in a couple of weeks. From the website I downloaded the owner's manual and after reading it am having second thoughts. For wheel removal it states "Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose)." For rear wheel installation align grooves, insert the key, washers and snap ring. Reading this does not give me warm fuzzies, the GT series rear wheels bolted on.

phcaan · Aug 30, 2013

GeeMSee said:
Yesterday I ordered a new GT48XLS garden tractor, bagger and snow blade that will be delivered in a couple of weeks. From the website I downloaded the owner's manual and after reading it am having second thoughts. For wheel removal it states "Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose)." For rear wheel installation align grooves, insert the key, washers and snap ring. Reading this does not give me warm fuzzies, the GT series rear wheels bolted on.

I have a GTH27V52LS and the manual says the same thing about removing the rear wheel, however the wheel is held on with 4 bolts just like a car.The spindle however is what you need to follow all of those instructions to remove.
My old Craftsman did have the wheel and spindle as one piece and had to be removed as described I got it used from my mother-in-law. I was never able to get the rear wheels off that thing I had to change the tires on the tractor.

GeeMSee · Aug 30, 2013

My GT48XLS was delivered today. Seems to be a nice tractor, however the online downloadable manual for the GT48XLS does not apply. Ignition switch is different than described in the manual, differential locks with a switch, not a pedal like the website states. The printed manual still talks about a key for the rear wheel hub, does not reference the bolts (like what are torque specs). The website is a sales tool, if Husqvarna cannot get the description correct what does they say about the company? Incompetence comes to mind.

phcaan · Aug 30, 2013

GeeMSee said:
My GT48XLS was delivered today. Seems to be a nice tractor, however the online downloadable manual for the GT48XLS does not apply. Ignition switch is different than described in the manual, differential locks with a switch, not a pedal like the website states. The printed manual still talks about a key for the rear wheel hub, does not reference the bolts (like what are torque specs). The website is a sales tool, if Husqvarna cannot get the description correct what does they say about the company? Incompetence comes to mind.

I agree, the factory service seems to be inadequate at best. I have had my GTH27V52LS for only a couple of weeks, I bought it used with 38 hours on it, it is a 2011 model, but I have to say it is the nicest tractor I have ever had and it is easy to drive, cuts clean, fast and turns sharper than my old 42" Craftsman.
I feel that the Husqvarna tractors are a very good value for the money. If I were to purchase a Deer that was comparable it would cost me over $5000. We can only hope the company get it together with their customer service.

GeeMSee · Aug 30, 2013

Traded in a 2000 6 speed 42" Craftsman lawn tractor. I need a tractor with a limited slip diff as I have a deep ditch and the Craftsman had tire slippage problems. Cut the grass today for the first time with the Husqvarna and it's a tank! Only thing that stopped it was the garage wall, LOL not used to the pedal driven auto trans. Steering is so much tighter than the Craftsman. I have a 1978 Sears 14/6 tractor with a 46"? deck also. Fun tractor but lacking cut quality. Like you stated, a comparable (locking diff) John Deere is the X500 series starting at over $5K. With the Craftsman as a trade in, the tractor, a 42" snow blade and the 3 bag blower bagger was well under $4k out the door. I've found one thing wrong with the mower so far. Steering wheel isn't straight, should be an easy fix. As for the customer service it scares me. Were you able to transfer any of the remaining warranty? I called CS and asked about the rear wheels. Lady I talked to said she has no idea, and she is there only to talk people through with starting problems. She referred me back to the dealer. Talked to him about it and he concurred, Husqvarna wants the dealer to handle everything. He had no idea about the incorrect manual. Have you checked out the Husqvarna Facebook page? People rant on it with their problems and there are never any responses from the corporate. It is like once the product is sold, it's the dealers or consumers problem. In my opinion that is not customer service.

phcaan · Aug 30, 2013

I didn't even try to transfer any warranty, I was able to purchase my 52" Husquarna GTH with only 38 hours on for $1500 so I am not complaining. I don't have the limited slip diff but again for what I paid I am well pleased. As for maintenance and repair I will do it myself, I always have. One thing I am going to do at the end of this season is pull the trans, drain it and refill with 20/50 synthetic oil. I have read that changing the trans oil will really extend the life of the trans. My unit is a 2011 model but very little used. Also this fall I will pull off the deck, clean and service, as well as repaint it.
Good luck with your mower.
It's too bad more folks don't seem to read and reply to these posts. It would be nice to have more input.

GeeMSee · Aug 31, 2013

Great deal on your tractor. What trans do you have in your GTH27V52LS? One thing that turned me off of John Deere is the entry level 300 series used the same nonservicable version Tuff Torque 46 trans as their 100 series tractors. Lots of horror stories there.
What type of oil does the trans require? I've been to a lot of auto swap meets and have seen literature on Amsoil. They seem have a wide variety of synthetic oils, even for small engines. I use Mobil 1 in our daily drivers. Have used Royal Purple in the diff of a Dodge pick up.
Also looked a a slippery coating for the underside of the deck. Was thinking along the lines of Intersleek 900 marine coating until I found out how much it cost. I don't think the water repellant coating by Sherwin-Williams would be durable enough. I'll see how the water wash port works to keep it clean and just shoot some Rustoleum on the underside if the deck powder coat wears off. Does yours have the water wash port? Would be pretty easy to fabricate one with garden hose quick disconnect fittings.
I do all the maintenance and repairs also. It can be challenging at times, as I have just enough mechanical ability to get myself into trouble.
How do you lift your tractor up for repairs? I've got several floor jacks and stands but all of them are too high, have to drive the tractor onto 2x8's to get it high enough for the jack to fit under. I'm leaning toward the Mojack, but is a lift capacity of 300lbs enough?

phcaan · Aug 31, 2013

My tractor has a Hydro Gear G7-BCBB-1XDC-1FCA. I too found out about the Tuff Torque f46 transmissions and had no intention of getting one. Tuff Torque however is quite user friendly, they sell parts, supply videos, and are happy to talk to you on the phone or by email to help and advise about their transmissions. Hydro Gear however are not interested in dealing with anyone other than a Hydro Gear dealer. I used their dealer finder to locate a dealer near me. The dealer was also a Husqvarna dealer and in talking to their shop people they didn't know anything about the transmissions, they are factory sealed- non serviceable units, what a load of crap. My transmission seems to actually have a spin-on type filter, I will know for sure this fall when I remove it for service. I did find out that this trans capacity is 3 quarts of 20-50 motor oil, I will be using a synthetic, Amsoil would be great.
I have no idea how to drain the oil or put it in, I will just have to see what I can figure out. There is nothing wrong with my trans it only has 42 hours on it now but I hope to keep it in top shape for a long time.
There is a lot of information available for the TuffTorque and it's too bad there is not more out there for the Hydro Gear. I have attempted to start some dialogue concerning the Hydro Gear but on this site no one seem to want to participate, just complain about their machines. Maybe we can get some interest going along those lines. I will keep you posted with anything I learn.

Phil