Husqvarna makes 31 different models of riding lawn mower -- what's the differnece?

quicksandfarmer · Apr 2, 2020

I'm in the market for a new mower so I decided to look on the Husqvarna website to see what they offer. I few clicks and I get to the rider mower page (HUSQVARNA Riding Lawn Mowers, Lawn & Garden Tractors )

It has 31 different models. It starts off logically enough, within the TS line there is the 100 series, 200 series, 300 series -- I get that, small-medium-large. Makes sense. Then within each size there's about 5-6 different trim levels, different engines and deck sizes. Got it.

But then below it says "Other riding mowers" and it just seems to be a grab-bag. They've got LTH, YTH, YT and LGT models, all jumbled together. In terms of price, size and capability they seem to overlap the TS line. No rhyme or reason that I can detect.

Is there a simple way of decoding their product line?

Thanks.

s219 · Apr 2, 2020

They are masters at recycling the same basic platform a zillion different ways. It makes no sense in many cases. I think some of it is done to differentiate dealer-exclusive models from what they sell at big box stores. I remember a couple years back they had a special edition that many folks were excited about, a "dealer only" model that was supposed to be better. But it differed from a model sold at Lowes only by 1-2 minor options and still had the same lousy frame. Good luck making sense out of it.

RandyT · Apr 3, 2020

Most of it is pandering to the customer. A customer want a certain deck size, with a certain size and brand of engine, and HP sells, or one will want a gear drive but the next a hydro. One customer will prefer a plain model and the next a cut holder.

quicksandfarmer · Apr 3, 2020

s219 said:
They are masters at recycling the same basic platform a zillion different ways. It makes no sense in many cases. I think some of it is done to differentiate dealer-exclusive models from what they sell at big box stores. I remember a couple years back they had a special edition that many folks were excited about, a "dealer only" model that was supposed to be better. But it differed from a model sold at Lowes only by 1-2 minor options and still had the same lousy frame. Good luck making sense out of it.

Agreed, these aren't complicated machines -- engine, transmission, mower deck, body and wheels. Plus some bells and whistles like cup holders and brush guards. Engine can be Kohler or Kawasaki, range of HP. All the transmissions are Tuff Torq, either non-locking, auto-lock or manual lock. Mower deck is either stamped or fabricated, variety of sizes.