JD Z425 versus Z445

[tkrotchko]

I'm intrigued by these tractors, and I haven't yet gone to a dealer, although I've seen the 425 at Lowes.

In looking at the specs, it appears to me they're the same tractor with the exception of the engine, the 445 having the Kawasaki. Am I correct?

The difference in price is about $800, and I realize before I ask that the answer is "it depends", but is the Kawasaki worth that much more than the B&S of the 425? On my existing lawn tractor I probably put on just under 100 hours a year, so I doubt longevity of the engine is an issue, even after 20 years, but is there a difference in torque or noise between the engines?

I am new here, and I searched, but didn't see much discussion of 425 vs 445.

Thank you in advance.

--Tom

 

[ddivinia]

I'm intrigued by these tractors, and I haven't yet gone to a dealer, although I've seen the 425 at Lowes.

In looking at the specs, it appears to me they're the same tractor with the exception of the engine, the 445 having the Kawasaki. Am I correct?

The difference in price is about $800, and I realize before I ask that the answer is "it depends", but is the Kawasaki worth that much more than the B&S of the 425? On my existing lawn tractor I probably put on just under 100 hours a year, so I doubt longevity of the engine is an issue, even after 20 years, but is there a difference in torque or noise between the engines?

I am new here, and I searched, but didn't see much discussion of 425 vs 445.

Thank you in advance.

--Tom

Man - that is a religious debate.

I grew up on B&S and hated them the whole time. I finally broke down and got a new hobbart welder with the B&S (got it used as a demo).

Is there $800 worth of difference - hard to say. I guess there are a couple ways to look at it. They don't use B&S in the higher end machines probably for a reason. You aren't doing commercial work - so the B&S is probably fine.

Heck, for the $800 you might can get a whole new engine for it when/if it nukes.

D.

 

[tkrotchko]

Heck, for the $800 you might can get a whole new engine for it when/if it nukes.

D.

Yes, which makes me believe the $800 difference more about "market differentiation" rather than any real cost difference. I'm thinking I'll wait a few months and if the local JD dealer has a 445 in stock and it's the end of the season, he might be more willing to get the 445 out of inventory.

Thanks for the advice.

--Tom