They test the Husqvarna YTH1848XP, the Craftsman GT5000, Massey Ferguson Prestige, Toro GT420, and Kubota
GR2100. All have hydrostatic drive. The comments are not mine and are taken from the article.
1) Husqvarna: called it a heavy duty lawn tractor. Liked the 18-HP Kawasaki; lost traction on uphill grading; hydro sounded like it was straining when under load pulling loaded trailer up a hill; pulls all but the heaviest inmplements; rear hitch plate isn't visible when you're seated; good buy at $2300 price range. 560-lbs, 48-in. deck.
2) Craftsman: top dog in power to price category. Highest power rating w/ 26-HP Kohler Pro; pulled their attachments without a hint of strain and easily mowed tall grass, a smooth cutter w/ 54-in. deck; loud motor, needs better muffler. $2600 price range. 720-lbs.
3) M-F Prestige: expensive, at $6700; easily pulled a box grader up a hill; nice hydraulic decklift; fender-mounted cruise and power steering; had so much power (23-HP, no mfr given) and traction that they never needed the differential lock; tight turn leaves more uncut swath of grass than some others; high quality of cut, like a (sorry) giant electric shaver. 858-lbs, 54-in. deck.
4) Toro GT420: rather expensive at $5620 price range, but they think worth the money; immediately noticed vibration-free operation when cutting and pulling attachments; somewhat small 17-HP motor, plenty of power but might be underpowered for long sessions with a grader; twin-position pedal gives precise ground speed; only tractor equipped with tilt steering for different sized operators; deck height lever requires a long reach forward; solid grass cutting performance. 852-lbs, 48-in. deck.
5) Kubota
GR2100: expensive at $7200 price range, but a lot of tractor; liked 3-cyl. 21-HP diesel, gobs of low speed torque but fuel efficient; hefty 3/16 thk. steel frame; liked fact that deck, hydro trans and power steering(?) all shaft driven for precise control; Kubota is perfect, mfr should make no changes; the money buys you comfort, power, class-leading performance and decades-long durability. 969-lbs, 54-in. deck.
