Whats 2 horse?

[poolecw]

I'm comparing two mowers by the same brand. Both are identical execpt one has 22 hp while the other has 24 hp. Both engines are the Briggs and Stratton ELS engines.

Question is: How much noticable will the two extra HP be? There's about a $250 price increase.

 

[MikeInEburg]

I suspect that you'd never miss two HP... Are you certain that's the only difference?
Mike

 

[poolecw]

I suspect that you'd never miss two HP... Are you certain that's the only difference?
Mike

Yeah, thats the only difference. Like you said, I think that two hp won't be noticed...

Thanks

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Don't hold out on us... Give us the model numbers you're looking at so we can dream along with you.

There is a possibility that the engines are actually the same and they are simply rated differently by the different mower manufacturers. I don't think you'll notice.

 

[Thomas]

Can you try out both models under load...mowing etc.

 

[poolecw]

Don't hold out on us... Give us the model numbers you're looking at so we can dream along with you.

There is a possibility that the engines are actually the same and they are simply rated differently by the different mower manufacturers. I don't think you'll notice.

I was looking at a couple of the big box John Deeres. I really would like to get the X320 from a dealer, but with a baby on the way, I don't think I need to spend $4K on a mower right now. So, I was comparing the LA155 and the LA165. Both have the better Briggs and Stratton ELS engines but the LA165 has two more HP. Both are the same execpt for that.

 

[2manyrocks]

I suggest you also compare manufacturer's torque ratings on each engine.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

I suspect for the additional $250 there is something other than the 2HP difference. May not be in the ads but can't see how the small power diff can justify the increased cost quoted.

To interject a little reality into the discussion. Back 30-40 yrs a premium GT came with a 12-16 HP engine and had no problem doing what you would expect from the tractor of that size. My 1970 Bolens came with a 12HP engine, HST, ran a mid-40" mower and a 3' tiller without any power issues. Why do we today need a 20+ HP engine to mow the lawn?

 

[Wis Bang]

I have a college friend w/ an 11HP briggs on an old simplicity w/ a bagger & hydrostatic trans. My sister had the same tractor w/ out the bager w/ an 8 hp and a gearbox that was in sad shape.

My buddies tractor had been shortblocked [it is an '81] and two years ago he broke an axle, sheared off at the bearing in the side of the transaxle case. We took the rear 'clip' from my sisters tractor [blown engine] and fixed his, took an afternoon w/ an air rachet.

We also kept the mower deck from her tractor for a spare...it has holes punched for the internal baffle his bagger deck has and different blades; all an easy fix.

Simplicity figured the added work of filling the bagger needed a little more oomph!

 

[LBrown59]

I was looking at a couple of the big box John Deeres. I really would like to get the X320 from a dealer, but with a baby on the way, I don't think I need to spend $4K on a mower right now. So, I was comparing the LA155 and the LA165. Both have the better Briggs and Stratton ELS engines but the LA165 has two more HP. Both are the same execpt for that.

They're all over powered so hp makes no difference execpt it sells product.

 

[LBrown59]

My 1970 Bolens came with a 12HP engine, HST, ran a mid-40" mower and a 3' tiller without any power issues. Why do we today need a 20+
HP engine to mow the lawn ?

For manufacture hype to sell more tractors at no benefit /advantage to consumers.

 

[WantedWolf]

my two horses mow the lawn,

and you can have em. dont tell the wife

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

For manufacture hype to sell more tractors at no benefit /advantage to consumers.

Sort of parallels the ridiculous HP wars between the pickup truck mfgrs.

It is unlikely that these machines can take full advantage of the power output from the engine and convert it to "tractive effort", mostly due to their lack of weight. Also ptos are often belt driven and implements such as belly mowers end up stalling out when the going gets tough due to belt slippage more than a lack of horsepower.

 

[sarge rmb]

I looked at the LA 155 and LA 165, bought the 165. It is just about the same machine but the biggest difference is tire size. The LA 165 for the money is the way to go if you dont beat it. When my investments start to recover I'll look at a X540 or a x 700 series, but not yet! Heck if I take care of the 165 it just might last awhile. Also look around for any leftover machines, I got a pretty good deal for cash, dealers in my area are hurting. Good Luck!

 

[poolecw]

I looked at the LA 155 and LA 165, bought the 165. It is just about the same machine but the biggest difference is tire size. The LA 165 for the money is the way to go if you dont beat it. When my investments start to recover I'll look at a X540 or a x 700 series, but not yet! Heck if I take care of the 165 it just might last awhile. Also look around for any leftover machines, I got a pretty good deal for cash, dealers in my area are hurting. Good Luck!

Yeah, you would think that dealers would be willing to deal. But I have been shopping Kubotas, Cubs, and John Deeres for three weeks now and haven't got anyone to budge off the sticker prices.

 

[sarge rmb]

Find a small dealer with some leftovers, and walk in with cash in hand. Talk is cheap so flash the cash! I told my guy I was buying today. I had the trailer hooked up to make them think I wasnt going to play around. I know it wasnt a big purchase but everyone has got bills, even the dealers. It might also have helped that I bought my LA 165 in the mid of winter and not spring. You may even want to try Craigs List for a used machine unless you need to finance it. Good Luck!

 

[Juggler54]

I believe the LA 165 has the larger 15amp charging system as well. I know I'm responding to an old thread, but I was comparing that tractor to a few others not long ago. My memory is a bit spotty, but I believe you also move up in the diff too. I think you get the K46AC, where the others get the T40J. In addition you get the larger wheels/tires front and rear.

I think...