Which Garden Tractor to get Sears or husky

davesl708 · Mar 23, 2015

My friend bought a Craftsman 25hp in 2008. Good thing she bought the extended warranty. Each year she had another problem and had to have them come out on service calls to fix the thing. She got rid of it three years ago.
Not sure if Sears will be around in five years. The store here is closing.

Gary Fowler · Mar 23, 2015

Most if not all the box store type lawnmowers are made by MTD, so take your choice. My brother in law bought a Sears 6500 mower 6 years ago, mows 2-3 acres of lawn with it and so far the only repair has been to a spindle that broke when he hit a large tree root. I think he changes oil at maximum each year and uses Walmart Tech grade oil and so far no engine problems. I think he is also still on the original belt for the mower. I am not saying all Sears mowers with do that, but I have had pretty good luck with Sears stuff.

I wouldn't pay the premium for the John Deere box store machines as likely they are all made by MTD also, certainly not made by JD. None of the <$3,000 machines are going to provide you with 35 years of use like your old machine did. I don't think any machine built today will give you that kind of service regardless of the price. You might come close with some of the diesel commercial machines but you will pay >$20K for one of those.
My thoughts are that you can pay a little at a time ($3K about ever 5 years or so) and buy 5 mowers in a 25 year span OR pay $15K for one that might last you 25 years. You will still be out maintenance items like bearings on the commercial grade machine or a box store machine if they last long enough.

powerscol · Mar 23, 2015

Well in a few weeks my new mower should be here. I went with the Sears GT. I tried to order online but ran into and incorrect tax issue so called. A very nice lady helped me fix the tax issue and even found additional discounts available. I was able to buy the mower with the 5 year maintenance plan, cheaper than the Husky unit, either local or online. Its good to get something accomplished today.

Thanks for the help folks

tcreeley · Mar 23, 2015

I think you will like your GT- Mine always started and worked hard for me.

BigBlue · Mar 28, 2015

Congrats and good luck with your new Sears GT. Can we hope for some pics and maybe a review?

PILOON · Mar 28, 2015

Like said, most mowers at that level are variants made by MTD.

My 2 cents would be the lowest $$ investment and to consider that MTD will always have parts availability while many re labeled or private brands use captive part no's making service a problem.

dakotagun · Mar 28, 2015

My Sears GT is 9 years old, been mowing our 2.5 acres starting from rough field to now nearly a lawn. Have replaced at least one mandrel each year, but get them online Amazon now and they're not that expensive. It's a good mower. I leave the FEL on my JD scut, don't install/mow with the 60" mmm at all. If it dies, I'll do it all over again.

powerscol · Mar 29, 2015

PILOON said:
Like said, most mowers at that level are variants made by MTD.

My 2 cents would be the lowest $$ investment and to consider that MTD will always have parts availability while many re labeled or private brands use captive part no's making service a problem.

The 2015 pro-line Sears mowers are not made by MTD, but by Husqvarna. MTD does not make Husqvarna.

Now my 25 year old unit was made by MTD, and if not for lack of available parts would still be working.

powerscol · Apr 5, 2015

Well Tuesday it is to be delivered. As A side note, I noticed a new model just popped up on the Sears site as their new garden tractor with a very unique model number. Price went up, but no cruse control, less speed, and different trans. I think I got lucky with the non CA model I got as the new one looks the same. but different guts. From what I can tell it is not Husky built. Its a CA compliant model.

All I can say is double check the specifications of the model your ordering or buying as it appears a change is in the wind for Sears and others on the 2015 lineup. Even Husky is showing new models that have interesting (reduced) specifications compared to what they had a few weeks ago.

BTW does anyone have the 24917 3 bin baggier for the 98645 garden tractor, and how does it work?

powerscol · Apr 7, 2015

Well..............................................good and bad.
Was delivered today - no dents or scratches. Contract delivery folks dropped it off (using a rental truck), said is was assembled in a nearby town buy the store (I am guessing). Bumper not installed, belt hanging loose, showed me how to start, I mentioned the rattle, said not their problem call this number and left??????

Not like many years ago when I bought my last one with sears service agreement. Sears Delivery man in sears truck made sure I knew every nut bolt and system on the unit and how to operate. Took the time for a practice cut and adjusted the deck, showing me how to do it. he did not leave until he was sure I knew how to operate. I had his personal number and he came and fixed every issue (there were only a couple) and then some. As I had the maintenance agreement, every spring he came and serviced, changed the oil, sharpened the blades, and adjusted everything. The last year of the 5 year contract he changed everything out (blades, belts, air filter, etc) and then proceeded to give me spares of everything. Boy do I miss thoes days.

So I call the number, talk to the folks, they say they will contact the local service folks, I should expect a call shortly.....NOT

They had given me the number of the local folks, so I called...RELIEF...The local gal knew exactly what had happened as they got a lot of business like this. She will have a guy come tomorrow ( described him and said he would present ID) and make any adjustments, install the bumper and go over the unit with me. If they found an issue they would get the unit replaced. She was surprised that SEARS did not set her up with the delivery too as they cover my area.

Bottom line I called Craftsman customer support, after Sears support blew me off saying sorry for the experience but as service was coming, nothing else they could do. Craftsman support was much different. The gal took all the information, was concerned with the experience, and took the time to research whom had done what. Bottom line I got an additional 10% off my purchase, over and above all the coupons and deep sales off number when I bought. She also indicated to call her if the service I receive tomorrow does not resolve the situation. IT appear that Craftsman is aware that Customer service does come first.

Bottom line it does run and sounds good. I need to learn the hydrostatic drive and all of the controls. Seat fit is excellent and adjustable - my old one was not.

Ill post later on the service call. I plan to ask about the bagger, sleeve hitch, front tire toe in, and any other issues to watch for. So far going over the unit, it is very well made, and there are Husqvarna stickers all over it. I think it is better made then the Husqvarna GT52XLS that I looked at as there are some minor differences. I also noticed that the newer model does not come with the cruse control - bummer.