Which lawn tractor to buy?

[skiff]

I bought a used XT3 GSX in 2021 and kept it for a couple of years (replaced it with a Kubota BX series). I bought it mostly for grass cutting but I did use it for pulling attachments which is not something a zero is recommended to do. Features I liked were the hydrostatic drive, tight turning radius, electric deck bclutch, serviceable rear end, power steering (electric assist), locking rear differential, and electric power deck (electric assist). What I didn't like was the deck lift was a little finicky and the mower thru a lot of grass (54" deck). It did do a good job cutting the grass. I would have liked to keep it.

 

[TreePointer]

Since you will be doing more than mowing with it, the best advice given here has been to look into the transaxle model used.

If you are open to a ZTR, you'll never regret the speed, cut quality, and the ability to power through taller grass. After almost 30 years of lawn tractors, I got my first ZTR and am kicking myself for not getting one sooner. It also opens your shopping to other brands like Toro/eXmark, etc.

 

[eddieirvine]

Here is my thoughts buy a Bad boy made in US and built the way anyone would want it built ! Very heavy duty you won't be let down

 

[Raber]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

 

[Raber]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

Hi ! I haven't posted much on this site since I don't own much machinery. However, I have a large lawn to tend to, so I own a ride on mower of which I am more than satisfied. It's the Kubota GR 2120, diesel, 4WD, I own since 2013. More than 200 hours on it now, never a problem. Very tight turn radius. Wide tires and 4wd make it perfect for dealing with steep slopes. It can tow its own weight (900 pounds) on a Swisher VTT trailer. Hydrostatic transmission. Not much ground clearance though, so I had to level my forestry trails. No hydraulic on it, except for the mower lift and power steering. It's not a real tractor and nearly not as tough, with cast aluminium gear casings. But for me it perfectly does the job. In case that helps. Costed me 8,500CAD 10 years ago.

 

[somanytractors]

If you just use it for mowing and dragging a trailer around you really need to look into a zero turn. Some, if not most, do have a trailer hitch too.
If they have them where you're at, dixie chopper is the best. They are really fast, mow well even at full speed, and they're durable.
They have a flat deck so the top can be replaced when it rusts out (or they did, make sure they still do).
And instead of the troublesome hydrostatic transmissions, they have a hydraulic pump with a motor for each wheel and a control valve to control them. They never quit. The only thing that really wears out on them is the motor and of coarse belts, blades, etc.

They are expensive but I would buy a used dixie chopper before a new deere.

 

[22R]

If you could find you a older Kubota G1800/1900 Diesel powered mower it will last a lifetime.
This is my backup to my Exmark ZTR and yard trailer hauler.

 

[sunandsand]

Bought a Husqvarna 21CK46 (or something like that) brand new from Lowes in 2012 for $2,200. It has a bit less than 300 hours on it, so it has not been used hard or put away wet. It is kept inside a building, and serviced according to the manual. I am not hard on machinery, and I am good with tools - I do things right, no bubble gum or baling wire. It is used to mow about two acres of plain old grass on a flat lot - no rocks, hidden rebars, land mines or anything else.

It is without a doubt the worst piece of garbage it has been my displeasure to own. It is broken more than every other vehicle I own put together - several motorcycles (one from 1952), three cars (including a geriatric Honda, a Mercedes convertible and a Subaru which my wife drives like she hates it), a Kubota 2601, which IS used pretty hard, and an airplane . . .

The Husqvarna won't go ten whole hours in a row without *something* breaking, failing, or falling off. Broken spindles, failed batteries, substandard welds which broke ten hours from new (fixed under warranty), dry rotted front tires ("We've never seen that before, but here's a set of free inner tubes."), bolts made of butter (Grade zero bolts), defective carb from new (replaced with one from eBay, now the thing runs *almost* well), three mufflers (metal fatigue), seat falling apart (I weigh a whole 160 pounds) and more, more, more, I keep records and logbooks for everything.

Yes, Lowes has a "warranty" - you have to deliver it to them, they'll take it to their "service center" located in parts unknown (I'm in the Daytona area) and they'll "get back to you in 30 days or so" with an *estimate* of how long it will take to fix it - IF - in THEIR opinion, whatever is broken is in fact covered under warranty or if you are going to pay for it.

I prefer Charmin to their warranty . . .

When this thing breaks again, which if past performance is any indication will be real soon now, I intend to give this thing a full bore Viking funeral - so the *entire* membership of Tractor By Net is cordially invited to watch YouTube for the festivities!

Best Regards,

Mike/Florida

 

[22R]

Great post Mike. I look forward to the Youtube video.
What kind of airplane you have?

22R

 

[Gord Baker]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

The Switch alone for an Electric Clutch is $100. Replacing an Electric Clutch depending on Model can go to $1,500. MTD makes the smaller Lawn Tractors. Pass on the B&S Chinesium Engines. An older used 100 Series could be right for you.

 

[Fxfymn413]

IMO it depends on how long you believe you will need to have the mower. If it is over five years I'd be looking at a Kubota BX model. You will never wear it out, it will be worth close to what you paid for it when you no longer need it, and it can be used for multiple uses such as a loader or a 3 point implement.

Kubota is currently offering 0 % for 5 years.

I have had my BX2660 for 15 years now and it has never had any major repairs. In that time in all probability I would have bought at least three lawn tractors that would have cost me as much as I paid for the BX. They would not have power steering or be as robust as the BX either. Just my $.02

 

[Skystream]

Along time ago after the STX and Rear engine riders were phased out, John Deere purchased the Homelight tractor production facility in Tennessee. That was the introduction lof the Sabre tractor and eventual present 100 series we see today (Lowe's and Home Depot). Good for the people in Tennessee. Horizon is for the 300 series and higher. Biggest issue for all is the quality of steel (or lack of it - more composite). Selecting the right tractor for your specific application is important for longevity today. Very little USA components used in products today, John Deere included.
Kubota is a durable tractor option, Deere doesn't Like them.

 

[jrsavoie]

I have about 1 acre to mow, the terrain is pretty good, fairly flat, and I don't need a suspension seat. And I don't want a zero turn.
Thanks,
Eric

Do you have any need or desire for attachments?

Snowblower? Front blade? Rear 3 point or PTO?

Rototiller?

I like something about the same size as the 1980 JD 400 23 hp K582 we had for decades and wish we still had.

We would like something the same size, with rear 3 point & front and rear PTO.

We like the front deck Toros like 220D, 223D, 228D, 325D, 328D. These have steering wheels.

We find them the most comfortable and durable.
We bought our 1996 223D with 6' deck for $2400 in 2000.
The differential went out last year - 2023. I found a parts machine, but am not physically able to swap the parts right now and haven't been able to find anyone to hire to do anything.

You can get front attachments for the Toros also.
We prefer front decks with steering wheels to zero turns.

Little utility tractors are very handy.

It just all depends on your needs and wants.

 

[ridingintexas]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

I don’t know enough about your property and needs to make any kind of good recommendation for you. I have a six acre property, and I bought a Scag Turff Tiger in 2013. It is still doing well. All I have had to do is change blades, changed the deck belt once, Oil and filter changes, and had to change the electric deck clutch switch once. It is an expensive purchase, but it will last if you take care of it. I also would look at Kioti mowers if you have a dealer where you live. There are a lot of good mowers. Having a servicing dealer near that will treat you like a customer is the most important thing in my mind. It appears that the John Deere folks are not really interested in mower customers. They had rather sell a $50 to $100K tractor. Just an old man’s opinion. Take it for what it is worth! Good luck.

 

[jrsavoie]

IMO it depends on how long you believe you will need to have the mower. If it is over five years I'd be looking at a Kubota BX model. You will never wear it out, it will be worth close to what you paid for it when you no longer need it, and it can be used for multiple uses such as a loader or a 3 point implement.

Kubota is currently offering 0 % for 5 years.

I have had my BX2660 for 15 years now and it has never had any major repairs. In that time in all probability I would have bought at least three lawn tractors that would have cost me as much as I paid for the BX. They would not have power steering or be as robust as the BX either. Just my $.02

We've got a LX2610 and it's not a good match for us.

I hate it. I find it uncomfortable, hard to get off of. I really hate the loader control being very easily bumped with my knee.

It's too large for the HP. It won't run a rototiller that'll cover it's footprint.

I've heard a lot of the similar sized utility tractors, of all brands, are built on the light duty side.

These size tractors came about due to the emissions of the bigger tractors.

Since I can't work on anything, I would need to find somebody, which seems to be impossible.

My preference would have been an older machine if similar size and higher HP.

Or a smaller 1980 JD400 sized machine with Similar up.

My wife like the Kubota LX2610. It's her machine, so it stays.
Stay away from the belly mowers / MMM, Mid Mount Mowers on the Kubotas.
Our MMM and most other Kubota MMMs I've heard about are very much a pia to install, remove and service.
Our much older JD400 was way easier and 40 years older.
Should have got another front deck Toros - which we did. Or a 3 point finish or bush whacker and mirrors or rear camera instead. The MMM was a waste of money.

I wish they made a deck to mount to the front loader.

Several years back, I could have made something.

A front deck for a skid loader would attach, but be too heavy for the little machine.

You could always put a pump on the PTO somewhere to run it.

It would also be possible to rig something up to a front driveshaft setup for a snowblower or broom

 

[jrsavoie]

I don’t know enough about your property and needs to make any kind of good recommendation for you. I have a six acre property, and I bought a Scag Turff Tiger in 2013. It is still doing well. All I have had to do is change blades, changed the deck belt once, Oil and filter changes, and had to change the electric deck clutch switch once. It is an expensive purchase, but it will last if you take care of it. I also would look at Kioti mowers if you have a dealer where you live. There are a lot of good mowers. Having a servicing dealer near that will treat you like a customer is the most important thing in my mind. It appears that the John Deere folks are not really interested in mower customers. They had rather sell a $50 to $100K tractor. Just an old man’s opinion. Take it for what it is worth! Good luck.

I had a similar experience when shopping for a Suburban at a GMC dealer that mainly sold semi trucks many years ago.

It seemed they didn't want to be bothered selling any GMCs to anyone, unless they were a high dollar customer.
I was trying to buy a diesel Suburban 4x4 in 1999.
That was still a high dollar vehicle to us back then. And still today.

 

[rocco611]

I agree with Fxfymn41 , a subcompact like a Kubota bx with a mid mount mower will last much longer than a riding mower. I have a Kubota b7800 that I purchased new in 2004 that never has given me any trouble. I also have John Deere D170 riding mower that has less than a 100 hrs on it. The D170 is nothing but trouble.

​

 

[dhuhncke]

Hi All,
I have a Deere L130 lawn tractor that is at the end of its useful life. Last summer I was going to replace it with the equivalent Deere product. I called the 2 closest Deere dealerships, talked with a couple salesmen, and never heard back. I even emailed the dealerships. No replies. I guess I wasn't gonna be spending enough money.
Now, a year later, I REALLY need a new lawn tractor. And even though I wanted a John Deere a year ago I think I no longer do. With all the folks being fired and production being moved to Mexico I wonder if I buy a Deere product today if it will be supported 10 years from now. And I'm peeved that production is being moved to Mexico, with dramatically lower labor costs, without Deere lowering prices.
So, I'm looking for opinions on other brands. One thing I really like on my current machine is the electric clutch for the mower deck. I really dislike the belt clutches that just tension the belt with a lever. It has been my experience that the electric clutch systems have longer belt life, cheaper belts, because they are shorter, and have fewer problems. So I want a machine with the electric clutch.
Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Eric

I have a 2018 Massey GC1705 with loader and 60" mower this machine is basically a kuboda just costs LESS and has MORE lifting power in its class then kuboda. Its a 4x4 and it mows up side hills and other steep terrain like a little mountain goat. Tons of power in heavy grass since its diesel. Hood lifts up for ease of maintenance and its a metal hood not plastic like JD, they don't make the 1705 anymore but they upgraded it and its part of the GC series lineups. I would never buy John Deere half of the crap they make now a days is plastic and TOO much computer stuff. I grew up on a farm where not one damn tractor had a computer and they all still run today after 50 years!

 

[pacosperson]

Since you're asking about riding mowers...

I'm still very happy with my Husqvarna. I bought it at the "evil big box store" (Lowes), 8 years (?) ago. It currently has I think around 250 hrs on it. It has the orange welded "armored" deck, that some folks think you are only able to buy at a Husq dealer (not true).

Other than blades, and 1 battery 2-3 years ago, I haven't had to do anything to it. Not until this summer, when I ran over a couple of impervious objects that wiped out my mower spindles (took out the blades too). So I did just (a month ago) replace all 3 spindles, but that was due to operator mishap.

I pull carts, wagons and a sprayer with this riding mower, and have done so since it was new. I just used it today to pull my 30 gallon sprayer around and spray for grass and weeds in my gravel.

I think it cost me $2K when it was brand new, and I'm happy enough with it that I would buy another one if this one died.

I bought a Husqvarna with a locking differential due to hilly terrain. That was 14 years ago this month. It's a little over 500 hours. I tossed the original battery, built a battery box, and installed an automotive battery that would fit in its place. Then I tossed the original cheap, difficult, oil change valving and installed hard pipe.
This machine has not given me 10 seconds of trouble. All I do is swap out the blades and change the oil and filter. I hope they still build them with this quality.

 

[gp1200x]

I have had electric clutches on my mowers for the last 15 years and never had one go bad. Many are interchangeable so even if one did go bad you could find one pretty easily and cheaply. replacement is pretty simple and does not require motor removal. Most newer mowers over 2500 have an electric clutch. JD prices are high compared to what you get. I have looked at them and other brands and they are always prices $$$ higher for about the same quality nowadays. Buy a mower with a fabricatred deck since it will outlast the mower and these are now on many homeowner mowers. If you are getting a 48" cut or larger get 23HP or more. I really like the new ultima zero turn 50" Cub Cadetts with the fabricatred deck at Home Depot. Price is like $3600 now (was $3200 a year or two ago) but I think at the end of summer they may have a discount sale to get rid of any in stock. Buy one in a state that has no sales tax and transport it home. You could also get an HD credit card and get 10 percent off the price but I don't know if there is a cap