We have a Husqvara 42" lawn tractor (YTH18542) with a Briggs & Stratton OHV engine. It's 7 yrs old with 200 hrs on it.
We've had no problems with it until last week. The engine clanked a couple times then quit in a cloud of smoke. The shop says we can go with a short block for $800, a new engine for $1200, or give us a hundred off buying a new tractor using our current one as a trade in.
At first we thought to just get a new tractor but when we looked at the new models under 2 grand they no longer have a PTO, hour meter, or ammeter and we like those features. We are also thinking the quality of the new tractors isn't as high as what we've got.. at least in the under 2G category.
So now we're thinking to have ours repaired...maybe. What would you experts say we do? Is it worth spending that much on a 7 yr old/200 hr tractor? If it is, should we go the short block or new engine option?? Or just buy a whole new tractor??
We've had no problems with it until last week. The engine clanked a couple times then quit in a cloud of smoke. The shop says we can go with a short block for $800, a new engine for $1200, or give us a hundred off buying a new tractor using our current one as a trade in.
At first we thought to just get a new tractor but when we looked at the new models under 2 grand they no longer have a PTO, hour meter, or ammeter and we like those features. We are also thinking the quality of the new tractors isn't as high as what we've got.. at least in the under 2G category.
So now we're thinking to have ours repaired...maybe. What would you experts say we do? Is it worth spending that much on a 7 yr old/200 hr tractor? If it is, should we go the short block or new engine option?? Or just buy a whole new tractor??