I am looking to take the leap from a yard tractor which I have had for almost 4 years, Husq YTH22V46, into a lighter garden tractor at 50 + inches.
My property is about 2 acres with 2/3 of an acre at a 15 - 25 degree slope. Pretty smooth though, no heavy brush or anything.
My Husqvarna has served me well, but I know that it is under powered, thus my reasoning for something beefier.
Now I primarily only use it for mowing. I do use it for towing my 40lb broadcast spreader, and once or twice a year I will tow my aerator and dethatcher. I plan on doing the same, no additions of tilling, snow plowing, etc. 99% of the time I'm just mowing.
My price range is under or around the $2,500 mark, so a few of the cheaper garden tractors have caught my eye. Here are what I was thinking for options.
1. Cub Cadet XTI GT 50 - seems like a good build quality, isn't 54" like I wanted though, more expensive than the other two choices.
2. Refurbished Craftsman 20408 - local outlet store has it for $1,900 with just cosmetic damage. Has a two year warranty, but who knows with Sears and their recent struggles. Reviews seem to be mixed.
3. Husqvarna LGT26K54 - I know this isn't a REAL garden tractor, and there are issues with the K46 transmission. It checks all my other boxes though. Can get it for $1,800 and then add on the $300 4 year Lowe's warranty. For $2,100 I do not have to worry since I'll have the extended Lowe's warranty, and then anything after that is playing with house money. If my YTH22V46 held up for almost 4 years on my property so far, shouldn't the LGT26K54?
Interested in hearing opinions!
My property is about 2 acres with 2/3 of an acre at a 15 - 25 degree slope. Pretty smooth though, no heavy brush or anything.
My Husqvarna has served me well, but I know that it is under powered, thus my reasoning for something beefier.
Now I primarily only use it for mowing. I do use it for towing my 40lb broadcast spreader, and once or twice a year I will tow my aerator and dethatcher. I plan on doing the same, no additions of tilling, snow plowing, etc. 99% of the time I'm just mowing.
My price range is under or around the $2,500 mark, so a few of the cheaper garden tractors have caught my eye. Here are what I was thinking for options.
1. Cub Cadet XTI GT 50 - seems like a good build quality, isn't 54" like I wanted though, more expensive than the other two choices.
2. Refurbished Craftsman 20408 - local outlet store has it for $1,900 with just cosmetic damage. Has a two year warranty, but who knows with Sears and their recent struggles. Reviews seem to be mixed.
3. Husqvarna LGT26K54 - I know this isn't a REAL garden tractor, and there are issues with the K46 transmission. It checks all my other boxes though. Can get it for $1,800 and then add on the $300 4 year Lowe's warranty. For $2,100 I do not have to worry since I'll have the extended Lowe's warranty, and then anything after that is playing with house money. If my YTH22V46 held up for almost 4 years on my property so far, shouldn't the LGT26K54?
Interested in hearing opinions!