I'm in the market for a lawn tractor for my new home, and after a lot of looking, research, and consideration, I've chosen to go with a Husqvarna. From what I've read and tried out(briefly) they seem to be among the more reliable entry level tractors and give you the most bang for your buck. That being said, I'm wavering on which model to go with. Here is what I'm thinking currently:
1. YTH18k46
I originally thought about the 42 since my yard is only about 3/4 acre of grass and I"ve got a few tight spots to get in to, but the guy at the local dealer was telling me about problems with the 42 inch decks delivering a good cut. ANyone comment on this? I have literally not read that anywhere. I like the Kawasaki engine, from what I've read, but this is also the most expensive mower I've looked at, and really stretches my budget at about $1750
2. YTH22V46
Roughly the same mower, just with a Briggs. It has more horsepower, but everyone seems to say go with the Kawasaki. I have had horrible luck with Briggs engines on our sickle bar mowers for our tree farm, but my snow blower engine seems to work fine(although only after one year). This would be the more affordable tractor at $1550.
3. YTH23V42
This one is a 42, what I was originally looking at (for size at least). Again, a Briggs engine, but a nicer reinforced deck with 4 anti scalp wheels, etc. Also not as cheap at $1650.
So what do people think? Is the extra 4 inches of deck worth it, or is a nicer deck more important? And perhaps more importantly, which is a bigger deal, engine or deck? I would have said engine without thinking twice, unless of course there is not a big difference between the Briggs and Kawa. Is the Kawa worth the extra $200? Keeping in mind that I originally was looking to spend no more than $13-1400.(never should have test ridden the hydros!) I would greatly appreciate any advice you have!
Oh, one last thing: does any AYP/craftsman/Husq bagger work with these?
1. YTH18k46
I originally thought about the 42 since my yard is only about 3/4 acre of grass and I"ve got a few tight spots to get in to, but the guy at the local dealer was telling me about problems with the 42 inch decks delivering a good cut. ANyone comment on this? I have literally not read that anywhere. I like the Kawasaki engine, from what I've read, but this is also the most expensive mower I've looked at, and really stretches my budget at about $1750
2. YTH22V46
Roughly the same mower, just with a Briggs. It has more horsepower, but everyone seems to say go with the Kawasaki. I have had horrible luck with Briggs engines on our sickle bar mowers for our tree farm, but my snow blower engine seems to work fine(although only after one year). This would be the more affordable tractor at $1550.
3. YTH23V42
This one is a 42, what I was originally looking at (for size at least). Again, a Briggs engine, but a nicer reinforced deck with 4 anti scalp wheels, etc. Also not as cheap at $1650.
So what do people think? Is the extra 4 inches of deck worth it, or is a nicer deck more important? And perhaps more importantly, which is a bigger deal, engine or deck? I would have said engine without thinking twice, unless of course there is not a big difference between the Briggs and Kawa. Is the Kawa worth the extra $200? Keeping in mind that I originally was looking to spend no more than $13-1400.(never should have test ridden the hydros!) I would greatly appreciate any advice you have!
Oh, one last thing: does any AYP/craftsman/Husq bagger work with these?