cruzenmike
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- Joined
- Feb 10, 2017
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So, I sold my 2019 Radius E this past week. I had a couple of reasons for doing it, mostly because I was spending $130 a month (financed) just to cut my lawn, and also because the machine is good for only one thing Ever since I moved to the country I have had a dream of owning a Kubota BX23S with a mid mount mower. But, my wife and my wallet do not share the same dream. For the time being I am cutting my entire yard, which is approximately 1 acre, with a 21" mower. I am not at work due to COVID-19 so time is not an issue, but I know that this cannot be a long term solution with returning to work soon, having 2 kids and other obligations. Now, this where things get difficult. I can certainly afford the $6000 for a good riding mower/garden tractor, but in doing so I would likely hurt my chances of getting the Kubota down the road so I am tempted to be a bit more conservative. The fact that a mower deck for the BX costs only $2000 is what keeps me from having both a ZTR and the BX. It makes perfect sense to me to have just one machine for all that I need on my property, and trust me when I say that I have plenty to do with a front end loader, backhoe and 3-point attachments in addition to the mower. So for the time being, the only option is to get a riding mower that is under $3000 and hope that in a year or so I have retained some of the resale value, enough to eventually sell and upgrade to that Kubota I want.
Here is what I am looking at and why: I have also included a thing or two which I don't like about them.
- John Deere X330/X350 ($2699-2999 on sale): Very well built, longest warranty and highest resale value at it's price point. I have absolutely no issues having the Briggs engine, but would take the Kawasaki if it is quieter and if it will help the resale. I do not care much for the differences between the 42" and 48" deck designs and would not want to have to get a blower for the 48" deck.
- Cub Cadet XT2 LX 46 FAB ($2499 on sale): Decent warranty, effortless steering, fabricated deck, EFI engine, less expensive bagger than Deere. I had an issue with the cut quality on an LX42 I bought last year, but it was a stamped deck and was warped from the factory. My hope is that the thicker, fabricated deck would be less problematic. While EFI of this type in a consumer mower is not tried and true, I have no hesitation since the warranty would cover it as long as I own it.
- Husqvarna TS248G/XD ($2999-3099): Widest cut, 3 blade deck doesn't require powered assist for bagger, automatic diff lock or ground engaging hydrostatic. I have issues with the quality of these machines. They are some of the highest failure rates in the industry and despite the added benefit of better transmissions, beefier components or larger engines, it is for nothing if the machine is more likely to break down.
This is certainly not an all inclusive list as I have also considered slightly better mowers by all 3 manufactures, but if I am to stay within budget I must draw a line somewhere. I would certainly consider something less expensive if someone could make a good point for it and if their own experience has been good. I do appreciate the upgrades and improvements found in more expensive machines, but do not believe in spending more for something than what it is "worth." Lastly, I will not buy anything used. I have gone down that road many times and have NEVER had good luck.
I would like to hear from anyone who has these exact models so that I can figure out what I would like to get.
Thank you.
Mike
Here is what I am looking at and why: I have also included a thing or two which I don't like about them.
- John Deere X330/X350 ($2699-2999 on sale): Very well built, longest warranty and highest resale value at it's price point. I have absolutely no issues having the Briggs engine, but would take the Kawasaki if it is quieter and if it will help the resale. I do not care much for the differences between the 42" and 48" deck designs and would not want to have to get a blower for the 48" deck.
- Cub Cadet XT2 LX 46 FAB ($2499 on sale): Decent warranty, effortless steering, fabricated deck, EFI engine, less expensive bagger than Deere. I had an issue with the cut quality on an LX42 I bought last year, but it was a stamped deck and was warped from the factory. My hope is that the thicker, fabricated deck would be less problematic. While EFI of this type in a consumer mower is not tried and true, I have no hesitation since the warranty would cover it as long as I own it.
- Husqvarna TS248G/XD ($2999-3099): Widest cut, 3 blade deck doesn't require powered assist for bagger, automatic diff lock or ground engaging hydrostatic. I have issues with the quality of these machines. They are some of the highest failure rates in the industry and despite the added benefit of better transmissions, beefier components or larger engines, it is for nothing if the machine is more likely to break down.
This is certainly not an all inclusive list as I have also considered slightly better mowers by all 3 manufactures, but if I am to stay within budget I must draw a line somewhere. I would certainly consider something less expensive if someone could make a good point for it and if their own experience has been good. I do appreciate the upgrades and improvements found in more expensive machines, but do not believe in spending more for something than what it is "worth." Lastly, I will not buy anything used. I have gone down that road many times and have NEVER had good luck.
I would like to hear from anyone who has these exact models so that I can figure out what I would like to get.
Thank you.
Mike