Posted on 06/08/2005 5:59:41 AM PDT by TSgt
Forgive my vanity post, I never post them but I could use some advice and have assisted other Freepers with their vanity questions.
I'm buying my poor father a tractor for father's day so he doesn't die of heatstroke while push mowing his 1 acre lawn. I own a Craftsman twin cylinder 21HP tractor that I bought in 2001 and haven't had any problems with it other than replacing the deck but I’m hard on tractors.
I'm going to get one of 2 tractors and would like your opinion. If you were my father which one would you like to get for father's day?
Craftsman 19.0 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor Sears item #07127518000 Mfr. model #27518
OR
Cub Cadet 19HP* Kohler® Courage™ Single Cylinder Engine Model #: LT 1042
I can get either tractor for about $1,300.00
I prefer a twin engine tractor with more horsepower but don't believe he'll need it. He has a very flat 1 acre and isn't rough on tractors like I am so I believe either of these will do.
Any guidance or advice or personal opinions would greatly be appreciated.
Mike USAF
Ask your wife which tractor she thinks is sexier, then go with the opposite one.
Not sure what John Deere tractors go for, but I have one that's been VERY dependable for the last 5 years.
I don't have any advice to offer since I know nothing about tractors, but that's a very nice present to give to your father.
My husband has a John Deere X595 that he uses for our 3-acre property. It's a diesel with a 62-inch mowing deck. It's very reliable and accommodates a lot of attachments, such as a cart, 3-bag bagging system, snow plow and spreader. A few weeks ago, we used it to right a 20 ft. plum tree that had fallen over in the yard. They are more expensive than the ones you are considering, but they will last a life time with proper care.
I know nothing about Cub Cadet, but I beat the crap out of my Craftsman Garden Tractor with the 20 hp Kohler(?) engine. This is my 6th season and all I did, besides change the oil, was replace the battery this year.
I bought a craftsman tractor recently b/c the new Deere lawn tractors used the same components; the sears was $400 less. I would also consider supportability. Don't but the Sears MA, but consider service options on the CC: haul it to a mower shop, on site support, etc. I would expect most shops carry CC parts if your pop is DIY guy.
Nearly equal IMO, it comes down to maintenance, and usability (look, feel, seat, ride, comfort) for me.
I have online access to Consumer Reports so FReepmail me if you need further info
There can be a considerable difference between machines as to the driver's seat, comfort, positioning, etc..if the price is the same..take him to both dealers, let HIM drive them both...see which one he likes..
John Deere. Mine is 20 years old. Change the oil, sharpen the blades.
One thing to note, both Cub Cadet and John Deere have two line s of equipment. The inexpensive line carried by the big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes. There is a higher quality line carried by the factory dealers.
Cub Cadet has a nice zero turn lawn mower for about $1,400.
Make sure the engine has a cast iron sleeve and it should last years.
Second that, and will add pressure lubrication to the list. The best engines out there currently seem to be the Briggs Vanguard line and the Kawasakis. Some of the Briggs engines have cast iron sleeves, but are splash lubricated. Easy way to tell if it's a pressure lube system is to check to see if it has an oil filter.
Los Inmigrantes Ilegales - Specializing in those jobs that even American blacks don't want to do
I'd check the warranty before you buy him a new lawnmower, I'm not sure any of the models listed are guaranteed for that long. So unless dad just likes to "do it himself", think about getting him a Mexican!
Both sound like a little overkill for the intended application, but are a damn fine gift. Want to adopt me as your dad? I would love a John Deere L110, hydrostatic drive with a bagger.
Seriously, a coworker has the similar model Sears tractor and has had persistent trouble with the transmission. No one else I know of has had a similar problem.
Like others have said, it's basically an apples to apples comparison, so comfort for your dad and service ease would be deciding factors.
There's not $10 difference in the two mowers. I have a Craftsman 18hp that is pretty much the same one you have listed - the one you have listed is just the new version. I have not had a lot of trouble out of it - other than blowing fuses for no apparent reason, and awfully short battery life. Deck belt is not very long lasting, Deck engagement cable broke last month - part has been on order for two weeks.... still waiting.
I actually am pretty hard on the mower.
If the same price - I personally would buy the Cub if presented with the same choice. Some nice features on the Cub that the Craftsman doesn't have. I don't know that the 13 guage vs. 12 guage (12 is thicker) will make much difference unless your dad is going to mow rocks! The deck cleaning system on the Cub also sound convenient.
What nice gift for your Father, either way!
If you really love him get him something with green paint (john deere)
Same here! We own a 20 year old John Deere 210 as well as a 17 year old Honda self propelled mower! They both run great! My husband prefers the Honda, the Deere is too big for mowing the hills on the side of the house. Can't beat either one for dependability!
I'm sure he would appreciate a V-twin.
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