Which MTD?

[mctoy]

Hello to all! Second post. Looking at a 19 HP Troy built super bronco and a 21 HP Yardman......TB has 42" deck, Yardman 46" TB has Kohler twin cam engine, Yardman has Briggs twin cyl cast iron (Itec or whatever they call it) Both mowers same price at different places ($1099) Both automatics also. I know the chasis is identical, even down to wireing (MTD) but is there a better buy here in your opinion. Have about an acre that is mowed every 1-2 weeks in growing season. I am partial somewhat to (at least the 5hp plus)Briggs motors. The TB LOOKS nicer, the yardman is the black color.....What kind of reliability can I expect from these mowers/trannies, or should I save for a more expensive model?
Thanks-MCTOY

[jodyand]

Is the Yardman a Hydro? I think the TB is a variable speed drive which means it has gears but uses pulleys to act like a auto. Or at least they did that may have changed this year.

[vrocco1]

Hmmm I wonder what fbeard would think? ROF

The truth is that neither is a strong machine, however, either one will probably last you a good long time. IMHO they are very similar in terms of durability and functionality.

I'm with Jodyand. Look and make sure they have a hydro. If the yardman is a hydro, and the TB is not, then I think you have your answer. Do you have the option of waiting and buying a more expensive machine?

Also, have you looked at craftsman or cub? You might be able to find a better machine in the same price range, especially at sears. Plus, I think you'd find somewhat better support there also.

Good luck whatever you decide. The important thing is that you have fun! :trink39:

[Jim_WV]

mctoy, are you sure your looking at a Yardman , or is it a Yard Machine ?. Unless Yardman changed some color schemes, they always had the green body with yellow hood and yellow wheels and seat. (similar to JD colors ). I had a 94 Yardman 15 HP, and after 6 years had to have new rings put in it, and deck guards welded a couple times, but granted I worked that little tractor hard year round mowing 1.5 acres, hauling everything under the sun, and moving snow all winter. The mechanic told me because I mow on a hill it was not good on a splash lube engine like I had and should consider a v-twin with pressure lube next time I buy. Finally sold it after 9 years and just recentley saw the guy I sold it to and he says it's still doing fine and he even moves snow with it too in the winter.

As mentioned, I think Craftsman is something to consider too. If all you are mowing is an acre and not wanting to do much else besides maybe tow a cart or move some snow, then there are plenty of machines around that will handle it for a long time, with proper maintenance.

Slammer will probably post his points for buying a tractor soon, so that may give you something to consider too :fing32:

[mctoy]

Jim,
Think you might be correct...It may be yard 'machine' rather than 'man'......Do many show such ignorance on just their second post? (Oh well, at least Ive been consistent for 47 years!) I will check out Sears tomorrow for "pre - season" bargains. Just gettin too old to do this much grass by hand anymore. Want something that'll last with good P.M. on it. I do believe that both of these are the automatic ie: belt system tho. You must manually shift into Reverse rather than just pushing back on the peddle. Thank you all for your input. What are your thoughts/experience with the twin cylinder Briggs motor? I see that many brands use them, and have had good experience with other Briggs motors. (Over 5 hp, good maintenance) Also what about cast iron axles? Necessary? or nice to have?

Thanks again to all
MCTOY

[jodyand]

Hey yardman or yard machine easy to get mixed up. Everyone that i know that has the twin Briggs has had no problem so i believe them to be a good motor. As far as the cast iron axles i think they all pretty much have them now but unless your yard is rough i don't thing its necessary but it is nice to have.

[Jim_WV]

mctoy, hey like Jodyand said it's easy to get mixed up, especially with yard machine or yardman, don't fret it, I go around half the time mixed up ROF . As for the v-twin briggs, I have the 20HP Intek going on it's 3rd. year now with 130 hrs, no problems to date, and it's a smooth running engine :).

Personally I think most of these small lawn tractors built today will fail body wise before the engine ever does. Have fun shopping and take your time :).

[glenn27]

Mctoy-as has been posted here B-4, another option (especially @ this time of year) is used dealers close by, even competing dealers might have a trade-in or comeback or something they want to unload...Also locally we have a weekly "Trading Post" newspaper that you can buy, comes out every week-lot's of private owners...
LOL w/ whatever you purchase....Keep us informed...

[mctoy]

This is Mctoys wife, Question. We went to 4 Lawnmower Dealers sunday.Out of all the lawnmowers I like the Cub Cadet Model LT1042. I'm 5'3 ok. So i'm small now.Oh it has a Hydrostatic drive, 42" cut, 19hp, Price 1,599.00. I like it cause I can get on it start it up drive. No shifting or anything like the belt drive does. Hope I haven't confused anyone. openions appr. thanks Mrs. McToy..Oh I don'y do puncuations Ha Ha...

[Jim_WV]

Mrs. Mctoy, I say if you like it, then tell Mr. Mctoy to start writing the check ROF

Seriously, here is a couple of reviews on the LT1042, might want to read, overall it appears to be a good price and a nice lawn tractor.
http://www.compacttractorreview.com/review-Cub-Cadet-LT1042_13279.aspx

[Tvern13]

If you have to shift for going from forward to reverse (usually with a Hi and lo range forward) then those are variable speed drives and not true hydrostats. I have the 25HP V-twin Briggs in my MTD Pro GT and it has over 100 hr. with no problems. Mine also has the variable speed drive and haven't had any problems from it yet either. Mine even survived a dunking by Katrina. Good luck on your choice but whatever you buy be sure to post pics of it. We like pics..... LOTS of pics :bannana: :bannana: :bannana: .

[mctoy]

Thanks guys....By the way how do you post pics?????

[Jim_WV]

Thanks guys....By the way how do you post pics?????

This thread will explain picture posting for you. There is also help under site questions on more picture posting :).
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=16214

[mctoy]

http://www.mytractorforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4810&stc=1


My car ............Thanks guys Think I have too much time on my hands today Ha Ha...This is a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2 door {Of course Ha Ha }..thanks again hope I haven't bugged anyone.....

[Jim_WV]

Well done Mctoy and nice looking vehicle :fing32:

[Bohica]

Here they are once again folks...Slammers famous three point checklist for mower buying success...


1. Carefully evaluate the size mower you need and buy at least one size larger.

2. NEVER buy a mower from ANYPLACE that will not let you test drive it or at least a similar model. Ergonomics are just as important as performance and capability.(Vitally important!)

3. DO NOT base your purchase on price or brand name alone! Do proper research and find all of the available models that fit your criteria and haggle, save, or trade to get the right equipment for the job. Do not compromise!

If you follow these three tips you will end up a happy camper with just the right unit for the job. If you disregard this advice your gonna end up with One or the other of the following problems:

A. Buyers remorse. Stuck with a piece of junk or simply a unit inadequate for the task at hand.

Or..

B. A teed off spouse when you start shopping for another tractor just 3 - 6 months down the road because you did'nt buy the right unit in the first place.

Now go forth and shop and try and have fun!

[Tvern13]

Have you also looked at the Craftsman's. I'm hearing rumors that the new AYP products (Craftsman and Husqvarna) may have the foot pedal controls back for the hydro's but they are closing out the older models now and you might find one at a good price. I particularly liked the Cub Cadet SLT 1554 but if I had to buy another garden tractor tomorrow I'd look really hard at the Cub Cadet 2554. Really like that cast iron rearend. Probably more than you want or need but the closeout prices on some of the Craftsman GT's look good also.

[mctoy]

Hi guys Mrs Mctoy:
I looked for the nearest dealer, and the only one I could find is 25 to 50 miles away. But it was worth it when we went back the price was lowered to 1499.99. and they took 50.00 off the bagger. well gotta run busy busy and just in time for his Birthday :bannana:

[lb59]

if I had to buy another garden tractor tomorrow I'd look really hard at the cub cadet gt2554.


Can't beat it for moving up out of the lawn tractor crowd.
Got lucky on mine at $3500.00 new.

[lb59]

I wouldn't buy anything without cast iron axles.
When you get away from them you're getting into cheap and flimsy.

[TribulationForce]

Just a note to other folks, This thread is from Jan of 2006

[CCinCT]

Can't beat it for moving up out of the lawn tractor crowd.
Got lucky on mine at $3500.00 new.

I bought my 2006 Cub Cadet 2544 for $4.95. But the special limited edition optional 44" deck cost me an additional $3,195.04.

[lb59]

I bought my 2006 Cub Cadet 2544 for $4.95. But the special limited edition optional 44" deck cost me an additional $3,195.04.Ya got took .
Ya coulda got the 50'' deck and 100 gallons of free gas for $2995.95.

[CCinCT]

Ya got took .
Ya coulda got the 50'' deck and 100 gallons of free gas for $2995.95.
Where? Give me an actually dealer and location this time.