Hi all, looking for some feedback on new lawn/garden tractors. I'd like to buy a new lawn/garden tractor for my hilly, bumpy, and often wet, with many obstacles, 1/2 acre yard. I also have a ridiculous amount of leaves in the Fall to collect, so I'm also shopping for a new leaf vacuum, something like a Cyclone Rake or DR Power.
I don't need a full on garden tractor like a Cub Cadet XT3 GSX, but I want something more substantial than a $1500 big box store lawn tractor so I can get a hydro tranny upgraded from the common TuffTorq K46, bigger tires, and even a locking diff. Before starting much reasearch, I thought $2000 would get me what I want, but realized I need to spend more like $3000 at least. That being said, I've narrowed my search down to the Cub Cadet XT GT50 or XT2 GX50 or the Husqvarva TS348D or TS348XD. I really dont want to spend anything over $4000 after tax, delivery etc.
I like the Husqvarnas better than the Cub Cadets, because of the slightly bigger tires, the locking diff, and the K66 vs K58 tranny all for a similar price as the Cub Cadets. The Husqvarnas don't seem as popular as the Cub Cadets though and I've read more complaints such as the weak frames.
With this tractor I'll be mowing, towing the leaf vacuum, towing mulch and soil in a dump cart, and maybe pulling some light ground engaging equipment like a dethatcher or aireator. I'd also like the option of using a front bucket like a Johnny Bucket.
Out of the Cub Cadets and Husqvarnas I listed, which bramd would you recommend? Or would you recommend something compleyely different?
I don't need a full on garden tractor like a Cub Cadet XT3 GSX, but I want something more substantial than a $1500 big box store lawn tractor so I can get a hydro tranny upgraded from the common TuffTorq K46, bigger tires, and even a locking diff. Before starting much reasearch, I thought $2000 would get me what I want, but realized I need to spend more like $3000 at least. That being said, I've narrowed my search down to the Cub Cadet XT GT50 or XT2 GX50 or the Husqvarva TS348D or TS348XD. I really dont want to spend anything over $4000 after tax, delivery etc.
I like the Husqvarnas better than the Cub Cadets, because of the slightly bigger tires, the locking diff, and the K66 vs K58 tranny all for a similar price as the Cub Cadets. The Husqvarnas don't seem as popular as the Cub Cadets though and I've read more complaints such as the weak frames.
With this tractor I'll be mowing, towing the leaf vacuum, towing mulch and soil in a dump cart, and maybe pulling some light ground engaging equipment like a dethatcher or aireator. I'd also like the option of using a front bucket like a Johnny Bucket.
Out of the Cub Cadets and Husqvarnas I listed, which bramd would you recommend? Or would you recommend something compleyely different?