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Final Decision Time: Three 42" Husq. Options

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deandome

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
I want the best sub-$2K 42" lawn tractor I can get (I have a Suncast shed w56" opening, so while I can fit a 44" or 46", it'll be tight). Mulching ability/prowess is important, I will be mulching. I have about 3/4 acre, mostly flat, not too many obstacles & won't be using power attachments (snow blower), but I will use sweepers, carts, dethatcher, etc.).

After almost a week of obsessive internet comparisons/checking out dealers, these are the models I'm zeroing in on, with some reasonings & questions for each.

1) 2010 YTH22V42LS. Okay...I've got the guy down to $2100, a bit over my goal. I like the heavier duty engine, frame & mower deck, especially the fabricated mower deck. But will that deck work well for mulching kits? I was thinking that a sculpted/rounded stamped-deck shape might create more 'air-action' vs. the slab-sided fab-deck...but what do I know?

2) 2009 2042LS. He's got 'em down to $1850, and it has all the features of the 22V42LS w/a smaller motor (no biggie to me) and a stamped deck (though it has 4 anti-scalp wheels unlike the option below). This seems like a great deal, but that serious-looking fabricated deck & extra horses on the 22V42LS seem like they might be worth the extra $250 (but again, perhaps the stamped deck will be more mulching-friendly).

3) YTH 22V42. $1599, my main concerns are a) 2 anti-scalp wheels vs. 4, b) is the hydro the same/same quality of the LS models, or are they more heavy-duty than this one, c) is the Intek motor really any less long-lasting than the Endurance versions, if I take care of it?

4) Still in my mind, the Allis-Chalmers AC130 (simplicity tractor w/Snapper deck), Deere 135SE (is their 'custom' B&S engine as tough as an Endurance...is the hydro solid/good?) and Snapper LT125 (I can get the 46" with the K46 hydro for only $1999..is that really any better than the Husqvarna hydro? And do 3-blade decks much as well as/better than 2-bladers?).

So, keying on #1-3, what do you think the best value is? And other than the intek motor, what else makes the LS versions better & potentially more long-lived than the $1599 22V42 (I know the frame uses heavier metal, but I don't see me ever cracking/bending that). And are their any others I should look at (I'd love the simplicity 42, but at $2500, I just can't go there).

Thank you!!
 
#2 ·
I don't envy you. I'm in the same boat, in that today I decided to go with Husq over JD and Cub. I'm looking at the 23, 24, and 26 hp LS's. Tough choices.

Regarding your Option # 3, I noticed that this machine has manual blade engagement vs. electric PTO. Does that matter? Also, compare the air filter on the Intek engine to the air filter on the Endurance engine. To me, the Endurance air filter setup seemed better sealed. From what I've read, ingesting dust and dirt really tears the motors up (no brainer there). Also, it appears the 24V42 is not equipped with a brush guard. Is that important?

Both options #2 & #3 have smaller fuel tanks than option #1 (2.5 gals vs. 3 gals).

All three options appear to be equipped with the same transaxle (Tuff Torq K46).

Check the warranty, one of the machines is a 2-year, the other two are 3-year/5-year homeowner warranty's.

Regarding the Intek engine, look at the oil drain; the drain valve is very short and if it clears the tractor frame it does so just barely. Might be a little messy performing an oil change. The Endurance engines have a long oil drain hose that fully extends past the frame. Oil changes should be clean and easy.

That fabricated mower deck is is really something, and the reinforcement strip along the bottom of the deck seems like an armor belt on a battleship. I wouldn't worry about mulching with that mower deck. The dealer I'm working with showed me the mulching blades...OMG. Horrible looking things, I think I saw them as a prop in the movie Braveheart! No doubt those things will shred grass.

A dealer in my area has specs for all the models on their website:
http://www.issaquahhondakubota.com/showcaseproductslist.htm?Brand=157&Type=2652
I'm not a dealer, I'm not affiliated with them in any way. I'm linking this only for informational purposes. Maybe you'll find this useful.
 
#3 ·
Hi deandome,

I just picked up a 22V42LS that I love. I am about to go do my second mow on her. My dealer really had great things to say about the deck, and that is what put me over the top. I like the Endurance engine and love the comfort of this machine. She cuts great too. This is my first LT, and I wanted to get one that was built a bit tougher than I needed. Since the deck and the transaxle are usually the weak links, that is why I chose this model over the LA135. You won't be dissappointed with the quality of this machine, and I think that the extra $300.00 is money well spent. I hope this helps. Good luck with your choice!
 
#4 ·
If the LS unit is in your price range definitely pick that one up over the non LS the fabricated deck is by far worth the money. Also, it has a more heavy duty frame than the non LS version.

Engine wise the Vanguard or Endurance are better and more commercial engines than the Intek (Intek is still good just a lower end engine). The Endurance engine is the easiest to perform services on in my opinion I like the long oil drain on it so you don't spill oil all over the frame.

The fab deck has the mulching kit that comes with the gator style blades, baffles, and the plug. On the old style stamped deck you just get mulching blades and a plug. I have one customer we just installed the mulching kit on his YTH24V48LS and he loves it compared to the mulching kit on his old stamped deck.

If I am correct the YTH22V42 has the manual blade engagement on it opposed to the electric PTO, I would go with the electric PTO over the manual any day.
Also, I believe that the gas tank on that YTH22V42 is under the hood so harder to get at, on the LS version it is on the fender so it is easier to fill for you.

All in all I would look at the YTH22V42LS or that left over model and veer away from the YTH22V42, unless you don't want to spend the money for the LS version.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Tyler,

Just curious... the only reason you would not recommend 22V42 is due to lack of automatic PTO and the location of the gas tank?

As a new home owner with a bigger lot (.9 acres with some trees, obstacles and slanted backyard) I am in the market for a new mower. I decided that purchasing a push or even self-propelled mower would essentially be a waste of time (probably 1 - 1.5hr to cut my grass) so I figured it would be worth spending extra cash for the riding mower up front and save myself time and hopefully hassle with cutting grass.

I do not know a darn thing about mowers, but given my "research" and needs (cut the grass and most likely putting a snowplow for the winter), I narrowed it down to Husq YTH22V42 (maybe 22V46 since they're the same mower just one is 4" wider) and John Deere LA135SE. I'm planning to go to a dealer this Saturday and most likely buy 22V42, but I'm interested as to why would you not prefer this over other models? Yes, the cost is a factor for me (trying to keep it under $1,600) and I saw Craftsman supposed to have 20% on their tractors next week.

Any input as to which tractor would suit my needs would be greatly appreciated: under acre land with obstacles and some 15% slopping in the rear and plowing or blowing snow for the winter. I am not planning on hauling heavy items around my property (maybe moving some shrubs/dirt when landscaping, but nothing major). I have not decided if I wanted to mulch yet, but I think bagging my suit my needs better since I travel quite often and, thus, would not have the time to cut my grass 2+ times a week.

My reason for the Husq: seems very comfortable compared to JD; a bit cheaper; seems like a well built / good quality product; apparently V-Twin is better than a single-cylinder engine, so for under $1,600, this seems to fit the bill.

Thanks for all the help :)
 
#6 ·
The 22V42 is listed in the 2010 catalog as not having a front roller on the mower deck. That, coupled with only 2 anti-scalp wheels, may adversely affect mowing quality, or perhaps there would be undue wear and tear on the mower deck from hitting obstructions.

Just a thought...
 
#7 · (Edited)
I have no idea what "front roller" is (care to explain in a sentence or two?), but what mower would you recommend that's at/around/under $1,600?

Looking at Husq website [LINK], it appears the next model up that would satisfy all my needs is 23V48? Any thoughts on this tractor? It is out of my price range, but I guess if I'll have less worry down the line then I might have to crunch some numbers and see if it would be worth it....
 
#8 · (Edited)
The front roller is just a nose roller to keep the deck from skalping if you have a flat property you don't need that feature anyway its more for just hilly areas.

For the amount of mowing you are doing any would work fine. I just didn't recommend that non LS version since you were looking at the LS models since they have fab decks, heavier frame, better transmission, better fuel location, electric pto, and some cosmetic features. But if you are looking for price and quality under 2k any of the non LS models would be fine for you, since you don't have an overwhelming area to mow.

I would not plow with any unit since it is very strenous on the transmission I would go with a plow which any Husqvarna is able to do. The LS models with the locking differential would make blowing easier than on the non-LS models but it will still blow the snow fine.
 
#9 · (Edited)
First let me say I'm new to this dance. I'm not a dealer, or sales rep, or technician or mechanic. All I know is what I've read and digested from print and internet sources, talking with people at the dealerships, and hands-on test drives.

I have no idea what "front roller" is (care to explain in a sentence or two?),
Click to expand...
A front roller (nose roller) is a rolling pin shaped wheel mounted to the front of the mower deck. It serves as an anti-scalp device, without which the operator would have to be a bit more careful mowing at lower cutting heights, lest the deck might scalp the turf or worse, the mower deck really digging in and high-centering the tractor. Without a front roller, the potential for damage to the mower deck, mounting hardware, or both might be greater.

...what mower would you recommend that's at/around/under $1,600?
Click to expand...
I can't/won't recommend anything, I've zero time in the saddle actually using one of these machines. I do encourage you to go to the dealerships and sit on the machines, fiddle with the controls, drive them if possible. It's one thing to read specs and look at pictures. Seeing them up close, sitting on them, driving them...that's when/where you'll have the "a-ha" moment.

It sounds like you're pretty set in your price point. For what the 23V48 is offering, I'd stay with the 22V42. The features you'd be paying for in the 23V48 you probably could go without. Seems to me they're mainly convenience items. Just be sure to check for the front (nose) roller and ask the sales rep about it. I think when you compare the LA135SE to the 22V42, you're gonna see/feel a significant difference.

Just my $0.02...Hope this helps.
 
#10 ·
CSL95 said:
I think when you compare the LA135SE to the 22V42, you're gonna see/feel a significant difference.
Click to expand...
As in preferring Husq over JD? I did sit on LA115/145 and Husq 21K46 (I think?) albeit at Lowe's, but Husq did feel more sturdier and more comfy... at least, that was my initial observation.

CSL95 said:
Just my $0.02...Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
It helps A TON! And I do appreciate any input form you gents. One thing that frustrates me is that I have no experience with riding mowers so spending this kind of money on something so foreign to me not only seems ludicrous (I mean, I'm cutting grass - no offense), but I want to know if I'm doing the right thing... Then again, pushing the mower for an hour or two doesn't seem like something I want to spend my weekends..

Again, :thanku: for all the help! Glad I found this forum! :fing32:


Going to two dealers this Saturday and see if/what they have to say regarding YTH22v42 vs YTH23V48 and the nose roller. Maybe get some sort of deal if getting both the mower and the bagger -- if that's even possible?
 
#11 ·
To get a deal? I mean Husqvarna has their map pricing that dealers can't go below (aren't supposed to at least), but none the less it is possible to get a deal from the dealers I doubt you will get the bagger for free but maybe some kind of discount, we normally just set up the machine install any features the customer would want that are extra on the machine, free of charge and deliver free within a 20mile radius. I don't know how your dealers are but I personally don't stock the baggers just because there are so many different once since they vary with the deck size so I normally have to order that in for the customer, being a True-Value store as well makes that nice since I can get that bagger from them on my True-Value truck rather than having to just order from Husqvarna, lose profit but gain time and no additional freight from what is normally charged.
 
#12 ·
tylerm2007 said:
To get a deal? I mean Husqvarna has their map pricing that dealers can't go below (aren't supposed to at least), but none the less it is possible to get a deal from the dealers I doubt you will get the bagger for free but maybe some kind of discount
Click to expand...
Tyler,

I didn't think I would get anything for free, but I was (am?) hopeful some sort of a discount would be applied. Again, I am completely new to the world of riding mowers. The only reason I'm getting one in the first place is due to my new house (I love the size of the land, but am not willing to spend half the Saturday pushing the mower).

As far discounts go (and topic for another discussion), I understand it's tough for dealers to compete with Big Box Stores, but the incentive to a regular customer like myself seems like a no-brainer (12mo. same as cash + 10% off, while Sears is doing free delivery).

Either way, I do appreciate all the input. I'm trying to learn as much as possible in shortest time as possible.
 
#13 ·
I'm in the same boat as you and looking as well. I grew up with a John Deere 140 H3, then didn't have to mow for 15 years. Now married with about 0.5 acre to mow. Looking at the 100 series JD's, don't care too much for them. Definitely want hydro drive, but the forward and reverse pedals are too close together for me (size 15 4E shoe).

I've been looking at the 23V48 at Lowes, even test drove one at a dealer. Had a good turning radius and overall felt pretty solid. I was told the electric PTO was better than the manual as it engages faster and won't wear the belt as long, not sure if that is accurate or not though.

For me, unless I jump to the LS series, the 23V48 would be the one for me. Then again, for the price, I can have my lawn cut, trimmed and cleared 55 times using the lawn service.
 
#14 ·
Husqvarna has financing available to them with GE you can ask your dealer about the terms since I don't know them off the top of my head I normally just go over the tractors and then let the owner's handle the financing end of it. I just want to repair and sell mowers not worry about how they get paid for.

As to the electric pto being better on belts that is true, the reason being it is engaging the belts quicker than you can do manually, belt is always tight on the electric pto and on the manual you are loosening and re-tightening the blades every time you engage and disengage the blades.

HDmstng not to say anything wrong with the JD's but the ones at Lowes, from what I have heard from JD lovers that have come into my store to purchase the Husqvarna's, they are telling me they are junk. Again I have not personally looked at them nor seen any of the newer ones but I do know from working on the units, we repair all brands not just what we sell, JD's are the hardest units to work on and Husqvarna's are the easiest to work on. So maitenence on Husqvarna's is by far the easiest I have yet to see and I have been working on tractors for a long time now and have seen everything from the cheapest mtd to toro groundsmasters. So if you do your own maitenece on your units that is a huge consideration since everything is very easily accessible on their units, and the hinged hood with no bolts is by far the feature I like the most, just take the hood off and set it to the side and not have to have it in the way while servicing an engine.
 
#15 · (Edited)
As in preferring Husq over JD?
Click to expand...
Yes.

Do this: Go to the JD dealership first. You'll certainly be able to sit on the different machines. If you can, test drive the LA135SE (the model you indicated interest in. If it's not available, just work up the food chain). Then, just for fun, test drive an X300 or even better, an X320. The X300 series is way past your price point I know, but you should still at least sit on one, if not drive one. It's the feeling/experience you're after. That's what you'll take with you to Husqvarna. I truly believe you'll notice a distinct difference between the LA135SE and the 22V42. The Husky should feel firmer under foot, throttle controls a little more solid. Be sure to adjust the seat so the controls (foot pedals, steering, throttle) fit you better ergonomically. Feel/touch/tap the fenders and mower deck; the JD will probably feel a little thinner, the Husky firmer. When you drive the Husky, I think you'll feel the ride is closer to the X300 than the LA135SE. Look at the engine hoods on both machines. The JD is a plastic composite, the Husky is metal. The transaxle on the JD is a Tuff Torq T40J, the Husky a TT K46. The T40J isn't listed on the Tuff Torq website, so unless you dig deep you can't find specifications for it.

If it sounds like I'm trying to bag on JD, that's not it. I originally started out in the JD X320 camp, but I told myself to be open to other options. I went to JD three times, Husqvarna three times, and Cub Cadet twice. I looked at two different models of Cubs, sat in them and drove them. There was just something about the CC, "JDFR" (just didn't feel right). Went to JD, drove an X300R, a LA175, and the X320. Almost went all in on the X320. Then, after reading a post here, I went to Husqvarna. Drove the YTH24V48LS and the GTH27V52LS. WOW...to me, they felt every bit a nice as the X320, for $1,700 less. Yeah, JD has a 4 year/300 hour warranty on the X300 series (2 year/120 hour on the LA series), but the Husqvarna homeowner warranty is 3 year/5 year on the frame and front axle, no hour limits (Tylerm correct me if I'm wrong). The husvarna's look good, feel good, sound good. Comparing features between the JD and Husqvarna, for me it was a no-brainer, Husky was the better value play for my situation.

Now if I could just settle on a model...:banghead3
 
#16 ·
Thanks Tyler and I have to agree, the 100 series JD's like at lowes and the such don't impress me all that much. And thanks for confirming about the electric PTO vs. manual engagement. Belt life and easier to use is a big plus.

Don't want to hijack the thread, but one other option I have been kicking around that I didn't mention, is picking up a used JD 318. Going back to my JD 140 roots with that one, but not sure if really need the ground engagement it can provide, much less the additional mechanical issues that will probably be had with a 20 year old mower. It's more of the fun/cool factor with that more than my needs.
 
#18 ·
CSL95 said:
Yes.
Click to expand...
CSL.. Thanks so much for the input! That's exactly what I have been looking for.

Like I said, I did take a look at JD and Husq tractors at Lowe's and Husq just felt more like a machine than a toy (essentially what you have described, a solid machine vs more "plastic" feel of JD). I am aware of JD's X series, but I am not willing to go that route as I do not have the need for anything other than cutting my lawn and most likely plowing slow in winter.

For by budget needs (around $1,500), I think I have already made up my mind (maybe too fast?) as to which brand to buy -- Husqvarna. So now it's down to which model (22V42 vs 23V48) and hopefully the dealer(s) will be able to provide me with some (maybe logical) guidance that would meet my needs -- and a budget. I definitely appreciate your input and will make sure to ask some of the questions you've raised (like the nose roller).


HDmstng said:
For me, unless I jump to the LS series, the 23V48 would be the one for me. Then again, for the price, I can have my lawn cut, trimmed and cleared 55 times using the lawn service.
Click to expand...
HD, I know EXACTLY what you mean and that's how I feel as well. However, those 55 times would be only half the season (assuming you cut grass every weekend from April to October), so I would say buying a mower would be a better option...
 
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