I am thinking of buying a new 2011 Husqvarna GTH26V52LS in a couple of weeks. I wanted to know if anyone out there knows anything about this new Husqvarna model. Apparently it has a 26hp Kawasaki, Hydro-Gear transmission and a fabricated 52" deck. It sounds like the Husqvarna had a weak frame on this series of tractors in the past, but now they are using a thicker frame and they have a 5 year warranty on the frame. I was thinking about a JD but I don't see the price difference justification if the engine and transmission is for the most part the same. JD says that they have heaver parts in the Kawasaki engine, but I think that mainly benefits the JD parts department ($). The JD attachments may be easier to remove and attach however! Can anyone tell me anything good or bad about this unit before I go and buy it?
Husqvarna GTH26V52LS - does anyone know what this model is like before I buy one?
Alberta_Boy
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the optional diff lock was discussed in a dixon thread a while back, a guy said no. Has to come factory direct from a manufacturer.
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I don't think that a differential lock could be added to the Hydo-Gear transmission that this model is comes with. I preferred this ground engaged transmission over the Turf-Torq. I am wanting to pull a number of attachments with this tractor since it has a big engine in it. I had a 350 lb packer behind it this Summer and this tractor hardly felt it because of this 26 hp engine. This has been a great tractor for me so far! The brake pedal rattles some when it is not engaged but other than that there has been no problems. The engine seems to be great and starts really easy. The other thing that I liked about this transmission is that it has it's own oil filter on it. Please note that Turf-Torq had a recall this Summer for the Husqvarnas. The tech support by phone that I got with Husqvarna is very poor. The only thing they tell you is to take in to a dealer, they won't provide any technical information I found over the phone. (But I am sure that JD is the same)
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The reason you won't get tech support from the Homeowner phone support is because it is a third party (Dixie Sales Company) not actually Husqvarna because they are concentrated on putting the dealers first on their lines so they don't have to hold over a couple of minutes, very nice by the way if you need quick information for a customer on the floor (no more waiting on hold for 10 minutes).
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I can see the reason why they are doing this the way that you described. I am just use to a 1-800 number that a person can call that will put them in touch with an representative who has a up to date technical database at their finger tips from problems that customers in all states and provinces have had.
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And I've narrowed my choices to...
Craftsman Garden Tractor 26 hp Kohler Pro Courage V-Twin engine,
(transmission?)
Ariens Tractor 54 in. 25 HP Kohler Courage V-Twin Engine,
(transmission?)
Dixon Garden Tractor 26 HP Kawasaki,
K66 TuffTorq transmission
Husqvarna (960 43 01-18) 26 HP 52" Tractor (Kawasaki) MSRP $ 3,099.95 or
Husqvarna (960 43 01-30) 26 HP 52" Tractor (Kawasaki) MSRP $ 3,149.95
The Husqvarna and Dixon, because of the engine and transmission, are in the lead but I will use my '85 212 John Deere this winter and see what turns up in the spring. To much information here on the Forum and it is mind boggling. Trying to make a decision with what I have learned here is just to overwhelming and can create major UGH factor. If only I could call a manufacturer and and submit a list starting with frame gauge and work up from there I could get what I want not what they think I need. After the build I'd have it painted some horrific color so as not to be confused with any others brand.
Craftsman Garden Tractor 26 hp Kohler Pro Courage V-Twin engine,
(transmission?)
Ariens Tractor 54 in. 25 HP Kohler Courage V-Twin Engine,
(transmission?)
Dixon Garden Tractor 26 HP Kawasaki,
K66 TuffTorq transmission
Husqvarna (960 43 01-18) 26 HP 52" Tractor (Kawasaki) MSRP $ 3,099.95 or
Husqvarna (960 43 01-30) 26 HP 52" Tractor (Kawasaki) MSRP $ 3,149.95
The Husqvarna and Dixon, because of the engine and transmission, are in the lead but I will use my '85 212 John Deere this winter and see what turns up in the spring. To much information here on the Forum and it is mind boggling. Trying to make a decision with what I have learned here is just to overwhelming and can create major UGH factor. If only I could call a manufacturer and and submit a list starting with frame gauge and work up from there I could get what I want not what they think I need. After the build I'd have it painted some horrific color so as not to be confused with any others brand.
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You do realise all the tractors you've listed are the same, with the only difference being the engine/transmission combinations? They're all built by Husqvarna in the same plant. I'm prejudiced to the ones with the Kawasaki engine myself, the Kohler Courage has had some issues. The TuffTorq K66 and the Hydrogear equivelant are both good ground engaging transaxles with the Hydrogear getting an edge due to it's servicable filter. The Husqvarna has the heavy duty fabricated deck compared to the stamped deck on the others. The Dixon includes a sleeve hitch and has an electric deck lift (which has had some issues according to some owners, no trouble with mine). Personally if I were in the market now, I'd buy the Husqvarna over the Dixon, and the other would be below that.
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Just wondering why this is.
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I also wonder why? I am leaning towards the Husqvarna only because the dealer is less than 5 minutes away but I want to make this a year round unit and due to landscaping along the driveway I have to have a snow blower. The available blowers are another research headache I feel coming. :banghead3
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The reason I'd buy the Husqvarna over the Dixon now is that when I bought my Dixon,it came with the Kawasaki engine and the Husqvarna had a Briggs. Now that the Husqvarna has the Kawasaki engine the fabricated deck is what tips the scale for me towards the Husqvarna. They're the same tractor, the only difference is the deck, paint color,and transaxle. I just like the current Husqvarna offering a little more than the Dixon. Also I'd heard that Dixon stopped shipping them with the sleeve hitch for 2011. Don't get me wrong, I love my Dixon, but if I had been in the market this year versus last year, the Husky would get my vote.
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The Bercomac snowblowers are the best on the market IMO, they are priced very similar to the Agri-Fab but are all steel construction and you get an electric lift, finding a dealer though is the hard part because of them coming out of Canada instead of Agri-Fab which is in the states and the dealers can order through Husqvarna. We are a Berco dealer because being in NEPA we wanted something that would hold up and be reliable also very easy to install (besides original set-up, which is still easier than Agri-Fab IMO).
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Your comments don't surprise me Tylerm2007. The Bercomac was easy to put together and they even included 3-4 different belt sizes with the tiller so that one of them would fit. I was pleasantly surprised on the the thickness of the metal that they used and it particular in the frame of the tiller that goes under the tractor.
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What about the more recent GTH24V52LS? This appears to be about the same in every way that was the GTH26 but I cannot seem to find a confirmation on the Hydro Gear model they used in this one all I know is its a ground engaging high speed made by Hydro Gear.
I do know they put the 24 HP Kawasaki FR730V in it. But the FR730V now shows as rated at 24.0 Horse power and I have seen pictures of that Model number claiming 26.0
Horse power http://www.kawpowr.com/engines/detail.aspx?id=39&cat_id=11
Was that the only change? A rating or change in the motor specifications?
Are they still making the GTH26hp version of the V52LS (fabricated deck) in 2012?
I just bought one of these and, other than a sometimes binding main brake linkage I will have to return it for correction for it seems a great mower. Fast and smooth. A bit noisy when all things are running but to be expected I guess with all that deck.
I do know they put the 24 HP Kawasaki FR730V in it. But the FR730V now shows as rated at 24.0 Horse power and I have seen pictures of that Model number claiming 26.0
Horse power http://www.kawpowr.com/engines/detail.aspx?id=39&cat_id=11
Was that the only change? A rating or change in the motor specifications?
Are they still making the GTH26hp version of the V52LS (fabricated deck) in 2012?
I just bought one of these and, other than a sometimes binding main brake linkage I will have to return it for correction for it seems a great mower. Fast and smooth. A bit noisy when all things are running but to be expected I guess with all that deck.
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From what I can tell for 2012 they have only changed the engine to a 24hp Kawasaki. I don't see any place on the US or Canadian site where they are still using the 26hp engine. Maybe they feel that the extra 2hp is not a big deal and can keep the price the same as the 26hp. To find the specs on the transmission, try to find the owners manual on the US site as that will most likely tell you the make only of the transmission. Then if there is any diagrams of the transmission in the manual you might be able to put the pieces together if you then go to the Hydro Gear website and look for a same transmission. I hope that this helps. I never had the problem that you described, but I do have a brake pedal that rattles. I am going to have to insert a rubber garment to stop the noise, that is all.
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Well... but Kawasaki appears to have used the model number of FR730V last year with the designation of 26HP and now is using the model number FR730V with designation of 24HP on it...
That is why I asked about that. If it was really a different motor then wouldn't they have change the model designation?
Don't see any specifics in the owners manual or spec sheet that speaks to what model HydroGear is in there.
Here is a picture of the top of the older FR730V showing 26HP
![Image]()
and here is my new FR730V showing the new label but in smaller font... 24HP...
![Image]()
Need to see if I can find an older spec sheet on the 26hp one. If the CM cubed is the same then there is some down rating going on I suspect.
Reason I am asking is that the one I looked at and asked for in the show room (was sold but still in the show room) was the 26 and the one they delivered Friday and I didn't notice till this weekend, is the 24. And I plan to point this out. In fact my invoice says the 26 is what I ordered. I took pictures of the one in the show room so I also know from that.... the side badge on the one I got is different too... reflecting the 24hp in the model number.
That is why I asked about that. If it was really a different motor then wouldn't they have change the model designation?
Don't see any specifics in the owners manual or spec sheet that speaks to what model HydroGear is in there.
Here is a picture of the top of the older FR730V showing 26HP
and here is my new FR730V showing the new label but in smaller font... 24HP...
Need to see if I can find an older spec sheet on the 26hp one. If the CM cubed is the same then there is some down rating going on I suspect.
Reason I am asking is that the one I looked at and asked for in the show room (was sold but still in the show room) was the 26 and the one they delivered Friday and I didn't notice till this weekend, is the 24. And I plan to point this out. In fact my invoice says the 26 is what I ordered. I took pictures of the one in the show room so I also know from that.... the side badge on the one I got is different too... reflecting the 24hp in the model number.
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Found one... the main size and volume specs are identical...
Same Bore and Stroke and same Cubic inches. Both say the Bore and Stroke are 3.1 x 3.0 in. (78 x 76mm) and both say identical Displacement of 726cm3 (44.3 cu. in.)
however they then rate the HP less and so understandably the Torque is also slightly less as well in the 24HP variant. 2 horses and 2 pounds or there abouts.
Old Spec (2011) http://www.billspowercenter.com/pages/Brochures/UnitDetail/59642
New Spec (sometime in 2012) http://www.kawpowr.com/engines/detail.aspx?id=39&cat_id=11
Something changed but I don't see it in any of the typical specifications. It is not an entirely different motor and it appear to be the SAME motor.
Same Bore and Stroke and same Cubic inches. Both say the Bore and Stroke are 3.1 x 3.0 in. (78 x 76mm) and both say identical Displacement of 726cm3 (44.3 cu. in.)
however they then rate the HP less and so understandably the Torque is also slightly less as well in the 24HP variant. 2 horses and 2 pounds or there abouts.
Old Spec (2011) http://www.billspowercenter.com/pages/Brochures/UnitDetail/59642
New Spec (sometime in 2012) http://www.kawpowr.com/engines/detail.aspx?id=39&cat_id=11
Something changed but I don't see it in any of the typical specifications. It is not an entirely different motor and it appear to be the SAME motor.
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Maybe the 24 HP is just more honest.
I have observed a move away from HP to just displacement and I think it was there was a lot of stretching the facts to up the HP listing. The HP race. I've never owned a Kawa, but believe it is one of the best small engines around, along with the Honda.
I have a PYT9000 from 2011 and it has a upper B&S model (not Vanguard) which appears to be a better engine...time will tell. It claims 26 HP and I can say there is not hesitation when I run it into deeper grass. I also like the sound of it (as heard with ear protection on) as it sound "commercial". I think the sound is mostly the deck which is a twin blade 46" deck, the longest blades on any lawn/yard/garden tractor deck. This may increase the tip velocity enough to approach the higher blade speed found on commercial decks, hence the similar sound.
I would not worry about a 24 verses 26 hp rating on an engine. I do consider a Kawa a plus.
I have observed a move away from HP to just displacement and I think it was there was a lot of stretching the facts to up the HP listing. The HP race. I've never owned a Kawa, but believe it is one of the best small engines around, along with the Honda.
I have a PYT9000 from 2011 and it has a upper B&S model (not Vanguard) which appears to be a better engine...time will tell. It claims 26 HP and I can say there is not hesitation when I run it into deeper grass. I also like the sound of it (as heard with ear protection on) as it sound "commercial". I think the sound is mostly the deck which is a twin blade 46" deck, the longest blades on any lawn/yard/garden tractor deck. This may increase the tip velocity enough to approach the higher blade speed found on commercial decks, hence the similar sound.
I would not worry about a 24 verses 26 hp rating on an engine. I do consider a Kawa a plus.
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I was about to conclude that myself until I noticed that both the 600 series motors from Kawasaki ALSO have the same displacement, stroke and bore as these two 730's do.... and those are rated out at 21.5 and 23 Horse power. So something else is involved in creating HP. I am thinking possibly the valve systems? Lifters, cams and size or shape or something in that area.
And when has a manufacturer ever been honest with HP figures? Or even Displacement? They all round them up. Unless they get sued over it or something... I haven't found any evidence that they were forced to review that.
I also notice that as the HP went down, the price went up. The MSRP changed from 2011 to 2012 by $100 more.
Time to put on my tin foil hat cause something is amiss.
And when has a manufacturer ever been honest with HP figures? Or even Displacement? They all round them up. Unless they get sued over it or something... I haven't found any evidence that they were forced to review that.
I also notice that as the HP went down, the price went up. The MSRP changed from 2011 to 2012 by $100 more.
Time to put on my tin foil hat cause something is amiss.
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The IPL http://www.husqvarna.com/ddoc/HUSI/HUSI2012_AAen/HUSI2012_AAen_GTH24V52LS_532447016R1.pdf still lists the Hydro-Gear G7 as the transaxle, so it's rated for ground engagement. I wonder if the HP drop had anything to do with making it CA ready?
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Could be the answer Olds455.... Or part of the answer.
I just got back from the dealer having the brake mechanism fixed (another story) but his explanation is that they did re-rate the motor. That the FR730V is the same motor but it is now rated at 24.0 horse power. He didn't really know for sure why. But he was aware of it.
However the guy I worked with never mentioned it to me when we were ordering a GTH26V52LS which what is on my customer order receipt. Nor was it mentioned upon taking possession of it.
A few decals different is all. All the ones coming in are GTH24V52LS's though. The older 2011 GTH26V52LS that was on the floor however is still on the floor and still waiting to be picked up. And its identical except the stickers. Although I think the finish of the material of the seats is slightly different. I got a good chance to really examine them up side by side. I can't see any changes outside the stickers and the seat material.
The brake mechanism problem I had appears to be some sort of slight difference in the pin that they used to join two of the parking brake mechanism bars allowed too much slop so that sometimes the bar itself was coming over and catching the ledge that the Parking brake was supposed to catch. By taking it loose and shimming both sides of the pin with washers and reinstalling the pins clip this made it stay straight and not flop around so that it runs true now. Simple fix. A bit fiddly to do with those new fangled "Cotter Pin" sorts of clips they use as its a tight fit in there... but a nice fix. Likely to occur again on more of these as it seems to be a change in a pin they are using that is perhaps too long. But it works flawlessly now.
What kind of Fuel consumption are you guys seeing? This thing has 2.6 hours on it now. When I filled it up it had only maybe 0.2 hours on it. I mowed once about maybe 4 acres and the thing seemed to have ate through about 3 gallons. Seemed a bit high to me.
I just got back from the dealer having the brake mechanism fixed (another story) but his explanation is that they did re-rate the motor. That the FR730V is the same motor but it is now rated at 24.0 horse power. He didn't really know for sure why. But he was aware of it.
However the guy I worked with never mentioned it to me when we were ordering a GTH26V52LS which what is on my customer order receipt. Nor was it mentioned upon taking possession of it.
A few decals different is all. All the ones coming in are GTH24V52LS's though. The older 2011 GTH26V52LS that was on the floor however is still on the floor and still waiting to be picked up. And its identical except the stickers. Although I think the finish of the material of the seats is slightly different. I got a good chance to really examine them up side by side. I can't see any changes outside the stickers and the seat material.
The brake mechanism problem I had appears to be some sort of slight difference in the pin that they used to join two of the parking brake mechanism bars allowed too much slop so that sometimes the bar itself was coming over and catching the ledge that the Parking brake was supposed to catch. By taking it loose and shimming both sides of the pin with washers and reinstalling the pins clip this made it stay straight and not flop around so that it runs true now. Simple fix. A bit fiddly to do with those new fangled "Cotter Pin" sorts of clips they use as its a tight fit in there... but a nice fix. Likely to occur again on more of these as it seems to be a change in a pin they are using that is perhaps too long. But it works flawlessly now.
What kind of Fuel consumption are you guys seeing? This thing has 2.6 hours on it now. When I filled it up it had only maybe 0.2 hours on it. I mowed once about maybe 4 acres and the thing seemed to have ate through about 3 gallons. Seemed a bit high to me.
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