I have pretty much decided to buy a new LTX 1046 KW with bagger, mulch kit and gator blades. The choice was between that and a new JD X310, and of course the green paint made the difference in cost for the tractor alone about $1,400 ($2k and $3,400) after discounts for pre-season.
I realize the Cub has a K46 compared to K58 tranny, but I feel the K46 is adequate for my needs which mainly would be mowing our lawn. I need the rider because of my back, and just prefer riding to walking anyway. I do have a snow blade so will use that for Nebraska snows (which come often) on a 3 car driveway. The JD with K58 is servicable, so changing the fluid would be much easier however that only happens after several years of use.
Since I have not made a committment to buy this yet, my question would simply comparing the two machines - Is the cost difference between the JD X310 and the LTX 1046 KW worth paying the extra bucks for Pwr Steer, Elec Lift and that tranny difference? Also about the Gator blades - any recommendations good or bad about these?
The Cub has a deck with 46 cut compared to 42, with 3 more HP in the KW engine, plus my current snow blade (46") fits the Cub compared to buying a new blade for the JD. I think the Cub has a much tighter turning radius at 12 as well. My budget is heavily leaning toward the Cub, but wanted more input about benefits I might get with the green one. My current tractor is 1998 MTD Yard Machines with a twin 17.5 Briggs IC, with tranny HG 718-0255A, and the deck is triple blade 46. There is nothing wrong with it, just now about 16 years old. My main reason to make the change is that I have long preferred a deck with 2 blades compared to 3 for a cleaner cut. The HG tranny is still perfect, and I did change the fluid to full synthetic some time ago, so I know all about removal to change the fluid - why they don't put in a drain & refill plug is something I cannot explain.
I realize the Cub has a K46 compared to K58 tranny, but I feel the K46 is adequate for my needs which mainly would be mowing our lawn. I need the rider because of my back, and just prefer riding to walking anyway. I do have a snow blade so will use that for Nebraska snows (which come often) on a 3 car driveway. The JD with K58 is servicable, so changing the fluid would be much easier however that only happens after several years of use.
Since I have not made a committment to buy this yet, my question would simply comparing the two machines - Is the cost difference between the JD X310 and the LTX 1046 KW worth paying the extra bucks for Pwr Steer, Elec Lift and that tranny difference? Also about the Gator blades - any recommendations good or bad about these?
The Cub has a deck with 46 cut compared to 42, with 3 more HP in the KW engine, plus my current snow blade (46") fits the Cub compared to buying a new blade for the JD. I think the Cub has a much tighter turning radius at 12 as well. My budget is heavily leaning toward the Cub, but wanted more input about benefits I might get with the green one. My current tractor is 1998 MTD Yard Machines with a twin 17.5 Briggs IC, with tranny HG 718-0255A, and the deck is triple blade 46. There is nothing wrong with it, just now about 16 years old. My main reason to make the change is that I have long preferred a deck with 2 blades compared to 3 for a cleaner cut. The HG tranny is still perfect, and I did change the fluid to full synthetic some time ago, so I know all about removal to change the fluid - why they don't put in a drain & refill plug is something I cannot explain.
