[NoTime]

Whats the main difference between 917.287461 & 917.287463? I examined two different 08's (I believed) DGS's at two different Sears on the same day and one had the extra lip on the bottom while the other was the open type. I did not notice any difference, both were hydro's with the 26 hp engine.

I think that's about all (the frame difference) I guess AYP changed parts/vendors partway through the model year.. Very confusing.. When I started looking last year there were (5) 54" GT's + (1) 48", an '07 54" hydro, (2) '08 54" hydro, (1) '08 manual and (1) 54" Pro GT :ROF

 

[dgoyette]

Whats the main difference between 917.287461 & 917.287463? I examined two different 08's (I believed) DGS's at two different Sears on the same day and one had the extra lip on the bottom while the other was the open type. I did not notice any difference, both were hydro's with the 26 hp engine.

Definitely go with the one with the "extra lip" this is a C channel design. Assuming the same gauge of steel is used, the one without the lip is an L Channel and is not as strong as the C Channel.

Not sure about '08's but some '07's came with a HydroGear transmission (917.287461 did) and others with a K 66 Tuff Torque. They are considered comparable.

 

[JNG3]

I am not trying to be a smart arse but darn it I tried telling folks back when they discontinued the good old GT series (think GT5000 etc) and went to this step through design that the new tractors had nowhere near the same amount of steel in the frame. I was told that I was stupid and didn't know what I'm talking about. Well I've abused my GT5000 that is an '05 model far more than most people will ever abuse a SCUT/CUT and I have no bent frame issues (so far). Guys Sears has cheapened the new garden tractors. That is fact. They are trying to get by on the rep of the older GT's and it ain't workin'. Same goes for dropping the 3 speed hi/low range manual transaxle. Dumb just dumb! I feel bad that the OP had this happen to his workhorse and hopefully his improvements work out. Newer ain't always better folks!

 

[Glenn M]

I am not trying to be a smart arse but darn it I tried telling folks back when they discontinued the good old GT series (think GT5000 etc) and went to this step through design that the new tractors had nowhere near the same amount of steel in the frame. I was told that I was stupid and didn't know what I'm talking about. Well I've abused my GT5000 that is an '05 model far more than most people will ever abuse a SCUT/CUT and I have no bent frame issues (so far). Guys Sears has cheapened the new garden tractors. That is fact. They are trying to get by on the rep of the older GT's and it ain't workin'. Same goes for dropping the 3 speed hi/low range manual transaxle. Dumb just dumb! I feel bad that the OP had this happen to his workhorse and hopefully his improvements work out. Newer ain't always better folks!

It seems Sears has tried to rectify the problem they had with the 07 DGS. They changed the frame on the 08 and 09 DGS and added a 5 year warranty on the frame. So they know that the 07 frames are not up to the task. Sears should recall the 07's for this problem, but I doubt it, that would be a hugh expense, considering how many they sold.

 

[rabbit rescue]

The Johnny Buckets are stout, I havent seen nor heard of one breaking where it wasnt a hardware failue or something like that. Clearly the "flimsy" Johnny bucket was considerably tougher than the Mighty DGS6500



This stamped steel frame that Craftsman is putting in their mowers...it's unfit. It has weak points and cant even take some stress from a little trip bucket..very well a loader. It has more HP then any "Garden tractor" prior to it's existence, and is less capable.

great point ... you'd never see 25HP in an older garden tractor ... but they were capable of so much more ... I think the current trend of high HP=better is just aimed at neighborhood one-up contests to see who got the 'better' mower

since they can't put a numerical value for frame, differential or overall strength and put it on a big sticker for neighbors to compare, this is the next best (and least expensive) thing to use as an up-sell point

the 2 tractors that I have that I actually consider heavy duty don't have the HP anywhere on them (a Case 224 which has the HP on a tiny little plaque on the engine next to the model number, and a mighty Kubota G5400, which doesn't say the engine HP anywhere on it at all) ... I'm guessing that any of the newer lawn tractors would mow just fine with 14HP or so, and maybe it's the extra HP that has something to do with the failures being so common

has anyone here really driven 2 newer LGT's and said "wow, the difference between that 22HP and the 26HP is staggering, I've got to get that 26HP" ... NO!, but don't let Mr.Jones see you riding that 22HP model or he'll think you're a much lesser man ~MUAHAAHAHAA~

so far I'm really impressed with my $300 2003 6-speed 22HP GT5000, but I've only used it for pulling a small garden trailer and a large lawn sweeper - maybe mowing/snow blowing takes a lot out of them ... it feels and acts plenty strong and it starts, runs and drives great IMO, but I don't know for sure if I'd trust it with plow or bucket duty yet

I'd really like to put a bucket on the front of one of mine (I just scored a nice Swisher ATV bucket with teeth for cheap on CL - or a JBjr would be perfect as well) and I'm leaning further away from hanging it on the GT5000 every time I read something like this ... great posts and replies so far!