If you're a bit of a DIY-er, have you thought about saving a bunch of money and going with something used?
Otherwise, IMO most all of these $1,500 riders are about the same. Sure, they might have different features, but it's sort of a mix and match game, and then they juice it up by trying to outdo each other with big horse power and wide decks.
I've worked on a ton of Craftsman stuff, from the big old GT's with hi/lo range transmissions, to the most recent plastic wiz-bang models. They all seem about the same to me, with quality trends varying based on era of build. I've got a late model one in right now with a big v-twin. It's like brand new, low hours, garage stored....2 broken connecting rods(or the rod caps have fallen off, haven't opened it up yet.
I had my first Cub Cadet about 2 weeks ago. An LT1045 with automatic. I wasn't impressed. Same-ol'-same-ol' IMO. Appears to be the same as the Toro HXL's, just not red. It's Kohler Courage 20hp wouldn't start because the stud that holds the rocker arm for the exhaust valve had fallen out of the head, and the rocker arm was just laying there. Fixed that and it ran another hour before the compression release spring (a cheesey little 10cent spring) broke inside the engine and caused the exhaust valve to collide with the piston, bending the valve and breaking the valve spring seat and retainer. Ran great when all repaired and I really like the motion pedal you step on with that automatic. Made for nice hands free driving. But I like that in the Toro HXL machines too.
Personally, for the money, and how simple these are to work on, I'd never buy a new one, but that's not for everybody. Between outdoordistributors.com and a couple other online sources, common parts are inexpensive.
What ever you get, I'd suggest getting a front bumper on it asap. Grills, headlights, and hoods are super expensive and I see a lot of these (of all makes) with damage there. The 1045 I had came with a bumper built in. I've not seen that on Craftsman, but they sell a really nice bumper for under $30 that sticks way out and really protects the entire machine.
Good luck!
Otherwise, IMO most all of these $1,500 riders are about the same. Sure, they might have different features, but it's sort of a mix and match game, and then they juice it up by trying to outdo each other with big horse power and wide decks.
I've worked on a ton of Craftsman stuff, from the big old GT's with hi/lo range transmissions, to the most recent plastic wiz-bang models. They all seem about the same to me, with quality trends varying based on era of build. I've got a late model one in right now with a big v-twin. It's like brand new, low hours, garage stored....2 broken connecting rods(or the rod caps have fallen off, haven't opened it up yet.
I had my first Cub Cadet about 2 weeks ago. An LT1045 with automatic. I wasn't impressed. Same-ol'-same-ol' IMO. Appears to be the same as the Toro HXL's, just not red. It's Kohler Courage 20hp wouldn't start because the stud that holds the rocker arm for the exhaust valve had fallen out of the head, and the rocker arm was just laying there. Fixed that and it ran another hour before the compression release spring (a cheesey little 10cent spring) broke inside the engine and caused the exhaust valve to collide with the piston, bending the valve and breaking the valve spring seat and retainer. Ran great when all repaired and I really like the motion pedal you step on with that automatic. Made for nice hands free driving. But I like that in the Toro HXL machines too.
Personally, for the money, and how simple these are to work on, I'd never buy a new one, but that's not for everybody. Between outdoordistributors.com and a couple other online sources, common parts are inexpensive.
What ever you get, I'd suggest getting a front bumper on it asap. Grills, headlights, and hoods are super expensive and I see a lot of these (of all makes) with damage there. The 1045 I had came with a bumper built in. I've not seen that on Craftsman, but they sell a really nice bumper for under $30 that sticks way out and really protects the entire machine.
Good luck!
