[MikeInParadise]

alot of the craftsman line are built by MTD, who also now owns the cubcadet name. i don't know about each modle, but these two might have more in common than you think.

I have a 2011 YT4000 42" with 24 hp B&S Twin. It has Husquvarna stickers under the seat.(is made by AYP American Yard Products)

I have pretty rough property with a few hills. It is useless on the hills but you cut going down.

I keep the mower off of it as I use the tractor way more hauling stuff around the property than I do cutting grass and the with the rough sports the mower hangs it up. Takes about 2 minutes to install or remove the deck.

Lots of power, poor brakes on an incline. I just added weight to the tires and hopefully that will help.

I love the tight turn radius for getting around all the trees that I have.

There was a problem with the guage wheels not moving as they hit the deck in the third position and after fighting with sears about it I just took a hammer to the deck and fixed it. Poor customer service.

I am amazed at how much that it has improved my productivity with cart on the property let alone cutting my grass cutting from about 10 hours to 3 hours a week.

I like the hydro foot pedal and the ability to order parts.

I put 65 hours on it and I would say great on flat land. Not so good on hills.

 

[MikeInParadise]

You should buy a set of the "tractor" tires for the rear......you know, the ones with the diagonal paddles (outdoordistributors.com) and I think you'll love that thing.

A gal I know had a set of chains built for hers, and that's what she uses on her farm/ranch for everything the big 3 point mower and Massey-Furguson can't reach. She runs the bag off the thing, on steep slopes, etc. I've mowed with in areas where I had to scoot over with half my a$$ off the seat, and the back end was slightly canted out. No problems. I'm not a fan of the chains though. They just aren't as good as the tractor tires.

The ag tires are too agressive and tear up those areas that I have decently landscapped. I got rid of my Terra Jet cause it was just chewing up too much grass.

Of course Sam lost his ride!

I have thought about chains but according to the owners manual you cannot keep them on with the mower deck and there is not a lot of clearance between the mower and the deck.

Thanks for the suggestions.