Cub Cadet vs Husqvarna Garden Tractor

Per the Johnny Bucket website the Husqvarna frame is too weak for a front bucket.


"(GT48XLSi, GT52XLSi, GT54LS, GT52XLS, GTH52XLS any 2018 and up TS3xx series such as TS348 etc. and a few others are still compatible but have a weak tractor frame design that is not strong enough for use with the Johnny Bucket"

You could find a late 1980's to early 1990's CRAFTSMAN GT6000 that will do everything you have listed and MORE for about $2,000.00.

At least that is what I would do. You just wouldn't have a "switchable" Locking Differential. And it would be OLD...

Just my $0.02 of opinion.

Have you thought of a John Deere?

Thanks for asking. (I just don't trust any of these newer Garden Tractors for reliability.)

I am the PROUD (2nd) owner of my 1987 CRAFTSMAN GT6000 that does everything that I can ask of it, and more.

Take care,
-Thomas (12)
Western Washington State

Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

At first glance the husky offers a lot of features for the money, but where they cut corners is the frame and steering mechanisms. While they look similar to the XT1 the XT2 is a much better tractor. The cub guys can fill you in better than I can on differences , but if a Johnny bucket is on your list- strike the husky off the list and go with the best XT2 you can afford.Post on the CC board and those guys will help you out

Hi guys, thanks for the input. The GT-6000 looks like a solid tractor, but this tractor would be replacing my very tired Wheelhorse 416-H, so I'd like to go with something new at this time. It's really a bummer the Husqvarnas have weak frames...I suppose if I did get one, I could just not get a front bucket for it, but I plan on moving a lot of top soil and some mulch in the next few years, so a bucket would be really helpful. I'll definitely be checking out the CC board!

Don’t discount used. Just look for limited use and one that has seen decent care. You’ll get a lot more machine for your money. You just have to spend more time to find one and maybe a little time to do small repairs. Try whatever you can to get the feel of the machine and how easy it is to do things like remove the deck so you can use the bucket. $2000 is really low for your expectations, even $3000 is a little low, but doable, but probably not including tax and delivery. Buying near the end of summer will get you lower prices, but sometimes it’s just being in the right place at the right time. Buying from a private owner will generally give you the lowest prices, but some people think they can sell it for what they payed for it, just look in a lot of places like tractorhouse.com or machinerypete.com.

Are there any Kubota's within your price range and what you want to do with it? I've not looked, so I don't know their lineup. Kubota's seem like solid machines.

I also like going with an older machine. You can get a larger and much stronger framework type garden tractor. What you won't get is a warranty and the newness. For the money saved, you could rebuild/replace the engine, replace all belts, rebuild the deck with all new spindle assemblies/pulleys (as long as deck isn't rusted out to where you need another), new more modern seat with arm cushions and do some touchups with spray paint, or if you have a friend that paints, can get them to repaint the machine for you to look new or even change the color to your liking.

I have an '03 Craftsman GT5000 B&S 24hp with manual trans, where the GT6000 used a hydro with a 26hp motor. The much older GT6000's also used a Kohler engine over the B&S, but the engines on the Kohler was also blowing head gaskets too until they came up with a new head bolt replacement kit that seemed to solve the problem.

With my GT5000 w/installed sleeve hitch, I've pulled a 4x8 trailer, 1/2 loaded with about 800#s of firewood out of a 20acre pasture pulling about 1/2 mile to my house. I used low range and 1st gear until I cleared the pasture, but it did the job with no problems. I wished I had a bucket for mine, but I know I'd want to box in the framework for better improvements and strength with how the older type hydraulic buckets attached and used on much older GT tractors.

Right now, I have my GT5000(deck removed and on blocks off ground) sitting in a shed to keep out of weather while I mow 5 acres with my 1990 ONAN powered commercial mower that originally sold for around $15,000 new, that I paid $1,100 for about 4yrs ago. Motor doesn't burn a drop of oil, but the unit does require some good maintenance on my part, to grease about 30 zerks, has a small leaky deck tire that I have to keep close eye on, remove deck panels to check belts and just do overall sensible upkeep that all mowers need, if you want them to last.

Del

I second buying a used GT 6000. I just picked one up with out a deck but came with a yard trailer for $150. Has a Kohler opposed twin, hydro with replacable filter and drain and fill....currently looking for a deck...Also consider the JD200 or 300 series tractors...the 200's ar great tractors but cheap as they are under appreciated.....Also Wheelhorse....I've currently got 6 but am scaling back as they never get used. I don't care for the quality of new "garden tractors"...

Why even bother with a Johnny Bucket and destroy your lawn tractor trying to dig, level, or move topsoil. I never wanted to use my garden tractor to dig, level or move topsoil. Maybe that's why it lasted 20 years.

You can rent one of these for $250 a day and knock out your project.

Get as stout a GT as you can. I can vouch for the Cyclone Rake Commander. Everything on it is top grade stuff. No cheap fasteners or thin stiff here. It is the best yard clean up tool I ever had. Summer, I use it to collect all the clippings and twigs. Fall leaves usually start late September to early October and runs through Thanksgiving. Cyclone Rake handles all with ease. Consider a good back pack blower to get the leaves and junk out into the yard where you can run over it and get it with the Cyclone Rake.

A stout GT with a decent deck plus the CR and you've got 99% of the yard work covered. At 66, I don't want to do any more leaf rake time. BTW where is that old rake anyway???

fiziksdrop180 said:

Hi all, looking for some feedback on new lawn/garden tractors. I'd like to buy a new lawn/garden tractor for my hilly, bumpy, and often wet, with many obstacles, 1/2 acre yard. I also have a ridiculous amount of leaves in the Fall to collect, so I'm also shopping for a new leaf vacuum, something like a Cyclone Rake or DR Power.

I don't need a full on garden tractor like a Cub Cadet XT3 GSX, but I want something more substantial than a $1500 big box store lawn tractor so I can get a hydro tranny upgraded from the common TuffTorq K46, bigger tires, and even a locking diff. Before starting much reasearch, I thought $2000 would get me what I want, but realized I need to spend more like $3000 at least. That being said, I've narrowed my search down to the Cub Cadet XT GT50 or XT2 GX50 or the Husqvarva TS348D or TS348XD. I really dont want to spend anything over $4000 after tax, delivery etc.

I like the Husqvarnas better than the Cub Cadets, because of the slightly bigger tires, the locking diff, and the K66 vs K58 tranny all for a similar price as the Cub Cadets. The Husqvarnas don't seem as popular as the Cub Cadets though and I've read more complaints such as the weak frames.

With this tractor I'll be mowing, towing the leaf vacuum, towing mulch and soil in a dump cart, and maybe pulling some light ground engaging equipment like a dethatcher or aireator. I'd also like the option of using a front bucket like a Johnny Bucket.

Out of the Cub Cadets and Husqvarnas I listed, which bramd would you recommend? Or would you recommend something compleyely different?

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I have a cub xt1 46 and a Husqvarna ts354D I like them both but they both have pros and cons over each other. I cut a little under 5 acres and the cub gets the job done faster even though it's deck is almost a foot smaller. Buy granted my cub is pretty modified but the deck is stock and it will go through anything. That all being said the husky is a beast with the k66 I have used it to plow about and acre and disk and drag it. It pulls the plow at about 3/4 throttle and the locker off no problem.

Here is a pic of both mine

Hey everyone, thanks for the feedback. I ended up buying a Cub Cadet XT2 GX54. It has a 26 HP Kohler engine, 54" fabricated deck, K62 tranny, locking diff, and super easy and tight radius steering. I love it! It cuts beautifully and doesn't complain one bit going up and down the hill in my yard. Can't wait to put it to good use this Fall by towing the heavy leaf collector and also towing the dump cart full for mulch and top soil...maybe pulling out some stumps too (within reason of course).

fiziksdrop180 said:

Hey everyone, thanks for the feedback. I ended up buying a Cub Cadet XT2 GX54. It has a 26 HP Kohler engine, 54" fabricated deck, K62 tranny, locking diff, and super easy and tight radius steering. I love it! It cuts beautifully and doesn't complain one bit going up and down the hill in my yard. Can't wait to put it to good use this Fall by towing the heavy leaf collector and also towing the dump cart full for mulch and top soil...maybe pulling out some stumps too (within reason of course).

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Congrats man. If I bought any other new Cub than my XT3 it would be your tractor. Very capable machine. Enjoy it.

fiziksdrop180 said:

Steve Urquell said:

Congrats man. If I bought any other new Cub than my XT3 it would be your tractor. Very capable machine. Enjoy it.

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Thanks! I was eyeing up the XT3s, but with no plans to do serious GT specific work, I couldn't justify the cost. But man are they definitely a big step up from the XT2 series!

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Youre better off with a dedicated mower and a separate GT if going that way anyway. That's what I ended up doing and am much happier than making my XT3 do it all.

fiziksdrop180 said:

Hey everyone, thanks for the feedback. I ended up buying a Cub Cadet XT2 GX54. It has a 26 HP Kohler engine, 54" fabricated deck, K62 tranny, locking diff, and super easy and tight radius steering. I love it! It cuts beautifully and doesn't complain one bit going up and down the hill in my yard. Can't wait to put it to good use this Fall by towing the heavy leaf collector and also towing the dump cart full for mulch and top soil...maybe pulling out some stumps too (within reason of course).

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Check your seat rails when It arrives Make sure the seat Performs as it should and check the welds where the seat Bracket is attached to the fender deck

My wife & I Bought a XT2 GX54 for a friend In May 2017.

Issues he Had
Wore front tires Out In less than a Year

Wore the the Ball Joints On the steering rods

There was a Kohler Issue with the Oil drain design

Recently had Issues with where the seat Mounts to the fender deck

This OEM front Blade https://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/...tractors/xt2/snow-blade-19a30017oem/accessory lasted One season Of snow removal Dealer didn't Make it right. The dealer even told Cub He was Using it commercially which was Not true for that winter Just Plowing his driveway and Are Old House driveway Until we sold it. Last summer it was replaced with this Heavier duty Front Blade https://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/...ors/xt2/all-season-plow-19a30037100/accessory I think MTD even realized the Blade they Had Agri-Fab Make for Years wasn't Up to Much Use so they Had Agri-Fab Make the Heavier duty Blade. Which he told me Has been a Great Blade compared to the first One

But Keep In Mind He already has 250Hr's On the Machine Mowing and Moving snow. He Maintains about ten 3/4 acre Yards with it

Even with the Issues he Has Had I would still Buy it again.

Just Have to Take it in went I get a chance to Have the fender deck and seat fixed under warranty as He doesn't want to Pay for Pick Up and delivery :thThumbsU

fiziksdrop180 said:

Hey everyone, thanks for the feedback. I ended up buying a Cub Cadet XT2 GX54. It has a 26 HP Kohler engine, 54" fabricated deck, K62 tranny, locking diff, and super easy and tight radius steering. I love it! It cuts beautifully and doesn't complain one bit going up and down the hill in my yard. Can't wait to put it to good use this Fall by towing the heavy leaf collector and also towing the dump cart full for mulch and top soil...maybe pulling out some stumps too (within reason of course).

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I have a K61 in my cub which is just the older version of the k62 and it definitely will hold up to some abuse I graded my driveway and used a large snowblower just keep an eye on the temp when doing ground engaging. You will start feeling some heat coming up off the tranny and that's when I give it a rest for a hour.