I'm thinking that the Husqvarna TS348XD (TS354XD is not listed in tractordata.com) has the better transmission, K66 vs an unknown, but likely a K46, in the XT2 GX54.

The Husqvarna is a GT, and the 348, at least, has an electric diff lock, while the Cub is a LT with no diff lock.

 

Looking at the Cub Cadet web site, it says that the Cub Cadet XT2 GX54" D has the K62 Hydro

XT2 Enduro Series 54 in 26hp Kohler engine | Garden Tractor | Cub Cadet

 

While both have basically the same 5.5 mph fwd ground speed and have diff lock looking at the specs I would probably go with the Husqvarna for the heavier duty K66 transaxle. Make sure the dealer service support and parts availability is there for immediate and future needs. I don't know anything about the new Cubs or Husqvarna but most parts are still readily available and relatively inexpensive for my old Cub when compared to some other brands. Good luck and keep us posted on your decision.

 

Personally, I would go with the Cub. But, that is because I don't like Husqvarna frames. Truth is, your Craftsman is a re-badged Husqvarna. Not sure why you would run back down that hole????

It may be worthwhile buying a nice, well cared for used HDLT/GT. Maybe an JD X570, Simplicity Conquest, etc.

 

What is your problem with Husqvarna frames? How many documented cases of frame failure can you provide? Johnny Bucket may say they don't recommend using their product on them, but that in itself doesn't mean the frames are faulty. It simply means Johnny's design isn't compatible with the design of the Husqvarna frame.

 

Here is the hyperlink to the Husqvarna:
https://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/riding-lawn-mowers/ts-354xd/960430245/

In regards to the K62 vs. the K66, what is the difference? It is related to that the K62 is a manual diff lock and the K66 is a electronic lock?

There is also a difference in motors. The CC has the 26 HP professional-grade Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin OHV with Smart-Choke™. The Husqvarna has the 24HP FR Series Kawasaki. Is the Kohler a better motor?

In regards to used, I would prefer to buy new. While the used JD X570 is a great machine, it does not fit into the budget.

 

The TS354XD uses a Hydro-gear transmission. Likely, a G730, but could be something else.

 

Sorry to hear your having so much trouble with the Craftsman Pro. I had that tractor and used it summer and winter for 8 years until I gave it to my son, who is using it today. The only problem it has ever had was a deck sheave trashed itself. $50 in parts from Searsdirect and he is back in business.

I would lean towards the Husqvarna, but that's because I had good luck with it's cousin, the Craftsman. The K66 is a GT transmission rated for light ground engagement so it should handle your hills better. I think the Kawasaki engine is a step up from the Kohler, but not by much.

 

I can't speak for the new stuff but in regards to the frames. My neighbor bought a new Husqvarna garden tractor back around 2006-2007? Not sure which one but it did have the bigger rear tires and lug nuts. Anyways he only got a couple of years out of it before the frame broke in half in the rear section. It was brought to his attention from his dealer that it was a huge problem facing Husqvarna. At the time there was no updates from the factory. So it was either have the dealer install a new frame or fix it. He picked the later and had the dealer fix and reinforce the rear section. It never was the same but good enough for him to use it for another year before selling it.

 

I have had great luck with used, every one of them. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had to put a little work into them though. I’m not partial to color, so that doesn’t come into play.

Light duty tractors like the craftsman and the lower end Cub Cadets are okay for small level lawns where time isn’t a consideration and if they aren’t worked too hard. My Husqvarna is a great machine and provides one of the best cuts of any tractors I have used, but it is a garden tractor. Deck width in itself does not determine cutting time. Travel speed while cutting also plays an equal part. I can mow a 3 acre lawn in just under 2 hours with my Husqvarna, but the 27 hp engine plays a part as well allowing me to mow at top speed, so the two inch smaller deck doesn’t matter much. The manual steering is okay for me and the 84 year old widow who uses it on occasion, but it doesn’t compare to the ease of use of my JD X738’s steering and ride, but that’s part of why they cost a lot more. The TS354XD is similar to my Husqvarna.

My experience on a Cub Cadet (lower end unit) didn’t leave a good lasting impression in my mind, but I have a friend that likes his fine, but I can’t say which model it is. But I don’t believe it’s is an XT3, because I don’t think he would spend that much. Probably because he has a Kubota that he usually uses to mow his driving range (field). ?

Just for perspective:
People tend to bad mouth the cut of a SCUT, but another friend has a 2017 Kubota BX2380 with a 54” deck that cuts as good as anything else I’ve seen and I believe it handles easier than my JD X738.

Buying used is how I have limited what I’ve spent to get better tractors. Shopping without being in a hurry is another part of getting more while spending less. For example, I missed by one day, I procrastinated, a 2008 JD X700 with 650 hrs, 54” deck for $3,500. That machine would easily mow for another 1200-1500 hrs. Just saying it’s something to consider. Good used may not be easy to find where you are, but are worth considering.

 

I have read that the Cub Cadet frame has a sturdy frame. I am keeping my fingers crossed that whatever I buy next will have a better front axel and require minimal repair/service. The K62/K66 transmissions seem to be similar and are serviceable.

 

The Cub XT1 and XT2 frames are the same and are basically a copy of the John Deere 100-series riding lawn mowers. They are not particularly robust, but sufficient for their price points (generally $2000 or less). Below are the frames. (JD 100-series is the black one)

 

For what it's worth I used a Deere D160 for 7 years and never even felt the frame flex, and I'm 6'5" and 400 pounds. Most people are substantially smaller than I am, and really should have no issues with either the Deere or Cub frames, they're pretty rugged for being so light.