I've researched my self into a frenzy here and am just looking for some help here from someone that knows more about this than me. I'm looking for a machine to manage my property which is about an acre of grass on a sort of level surface, a large winding hill of a driveway that will have to be traveled to get to the lower grass area, and the rest woods.

I looked at Husqvarna's top end Garden Tractor but have kind of ruled it out because I"m concerned about the 52 inch deck being too big to leave a really smooth cut on my uneven surfaces. Above everything else, the cut is the most important. I'm also unsure of Husky's longetivity which I'll go into more later.

I've narrowed down my search to the John Deere X300 and the Husqvarna YTH24V48LS. Like I said, I've got about an acre of sort of level yard with a few bumps and small rises. I want something that will leave a really nice cut and also allow me to pull a wagon loaded with mulch, firewood, rocks, whatever needs moving that day. Also, I want to aerate my yard and have the ability to do some other stuff should the need arise. It may never arise, but that's beside the point.

So, I thought that the X300 was going to be the deal. Really nice machine. Well built, good name, Kawasaki engine at 18 hp, good warranty, super color scheme. Sitting right at 3k.

But then I came across the Husky. 24 hp Kawasaki, locking differential, bigger deck, three bills cheaper.

My initial response was to go with the Husky because I hate the idea of spending more on less, but I couldn't find a single customer review of this specific machine while the x300 had page after page of positive reviews. I made up my mind to go buy the X300 today and chickened out when I got to the store.

I guess what I'm looking for is someone with some personal experience with the Husky to ease my mind that it's going to be a good machine for the long term. My needs aren't huge, but I do have to run up and down a pretty good grade to access the grass at the bottom of my driveway and I don't want to be spinning halfway up. Especially if I'm trying to carry a cart of sticks.

It comes down to this, for me. Is 18 hp enough to do everything that I want and is the John Deere name worth the extra? Or should I trust in the husky that offers more machine for a lot less? The equivalent machines at JD were in the 5k range.

Super long post for the new guy, I know... I'm very appreciative of any advice you guys might have!

Thanks,
Jason

You mention "spinning halfway up." Traction is a function of the tire tread, not the LT/GT label and if that's a concern, you'll have to spend extra $$ for AG or the ATV tires that have become popular on small tractors. Also, depending on the severity of the grade, wheel weights may be needed, though with a load on a cart, the weight is transferred to the rear end of the tractor (if loaded right) so that shouldn't be needed.

Sure, a GT would do everything you want and lots more, also "buy more than you need" is a very useful adage to keep in mind. However it's your $$ and you might want to do a realistic evaluation of the tasks you'll do. Didn't see anything about snow removal, pushing a blade or running a snow thrower that would be out of the realm (IMHO) of an LT.

If you have "bumps and contusions" in your lawn, remember that the deck hangs off the tractor and if one of the tires is riding up a bump, cut will be affected.

Another consideration is availability of parts and dealer service if needed. Where do you order parts for a TSC unit? Is the JD supported by a local dealer or sold at a "big box" store-all GREEN is not equal. You might look at Sears, they have good sales, parts and service are available, and their website is full of reviews for everythig they sell.

Good Luck,

Ev

I've also found out that the husky runs the same tranny as the x300 which, to me, says that they're actually putting more stress on a lightweight tranny with the higher horsepower and heaviest frame. I don't suspect that I could expect much more in the way of performance from the extra 8 hp that the husky provides when it uses the sametranny as the 18 hp John Deere.

Still a lot of thinking to do. This all started because I didn't want to walk my mower or my wheel barrel around anymore. Then I got sucked into the big bad machine thought pattern. Pretty sure stepping outside of the box store and into a tractor store will give me all that I need no matter what name ends up on the hood.

Thanks again for the advice.

Jason

A JD X300 is not an entry level lawn tractor you buy at the box store. An X300 is a Select Series only sold by authorized John Deere dealers who stock parts and honor a 4 year or 300 hour warranty. You can get an X300 with up to a 48" deck. An X300 had EXACTLY the same frame as the X500 Garden Tractor... not a similar frame, the SAME frame.

The X300 has resale value that no Husqvarna ever dreamed of

The reason you see multitudes of owner reviews of the X300 may be that JD sells a lot of them and the owners are satisfied... that can't be a negative.

John Deere offers the 30 day promise... if you're not satisfied bring it back for a full refund within 30 days. What have you got to lose?

click here for X300 attachments

Here's one in VA I found on CL. After tax on the X300 and with a little bargaining, this used X500 would cost you the same as a new X300. 241 hours isn't much on these units.
http://blacksburg.craigslist.org/grd/2355111013.html

I purchased a used Deere GT225 two years ago for $1700. No hour meter, but probably was no more than 200. Also, my GT225 proves HP isn't everything. It's a 15HP single cylinder. In the fall I use a 48" deck and pull a Cyclone Rake. Fully loaded, you wouldn't know you were pulling a grade in my backyard. I can actually accelerate up those hills and most of the time I'm at "1/2 throttle" on the hydro.
I did a lot of research in the spring of 2009 and decided it was "all about the hydro" and I didn't have $5K for a new X500. Besides the X500, there are also the older series GTs and GXs. GT235 with a twin Kawa is a very nice unit and I also bought one myself for about $2600 with 200+ hours. You'll need a GX though if you want a diff lock. I don't have one and I can't say I needed one after two seasons and I'm running turfs. HDAPs might help a bit by themselves.
Good luck.