05-07-2008, 04:42 AM
I got a Cub Cadet LT 1042. 42" deck, 19HP Kohler engine, hydrostatic transmission.
I started at Home Depot. I checked into who did the service for the various brands they sell and found out they were all serviced by independent dealers so I checked them out and ended up buying directly from one of the dealers. Plus, HD doesn't sell the particular model I chose.
I did a ton of research. I ended up with the Cub Cadet because it seemed like the best for features (of what I was looking for) vs. price. For example, the tractors made by AYP (Husqvarna, Craftsman) were disqualified because they require different blades to mulch. I realize the Cub Cadet is made by MTD and is not top quality but my yard is not that big so I'll only end up using it about 25 hours per season at most. It has a 3 year warranty which is longer than most (all?), even John Deere.
I looked at just about everything at both the big box stores and independent dealers. And I never found anything appealing used; the dealers said it's too early in the season.
I started at Home Depot. I checked into who did the service for the various brands they sell and found out they were all serviced by independent dealers so I checked them out and ended up buying directly from one of the dealers. Plus, HD doesn't sell the particular model I chose.
I did a ton of research. I ended up with the Cub Cadet because it seemed like the best for features (of what I was looking for) vs. price. For example, the tractors made by AYP (Husqvarna, Craftsman) were disqualified because they require different blades to mulch. I realize the Cub Cadet is made by MTD and is not top quality but my yard is not that big so I'll only end up using it about 25 hours per season at most. It has a 3 year warranty which is longer than most (all?), even John Deere.
I looked at just about everything at both the big box stores and independent dealers. And I never found anything appealing used; the dealers said it's too early in the season.