Deciding between 2 riding mowers - JD vs Craftsman

[JTK]

The model number will start with 917 and the serial number will start with 0917 on the Husqvarna machines. I've owned one and worked on several low-end MTD riders. I would suggest buying something else.

 

[ddombrowski]

Went back to the 20381X (which is the 25081). This was the mower I ordered, then cancelled when all the discounts disappeared.

Confirmed the 20381X/25081 is definitely a husq build on Todaysmower.com.

I gave Sears another try. Not sure what happened the first time, but this time the order processed correctly - $1250 with $50 in sears credit. Its on its way. I suppose time will tell how well the husq mower and trans does.

Thank you everyone that responded with the detailed help. I learned a lot about these things in the process.

 

[JTK]

If you don't mind, when you get it, post what the model and ser # are from the actual machine's namplate (usually under seat)

I'm not sure how accurate that "Todaysmower" site is (first I've heard of it), but it seems like a big Sears add.

Per Todaysmower, this rider uses one of the new composite (plastic) cased CVTs. Not necessarily a bad thing, just new. I haven't read of any bad things on them.

 

[dlundblad]

I'd buy an old Wheelhorse CL. If maintained at the bare minimum, it will outlive you. Shouldnt cost any more than $500.

If you play your cards right, you can find an old diesel Kubota G series for $1500-$2000, but it all depends on what you are wanting to spend. A 20+ year old Kubota with 3000 hrs will also outlive you and anything else Home Depot has to offer.

 

[JTK]

Tinkering with old iron beast garden tractors is one thing I enjoy and have bought, fixed up and sold some over the years. IMO, the problem with some of them, like old Wheel Horse classics, Case/Ingersoll, etc. is they are a chore to mow with compared to a newer, tight turning machine once you've had some seat time with them. Having an oldie for a yard horse is nice.

 

[ddombrowski]

Originally Posted By: JTK
If you don't mind, when you get it, post what the model and ser # are from the actual machine's namplate (usually under seat)

I'm not sure how accurate that "Todaysmower" site is (first I've heard of it), but it seems like a big Sears add.

Per Todaysmower, this rider uses one of the new composite (plastic) cased CVTs. Not necessarily a bad thing, just new. I haven't read of any bad things on them.


Todaysmower.com is like a big ad for a lot of different makes. Its review/marketing where he writes reviews and the click-throughs to various sites generate marketing revenue. It does seem like he's biased towards Sears but a few people I talked to in person pointed me there for info and seem to trust it.

I will certainly check the number when the mower arrives and will either confirm or deny the previous info.

Per Todaysmower, the 25081 replaced the 20830 (due to too many trans failures), and then the 20381X replaced the 25081 keeping the same manufacturer. I will see if I can find something else to independently confirm the MFR but it will arrive at the store on the 19th so I may just get the number then.

The only thing I could find independent of Sears, Todaysmower, and ShopYourWay is this which indicates the model number is 917.25081

http://www.repairclinic.com/vwo7/Shop-Fo...-Parts?sml=true

Someone here with that mower posted this question that indicated a 917 start as well:

http://www.shopyourway.com/questions/2142634

And someone here asking about a part fit using the same 917.25081

http://www.amazon.com/Will-Craftsman-917...asin=B0033NFGIC

 

[ddombrowski]

Originally Posted By: JTK
If you don't mind, when you get it, post what the model and ser # are from the actual machine's namplate (usually under seat)

I'm not sure how accurate that "Todaysmower" site is (first I've heard of it), but it seems like a big Sears add.

Per Todaysmower, this rider uses one of the new composite (plastic) cased CVTs. Not necessarily a bad thing, just new. I haven't read of any bad things on them.

 

[JTK]

Looks great!!

You'll love the cut from that 42" deck. Gauge wheels all the way around is a nice feature. Mine only had rear gauge wheels and I added a nose roller (from eBay) for cheap. Adjust that deck so it doesn't ride the ground when mowing and it will last a long time.

Let us know which trans it has and how it does..