Lawn Tractors

[golddigger14s]

I'm about to buy a house with about three acres and will need a lawn tractor.
My choices are:
Cub Cadet XT1
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cub-Cad...atic-Front-Engine-Lawn-Tractor-LT46/205617433
Craftsman T240:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...ing-Capability-Kit-Sold-Separately/1000706016
What are your thoughts?

 

[Glock 40]

I don't think you will find a big difference in either of them. They are basic consumer mowers. I would suggest if you have 3 acres you look for the biggest deck you can afford. You can go up to a 54 and could take a lot of time off your mowing. It doesn't sound like much but if you get back 45 minutes a week over 6 months of mowing a year its worth it. Also compare warranties and parts availability.
http://encoreequipment.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Mowing-Times-and-Productivity.pdf

 

[918evo]

They both look about the same. If it were me, I would buy something used that I could resell without losing money and use it until I could afford a decent commercial zero-turn. 3 acres of lawn is a lot and a zero turn will likely cut the time in half and make it less of a chore.

 

[Cowcatcher]

You say you'll need a lawn tractor. Are you doing something besides mowing? I'd go zero turn unless I needed a tractor type for pulling things and attachments.

 

[kirk1978]

Another vote for zero turn, 3 acres on a lawn tractor is probably 6 hours (depending on trees and such) mowing. Zero turn probably half of that.

 

[Glock 40]

Okay well I didn't want to pile on too much in my first post. I agree with whats been said. Unless you need a lawn tractor which real machines cost serious coin. I would suggest a larger ZTR as they cut mowing time dramatically. Or you could do as was said and look for a used JD lawn tractor. One thing is if you have lots of hills the ZTR can be trickey. Most ZTRs either have a hitch or can accept one to pull attachments and trailers.

 

[TwoForFlinching]

I like my single blade Snapper. It's only a 33" cut, but it's a great cut.

 

[Cowcatcher]

I like my single blade Snapper. It's only a 33" cut, but it's a great cut.

Can't argue with that. I had a 30" Dixon that did a beautiful job! But, this 60" kubota....well it just mows mow faster.

 

[travisstorma]

I'd vote a zero turn with a thick welded deck and not the stamped metal crap.

 

[SoonerP226]

My brother recently bought a lawn tractor, and his choice came down to Cub Cadet vs Craftsman, and he chose the Craftsman. I know he did research before he chose, and he told me why, but I can't recall what he told me. If I remember, I'll ask him tomorrow.