I just sold off a nearly-new low-end Murray - belt clutch, rear-engine.
I replaced it with a 5 year old Cub Cadet 1864 with 48" mower deck.
It's like going from a Yugo to a Cadillac. The lawn looks much better in half
the time.
I understand that MTD makes all CCs now, but it appears to me that there is
the retail models and there are the models that certified dealers sell. Mine is
of the latter variety, with a Kohler engine and hydraulics, 3-pt hitch,
electric PTO, power steering and Hydrostatic drive. I gave $1000 for mine
used, which was a bargain. I think its a better unit than those at Lowes for
several times that. One difference may be the engine, because I know some of
the lower-price CCs use a Briggs motor. Even the best B&S is not equal to a
Kohler, IMHO.
I have read that JDs are made by MTD and may not live up to the name.
I suggest you study the CC models at Lowes, get model numbers and brochures.
Then go to an indpependent CC dealer and compare what they have. I bet the
difference becomes apparent pretty quickly.


On Tue, 22 Apr 2003 09:11:04 -0400, "BRN"
wrote:

|Hi all,
|
|I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at
|most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off
|brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now
|sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least
|in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I
|know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the
|longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a
|price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the
|cheapest brands.
|
|Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say
|they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair
|service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops?
|
|Thank in advance.
|
|Bart
|
|