John Deere or Craftsman?

Question

I want to buy a new lawn tractor for my three acre lawn. I'm not sure which is better- John Deere LA150 with a 26 h.p. Briggs and Stratton V-Twin with 54 inch mower deck from Home Depot or a Sears Craftsman DYS 4500 with a 26 h.p. Kohler Pro V-Twin with 54 inch mowing deck? I Automatically, I thought the John Deere was better because of their reputation, but upon more research, it seems that J.D. is not what it used to be and that ther customer service is terrible. At the same time, it seems that Sears really stands behind their products, plus supposedly they make really good tractors. Does anybody know enough about these tractors that they can give me some sound advice'? Thanks.

Answer 1

My vote goes to the craftsman with the kohler motor. It is especially good if you get the automatic transmission. I have had one for years and it has been great. They are made by AYP, I think the JD's are MTD.

Answer 2

At one time, they were made by the same company.
With Sears being the lower price for the same product, plus better service, that's the way to go.
I don't know if it's still like that on the lawn tractors, but you might do a little more research.
Not pushing one way or the other, but,---
Briggs is good, but if you can get a Kohler motor, you are better off.

Answer 3

If you are not going to buy a John Deere at a dealer, buy the Craftsman. Get the extended warranty from Sears. I had the 18 horse Kohler engine on one of my mowers and it was a great engine. Problem was, everything else on the mower failed and I had more service calls than time cutting grass.

Answer 4

The John Deere tractors sold a Home Depot are not even built by John Deere. They are built by third party manufacturers just as Craftsman is for Sears. At least you can easily get parts from Craftsman via on-line or ordered at any of their stores.

Answer 5

Craftsman

Answer 6

I have yet to see any reason in my entire life where anyone really needed a lawn tractor...unless they were lazy.dont buy either