TodaysMower.com » b 2010 Tractors and Riding Mowers

Dixon 46 In. Deck 22 HP Kohler Lawn Tractor Model D22KH46 Review

Paul — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:26:34 +0000

Dixon 46 In. Deck 22 HP Kohler Twin Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Mower Review

The D26KH54 is a good choice and one of the best values for a Yard Tractor. It has a nice sized 22 hp Kohler motor and 46 inch deck. This Yard Tractor is designed to mow 1/2 to 3 acres quickly and efficiently. It will pull all of the ground engaging attachments Home Depot and Sears offers.

This review covers the Dixon D22KH46 with a twin cylinder Kohler motor, 46 inch deck, and foot control hydro. It will handle a snow thrower. If you want a larger deck look at the different Dixon models. This is the smallest tractor in the Dixon line-up.

Home Depot Item 202018740

: Dixon D22KH46

Listed on HomeDepot.com as: Dixon 46 In. Deck 22 HP Kohler Twin Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Mower

I personally like the D22KH46. It is a good size for 1/2 to 3 acres of lawn. This model is a great mower if you plan on using a snowthrower or have really tough grass. The 22 hp Kohler will give you dependable service. Along with the comparable Craftsman 28928 I am rating this mower as a “Best Buy” and it is a “great mower for about $1600.” Even though this mower is new to the Dixon brand, this will quickly become be the best Dixon for value, cut, durability and overall satisfaction. I have mowed with this 46 deck and it cuts as well or better than any other mid-sized deck. The fully vented deck has good lift for poor lawns and gets rid of the grass evenly and quickly for well kept lawns. With premium mulching blades and a mulch cover it mulches well. With hi-lift blades it bags very well.

Please read my reviews of all the mid-sized models so you can find the best mower for you.

Specs from Home Depot:

The Dixon 22HP Kohler yard tractor comes fully featured. Features such as hydrostatic pedal control transmission, electric push button blade engagement, cruise control and deluxe comfort features from seat to steering wheel. Dixon yard tractors offer premium performance with excellent results.

Kohler 22HP V-Twin engine
Hydrostatic foot pedal transmisison
Tight 16 inch turning radius leaves less grass uncut
Complete comfort package
ROS Reverse operating system
Wide step through frame
Front Bumper
MFG Brand Name : Dixon
MFG Model # : D22KH46
MFG Part # : 960460012

My Review:

This model is a lot of mower for the money. This model features the new the step through operator’s platform, 22 hp Kohler engine with oil filter, electric blade engagement, and a well designed 46 inch deck.

The D22KH46 has the foot control hydro. For most first time buyers the foot control is the best way to go. It drives like your car. If you are replacing your old mower that had fender controls this mower may not be for you.

If you want a mower that will mow 1/2 to 3 acres well, handle a snow blade, snow thrower, and all the non-ground engaging attachments this is the mower will do the job for you. This tractor is heavy enough to handle hilly and rough lawns. There are other mowers in the Dixon lineup that will mow faster, or pull more, but this is a great all around mowing machine.

I like the mid-size D22KH46 series. I think it represents a good value and a machine that if taken care of properly will last you a long time. The Dixon brand has been around since 1974 and this tractor is a good addition to the famous Dixon zero-turn line-up.

Compare this tractor to the Craftsman YT4000 Model 28928. The Dixon has an electric blade engage, front bumper, and 22 hp Kohler where the Craftsman 28928 has a manual blade engage, and 24 hp Briggs & Stratton.

Cons:

I really don’t have any concerns with the D22KH46. I personally wish they would put a better looking hood on it, but that’s about it.

You may not need this much power. 22 hp on a 46 inch deck is plenty ……… but you get a nice, quiet, smooth running v -twin motor with this model that will handle a snow thrower well.

Final Thoughts:

There are very few negatives with this mower as long as you understand that it is a good quality, mid-sized mower designed to mow lawns well. It is not a garden tractor and not designed to pull ground-engaging equipment like a plow, disk, or tiller. I like this lawn mower for what it is designed for. At around $1600 on sale it is a very good value.

Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:

Needed Accessories:

This tractor is part of the AYP/Husqvarna line. Many of the Huqvarna, Craftsman accessories and attachments will fit on it. If Home Depot does not carry what you need please visit Sears.com to see a full line of items for it.

These yard tractors are capable of pulling all the non-ground engaging attachments Sears offers including a snow thrower. Click here to see the full line of Sears attachments.

Hauling Equipment: Yes
Lawn Care Attach: Yes
Craftsman 2 bin bagger: 24891
Craftsman 3 bin bagger: 24892
Snow Blade: 24441 This blade will mount to your tractor WITHOUT removing the deck.

Dixon 54 In. Deck 26 HP Kawasaki Garden Tractor Model D26KH54 Review

Paul — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:06:29 +0000

Dixon 54 In. Deck 26 HP Kawasaki Twin Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Mower Review

The D26KH54 is a good choice and one of the best values for a Garden Tractor. It has a big 26 hp Kawasaki Motor and 54 inch deck. This Garden Tractor is designed to mow 2 to 5 acres quickly and efficiently. It will pull all of the ground engaging attachments Home Depot and Sears offers.

This review covers the D26KH54 with a twin cylinder Kawasaki motor, 54 inch deck, and foot control hydro. It will handle a snow thrower. If you want a smaller deck look at the different Dixon models. This is the largest tractor in the Dixon line-up.

Home Depot Item 202018741

Dixon D26KH54

Listed on HomeDepot.com as: 54 In. Deck 26 HP Kawasaki Twin Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Mower

Click on the link above to check prices and read more.

Buy Online – Pick Up At Your Nearest Home Depot

Specs:

The Dixon 26HP Kawasaki GT is a true garden tractor. Built with nothing held back the Dixon is loaded with features. A factory mounted sleeve hitch allows for ground engaging attachments to be used with ease and no hassle. Raise and lower your cutting deck at the touch of a button with an electric deck lift system. Premium gauges and controls give the operator total comfort unmatched by the competition.

Kawasaki 26HP V-Twin engine
14 gauge welded steel frame built for long life
Tight 16 inch turning radius leaves less grass uncut
Complete comfort package
Sleeve hitch pre-mounted for ground engaging attachments
ROS Reverse operating system
Wide step through frame
Heavy duty front bumper
Raise and lower your cutting deck at the touch of a button with an electric deck lift system
MFG Brand Name : Dixon
MFG Model # : D26KH54
MFG Part # : 960460013

Compare with:

Compare this tractor to the 2009 Craftsman Professional PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Model 28974, the 2010 Craftsman GT5000 Model 28947, the Cub Cadet Model 14WK94AK010, and the John Deere Model LA175 BG20449 . The D26KH54 has an advantage over all these other tractors of coming standard with a sleeve hitch and electric lift.

My Review:

For about 2999 dollars this is a very good value if you need to mow large areas. This model features the new Dixon/Husqvarna/Craftsman style step through operator’s platform, Kawasaki oil pump lube engine with oil filter, and a 54 inch 3 blade deck.

The D26KH54 has the foot control hydro. It is very easy to drive and has a “cruise control” for mowing the large open areas.

If you want a mower that will mow 2 to 5 acres well, handle a snow blade, snow thrower, and all the attachments Home Depot or Sears has to offer, this is the mower in the Dixon lineup that will do the job for you. This tractor is heavy enough to handle hilly and rough lawns. There is only one mower in the Craftsman lineup that will mow faster (The GT 5000 Excellerator). In my opinion there is no other mower that will pull more. I would have no concerns pulling a boat, light camping trailer, or 1500 lbs of dirt around your yard. This is a great all around workhorse.

I would have no concerns hooking up an AcrEase commercial wing mower from Kunz Engineering or two to this Garden tractor and mowing 10 feet or 15 feet at a time. I mention the AcrEase because this is the only pull-behind mower that can mow at the speeds the D26KH54 can mow at. These wing mowers will easily mow at 8 mph. With two of these behind the D26KH54 you can easily mow 7 acres or more an hour. The AcrEase mower has a unique hitch that works so well you don’t even know the wing mower is there. (I don’t make a commission if you buy an AcrEase)

This Garden Tractor will also pull the AcrEase rough cut mower.

To give you an example of the toughness of this tractor. A typical hydrostatic transmission in a lawn or yard tractor weighs about 20 lbs. This transmission in the D26KH54 weighs THREE TIMES as much. This is one rugged tractor for the price.

I like the D26KH54 series. I think it represents a good value and a machine that if taken care of properly will last you a long, long time. Click here to see the full line of Sears attachments. (Home Depot does not carry a large line of attachments for this tractor)

Cons:

The D26KH54 is good mower, but there are two items you need to be aware of. These items are not faults, but if you are moving up from a smaller mower you need to be aware of them.

First with this large of deck you will not get the consistent, even cut you get with say a 42 inch 28922. If your lawn is rough and uneven you will have some scalping and areas where the deck mows unevenly compared to a smaller mower. The deck has 5 anti-scalp wheels (gauge wheels) and rounded edges so the unevenness is minimum compared to other mower brands. Just be aware of the difference if you are moving up from a smaller mower. If you want a more even and consistent cut and still mow large areas look at the 2010 Husqvarna MZ6128ZT Zero-turn.

Second, you can buy a mulch kit for this deck but be aware of the negatives of using a mulch plug on this large of a deck. The problem is called “Blow-By.” To understand the negatives I will explain a little about deck design first.

Most of these large decks are built in a triangle. The middle blade is in front of the other two. This allows the blades to “overlap” so you never leave a stripe when turning or backing up. This design also has smooth edges under the deck designed to get the grass out from under it quickly and spread the grass evenly when discharged. In addition this Craftsman deck has “vented spindles” that allow a lot of air into the deck. All that air helps the blades lift the grass and cut it evenly and then helps the blades quickly throw the grass out the discharge.

The problem occurs when you plug the discharge with a mulch plug. All that air has to go somewhere and it ends up blowing down and out the underside of the mower deck. Most of the time when you are mulching good green grass everything works fine and you don’t notice this blow-by. It’s when you try to mulch dry, poor grass that this blow-by blows grass everywhere. It blows it mainly out the right front of the mower. Wind, mowing speed, etc., causes all this grass to go everywhere. On top of the deck, on top of the tractor, and all over you! The only way you can fix this is to remove the mulch plug when you are mowing in dry, dusty conditions.

Yes, all of these large decks will do this, it doesn’t matter if it is a Craftsman/Dixon or any other brand. Be aware before you purchase one of these large deck machines of blow-by and be ready to live with taking a shower after you mow.

Final Thoughts:

I like this mower and I feel it is one of the best values available for a mid-priced Garden Tractor. There are very few negatives with this mower as long as you understand that it is a good quality Garden Tractor designed to mow large lawns well. These Garden Tractors hold up well and have a great maintenance record. I like this lawn mower for what it is designed for. At around $2999 on sale it is a very good value.

Buy Here: 54 In. Deck 26 HP Kawasaki Twin Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Mower

Accessories:

Hauling Equipment: Anything Home Depot or Sears Sells
Lawn Care Attach: Anything Home Depot or Sears Sells

Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:

Introducing Dixon Mowers at TodaysMower!

Paul — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:51:09 +0000

As you know from reading these reviews I know Craftsman Tractors, but most of you don’t know I know Dixon mowers just as well.

I have owned or used Dixon zero-turn mowers for years. Dixon’s are fun to drive and last and last. In fact between my father and I we currently own 4 of them (1 late 70′s model, 1 80′s model, a 2003 30 inch and a 2008 50 inch) They have always been one of the best values in residential zero turns and now they offer tractors!

Dixon 1984 Model 424

If you are not familiar with the Dixon brand here is a little history.

In 1973, Dixon purchased a unique, patented zero-turn transaxle which delivered independent drive power to the rear wheels for ultimate control. (I affectionately call this the cone-drive) In 1974, Dixon ZTR® was born when the first model rolled off the assembly line. Homeowners could now experience the maneuverability of a zero-turn mower at an affordable price.

Dixon was primarily marketed through farm equipment dealers here in the Midwest. The mowers were affordable and easy to use. They were so much faster than lawn tractors that once you bought one…you never considered a lawn tractor again.

Around 2005 Husqvarana bought Dixon and has been quietly taking the best of their zero-turn technology and applying it to the Husqvarna line. Conversely in 2010, Dixon introduced 3 conventional riding and garden tractors loaded with features to satisfy even the most discerning homeowner.

Dixon 54 inch Garden Tractor

Today, Dixon offers a well rounded line of zero-turn models and conventional lawn tractors that suit both the homeowner and the professional landscaper.

Over the next few weeks I will review some of the best models for homeowners.

2010 SpeedZTR 42 inch

Husqvarna RZ4216 16.5 hp 42 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review

Paul — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:23:12 +0000

For most of us this is the perfect mower. It will replace your current 42 to 48 inch Lawn Tractor and get your mowing done in considerably less time.

This zero-turn is lightweight without sacrificing quality so it will mow your lawn without tearing up the turf. It has a good deck with vented spindles so it lift the grass and cuts well. Once homeowners figure out that zero-turns are the way to go, I predict this will be one of the most popular zero-turn mowers for Sears. Yes they cost more, but they will save you so much time! This is a great homeowner machine for up to 2 acres.

Husqvarna has developed a good, solid, zero-turn mower at a great price!

Husqvarna RZ4216 16.5 hp 42 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower Click here to go to Sears.com to check prices and purchase this zero-turn mower.

RZ4216 (Click for a larger view)

Please note: The picture I have is the correct picture for the mower. As of June 6, 2010 the picture on sears.com is wrong.

Husqvarna RZ4216

Since purchasing Dixon in 2006 Husqvarna has been quietly rebuilding their zero-turn line. This mower is a great example of that merger.

Deck: The 42 inch vented steel deck is capable of mowing and bagging well. The floating suspension coupled will give a nice even cut. Having this deck on this small tractor frame will allow you to mow around obstacles and trim landscape beds easily. The deck sticks out the side just enough to make trimming easy.

Weight: For it’s size the RZ4216 is very lightweight. If you have light or sandy soil this will keep the machine from “divoting” your lawn and tearing up the turf like a lot of the other residential zero-turns tend to do. I haven’t tested this mower on slopes so I will assume it will have difficulties mowing your septic mound. (You can usually mow these diagonally instead of across and get it mowed)

Speed: The engine size is plenty for this type of mower. I see too many lawn tractors getting into a “Power Race” and 16 hp is quite adequate for this size machine. This zero turn mower will mow up to 1.3/4 acres an hour! If you are currently using a 42 inch yard tractor to mow, this zero-turn will cut you mowing time considerably! In open areas it will mow about the same speed as your 42 inch Craftsman Yard Tractor but turning around, trimming and maneuvering around obstacles is where you save the time. A zero turn is much faster than a conventional tractor.

Maintenance-Free Transmission

The drives are strong enough to handle all residential mowing. I would pull a yard cart, dethatcher or a 15 gallon sprayer with this zero-turn but nothing else.

Price: At about $2399 on sale this mower is one of the best values on the market. I can easily compare this machine to other brands costing $500 more.

Warranty: I normally don’t discuss warranties because the normal manufacture warranties are all the same. (They only cover defects and do not cover engine or trans. Yes, read the fine print on your MTD warranty) but the warranty and options available through Sears needs to be covered on this mower. The standard 3 year Husqvarna warranty only covers the mower. It DOES NOT cover the engine and transmissions. If you have engine problems or transmission problems YOU have to contact the engine and trans manufacture and get the repairs made. I have also found that servicing dealers typically do not cover labor for the repairs, transporting the unit to their shop, and other items they may find wrong while your mower is in the shop.

Sears offer a 5 YEAR Protection Plan on this mower. The protection plan is set up so that a Sears tech comes to your home, diagnose and repairs the mower without any additional cost to you. The plan not only covers the standard warranty parts, but in this case covers the engine, transmissions and wear and tear. In other words if you wear out the belts, burn up a transmission, or literally run the wheels off this machine, it’s covered. About the only items it doesn’t cover are blades, tune-ups, physical abuse, and cut tires.

Cons: If you have a lot of steep hills, ditches, and inclines you may not want a residential zero-turn. They tend to have difficulties when mowing along the slope. If you have small slopes or short slopes that you can mow diagonally you can easily learn to use a zero-turn on them. They are also not designed to push snow or use a snow thrower. If you have questions about this leave a comment and I’ll happily discuss the benefits and whether a zero-turn is right for you.

You can read more and purchase your new mower at Sears by clicking on this link:

Husqvarna RZ4216 16.5 hp 42 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower.

You can buy your mower and pick it up at your nearest Sears or have it delivered to your home for a normal fee.

The rest of this article is information taken from the Husqvarna website. It is more complete than the info on Sears.com

For maneuverability, efficiency and convenience in a homeowner zero-turn mower package, the residential series really delivers. True zero-turn mower performance with twin, maintenance-free integrated transmissions, heavy-duty front casters and a rugged tube steel frame. High performance Air Induction cutting decks allow side ejection or optional mulch and collection capability. Convenient control placement, foam padded steering levers and an adjustable seat make these units easy and enjoyable to operate.

Engine: Briggs & Stratton
Engine type: Intek
Power: 16.5 hp
Air Filter type: Standard OEM
Fuel tank volume (with reserve) 3 gal.
Drive system Transmission type: EZT
Speed forward, min-max: 0-6.5 mph
Speed reverse, min-max: 0-3.5 mph
Cutting deck Cutting width: 42 inch
Cutting deck type: Stamped
Cutting height, min-max (approximate) 1.5 – 4 inch
Blade engagement: Manual
Blades: 2
Seat type: Vinyl with built in slide
Dimensions: Tire size, front 11×4-5″
Tire size, rear: 18×7.5-8″
Base machine, length: 72 inch

If this mower doesn’t seem like a good fit here are other zero-turn mowers that you may like:

Heavy Duty: Husqvarna MZ6128ZT 28 hp 61 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review

Economical: Husqvarna RZ5424 54 inch Kohler 24 hp Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower Review

If you have gates: Husqvarna RZ3016 16.5 hp 30 inch Zero Turn Riding Mower Review

High Speed: Craftsman Professional Zero Turn 52 inch 26 hp Model 28875 Review

A Craftsman Zero Turn: 2010 Craftsman Zero Turn 52 inch 26 hp Model 28992 Review

If a zero turn is not for you here a couple of Yard Tractors you may like:

YT3000 42 inch: Craftsman YT3000 42 inch 21 hp Model 28922 Review

YT4000 42 inch: Craftsman YT4000 42 inch 24 hp Model 28927 Review

YT4000 46 Inch: 2010 Craftsman YT4000 46 inch 24 hp Model 28928 Review

If you need to pull heavy loads or work in the garden this is your mower:

GT5000 Excellerator: Craftsman Garden Tractor 54 inch 26 hp Model 28947 Review

Husqvarna RZ5424 54 inch Kohler 24 hp Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower Review

Paul — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 12:43:38 +0000

I predict this will be one of the most popular zero-turn mowers for Sears. It is a great homeowner machine for 2 or more acres. Husqvarna has developed a good, solid, zero-turn mower at a great price!

Husqvarna 54 inch Kohler 24 hp Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower Click here to go to Sears.com to check prices and purchase this zero-turn mower.

Husqvarna RZ5424

Since purchasing Dixon in 2006 Husqvarna has been quietly rebuilding their zero-turn line. This mower is a great example of that merger. This appears to be a Dixon zero-turn power unit with a deck identical to one on the Craftsman Excellerator. This merging takes the best of both lines and creates a good dependable zero-turn mower that mows well and drives well.

Deck: The 54 inch stamped steel deck is capable of mowing a lot of lawn in a short period of time. The floating suspension coupled with the four anti-scalp wheels on the corners will keep this deck from digging in on the rough parts of your yard. This deck is known to cut well, and gets rid of grass well, but is not a great mulching deck or bagging deck. Why doesn’t it make a great mulcher? This deck has vents in the top that allow a lot of air into the deck. This helps the blades lift the grass and cut it evenly but that air has to have someplace to go. When you block the discharge with a mulch plug the deck tends to “blow” air out the front. (the nature of a triangle design deck) This doesn’t cause a problem for the mulching, but it does tend to blow a lot of grass up onto the footrest. If you plan on mulching with this deck be prepared for a lot of “blow by” when the lawn is dry.

Weight: For it’s size the RX5424 is very lightweight. If you have light or sandy soil this will keep the machine from “divoting” your lawn and tearing up the turf like a lot of the other residential zero-turns tend to do. I haven’t tested this mower on slopes so I will assume it will have difficulties mowing your septic mound. (You can usually mow these diagonally instead of across and get it mowed)

Speed: This zero turn mower will mow up to 2.7 acres an hour! If you are currently using a 54 inch garden tractor to mow, this zero-turn will cut you mowing time considerably! Compare this to 1 3/4 acres an hour for a Craftsman 28990 Yard Tractor or 2.25 acres an hour for the Craftsman 28947 Excellerator garden tractor.

Price: At about $2999 on sale this mower is one of the best values on the market. I can easily compare this machine to other brands costing $1000 more.

Warranty: I normally don’t discuss warranties because the normal manufacture warranties are all the same. (They only cover defects and do not cover engine or trans. Yes, read the fine print on your MTD warranty) but the warranty and options available through Sears needs to be covered on this mower. The standard 3 year Husqvarna warranty only covers the mower. It DOES NOT cover the engine and transmissions. If you have engine problems or transmission problems YOU have to contact them and get the repairs made. I have also found that servicing dealers typically do not cover labor for the repairs, transporting the unit to their shop, and other items they may find wrong while your mower is in the shop.

Cons: I discussed the negatives of the 54 inch deck above in the review of the Craftsman 28947 Excellerator. If you are looking to make money by mowing other people’s lawns this is not the mower for you. It is a great residential mower designed to mow up to 5 hours a week, but if you try to use this commercially, it won’t last long. Constantly taking it on and off a trailer, and mowing for hours a day every day will quickly wear this machine out. This mower is designed to give the homeowner years of service but is not designed for commercial use. If you want a economical mower capapble of 25 hours a week or more consider the Husqvarna MZ6128ZT 28 hp 61 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower. Read my review here: Husqvarna MZ6128ZT Review

Maintenance-Free Transmission

The drives are strong enough to handle all residential mowing. I would pull a yard cart or a 25 gallon sprayer with this zero-turn but nothing else.

You can read more and purchase your new mower at Sears by clicking on this link: Husqvarna 54 inch Kohler 24 hp Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower. You can buy your mower and pick it up at your nearest Sears or have it delivered to your home for a normal fee.

The rest of this article is information taken from the Husqvarna website. It is more complete than the info on Sears.com

TECHNICAL DATA
Engine manufacturer: Kohler
Engine type: Courage V-Twin OHV
Power: 24 hp
Electrical System: 12V, 16 amp alt.
Air Filter: type Standard OEM
Fuel tank volume (with reserve) 3 gal.
Transmission type: Dual EZT
Speed forward, min-max: 0-6 mph
Speed reverse, min-max: 0-3.5 mph
Cutting width: 54 inch
Cutting height, min-max (approximate) 1.5 – 4.5 inch
Blade engagement: Electric
Blades: 3
Blade-tip speed: 16600 fpm
Anti-scalp wheels: 4
Nose roller
Seat type: Vinyl with built in slide
Hour meter: Digital
Tire size, front: 11×4-5″
Tire size, rear: 18×9.5-8″
Base machine, length: 72 inch
Base machine, width (chute down) 68 inch
Base machine, width (chute up) 60 inch
Weight: 640 lbs
Productivity: 2.7 acres/hr

Husqvarna 54 inch Kohler 24 hp Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower Click here to go to Sears.com to purchase this machine.

If this mower doesn’t seem like a good fit here are other zero-turn mowers that you may like:

Heavy Duty: Husqvarna MZ6128ZT 28 hp 61 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review

The Perfect Mower: Husqvarna RZ4216 16.5 hp 42 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review

If you have gates: Husqvarna RZ3016 16.5 hp 30 inch Zero Turn Riding Mower Review

High Speed: Craftsman Professional Zero Turn 52 inch 26 hp Model 28875 Review

A Craftsman Zero Turn: 2010 Craftsman Zero Turn 52 inch 26 hp Model 28992 Review

If a zero turn is not for you here a couple of Yard Tractors you may like:

YT3000 42 inch: Craftsman YT3000 42 inch 21 hp Model 28922 Review

YT4000 42 inch: Craftsman YT4000 42 inch 24 hp Model 28927 Review

YT4000 46 Inch: 2010 Craftsman YT4000 46 inch 24 hp Model 28928 Review

If you need to pull heavy loads or work in the garden this is your mower:

GT5000 Excellerator: Craftsman Garden Tractor 54 inch 26 hp Model 28947 Review

Husqvarna MZ6128ZT 28 hp 61 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review

Paul — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:41:15 +0000

Every once in a while a mower manufacture will “get it right” Here is a great example. Husqvarna has developed a good, solid, zero-turn capable of high-speed mowing and still keeping the price within reach of the average homeowner.

A commercial mower at a homeowner price!

If you mow 3 or more acres and want to get it done quickly this is the mower for you.

If you want your lawn to look as good as your neighbor’s who has a “professional” mow hers, this is the mower for you.

If you want a good “commercial grade” mower that will last you twice as long as the other zero-turns you looked at, this is the mower for you.

If you are just starting your lawn business and you have no more than 25 hours a week of mowing to do, this is a great starter zero-turn.

I call this mower a “semi-professional” zero-turn. Others call it a high-end residential. It works well for a small commercial mower and a homeowner who wants a machine that will last.

MZ6128ZT (click on pict to enlarge)

Husqvarna MZ6128ZT 28 hp 61 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Pros:

Large tires, wide stance. The larger than usual tires and wide stance will make this a great zero-turn mower for slopes. It will mow your septic mound with ease. The anti-scalp wheels on the corners and nose wheel will keep the deck from digging in on the rough parts of your yard. If you have light or sandy soil the larger tires will keep the machine from “divoting” your lawn and tearing up the turf like the residential zero-turns tend to do.

Welded steel deck. The deck is heavy enough to let your teenager use the mower and you will not have to worry about them tearing it up. The deck will quickly get rid of the grass.

Speed. This mower will mow at up to 8 MPH! If you are currently using a 54 inch garden tractor to mow, this zero-turn will cut you mowing time in half! This machine is capable of mowing up to 4 acres an hour. Compare this to 1 1/2 acres an hour for a 54 inch residential zero-turn or garden tractor.

Price. At about $5000 on sale this mower is one of the best values on the market. For that amount you get a strong, dependable, machine capable of mowing as quickly as zero-turns costing 3 to 5 thousand dollars more.

Warranty: I normally don’t discuss warranties because the normal manufacture warranties are all the same. (They only cover defects and do not cover engine or trans. Yes, read the fine print on your MTD warranty) but the warranty and options available through Sears needs to be covered on this mower. The standard 3 year Husqvarna warranty only covers the mower. It DOES NOT cover the engine and transmissions. If you have engine problems or transmission problems YOU have to contact them and get the repairs made. I have also found that servicing dealers typically do not cover labor for the repairs, transporting the unit to their shop, and other items they may find wrong while your mower is in the shop.

Sears offer a 5 YEAR Protection Plan on this mower. The protection plan is set up that a Sears tech comes to your home, diagnose and repairs the mower without any additional cost to you. The plan not only covers the standard warranty parts, but in this case covers the engine, transmissions and wear and tear. In other words if you wear out the belts, burn up a transmission, or literally run the wheels off this machine, it’s covered. About the only items it doesn’t cover are blades, tune-ups, physical abuse, and cut tires.

Cons: From a commercial stand point I would limit this mower to about 25 hours a week. If you are running your machines more than that I suggest you move up to a iZ or PZ unit. But if you do a lot of residential this machine is light enough to work well on those lawns.

The ZT 3400 drives are strong enough to handle all residential and most commercial mowing. You can use it with most pull-behind attachments like a yard cart, dethatcher, or sprayer, but if you are planning on mowing slopes for hours at a time or pulling an Acrease Wing Mower I suggest that you go with a unit that uses cast iron drives. If you have a lot of hills to mow go with a Toro Grandstand or ExMark Vantage.

You can read more and purchase your new mower at Sears by clicking on this link: Husqvarna MZ6128ZT 28 hp 61 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower. You can buy your mower and pick it up at your nearest Sears or have it delivered to your home for a normal fee.

The rest of this article is information taken from the Husqvarna website. It is more complete than the info on Sears.com

Mega-sized mower with pro features.

Heavy Duty, Frequent Use or Occasional Demanding Use

Semi-Pros, Farmers/Ranchers, Large residential property owners and other demanding users who require high performance.

The new MZ series zero-turn mower from Husqvarna takes performance, productivity, and comfort to a whole new level. The intuitive operator interface, heavy- duty steel frame and commercial rated hydraulic system create the ultimate mowing experience. With a rugged fabricated steel deck that is mulch and collection capable, the new MZ is practical for all of your property maintenance needs. The engine features EFM (Electronic Fuel Management) – no choke required so the engine starts and performs similar to fuel injection.

Commercial drive system

New ZT3400 series commercial transmissions are fully serviceable and offer higher ground speeds with smooth performance.

Easy-access service points

Oil and filter maintenance, hydraulic drive system components/adjustment, electrical system and battery are all within easy reach so you can quickly get back to being productive.

Adjustable tracking

The easily accessible adjustment allows fine-tuning of straight line tracking without tools.

Specifications for MZ6128ZT
Engine Engine manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton
Electrical System: 12V, 15 Amp
Air Filter type Standard OEM
Fuel tank volume (with reserve): 5 gal.
Drive system Transmission type: ZT 3400
Speed forward, min-max: 0-8 mph
Speed reverse, min-max: 0-4 mph
Cutting deck Cutting width: 61 inch
Cutting height, min-max (approximate): 1.5 – 4.5 inch
Blade engagement: Electric
Blades: 3
Seat type: Standard high back, arm rests
Hour meter: Digital
Tire size, front 13×5-6″
Tire size, rear 23×10.5-10″

Husqvarna MZ6128ZT 28 hp 61 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower

If this mower doesn’t seem like a good fit here are other zero-turn mowers that you may like:

Economical: Husqvarna RZ5424 54 inch Kohler 24 hp Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower Review

The Perfect Mower: Husqvarna RZ4216 16.5 hp 42 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review

If you have gates: Husqvarna RZ3016 16.5 hp 30 inch Zero Turn Riding Mower Review

High Speed: Craftsman Professional Zero Turn 52 inch 26 hp Model 28875 Review

A Craftsman Zero Turn: 2010 Craftsman Zero Turn 52 inch 26 hp Model 28992 Review

If a zero turn is not for you here a couple of Yard Tractors you may like:

YT3000 42 inch: Craftsman YT3000 42 inch 21 hp Model 28922 Review

YT4000 42 inch: Craftsman YT4000 42 inch 24 hp Model 28927 Review

YT4000 46 Inch: 2010 Craftsman YT4000 46 inch 24 hp Model 28928 Review

If you need to pull heavy loads or work in the garden this is your mower:

GT5000 Excellerator: Craftsman Garden Tractor 54 inch 26 hp Model 28947 Review

Husqvarna RZ3016 16.5 hp 30 inch Zero Turn Riding Mower Review

Paul — Mon, 31 May 2010 12:52:03 +0000

I have a house on one acre with 14 landscape beds, 40 trees, 16 Lilac bushes and a 60 ft by 60 ft dog yard with a 34 inch gate. I own a 30 inch zero-turn and if I needed to replace it this would be the mower I would buy. It is the perfect size for all the obstacles I have to go around and through. A 42 inch Lawn Tractor or Yard Tractor is impractical for my yard.

Model RZ3016 Husqvarna

(click on the picture for a larger view)

I have had a chance to test drive this mower (I didn’t get to mow with it) and compared to my 3033 Dixon this is what I like:

- For it’s size it has nice large rear tires and front casters. I hate the tire size and “Z” casters on my old Dixon and the RX3016 is a major improvement. The larger tire size helps it to not divot the lawn and makes for a much smoother ride. Having the larger tires helps it to go through dips and potholes much better than my old machine.

- The EZT hydrostatic transmissions are smooth and dependable. The old “cone drive” system on my Dixon is slushy and you never, quite know where you will end up when you turn. The EXT’s are very precise and easy to use. I would love to have this much control with a small mower like this.

- 30 inches wide. I have a 34 inch gate on my dog yard and a 30 inch mower is perfect. I also own an OLD John Deere 8 cu. ft. dump cart that’s only 30 inches wide and the RZ3016 would be perfect for pulling that around the yard.

- Adjustable seat. I’m big and my wife is thin. Having an adjustable seat on a zero-turn is a must. This allows us to both comfortably use the mower without one of us having to sacrifice comfort.

- Motor. The 16 hp Briggs INTEK has plenty of power to mow at full speed. (The old Dixon has only a 10 hp) Coupled with the 3 gallon gas tank you can easily mow 4 or 5 acres before adding fuel.

- Price. At about $2200 this mower is a great value. I know….many of you are used to paying a lot less for a lawn tractor or yard tractor, but this machine is well worth the money! This mower is actually cheaper than than my old machine was 15 years ago. (I paid $3400 for a comparable Dixon back then)

- Speed. The RZ3016 is capable of 6 mph. (realistic mowing speed about 4) Coupled with the 16 hp motor I know I can cut my current mowing time of 45 minutes by quite a bit. I dare you to try and mow my yard with a 42 inch yard tractor in that amount of time!

- Easy to work on. I do all of my own repairs and I like the way the RZ3016 “opens” up. All the components are easily accessible.

You can read more and purchase this mower on the Sears website: Click This Link RZ3016 Zero Turn.

Buy Online – Pick Up At Your Nearest Sears

Buy Online – Have Delivered To Your Home.

By clicking on the link to this product and purchasing it within five days through Sears.com I get paid a small commission. I don’t get a commission if you purchase it at a Sears store.

Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:

Summary:

Here is a summary of the mower’s features from the Husqvarna website:

The new RZ3016 raises the bar on compact size, without compromising performance. From the rugged steel tube frame, maintenance free drive system and new high performance cutting deck, to the simplified controls and smooth operation, this new addition offers outstanding value to the RZ family.

Engine Briggs & Stratton Intek
Power 16.5 hp
Electrical System 12V- 16Amp
Air Filter type Standard OEM
Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel tank volume (with reserve) 3 gal.
Drive system
Transmission type EZT
Speed forward, min-max 0-6 mph
Speed reverse, min-max 0-3.5 mph
Cutting deck width 30 inch
Cutting deck type Stamped
Cutting height, min-max (approximate) 1.5 – 4.5 inch
Blade engagement Manual
Blades 1
Seat type Vinyl with built in slide
Dimensions:
Tire size, front 11×4-5″
Tire size, rear 18×6.5-8″
Base machine, length 72 inch
Base machine, width (chute down) 36 inch
Weight 395 lbs
Productivity 1.6 acres/hr

30 inch Zero Turn At Sears!

Also being sold by Sears are the semi-pro MZ6128ZT Zero Turn , homeowner EZ5224 Zero Turn, the “just right” EZ4824 Zero Turn, and the “standard” RZ4216 Zero Turn.

To see the complete line of Husqvarna Products available at Sears and Sears Marketplace click on the link below.

Husqvarna Products At Sears

If this mower doesn’t seem like a good fit here are other zero-turn mowers that you may like:

Heavy Duty: Husqvarna MZ6128ZT 28 hp 61 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review

Economical: Husqvarna RZ5424 54 inch Kohler 24 hp Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower Review

The Perfect Mower: Husqvarna RZ4216 16.5 hp 42 inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review

High Speed: Craftsman Professional Zero Turn 52 inch 26 hp Model 28875 Review

A Craftsman Zero Turn: 2010 Craftsman Zero Turn 52 inch 26 hp Model 28992 Review

If a zero turn is not for you here a couple of Yard Tractors you may like:

YT3000 42 inch: Craftsman YT3000 42 inch 21 hp Model 28922 Review

YT4000 42 inch: Craftsman YT4000 42 inch 24 hp Model 28927 Review

YT4000 46 Inch: 2010 Craftsman YT4000 46 inch 24 hp Model 28928 Review

If you need to pull heavy loads or work in the garden this is your mower:

GT5000 Excellerator: Craftsman Garden Tractor 54 inch 26 hp Model 28947 Review

Introducing Husqvarana Zero-Turn Mowers! At Sears!

Paul — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:40:13 +0000

Sears had a big announcement this spring introducing Yardman mowers but the real news is Sears is now selling many of the Husqvarna products that were exclusive to their own dealer network until now!

Husqvarna MZ6128ZT

Here are some highlights of the expanded Husqvarna line available at Sears:

Zero Turn Mowers that for years were exclusively sold in the dealers stores.

Starting off with the semi-pro MZ6128ZT Zero Turn This is one of my favorite mowers on the market today. It is strong enough to be used commercially, agile, stable, and heavy enough to work on hills the other residential zero-turns can’t. It has a welded deck for years of rugged use. Best it is a great value at about $4999 on sale. I highly recommend this mower for anyone with two or more acres of lawn to mow. With a ground speed of 8 mph it will mow up to 4 acres and hour under normal mowing conditions.

Also being sold by Sears are the homeowner EZ5224 Zero Turn, the “just right” EZ4824 Zero Turn, the “standard” RZ4216 Zero Turn, and the 30 inch RZ3016 Zero Turn. I will go into more detail and give my honest opinion of these zero-turns in the next few weeks.

To see the complete line of Husqvarna Products available at Sears and Sears Marketplace click on the link below.

Husqvarna Products At Sears

Craftsman YT4000 Tractor Model 28925 Parts, Accessories, Attachments

Paul — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:01:06 +0000

If you are looking for a review of this Lawn Tractor go here: Craftsman Yard Tractor Series YT4000 Model 28925 Review

Here are parts, attachments, repair accessories and pull behind attachments for your Craftsman Yard Tractor Series YT4000 Model 28925.
I have sized these items to your tractor so it will be easier for you to decide which ones work best for you.
At the time of this post some items numbers are new and have not been put on Sears.com

Right Click on Part Number To View and Purchase: (Right Click for new window)

Common Repair Parts

High Lift Blades 24652 Need 2
Mulching Blades 33178
Oil Summer Quart 33028 Change oil after first 2 hours and oil/filter every 50 hours or once a year
Oil Change Plus 33048
Oil Filter 24606
Air Filter 33103
Air Pre-Cleaner (Included with 33103)
Fuel Filter 33392
Spark Plug 33456
Deck Drive Belt 33153 Hang these belts on the wall of your garage. If you break one it will save you a trip.
Tractor Drive Belt 33150

Optional Attachments

Bumper:
Single 24599 or 24611
Double 24608 or 24612
Brush Guard 24628
Snow Cab 24276
Arm Rest 33458
Sun Shade 24230
Front Scoop Not Available for this model.
Craftsman Front Dethatcher 24312
Sleeve Hitch and Attachments: Not Available for this model

Tractor Repair Accessories

These accessories will help you transport and repair your tractor

Blade Balancer & Blade Sharpener Kit 64988
Blade Clamp 33897
GrassHawk™ Mower Deck Cleaner 24002
MoJack EZ Lawn Mower Lift 60365
Craftsman Tractor Lift 24610
Craftsman Loading Ramps 24649
Craftsman Fold-Up Utility Trailer 24201

Pull Behind Attachments

Your tractor is able to pull any of these attachments

Steel Utility Deck 24366
Flatbed Trailer 24358
Flatbed Trailer side rails 24354
10 cu ft 600 lb Poly Cart 24489
12 cu ft 1000 lb Steel Cart 24355
Tool Caddy for 24355 or 24357 24370
12.5 cu ft 1000 lb Poly Cart 24357
15 cu ft 1000 lb Poly Cart 24469
16 cu ft 1250 lb Steel Cart 24356

Broadcast Spreader 24321
De-thatcher 24315
42 inch Hi-Speed Sweeper 24222
Professional Hi-Speed Sweeper 24229
Plug Aerator 24326
Spike Aerator 24336
Spike Aerator/Spreader 24331
Agri-Fab Aerator 48” Curved Spike 07431
Professional Yard Vac 24707
Craftsman Vacuum Hose For Yard Vac 24509
Professional Yard Vac with Chipper 24717
Broadcast Spreader 85 lb 24322
Broadcast Spreader 100 lb 24321
Broadcast Spreader 175 lb 24594
Chemical Spreader (Pull behind) 24531
Agri-Fab 25 gal. ATV Tow Sprayer 24458
Lawn Roller Poly 24250

Craftsman Yard Tractor Series YT3000 Model 28934 Parts, Accessories, Attachments

Paul — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:52:02 +0000

If you are looking for a review of this Lawn Tractor go here: Craftsman Yard Tractor Series YT3000 Model 28934

Here are parts, attachments, repair accessories and pull behind attachments for your Craftsman Model 28934 Yard Tractor.
I have sized these items to your tractor so it will be easier for you to decide which ones work best for you.
At the time of this post some items numbers are new and have not been put on Sears.com

Right Click on Part Number To View and Purchase: (Right Click for new window)

Replacement Parts

High Lift Blades 24652 Need 2
Mulching Blades 33178
Oil Summer Quart 33028 Change oil after first 2 hours and oil/filter every 50 hours or once a year
Oil Change Plus 33048
Oil Filter 24606
Air Filter 24642
Air Pre-Cleaner (Included with 24642)
Fuel Filter 33392
Spark Plug 85871
Deck Drive Belt 33153 Hang these belts on the wall of your garage. If you break one it will save you a trip.
Tractor Drive Belt 24693 or 24105

Optional Attachments

Mulch Kit (includes blades) 33748
Premium Mulching Blades Craftsman 42 in. Advanced Mulching and Bagging Blade Set
Mulch Plug (from searspartsdirect) 42 inch Mulcher Plate Assembly. Sears Part No. 198383
2-bin soft bagger 24891
2 bin hard 24897
3 bin soft Not Recomended for this machine
Gauge (Anti-Scalp) Wheels Front Included
Gauge (Anti-Scalp) Wheels Rear Included
Chains 24863 Needed for Front Scoop, Snow Plow or Snow Thrower
Weights 24434 or 24445 Needed for Front Scoop, Snow Plow or Snow Thrower
Snow blade 24441
Dozer Blade Not available for this model
Snow Thrower For Craftsman and Husqvarna brand only with 22 inch or smaller tires 24837 or 24838
Bumper:
Single 24599 or 24611
Double 24608 or 24612 Brush Guard 24628
Snow Cab 24276
Arm Rest 33458
Sun Shade 24230
Front Scoop Not Available for this model.
Craftsman Front Dethatcher 24312
Sleeve Hitch and Attachments: Not Available for this model

Tractor Repair Accessories

These accessories will help you transport and repair your tractor

Pull Behind Attachments

Your tractor is able to pull any of these attachments

Steel Utility Deck 24366
Flatbed Trailer 24358
Flatbed Trailer side rails 24354
10 cu ft 600 lb Poly Cart 24489
12 cu ft 1000 lb Steel Cart 24355
Tool Cady for 24355 or 24357 24370
12.5 cu ft 1000 lb Poly Cart 24357
15 cu ft 1000 lb Poly Cart 24469
16 cu ft 1250 lb Steel Cart 24356

Broadcast Spreader 24321
Dethatcher 24315
42 inch Hi-Speed Sweeper 24222
Professional Hi-Speed Sweeper 24229
Plug Aerator 24326
Spike Aerator 24336
Spike Aerator/Spreader 24331
Agri-Fab Aerator 48” Curved Spike 07431
Professional Yard Vac 24707
Craftsman Vacuum Hose For Yard Vac 24509
Professional Yard Vac with Chipper 24717
Broadcast Spreader 85 lb 24322
Broadcast Spreader 100 lb 24321
Broadcast Spreader 175 lb 24594
Chemical Spreader (Pull behind) 24531
Agri-Fab 25 gal. ATV Tow Sprayer 24458
Lawn Roller Poly 24250