This article looks at the 2020 Husqvarna Lawn and Garden Tractors.
Lawn tractors and garden tractors are disappearing from the U.S. because zero-turn mowers are taking over. That said, Husqvarna has updated their lawn & garden tractors with the features you want and streamlined the model line-up to make them a lot easier to understand.
I rate products differently than most sites. I not only look at the number of products, the price, the craftsmanship, and the quality of cut but also the dealers, ease of warranty service, and parts networks that support the product.
This article will discuss:
- Features that make Husqvarna a good value.
- Do You need a Lawn or Garden Tractor?
- 100 or 200 or 300 series tractors?
- The Tractors – By Deck Size
Features that make Husqvarna the best value.
Engines: For 2020 Husqvarna is keeping it simple. Just two of the most reliable engines on the market.
- Briggs & Stratton Endurance: Offered on the 100 series, this is a solid step up from the Briggs InTek engines found in other brands. This engine has a full pressure oil pump with internal oil porting to the critical components inside the crankcase. This engine can handle extended use mowing slopes and ditches without the fear of throwing a connecting rod. This engine is similar to the very reliable Sears Craftsman Platinum engine that everyone liked.
- EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection.) Husqvarna is not offering any lawn or garden tractors with EFI for 2020.
- Kawasaki FR: Offered on the 200 & 300 series. The Kaw FR has the best reputation for residential engines on the market. It’s a great, solid engine. It’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and will last you the life of the Husqvarna tractors.
Transmissions. Transmissions define what you can pull and how well the mower will last mowing slopes. Husqvarna uses only three transmissions and they are matched correctly to the lawn/garden tractor and what you expect the tractor to do. Husqvarna only offers hydrostatic transmissions. They do not offer cheap CVT or gear drives.
- CVT. For reference: Commonly used in Riding mowers under $1600. Husqvarna is not using a CVT transmission (black case) in any of the 2020 models. Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and John Deere use this in their least expensive models.
- TL200. For reference: Commonly used in riding mowers and tractors with 42-46 inch decks. Husqvarna is not using them in any of the 2020 mowers. This economical transmission is designed for mowing and light-duty pulling. You can pull a small yard cart, sprayer, dethatcher, etc.
- K46. Commonly used in Lawn/Yard Tractors. This is the “standard” transmission for lawn tractors with 42-50 inch decks and 18-20 inch rear tires. It is used in more lawn tractors than any other transmission. This transmission will handle mowing slopes, pulling larger yard carts, and lawn rollers. Husqvarna properly uses this transmission in the 100 and 200 series tractors.
- K46D. We have been asking for this transmission in a 42-48 inch mower for years. I am so excited that Husqvarna has listened and is now offering the K46D with automatic locking differential in a 42, 46, and 48-inch size.
- K58. Commonly used in Garden Tractors. This is an economical heavy-duty transmission designed to handle any size deck and pull ground engaging equipment. This transmission uses one-inch axles so it will handle more weight and is a great choice if you want to add a mounted snowblower. (John Deere uses the K57 which has lighter 3/4 inch axles)
- K66D. Heavy-Duty Garden Tractors. This is the heaviest-duty transmission available for garden tractors with a vertical shaft engine. It is slightly heavier-duty than the K62 used by other brands. The K66 has been around for a long time and considered “bullet-proof” compared to all the other transmissions currently on the market for lawn & garden tractors. The K66D has the electronic locking differential.
Differential Lock: Husqvarna offers more models with Automatic, manual, or electric “diff” lock than any other brand. If you have wet areas to mow, slopes that can get slippery, use a snow/dozer blade or want to mount a snowblower a tractor with a diff lock is a must-have. Differential lock puts power to both rear wheels to give you more traction in wet conditions and slopes. It allows you to push more snow with a snow blade and is a must-have if you want to attach a front-mounted snowblower. Husqvarna is the ONLY brand to offer automatic diff lock on mowers with 42, 46, and 48-inch decks!
Frame.
Husqvarna uses two different frames.
100 series. Husqvarna uses a strong, channel style frame for the 100 series lawn tractors. It a solid frame and I don’t expect you to have any problems with it cracking over the years.
200 & 300 Series. Husqvarna uses a fully welded, ladder style frame for the 200 & 300 series lawn tractors. It is a stronger than the frame used on the 100 series.
Decks.
Consistent quality cut. Brackets on the decks on all models allow you to easily remove the deck for cleaning, blade sharpening, and maintenance.
- Stamped: Husqvarna’s stamped decks give you a consistent, quality cut. and features Husqvarna’s Air Induction Mowing Technology. Air is drawn from the top and bottom of the deck, improving grass lift and delivering a superior cut. They also bag and mulch well. All of the stamped decks this year include the bottom reinforcement plates to give the deck extra strength. Husqvarna is the only brand that still offers a 3-bin bagger for the 42 and 46-inch decks.
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ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck. Most zero-turn mowers have switched to fabricated decks because most ZTRs mow faster than lawn tractors and fabricated decks are stronger and will take more punishment when hitting trees, posts, and foundations. Husqvarna has added their ClearCut fabricated decks cut well and most people can’t see the difference between these decks and a stamped deck’s cut quality,
The new fabricated design features welded 10 gauge steel construction with additional welded reinforcement strips for maximum durability
Accessories: Husqvarna has a large selection of accessories and attachments for your lawn and garden tractor including snow blowers and a dozer blade for the 300 series. In addition, they will pull the thousands of attachments from Agri-Fab, Ohio Steel, and others.
If you want a “cheap” mower – Go somewhere else.
Cheap Riding Mowers: Riding mowers are generally cheap lawn mowers that are sold to customers that just want the “cheapest” riding lawn mower they can buy. In today’s dollars that is most riding mowers under $1500. Yes, they will cut the grass but don’t expect them to cut well and last more than a few years. Husqvarna has wisely decided to get out of this portion of the market for 2020.
LGT or Cheap Garden Tractors. A Cheap Garden tractor is basically a tractor with large, 23-24 inch rear tires, a big, 54-inch deck and the K46 – lawn tractor transmission. They were/are priced between $1900-$2500 and look like a “heck of a deal.” Husqvarna called them “LGT” or light garden tractors they have proven to be a waste of your money because no matter who made it the transmissions failed, the frames cracked and they typically didn’t last more than 5 years. Husqvarna has wisely decided to get out of this portion of the market for 2020.
Do You need a 100 or 200 or 300 Series?
100 series Lawn Tractors. The 100 series is designed to mow your lawn and pull small yard carts, dethatchers, sprayers, and leaf rakes. They will handle hills well when equipped with 42-48 inch decks. They use the industry-standard K46 transmission so you can expect a long life. They will last years on your “typical” suburban or city lot up to 3 acres. Most of us will be quite happy with this style and durability.
The 200 series is a solid step up and gives you better engines, stronger frames, and more transmission options. The 200 series includes locking differential on many models, Kawasaki engines, and two models with larger tires and the heavy-duty ground engaging K58 transmission.
300 series Garden Tractors. The 300 series is designed to handle mounted snowblowers well, pull large yard carts full of material, and pull grading rakes for gravel driveways and horse arenas. They can push dirt/gravel with a front-mounted blade. The heavy-duty K66 transmission with the electronic locking differential gives you the most traction available in a garden tractor. The larger front and rear wheels give you a better ride on rough lawns and better traction on slopes. The 300 series is available with 48 or 54-inch decks.
Quick Summary of the New TS Models?
- For 2020 Husqvarna has completely refreshed the lawn and garden tractor lines.
- All TS models feature an all-new hood with focused LED headlamps.
- All TS models feature cast-iron front axles.
- All 200 and 300 series models feature Husqvarna’s Clear Cut deck.
- Features not found on other lawn tractors:
- K46 transmission in all 42-inch mowers
- Commercial Grade Hydrostatic Transmission in the 300 series
- Kawasaki FR engines or Briggs & Stratton Endurance. All engines are full pressure lubrication for long life working on slopes
100 Series Husqvarna Lawn Tractors
TS 142
This is the base model Husqvarna lawn tractor for 2020. It has a single-cylinder engine but the rest of the mower is the same as the rest of the TS 100 series.- Pedal-operated Automatic transmission (Hydrostatic)
- Manual blade engagement
- Reinforced Cutting Deck
- Deluxe comfort seat
- From $1,799.99 MSRP
Buy here from Tractor Supply Co. or your local Husqvarna Dealer.
TS 142X
Personally, I would buy this mower instead of the single-cylinder version. The engine is smoother running and I expect it to last many years.- Pedal-operated Automatic transmission (Hydrostatic)
- Manual blade engagement
- Reinforced Cutting Deck
- Deluxe comfort seat
- From $1,999.99 MSRP
Buy here from Tractor Supply Co. or your local Husqvarna Dealer.
TS 146X
If you have a lot of landscape features to mow around a 46-inch deck sticks out just a little farther and you can get closer to objects. This saves considerable time when trimming. Yes, the price is the same as the 42-inch model so either model is a great choice.- Pedal-operated Automatic transmission (Hydrostatic)
- Chokeless start
- Reinforced Cutting Deck
- Deluxe comfort seat
- From $1,999.99 MSRP
Buy here from Tractor Supply Co. or your local Husqvarna Dealer.
TS 146XD
The Auto-locking differential on this model allows you to go up slopes better and works great for clearing your driveway with a snow blade. Note: The only disadvantage of an automatic locking diff is when you are mowing up a slope and you come to the top to turn the rear tires will scuff your lawn. to disengage you have to stop – back up a few inches and then go forward before you make your turn.- Automatic locking differential
- Pedal-operated Automatic transmission (Hydrostatic)
- Manual blade engagement
- Reinforced Cutting Deck
- From $2,299.99 MSRP
Buy here from Tractor Supply Co. or your local Husqvarna Dealer.
TS 148X
Just a good size for your 1-2 acre yard.- Electric Blade Engagement
- Pedal-operated Automatic transmission (Hydrostatic)
- Reinforced Cutting Deck
- Deluxe comfort seat
- Deluxe steering wheel
- From $2,299.99 MSRP
Buy here from Tractor Supply Co. or your local Husqvarna Dealer.
200 Series Husqvarna Yard and Garden Tractors
Stronger frame than 100 series
TS 242XD
If I had a small yard (one acre or less) and a long driveway this is a great choice. You can install the 42 inch Husqvarna snow blower on this and the automatic diff lock gives you the traction you need when clearing snow.- Dual pedal drive
- Electric Blade Engagement
- ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck
- Deluxe comfort seat
- From $2,799.99 MSRP
TS 248XD
If I had a larger yard and a long driveway this is a great choice. You can install the 42 inch Husqvarna snow blower on this and the automatic diff lock gives you the traction you need when clearing snow.- Dual pedal drive
- Electric Blade Engagement
- Electric blade engagement
- ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck
- From $2,999.99 MSRP
Buy here from Tractor Supply Co. or your local Husqvarna Dealer.
TS 248G
We’ve been asking for this tractor for years! This is a true garden tractor with the ground-engaging transmission and with the smallest deck available for a garden tractor. If you don’t have that big of a yard but want a heavy-duty tractor – this is it!- Dual pedal drive
- Electric Blade Engagement
- ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck
- Deluxe comfort seat
- From $3.099.99 MSRP
Buy here from Tractor Supply Co. or your local Husqvarna Dealer.
TS 254XG
Same tractor as the 48-inch model above but with the 54-inch deck. If you want a reasonably priced tractor for 2-4 acres that will last – this is a good choice.- Dual pedal drive
- Electric Blade Engagement
- ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck
- Deluxe comfort seat
- From $3,399.99 MSRP
Buy here from Tractor Supply Co. or your local Husqvarna Dealer.
300 Series Husqvarna Garden Tractors
TS 348XD
This is currently the strongest garden tractor Husqvarna makes with the smaller 48-inch deck. It rivals the competition’s tractors that cost $5000 to $8000. Commercial-grade transmission, 10 gauge fabricated deck, high back seat with armrests, big tires, great engine, and all the features you would expect.- ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck
- High Back Seat
- Deluxe steering wheel
- Steel hood
- From $3,599.99 MSRP
Buy here from your local Husqvarna Dealer.
TS 354XD
Same tractor as the 48 inch model above but with the larger, 54-inch deck. If you want to pull heavy loads, clear snow with the 50-inch snowblower attachment – if you have a large farm lawn or just don’t like zero-turn mowers this is a great choice for you.- ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck
- High Back Seat
- Deluxe steering wheel
- Steel hood
- From $3,899.99 MSRP
Buy here from your local Husqvarna Dealer.
TS 354D
If you want to save $200 and get the good Kohler 7000 series engine instead of the Kawasaki this is the model for you. This was introduced last year so it still has the 2019 hood.- ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck
- Electric Blade Engagement
- Hydrostatic transmission with locking differential
- Pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission
- From $3,699.99 MSRP
Buy here from your local Husqvarna Dealer.
David
Hi Paul,
Good info here, nice to find someone with enthusiasm for product information.
We have a ~ 2011 Husqvarna YTH24V42LS lawn tractor. FR691 23 HP Kawasaki, K46R differential, 3-blade fabbed deck (i think a one year only option). Appears it is a limited slip differential, was this exclusive to Husqvarna at the time?
Anyhow, we’ve cracked the rear frame section which can be replaced as a bolt-on item called “drawbar”. The K46 seems to be ok, but if I have to replace it, then I think money towards a new mower would be wise. I’ve read ZT, and stand-on specs until my eyes have blurred.
At the end of the day, if we had to replace it, we’d want exactly what we have except it’s not made anymore. We pull a small wagon for limbs and such, we enjoy the limited slip capabilities and love the power of the big Kawasaki.
2 acres, tree roots, flowerbeds, a couple of rolling hills, one large field and many obstacles. A Bradley 36 Stander really appeals but I can’t pull the wagon of course. Cub XT2 LX42 gets close but no Kawasaki, and no limited slip. The 42 size has more to do with our storage area, and occasional tight mowing spaces than anything else.
To make matters worse, I have an Ariens Ikon XD42 high on the list, add a hitch, but my primary mower “driver” just didn’t take to the ZT test drive.
What’s a fellow to do? Go Cub and forget the locking differential or stay with the Kawasaki?
Best,
David
Paul
Hi David, The good news is the part is less than $50 and 3-4 hours of work. The hardest part may be getting the rear wheels off the axe but you can still change it out if you can’t get them off. I suggest removing the deck and then put the tractor up on a sturdy table. Use a couple of jack stands to hold the rear frame in front of the wheels. The members over at mytractorforum.com can help.
Yes, Husqvarna was the only brand that used the K46R with the diff lock. Cub Cadet and Husqvarna did have K66’s with the diff lock back then.
Replacement: 1. Cub Cadet had the Cub Cadet XT3 GSX. It was a true garden tractor and had a cast-iron hydro with diff lock, a 25-horse Kohler commercial engine, and heavy-duty everything. Stopped selling them in 2022 but you can still find them at Cub Cadet dealers. Just search Cub Cadet XT3 GSX for sale.
2. If you really want a ZTR but don’t want lap bars the best choice right now is the Cub Cadet ZTS1 42. It can pull stuff and the way the steering works it will have the same traction as your K46 with the diff lock. Both transmissions are tied together so both give you traction on hills and pulling loads (no differential) (I’m actually considering the ZTS2 50 for my father because he has road ditches to mow.
Check it out here: Cub Cadet ZTS 1 42
David
Hi Paul,
Followed your advice and replaced the rear frame section on the Husqvarna YTH24V42LS lawn tractor. Mower working pretty well, but K46 getting a bit “whiney”, so I think it’s a matter of time.
Looking at Gravely ZT-XL 42″ deck for ZT-2800 transmissions, but Ariens Ikon Select has most everything else covered but in ZT-2200 (semi-serviceable).for around $ 1K less and in my budget.
Coming from a 2011 era Husqvarna K46 and occasional Troy Bilt yard cart towing, am I missing anything by not stepping up to the ZT-2800’s? Also had a Bobcat ZT-2000 in the running, but I really like the new design upgrades on the Ariens/Gravely which you have reviewed elsewhere.
Thanks again,
David
Rick
Paul, thank you for your excellent website. I have a small berry farm on 1.5 acres and need a 38-42 inch rider that will fit between the rows. Sometimes I have heavy weeds, sometimes a 2-300 lb cart so I am leery of the K46 trans. Please clarify what trans the TS 242 XD has. Looks like it will either be this or the 42″ Craftsman 7 speed gear mower. What is your opinion? Thanks.
Paul
Hi Rick, First the Craftsman is not a gear drive. It does not have a transmission with gears. It is simply a CVT. (two, variable cones connected with a v-belt like a snowmobile tranny) The “shift” is just notches in the dash for the speed lever. It’s the same tranny as in the other cheap Craftsman tractors that use the foot pedal to control the speed. \
There are NO gear drive lawn tractors on the market right now.
The TS 242XD has a K46 with an automatic locking differential.
If you are mowing between rows and have heavy, tall weeds you are better off with a AS 940 Sherpa 4WD XL, pulling and high weed mower behind an old lawn tractor (or ATV) like the Rough Cut Mower AcrEase Model MR44B or a walk-behind brush cutter.
Paul Strauss
Hey Paul thanks for your website. You helped me buy my last mower and you’re helping buy my next. I have about an acre tomorrow. I’m torn between a John Deere s170 48” and aHusqvarna 242XD. They’re close enough to the same price. I have a little bit of hilly and swampy areas tomorrow so leaning towards the locking differential 242XD. Which one would you buy? Larger deck maybe a little less quality in the John Deere or higher quality smaller deck and 242XD?