Scared to buy something new
 

Wow, I've been looking for a smaller cub for our lawn. Would really like a 38" deck to get though our gates and fit in the shed, but then I'm stuck with a 10-12hp engine. I'm spoiled with the 21hp water cooled 2182 I have up north. I don't know if a 12hp is going to even pull my fat butt across the yard! Then you see these "disposable" ones that are the 1000 series. I've found a few that have under 100 hours, and things like "replaced main oil seals by dealer" or "motor smokes some". WTH? Are these newer engines really that crappy or people just beating the crap out of them?

I did find a 2138 that might actually be made a little better, but a 13hp engine? Man that seems small.

https://lansing.craigslist.org/grd/d...528927620.html

You are going to be disappointed if you start comparing things to the 2182.
Got to lower the standards a little.
I don’t have much in the way of suggestions, but I did use a 2135 for a bit. It mowed just fine. Kids liked it. It was too girly for me. :biggrin2:

I'm not much on lawn tractors....

I will say, the Cub Cadet Original came out with a 7hp motor and a 38" deck. It didn't lack for power. I think your power concern is unfounded.

I do just about everything with my QLs 1000 & 1200.
Mow w/a 44" deck, plow with both ends, shred/chip, cultivate, dethatch etc etc.
Plus I have a 1450 that handles all the snow thrower and tiller needs
They can take a lot IF properly cared for.

At what point do they go from a lawn tractor to a garden tractor?

Every company has a model, or series break.... so it depends on the company.

In my mind, tire size and frame style are the main factors. Shaft driven or belt driven transmission. That sort of thing.

Maybe I'll just go with one of those 30" rear engine things and let the wife and daughter mow the lawn. lol

Absolutely. I don't understand what is so "not powerful" about 12hp, or 7hp for that matter. No offense to the original post, but when using one of these "small" machines for their intended purposes, I haven't run into a situation in which I needed more hp. Traction is different story.

key phrase above is "intended purposes".

Well said. :beerchug:

Good point. When your basically just looking for a lawn mower with a seat, you don't really need much.