Husqvarna TS354DX 200 Hour Review

People have repeatedly asked about my opinion of the Husqvarna TS354XD tractor after some real time has been out on the machine. This is my real quick 200 hour review of use with the machine and what I feel is great about this machine for the price point.

[@LJG781]

You're right about the price, bought my TS354DX June of 2022. and that's just what I paid for it $4800. Then I put AG tires on it, ... Because we got a steep hill... and with the turf tires , it was like a sleigh ride...Absolutely love this machine... although I really don't use it for cutting. bought as a spare... till my 2012 Craftsman GT5000 bites the dust...But she's still going strong...

[@Cowboy340]

Thanks for the 200 Hr review. I bought mine 2-3 years ago as well for 3800, now 5200, explanation for price hike, yup, Covid BS. Anyway, I have 5 Mountain acres of heavy grasses, scotch broom and blackberries. Most of which is now in check. 85 hours and running strong. Had fuel in my oil reservoir, not happy about the capacity for that to happen, fuel is ethanol free w/stabil, never sits for more than 4 weeks on a 5 gallon container. Anyway, great rig, handles hillsides very well, high capacity does a great job. I wish the #’s on the grass height shifter were stamped instead of inked, one drop of fuel on them wipes them right away. Yes, I’d buy this machine again in a minute

[@viper306m]

I bought mine after watching your first video in 2021 I paid $4250 for it but it has so far been worth it. I have had 0 issues other than what some mice did in eating the coil wires...

[@LarryMusgrave]

Knock on wood, mine hasn't been attacked by mice. I bought mine in 2019 I believe? So this would be the 5th season of mowing if that's true. I am past the 200 hour mark, so this fall is going to the dealer for the $200 rear axle fluid flush and fill. My son has also been using this in his lawn service 2 days a week, so it's getting a workout. My 3 acres and his 2 days taking it.

[@viper306m]

@@LarryMusgrave I don't know the exact hours mine has anymore someone was letting my son play on it when I first got it, he was around 2 at the time and stupid me left the key in it. It sat a whole week with the key on and my hours are all F'd now.

[@Serpico1152]

Nice 200 hour review Larry, I finally broke down and purchased a TS-354XD w/24HP Kawasaki twin this year and I'm lovin' it too, I only have a 1 acre lot and from the start I was only going to purchase a Husqvarna model in the lower cheaper line because I thought that the TS-354 was way too much overkill for my size property instead of having at least 2 or 3+ acres, but after pricing the "YTH" model line with 48" or 54" decks and 24 HP B&S engines (no Kohlers for me) I wasn't very far from the price that I was able to purchase this mower for. I was very fortunate to find my new mower at a local dealer back in April with only 19 hours on it for about a $1,000 off savings what a brand new one costs $4,899.00 vs $3,900 & tax, with delivery included because the previous owner took it back after deciding that he would be happier with a equivalent size zero turn mower. Like you I agree the Husqvarna is everything you ever wanted and I DON"T regret it even for one moment.

[@LarryMusgrave]

And mine had pulled my 180 lb spreader, 35 gallon boom sprayer and 48 inch lawn aerator for 4 seasons now. I do all of my own weed control, fertilizer and also I have a 48" roller that is 335 lbs. It's done these jobs multiple times a year for 4 years. It's going to the dealer this winter to pull the axle, drain, flush and refill with fluid. So far, she's a tank and I'm gait to have her.

[@jkontrad]

I just bought my TS354XD a few weeks ago. I noticed my drive belt making a buzzing noise. I had to fix it before I even did my first mow session. The belt was routed incorrectly around the pulley guide above the transaxle. I'm glad I didn't ignore the noise because it would have torn up the belt in 10 minutes of mowing. Did you notice a buzzing noise with your original belt before it broke? Maybe they all come from the factory routed incorrectly.

[@paulkopacz5051]

I just watched your video's on this mower. I need a rider that can handle my hill 175 yards long 100 yads wide at about a 30 degree incline. I have been using and old Scott's S16/42 equipped with a Tuff Torq K51 for about four years but it finally killed the transaxle. I have been looking for reviews of riding mowers and your video's have been the best. I will be buying this mower. Thanks!

[@LarryMusgrave]

Thank you sir. I tried to explain why I felt that this was the value leader in light duty garden tractors. We all know that we can do $800-$12,000 on a Simplicity or John Deer.... but sometimes your looking for the sweet spot between full on hulk level mowers and light duty flat land mowers.

[@paulkopacz5051]

@@LarryMusgrave I'm at home waiting for the mower to be delivered today. They are late and I'm getting anxious, I want to play with my new toy (and it was expensive).

[@LarryMusgrave]

@@paulkopacz5051 If you have slopes like I do, think about the wheel weights and chains. It makes a huge difference in both stability and traction. I really never use the electronic locking differential.

[@shanerproductions]

How did you get the weights mounted on the new style wheels?

[@518TommyP]

Any issue with steering..my front pushes when I'm fully locked left or right on flat or going uphill but going downhill the tires get a good grip and don't slide..the front end I notice is much lighter than I expected and I wonder if that's why...my old Cub I couldn't lift the front end by hand as easy as this...just wondering if you had that issue

[@LarryMusgrave]

Interesting. We run up a slope with rear weights and chains and at the point that the rears are starting to spin the chains and tear up the ground, the front is real light but still down. Do I'm pushing far far more steep than should ever be done and the front stays down. I don't have the issues that you do.

[@sammydavis408]

I’m between this one or the MZ 54. I have a pretty big hill in my backyard and thing that this one might be the better option. What’s your thoughts?

[@LarryMusgrave]

Steep good kill hydro units. You can have a base Kohler and get 1000 hours from it if your doing maintenance in short intervals with good products. So spend your money on the hydro unit, change the hydro oil every 200-250 hours. And hopefully you can get 1000+ hours out of that.

[@KliqDon1983]

I have a problem with scalping with mine. The anti scalping wheels at lowest setting dont seem to help. Have you experienced this? Your centre blade seems a little off like mine as well or do think that's just from the rear wheels? TIA

[@LarryMusgrave]

If the center blade is "off", then your not adjusted level front to rear at your cutting height. I do not scalp, but if I did... I would grab the Kubota and fix that damaged area of the yard.

[@dannysiordia4176]

Hi do you know what type of grass you have?

[@moshe2p]

I got mine a year ago, it seems extremely loud is that normal for this machine?

[@LarryMusgrave]

The Kawasaki is fairly loud, but much more smooth running than a similar sized Kohler V twin.

[@moshe2p]

@@LarryMusgrave the engine is not as bad as the blades,

[@LarryMusgrave]

​@moshe2p That is the Husqvarna Clean Cut deck. It's actually an amazing deck with nearly unmatched airflow and suction. I also have a $14k Exmark Laser Z commercial zero turn, and I can say that the clear cut deck mows more smoothly, every time. It's that extreme commercial level airflow that your referring to. And that is a good thing. It's why, with maintained and sharp blades, you will have a perfectly smooth, golf course quality lawn.

[@nathanbrunner6026]

do you still have your husqvarna ts354dx?

[@LarryMusgrave]

Absolutely.

[@joem7062]

Frame not cracked on yhe huskee yet ?

[@LarryMusgrave]

Not yet. I don't push a plow with it. I mow, pull an Agri-Fab 180 lb broadcast spreader and a 30 gallon boom sprayer.

[@LarryMusgrave]

And if it did, that's an easy fix. I'd weld a plate over it, slap it on the ass and say "that's not going anywhere".

[@raymond3803]

4:25 Quote: *_"At $5,000, it's still the best lawnmower you can buy at this price point."_* How do you keep from being sued misleading public making that kind of reckless false statement? Question: Which brand has the best rep for quality? John Deere or (Broken Frame) Husqvarna Your original TS 354 video said a tuff torq K46 was a POS. Fine! We won't get a JD w/K46. As of 10/20/23 this mower (TS354) retails for $5,200. As of 10/20/23 a John Deere X370 w/K57 rear end, *POWER STEERING* and *POWER DECK LIFT* with a better upgraded Kaw engine, better seat, better warrantee, @ $5,099 ... *COSTS LESS!!!* No bullshit, the John Deere with premium engine w/full power steering & lift ... *COSTS LESS!!!* Unless you want your wife to have arms & shoulders like a linebacker too .................... Don't make her steer a 750-pound TS354 with arm strong steering & deck lift. Buy a John Deere X370 and forget what Marry M Musgrave says.

[@LarryMusgrave]

www.mytractorforum.com/threads/another-tranny-thread-k57-vs-k58-vs-k66-vs-k72.351609/ It appears that some folks would disagree. The K57 is slightly modified K46, AKA pure lawn tractor. Your emotional response makes it obvious that green paint makes you happy, and that's fine. Hydraulic steering and deck lift? Unnecessary for us. Maybe if I were 85 years old or had some debilitating disease, but the steering and deck are unnoticed by us. There are full bearing kits on Amazon that do make the steering effortless, I have one on my 2011 Craftsman GT that is a Hydro Gear G730 and Kohler Courage 26hp. It's a nice affordable upgrade for when your OEM bushings and all start getting sloppy. You can't compare that JD lawn mower transmission choice with a K66 or G730 garden units. Your talking different classes. That's like saying that an F-150 compares well to an F-250. Not the same.