"PacKat" wrote in message
news:klA4f.3202$nk2.2916@trnddc07...
My mum is 56 going on 57 years young. She used to be very healthy but
somewhat begin to feel her age. She live alone in a house surrounded by
trees. The property is about 3 acres. She is considering buying a
garden tractor, mainly for snow removal

How much snow do you get ? If it's just a couple inches a snowplow (blade)
will do but if you expect more you will need a snowblower attachment that
costs almost as much as the tractor. And they are a chore (and heavy) to
attach and take back off in the spring.

and hauling some firewood around her property.


The regular pull behind carts come in a variety of sizes. You'll need one
that is rated for 14 cubic feet with wide tires to haul any amount of
firewood.

I am very worried that the tractor might be a bit too much for woman her
age to handle. Since my father died, she took it upon herself to do
everything my dad used to do. She is very healthy and exercises
regularly.


Sounds like she is capable of making her own decisions. But if she is
within 2 hours I am always up to helping a widow with mechanical problems.

I would like to ask your opinion if operating a garden tractor is
reasonable for woman her age. Her property is hilly and woody but clear
of undergrowth. Will she be able to ride the tractor up/down a steep
incline? I know very little about tractors but did a bit of searching in
the internet. She has her heart set on Sear's Craftsman, Arien or Honda.
Not sure what HP would be appropriate for her.


Not sure what you call steep but I've had my Wheelhorse up a path so steep I
had trouble walking it. Of course leaving the mower deck on lowers the
center of gravity and helps a lot - but I didn't have the wheel weights on.
And if she plans to blow snow on a hilly area she will probably want wheel
weights and chains.
A light weight tractor will be prone to lifting the front end off the ground
if the power is engaged to suddenly.


Thanks,
pac