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Lawn Tractor Suggestions
Greetings!
I have a question for anyone who has been looking around for a new lawn tractor. Currently I own two acres, of which about 1.5 acres is mowable grass (bahia, I live in central Florida). Recently my Murray lawn tractor's automatic transmission decided to start leaking, and since it's a non-rebuildable sealed unit the local repair shop wants $650.00 plus labor to install a new unit. The mower is only three years old, but is unfortunately out of waranty. I have found a way to keep it filled, but I know the problem will only get worse before it gets better. The new transmission is a heavier unit and is also repairable, but for the money I'm starting to think I should be looking for a new tractor. My question is this: Knowing how much mowing I have to do (1.5 acres mowed weekly), what lawn tractor would give me the best service and is reasonably repairable for a max budget of $1800.00? I've done a little looking online, but most of what is posted is advertising and it's hard to tell what features I would need based on a manufacturer's internet site. My current unit has 17hp and a 42" mower deck and seems to be about the right size. Thanks for any opinions or advice - Jonathan -- Acta Non Verba - Deeds Not Words Lieutenant Jonathan Race, EMS Supervisor Orange County (FL) Fire-Rescue Department |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
Check out the John Deere L100 and L110 (or maybe even L120) models. These
can be found at Deere dealers and also at Home Depot. Deere dealers service them, even if bought at Home Depot (although the dealer will like you more if you buy from the them). http://www.deere.com/en_US/100series/ Without starting a tractor war, my advice would be to stay away from MTD stuff (Yard Machines, Troy Bilt at Loews, low end Cub Cadets, Huskee, etc.). "Jonathan Race" wrote in message rthlink.net... Greetings! I have a question for anyone who has been looking around for a new lawn tractor. Currently I own two acres, of which about 1.5 acres is mowable grass (bahia, I live in central Florida). Recently my Murray lawn tractor's automatic transmission decided to start leaking, and since it's a non-rebuildable sealed unit the local repair shop wants $650.00 plus labor to install a new unit. The mower is only three years old, but is unfortunately out of waranty. I have found a way to keep it filled, but I know the problem will only get worse before it gets better. The new transmission is a heavier unit and is also repairable, but for the money I'm starting to think I should be looking for a new tractor. My question is this: Knowing how much mowing I have to do (1.5 acres mowed weekly), what lawn tractor would give me the best service and is reasonably repairable for a max budget of $1800.00? I've done a little looking online, but most of what is posted is advertising and it's hard to tell what features I would need based on a manufacturer's internet site. My current unit has 17hp and a 42" mower deck and seems to be about the right size. Thanks for any opinions or advice - Jonathan -- Acta Non Verba - Deeds Not Words Lieutenant Jonathan Race, EMS Supervisor Orange County (FL) Fire-Rescue Department |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
"JJ" wrote in message
... Without starting a tractor war, my advice would be to stay away from MTD stuff (Yard Machines, Troy Bilt at Loews, low end Cub Cadets, Huskee, etc.). Agree completely. I'd suggest buying a higher-end Deere than the ones at HD, but any Deere is better than MTD by a moonshot. Look in the archives. You'll find many people who've had problems with MTD and Craftsman and the other cheap brands. You'll also find a few who swear they've ran their MTD/Crapsman 30 years and it's still going. I believe, as you've found out, that this is the exception -- I had a Crapsman die after 2 seasons of use, and you got 3 out of your MTD. I think that's the norm. -Tim |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
If I was buying one today, it would be a John Deere. I had one for 12 years
before it was stolen and never replaced any thing but a couple of belts. I foolishly replaced it with a front engine Snapper. What a piece of junk! Problems all the time. If I ever buy another one it will be another John Deere. Dave "Jonathan Race" wrote in message rthlink.net... Greetings! I have a question for anyone who has been looking around for a new lawn tractor. Currently I own two acres, of which about 1.5 acres is mowable grass (bahia, I live in central Florida). Recently my Murray lawn tractor's automatic transmission decided to start leaking, and since it's a non-rebuildable sealed unit the local repair shop wants $650.00 plus labor to install a new unit. The mower is only three years old, but is unfortunately out of waranty. I have found a way to keep it filled, but I know the problem will only get worse before it gets better. The new transmission is a heavier unit and is also repairable, but for the money I'm starting to think I should be looking for a new tractor. My question is this: Knowing how much mowing I have to do (1.5 acres mowed weekly), what lawn tractor would give me the best service and is reasonably repairable for a max budget of $1800.00? I've done a little looking online, but most of what is posted is advertising and it's hard to tell what features I would need based on a manufacturer's internet site. My current unit has 17hp and a 42" mower deck and seems to be about the right size. Thanks for any opinions or advice - Jonathan -- Acta Non Verba - Deeds Not Words Lieutenant Jonathan Race, EMS Supervisor Orange County (FL) Fire-Rescue Department |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
I would have suggested a higher-end Deere also (I have an LX277), but the
original poster's budget was $1800 - you are not going to get a new higher-end Deere for that. You may not even get a used one for that. "Tim Fischer" wrote in message news:_Erka.362248$F1.57556@sccrnsc04... "JJ" wrote in message ... Without starting a tractor war, my advice would be to stay away from MTD stuff (Yard Machines, Troy Bilt at Loews, low end Cub Cadets, Huskee, etc.). Agree completely. I'd suggest buying a higher-end Deere than the ones at HD, but any Deere is better than MTD by a moonshot. Look in the archives. You'll find many people who've had problems with MTD and Craftsman and the other cheap brands. You'll also find a few who swear they've ran their MTD/Crapsman 30 years and it's still going. I believe, as you've found out, that this is the exception -- I had a Crapsman die after 2 seasons of use, and you got 3 out of your MTD. I think that's the norm. -Tim |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
In article , JJ
wrote: I would have suggested a higher-end Deere also (I have an LX277), but the original poster's budget was $1800 - you are not going to get a new higher-end Deere for that. You may not even get a used one for that. I just purchased an LX288 and would agree with your recommendation. It's well worth the larger budget if one can swing it. -- --Chip remove dots in prefix to fix email address -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =----- |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
I bought a John Deere L110 about a month ago at Home Depot. I only
have four hours on it so far so I can't tell you how long it will last, but comparing it to the lower end riding mowers HD had on the floor, this was obviously a better machine if you were willing to pay the money for it. As previous posts have mentioned, a high end John Deere from a dealer is probably built tougher, but for mowing just under an acre I expect to get plenty of years out of it. FYI, I had been mowing this yard for the last two years with a non self propelled 20" push mower, (Craftsman w/ 4hp B&S, 7 years old, never any problems) so needless to say, I really enjoy my JD L110. A friend of mine also bought a JD L110 at about the same time I did. He's been cutting a few extra yards on his street to help pay for the new toy. This guy probably has about 10 hours on his, and is usually tougher on machinery than I am. So far he hasn't had any trouble with his either. Christopher "Dave W" wrote in message ... If I was buying one today, it would be a John Deere. I had one for 12 years before it was stolen and never replaced any thing but a couple of belts. I foolishly replaced it with a front engine Snapper. What a piece of junk! Problems all the time. If I ever buy another one it will be another John Deere. Dave "Jonathan Race" wrote in message rthlink.net... Greetings! I have a question for anyone who has been looking around for a new lawn tractor. Currently I own two acres, of which about 1.5 acres is mowable grass (bahia, I live in central Florida). Recently my Murray lawn tractor's automatic transmission decided to start leaking, and since it's a non-rebuildable sealed unit the local repair shop wants $650.00 plus labor to install a new unit. The mower is only three years old, but is unfortunately out of waranty. I have found a way to keep it filled, but I know the problem will only get worse before it gets better. The new transmission is a heavier unit and is also repairable, but for the money I'm starting to think I should be looking for a new tractor. My question is this: Knowing how much mowing I have to do (1.5 acres mowed weekly), what lawn tractor would give me the best service and is reasonably repairable for a max budget of $1800.00? I've done a little looking online, but most of what is posted is advertising and it's hard to tell what features I would need based on a manufacturer's internet site. My current unit has 17hp and a 42" mower deck and seems to be about the right size. Thanks for any opinions or advice - Jonathan -- Acta Non Verba - Deeds Not Words Lieutenant Jonathan Race, EMS Supervisor Orange County (FL) Fire-Rescue Department |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
I have almost 2 acres, and bought a new JD LT166 the same time I moved
here. I've regretted it ever since. 15" turning radius sounded small at the time, but I spend hours backing up or doing loops. I'm trading it in on a Dixon 4515 zero-turn. I know someone who bought an older Dixon for $1500, and she mows lawns for money. She runs that thing at least 25 hours/week, and has not had a problem with it in the two years she's had it. So anyway, my point is, for the size lawn you have, maybe investigate used zero-turn mowers. I chickened out last year, because I was looking at expensive mowers (Grasshopper, Lazer Z, Walker), but the Dixon is priced more realistically for me ($4120 - trade-in). |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
wrote in message
... I have almost 2 acres, and bought a new JD LT166 the same time I moved here. I've regretted it ever since. 15" turning radius sounded small at the time, but I spend hours backing up or doing loops. I'm trading it in on a Dixon 4515 zero-turn. I know someone who bought an older Dixon for $1500, and she mows lawns for money. She runs that thing at least 25 hours/week, and has not had a problem with it in the two years she's had it. So anyway, my point is, for the size lawn you have, maybe investigate used zero-turn mowers. I chickened out last year, because I was looking at expensive mowers (Grasshopper, Lazer Z, Walker), but the Dixon is priced more realistically for me ($4120 - trade-in). Check out the JD SST zero-turn series. I bought one last year and wouldn't trade it for anything. Unlike most zero's, this one uses a standard steering wheel so it operates very easily. Paid approx $3800 for it brand new. -Tim |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
On 07/04/03 20:49, in article _Erka.362248$F1.57556@sccrnsc04, "Tim Fischer"
wrote:07/04/03 20:49 "JJ" wrote in message ... Without starting a tractor war, my advice would be to stay away from MTD stuff (Yard Machines, Troy Bilt at Loews, low end Cub Cadets, Huskee, etc.). Agree completely. I'd suggest buying a higher-end Deere than the ones at HD, but any Deere is better than MTD by a moonshot. Look in the archives. You'll find many people who've had problems with MTD and Craftsman and the other cheap brands. You'll also find a few who swear they've ran their MTD/Crapsman 30 years and it's still going. I believe, as you've found out, that this is the exception -- I had a Crapsman die after 2 seasons of use, and you got 3 out of your MTD. I think that's the norm. -Tim If you want a Garden Tractor able to take some abuse, get a 3000 series Cub Cadet. Anything less in the Cub lineup is wasted money IMHO... I have a 3235 Cub and love the solid build and it's sturdy maintenance features. I love the ability to drain the transaxle in addition to a filter to boot! Other models offer sealed units that must mean that they last as long as the replacement is needed... You get what you pay for IMHO... |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
http://tinylink.com/?RiMEQB3PLz
This is my mower. I've had LawnBoy ($2,500) and I like this one a lot more. Comes with a parts manual so you can get anything you need. Great machine, plenty of power, 1.2 acres to mow. I really like this one. Jonathan Race wrote: Greetings! I have a question for anyone who has been looking around for a new lawn tractor. Currently I own two acres, of which about 1.5 acres is mowable grass (bahia, I live in central Florida). Recently my Murray lawn tractor's automatic transmission decided to start leaking, and since it's a non-rebuildable sealed unit the local repair shop wants $650.00 plus labor to install a new unit. The mower is only three years old, but is unfortunately out of waranty. I have found a way to keep it filled, but I know the problem will only get worse before it gets better. The new transmission is a heavier unit and is also repairable, but for the money I'm starting to think I should be looking for a new tractor. My question is this: Knowing how much mowing I have to do (1.5 acres mowed weekly), what lawn tractor would give me the best service and is reasonably repairable for a max budget of $1800.00? I've done a little looking online, but most of what is posted is advertising and it's hard to tell what features I would need based on a manufacturer's internet site. My current unit has 17hp and a 42" mower deck and seems to be about the right size. Thanks for any opinions or advice - Jonathan -- Acta Non Verba - Deeds Not Words Lieutenant Jonathan Race, EMS Supervisor Orange County (FL) Fire-Rescue Department |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
"Ed" wrote in message ... http://tinylink.com/?RiMEQB3PLz This is my mower. I've had LawnBoy ($2,500) and I like this one a lot more. Comes with a parts manual so you can get anything you need. Great machine, plenty of power, 1.2 acres to mow. I really like this one. Good luck with your Sears Crapsman, er. *Craftsman* mower. Please report back in 3 years and let us know how it's doing, or if it's in the junk-heap yet. -Tim |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
Buying used instead of new might be worth considering. I have about 10 hours maintenance in an 11 hp 1984 model MTD and it seems a lot better built than what is being manufactured now. All the parts seem to be still available and with less than $70 invested in parts (doing it myself with a carburetor kit left to buy and install), I believe this unit may outlast many of the new ones selling today. Tim Fischer wrote: "JJ" wrote in message ... Without starting a tractor war, my advice would be to stay away from MTD stuff (Yard Machines, Troy Bilt at Loews, low end Cub Cadets, Huskee, etc.). Agree completely. I'd suggest buying a higher-end Deere than the ones at HD, but any Deere is better than MTD by a moonshot. Look in the archives. You'll find many people who've had problems with MTD and Craftsman and the other cheap brands. You'll also find a few who swear they've ran their MTD/Crapsman 30 years and it's still going. I believe, as you've found out, that this is the exception -- I had a Crapsman die after 2 seasons of use, and you got 3 out of your MTD. I think that's the norm. -Tim |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
On Mon, 14 Apr 2003 15:14:14 GMT, "Tim Fischer"
wrote: Good luck with your Sears Crapsman, er. *Craftsman* mower. Yeah...my neighbor cheaped out and bought a Craftsman last year. Within 2 weeks the transmission crapped out, and he actually had to fight Sears to get them to stand behind it. Finally, he had a relative fix it, because Sears was giving him problems. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
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Lawn Tractor Suggestions
Ron B wrote in message ... On 14-04-03 14:09, in article , " wrote:14-04-03 14:09 On Mon, 14 Apr 2003 15:14:14 GMT, "Tim Fischer" wrote: Good luck with your Sears Crapsman, er. *Craftsman* mower. Yeah...my neighbor cheaped out and bought a Craftsman last year. Within 2 weeks the transmission crapped out, and he actually had to fight Sears to get them to stand behind it. Finally, he had a relative fix it, because Sears was giving him problems. I guess all that I can say is 'Vaya Con Dios' should you purchase a Craftsman and expect longevity in using it. You get what you pay for... I'd put my old 1983 Allis Chalmers 914Hydro(Simplicity) up againt a green machine any day of the week! 20 years old and it still thinks it's a pup. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
"Tim Fischer" wrote in message news:afAma.451738$3D1.243408@sccrnsc01...
Good luck with your Sears Crapsman, er. *Craftsman* mower. Please report back in 3 years and let us know how it's doing, or if it's in the junk-heap yet. -Tim Don't agree on this...Have had a Craftsman for 12 years now and still going strong. Consumer Reports mag recently rated Craftsman very good. I would definately recommend a Craftsman.. Al |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
"Steve" wrote in message news:2Fmna.240393$Zo.44359@sccrnsc03...
Ron B wrote in message ... On 14-04-03 14:09, in article , " wrote:14-04-03 14:09 On Mon, 14 Apr 2003 15:14:14 GMT, "Tim Fischer" wrote: Good luck with your Sears Crapsman, er. *Craftsman* mower. Yeah...my neighbor cheaped out and bought a Craftsman last year. Within 2 weeks the transmission crapped out, and he actually had to fight Sears to get them to stand behind it. Finally, he had a relative fix it, because Sears was giving him problems. I guess all that I can say is 'Vaya Con Dios' should you purchase a Craftsman and expect longevity in using it. You get what you pay for... I'd put my old 1983 Allis Chalmers 914Hydro(Simplicity) up againt a green machine any day of the week! 20 years old and it still thinks it's a pup. I whole-heartedly agree with you on this one. I have been working on lawn-mowers since I was about 12 years old. I have customers who bought a Simplicity in the '70's and only bring it in once a year to be sharpen and tuned. Amazing machines that with the proper care will probably outlast your desire to mow your own grass. Also when they break down, the company is still around and parts are available for them. That is a very important think to be mindful of. Also looking for a unit with single piece steel deck is a good thing. Tend to last longer and do not rust through like the craftsman. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
This is strickly an observation as my yard is much larger than average...
Monitoring your group I see alot of folks looking for longevity from a lawn tractor. None of the machinery suggested will come closs to matching the longevity of a compact tractor. I mow 8.6 acres of burmuda and bushhog another 9 acres. I own a 1967 Ford 3000 deisel that is still running strong. I'll sell it for what I paid for it IF I ever sell it. The same can be said for nearly any compact tractor built before 1980. These machines are built for farming and will last forever mowing large lawns. Look at what the highway dept in your area uses. Those guys have more grass than all of us combined! As for manuverablity, that's their weak point. If you must mow around obsticles, a larger zero-turn commercial mower is faster but I can guarentee it will be a pile of junk or heavily serviced (rebuilt) while my old Ford is still running strong. I also have tha advantage of a PTO shaft which I use to drive attachable emplements. These tractors can be had for $3000 to $5000 in rebuilt condition. There is an entire industry centered on rebuilding and selling them. They weigh as much as a small car and are not sheet metal junk like most mowers. Large turf tires allow them to have a footprint with similar lb-per-sq in as a small mower. Anyways...something to consider if you need to do large scale lawn and garden. Bill in TN "MOOSE" wrote in message m... "Steve" wrote in message news:2Fmna.240393$Zo.44359@sccrnsc03... Ron B wrote in message ... On 14-04-03 14:09, in article , " wrote:14-04-03 14:09 On Mon, 14 Apr 2003 15:14:14 GMT, "Tim Fischer" wrote: Good luck with your Sears Crapsman, er. *Craftsman* mower. Yeah...my neighbor cheaped out and bought a Craftsman last year. Within 2 weeks the transmission crapped out, and he actually had to fight Sears to get them to stand behind it. Finally, he had a relative fix it, because Sears was giving him problems. I guess all that I can say is 'Vaya Con Dios' should you purchase a Craftsman and expect longevity in using it. You get what you pay for... I'd put my old 1983 Allis Chalmers 914Hydro(Simplicity) up againt a green machine any day of the week! 20 years old and it still thinks it's a pup. I whole-heartedly agree with you on this one. I have been working on lawn-mowers since I was about 12 years old. I have customers who bought a Simplicity in the '70's and only bring it in once a year to be sharpen and tuned. Amazing machines that with the proper care will probably outlast your desire to mow your own grass. Also when they break down, the company is still around and parts are available for them. That is a very important think to be mindful of. Also looking for a unit with single piece steel deck is a good thing. Tend to last longer and do not rust through like the craftsman. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions
ok, have to chip in here, to help the guy with the original question.
You are in central Florida? Bahai and St. Augustine are some of the toughest grasses in the world to mow. And the fine sand in your soil has ruined many a good mower. I was in commercial mowing for several years and still do it part time. All the people recommending Deere product blows me away, as I don't know many commercial operators who'd waste their money on it. Simplicity? Just bought out by Briggs and Stratton. That's not going to go over well in the long run. Simplicity does own Ferris, however, which is a much higher grade of mower. My advice is this: Florida is the biggest market in the world for commercial mowing equipment. The turnover of commercial mowing equipment is phenomenal there. You should be able to pick up a good, used commercial unit for your 1800 bucks, and have the most comfortable, reliable and finest cutting mower you could ever hope to own. Quote:
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Lawn Tractor Suggestions
"PrestoChang0" wrote in message .. . ok, have to chip in here, to help the guy with the original question. You are in central Florida? Bahai and St. Augustine are some of the toughest grasses in the world to mow. And the fine sand in your soil has ruined many a good mower. I was in commercial mowing for several years and still do it part time. All the people recommending Deere product blows me away, as I don't know many commercial operators who'd waste their money on it. Simplicity? Just bought out by Briggs and Stratton. That's not going to go over well in the long run. Simplicity does own Ferris, however, which is a much higher grade of mower. My advice is this: Florida is the biggest market in the world for commercial mowing equipment. The turnover of commercial mowing equipment is phenomenal there. You should be able to pick up a good, used commercial unit for your 1800 bucks, and have the most comfortable, reliable and finest cutting mower you could ever hope to own. Just be aware that a machine used commercially for one year has more wear and tear on it than a homeowner puts on a machine in 10 years. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently.
I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
"L Alpert" wrote in message . .. Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. First a little about terminology, they differentiate between a *lawn* tractor and a *garden* tractor - with the GT being a little heavier duty. At first blus it sounds like you need a GT or something big. I wouldn't try to *plow* a 200' driveway in NE CT with an LT or a GT. That sounds like either a snowblower attachment to a GT or a plow on a bigger unit. With that much lawn you'll need something with a wide mower deck - say 48" or better. I'm now thinking 3 machines - a new Zero turn mower (they are much faster at mowing), a medium size walk behind snowblower (new or used), and a used tractor with cart. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
Srgnt Billko wrote:
"L Alpert" wrote in message . .. Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. First a little about terminology, they differentiate between a *lawn* tractor and a *garden* tractor - with the GT being a little heavier duty. At first blus it sounds like you need a GT or something big. I wouldn't try to *plow* a 200' driveway in NE CT with an LT or a GT. That sounds like either a snowblower attachment to a GT or a plow on a bigger unit. With that much lawn you'll need something with a wide mower deck - say 48" or better. I'm now thinking 3 machines - a new Zero turn mower (they are much faster at mowing), a medium size walk behind snowblower (new or used), and a used tractor with cart. I have been thinking of a plow attachment for a 4 x 4 instead of using a GT. I have looked at the zero turn mowers and was thinking that I could get a utility type vehicle along with it if a single vehicle doesn't look like it would fit the bill. Thanks for the response. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
"L Alpert" wrote in message . .. Srgnt Billko wrote: "L Alpert" wrote in message . .. Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. First a little about terminology, they differentiate between a *lawn* tractor and a *garden* tractor - with the GT being a little heavier duty. At first blus it sounds like you need a GT or something big. I wouldn't try to *plow* a 200' driveway in NE CT with an LT or a GT. That sounds like either a snowblower attachment to a GT or a plow on a bigger unit. With that much lawn you'll need something with a wide mower deck - say 48" or better. I'm now thinking 3 machines - a new Zero turn mower (they are much faster at mowing), a medium size walk behind snowblower (new or used), and a used tractor with cart. I have been thinking of a plow attachment for a 4 x 4 instead of using a GT. I have looked at the zero turn mowers and was thinking that I could get a utility type vehicle along with it if a single vehicle doesn't look like it would fit the bill. Thanks for the response. Sounds like a plan. My nephew (an experienced plower) loves his ATV with plow. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
youll need to get a real ,small type farm tractor with mowing
,plowing implements, like a pull behind finish mower.. john deere has some good small farm tractors. youll need at least 5-6 foot cut or youll be out there a long time mowing, lucas http://www.minibite.com/america/malone.htm |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
OK a Dixie Chopper will do it all and do it fast also last a long time.
Go to www.dixiechopper.com From Mel & Donnie in Bluebird Valley |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
Srgnt Billko wrote:
"L Alpert" wrote in message ... Srgnt Billko wrote: "L Alpert" wrote in message om... Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. First a little about terminology, they differentiate between a *lawn* tractor and a *garden* tractor - with the GT being a little heavier duty. At first blus it sounds like you need a GT or something big. I wouldn't try to *plow* a 200' driveway in NE CT with an LT or a GT. That sounds like either a snowblower attachment to a GT or a plow on a bigger unit. With that much lawn you'll need something with a wide mower deck - say 48" or better. I'm now thinking 3 machines - a new Zero turn mower (they are much faster at mowing), a medium size walk behind snowblower (new or used), and a used tractor with cart. I have been thinking of a plow attachment for a 4 x 4 instead of using a GT. I have looked at the zero turn mowers and was thinking that I could get a utility type vehicle along with it if a single vehicle doesn't look like it would fit the bill. Thanks for the response. Sounds like a plan. My nephew (an experienced plower) loves his ATV with plow. A plow on an ATV in the northeast might not be what you want. I have had both a plow and a snowblower mounted on my garden tractors here in NY, and the blower is much better and faster. In the northeast, it is not uncommon to have two or three heavy snowfalls in a week (8" to 12"). At some time, you are going to run out of space to push the snow. When I had the plow, it seemed my driveway got more narrower with each snowfall. I like the idea of throwing the snow some 20 or 30 feet onto the lawn. Heavy snow will be a little problem for the plow, but not the blower. Another thing is that I can drive right up to the garage doors and throw the snow out of the way. -- Bill |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
"willshak" wrote in message ... Srgnt Billko wrote: "L Alpert" wrote in message m... Srgnt Billko wrote: "L Alpert" wrote in message news:iK6dnRgK2IEWZjnenZ2dnUVZ_tSdnZ2d@comcast. com... Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. First a little about terminology, they differentiate between a *lawn* tractor and a *garden* tractor - with the GT being a little heavier duty. At first blus it sounds like you need a GT or something big. I wouldn't try to *plow* a 200' driveway in NE CT with an LT or a GT. That sounds like either a snowblower attachment to a GT or a plow on a bigger unit. With that much lawn you'll need something with a wide mower deck - say 48" or better. I'm now thinking 3 machines - a new Zero turn mower (they are much faster at mowing), a medium size walk behind snowblower (new or used), and a used tractor with cart. I have been thinking of a plow attachment for a 4 x 4 instead of using a GT. I have looked at the zero turn mowers and was thinking that I could get a utility type vehicle along with it if a single vehicle doesn't look like it would fit the bill. Thanks for the response. Sounds like a plan. My nephew (an experienced plower) loves his ATV with plow. A plow on an ATV in the northeast might not be what you want. I have had both a plow and a snowblower mounted on my garden tractors here in NY, and the blower is much better and faster. In the northeast, it is not uncommon to have two or three heavy snowfalls in a week (8" to 12"). At some time, you are going to run out of space to push the snow. When I had the plow, it seemed my driveway got more narrower with each snowfall. I like the idea of throwing the snow some 20 or 30 feet onto the lawn. Heavy snow will be a little problem for the plow, but not the blower. Another thing is that I can drive right up to the garage doors and throw the snow out of the way. Bill That's the way I view it too. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
I went through Greencastle IN and there is a Kabota dealer there. He has
about 20 Tractors setting around equiped all ways. He was cleaning a 9 inch snow off with a Dixie Chopper. From Mel & Donnie in Bluebird Valley |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
L Alpert wrote:
Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. A lot that big reequires two machines. For mowing I would select the John Deere Commercial 60 in deck or equivelent that has good ground speed as a minimum. You don't want to spend 2 days a week mowing. A good small 25 hp tractor should handel the other items. Stick with the Deere. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
tightwad wrote:
L Alpert wrote: Sorry if this is repetitive, but I subscribed to this NG just recently. I will be moving to NE Connecticut the beginning of next year, and I will need a good all round lawn tractor. I'll be on 4.5 acres, a good portion of it cleared (grass). I'd also like to be able to snow plow, as the driveway is paved and about 200 ft. long. I'll probably want to have a hitch and trailer as well, as so I can make it a good all round multi purpose vehicle for hauling things like firewood as well as other things around the yard. I'd like to get some practical opinions on some different brands and models. This is new territory for me (never had to use more then a 5 hp push mover), though I am mechanically inclined so maintenance doesn't worry me. Thanks in advance. A lot that big reequires two machines. For mowing I would select the John Deere Commercial 60 in deck or equivelent that has good ground speed as a minimum. You don't want to spend 2 days a week mowing. A good small 25 hp tractor should handel the other items. Stick with the Deere. Thanks. I'll take it under advisement. |
Lawn Tractor Suggestions (again)
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