Advice on Mower Selection

[sjm1580]

We have 1-1/2 acres to mow and 600 feet of fairly steep driveway to plow. Would like advice on garden tractors to look at. We need to be at or under 5k. I was considering trying to find a Kubota bx1500 with FEL and mmm, but it would have to be a high hour unit for our budget. I was looking at the Kubota GR2110 but have heard some bad reports on that machine.

Would love to hear about opinions/options for us.

Thanks

 

[mjncad]

You might look at a Deere X320 or higher; but your budget is going to limit you regardless of brand.

If you're in the Midwest and points east, you'll have more choices in used equipment than us in the west do.

 

[dbear]

If 4wd is not a requirement, you might be able to pick up a Simplicity Sunstar, or the Deutz Allis 1920. They did come standard with a 2-speed transaxle with limited slip. Both 3pt and FEL were factory options.

Here's a used DA1920 as an example (granted this one's a little rough):
1988 Deutz Allis 1920 Riding Mowers | S & H FARM SUPPLY, INC. LOCKWOOD, MO #70229

Here's a Simp Sunstar in better shape:
1991 Simplicity SUNSTAR Riding Mowers | OSCEOLA IMPLEMENT & SUPPLY OSCEOLA, NE #todd

The updated Sunstar is the Legacy. It is available with 4wd & diesel, but those will command a much higher price:
2004 Simplicity LEGACY XL Riding Mowers | FARM SHOP INC. EDINA, MO

A nice 2wd Legacy:
2000 Simplicity LEGACY Riding Mowers | SLOAN IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MONROE, WI #52466

The Legacy is also available in red as the MF29xx series, like this 2927:
2006 Massey-Ferguson 2927 Riding Mowers | CORN BELT EQUIPMENT, INC. EVERLY, IA #103010