Suburban B
New member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2008
- Messages
- 11
- Location
- Pennsylvania
- Tractor
- JD GT245 20 HP Hydro Auto; JD STX38 12.5 HP 5-Speed Manual
I am considering buying a used 2004 Model GT245 with a 48" deck. The owner posts that it has 120 hours, well-maintained, and excellent condition. I plan on checking it out and giving it a test. Before, I do that, I am looking for your thoughts.
I have about an acre of grass on my 1.5 + lot. This is for my suburban but not a perfectly flat, manicured lawn. I have just a few slight hills (5-10 degrees typical) and the usual obstacles of trees, beds, swingset, etc. Parts of my lawn can stay a bit wet in the early spring and after heavy rain, and I have experienced some yard damage with my STX-38. But that is forgiven for a 12.5 HP entry level rider.
My primary use is grass cutting, but I do a bit more. My main concern is that I pull a DR 9.0 Premier Leaf and Lawn Vac several times a summer and more in the fall (guessing 250-300 pound max. load). The one for sale also comes with a garden utility cart and an 80lb spreader. I would use both. If this, or whatever machine could take it, I would probably get a plug or tyne aerator in the future. I have no plans for snow removal or tilling . For the money, I am leaning towards a used machine with enough torque, traction, and a quality transmission.
JD's Riding Mower Selector suggest that I step up to x500 series, which I think is driven primarily by the selection of sometimes pulling heavy loads.
What is the track record of the GT245? Any major concerns or kudos? Do you know, off-hand, what replaced the GT245? Was it the the GX 300 and then the X300 series, or am I way off? Do you thinkg that this GT245 will match my needs and be reliable for another 5-10 years with regular maintenance? I'd like to know if I should be focused on something bigger like a GT3XX, GT4XX, GT5XX, or GX (300-500). Does anyone think that an L-Model would work.
I know that I have thrown out a lot of information/questions, but I don't want to throw my money away on a non-returnable and inadequate tractor. Your experience is appreciated.
I have about an acre of grass on my 1.5 + lot. This is for my suburban but not a perfectly flat, manicured lawn. I have just a few slight hills (5-10 degrees typical) and the usual obstacles of trees, beds, swingset, etc. Parts of my lawn can stay a bit wet in the early spring and after heavy rain, and I have experienced some yard damage with my STX-38. But that is forgiven for a 12.5 HP entry level rider.
My primary use is grass cutting, but I do a bit more. My main concern is that I pull a DR 9.0 Premier Leaf and Lawn Vac several times a summer and more in the fall (guessing 250-300 pound max. load). The one for sale also comes with a garden utility cart and an 80lb spreader. I would use both. If this, or whatever machine could take it, I would probably get a plug or tyne aerator in the future. I have no plans for snow removal or tilling . For the money, I am leaning towards a used machine with enough torque, traction, and a quality transmission.
JD's Riding Mower Selector suggest that I step up to x500 series, which I think is driven primarily by the selection of sometimes pulling heavy loads.
What is the track record of the GT245? Any major concerns or kudos? Do you know, off-hand, what replaced the GT245? Was it the the GX 300 and then the X300 series, or am I way off? Do you thinkg that this GT245 will match my needs and be reliable for another 5-10 years with regular maintenance? I'd like to know if I should be focused on something bigger like a GT3XX, GT4XX, GT5XX, or GX (300-500). Does anyone think that an L-Model would work.
I know that I have thrown out a lot of information/questions, but I don't want to throw my money away on a non-returnable and inadequate tractor. Your experience is appreciated.