Mow, vacuum leaves, and load - ideal machine?

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by davesisk

Oh...I don't own the MF1220 anymore, I sold it recently. It was a really nice machine, but it's just too big for my needs. Something that's roughly garden tractor size would suit my needs much better, so I'll check out the JD 425/455's. Any other brands that are similar that I should look at?

Dave

* C.C.

[davesisk]

LBrown...I don't follow ya?

Dave

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by davesisk

LBrown...I don't follow ya?

Dave

Cub Cadet

When I was looking for a Garden Tractor
I checked out
New Holland
Simplicity
Toro
Cub Cadet.
I bought a new Cub Cadet as it was for me the best bang for the buck of the 4 .
A used John Deere 445 or 455 would have set me back hundreds more than the price of the new Cub.

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by bontai_Joe

If I understand correctly, you want a very manuverable tractor to get into tight areas with a 38"-42" mowing deck AND it has to be able to operate a loader? Hmmmmm..... I'm thinking the Deere 400 series tractor is gonna be too big for the mowing job, but an excellent machine for the loader. Someplace you are gonna have to compromise one of the functions. I'm thinking since the mowing is the primary job, a smaller Deere, or a 2500 series Cub Cadet could be had with a smaller mower deck, and bagging system and adding an aftermarket
"Johnny Bucket" to the front. The Johnny Bucket is not a fulll function loader but a scoop bucket that will dig and carry loose materials, but has no high lift capability. That kind of set up would focus on mowing and bagging and compromise the loader part of your plan.

The CC will probably cost less than the JD.
This is the Johnny item I'd like to have for my CC GL2554 since I have a loader on my BX23 http://www.johnnyproducts.com/images...ovies/plow.gif

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by bontai_Joe

If I understand correctly, you want a very manuverable tractor to get into tight areas with a 38"-42" mowing deck AND it has to be able to operate a loader? Hmmmmm..... I'm thinking the Deere 400 series tractor is gonna be too big for the mowing job, but an excellent machine for the loader. Someplace you are gonna have to compromise one of the functions. I'm thinking since the mowing is the primary job, a smaller Deere, or a 2500 series Cub Cadet could be had with a smaller mower deck, and bagging system and adding an aftermarket "Johnny Bucket" to the front. The Johnny Bucket is not a fulll function loader but a scoop bucket that will dig and carry loose materials, but has no high lift capability. That kind of set up would focus on mowing and bagging and compromise the loader part of your plan.

Another option
A bx1500 with a FEL and 48''MMM
or the BX 1500 & FEL and A Cub Cadet with a smaller mower deck.
AS far as Bagging check into : http://www.mytractorforum.com/newrep...reply&p=178277

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by davesisk

Oh...I don't own the MF1220 anymore, I sold it recently. It was a really nice machine, but it's just too big for my needs. Something that's roughly garden tractor size would suit my needs much better, so I'll check out the JD 425/455's. Any other brands that are similar that I should look at?

Dave

Cub Cadet 3000 series
I also liked the Simplicity, And looked at the Toro and New Holland.
Don't forget Kubota.

[davesisk]

Well, figured I'd update this thread. I accumulated 3 Snapper Hi-Vac rear-engine riders, all of which needed some repairs, etc. Looked like I could get 2 working mowers out of the 3 machines. I got hold of two of the bagger parts but was missing a couple pieces. After thinking it over, I decided this was probably just too much work and would require quite a bit of maintenance to keep them working well. So, I posted all three on Craigslist and someone picked them up from me for more than I paid for 'em. (Of course, I did put some work into them...had them all running, and had mowed with two of them).

OK, so...well positioned for a re-start. I spotted a very new looking Stanley (rebranded Murray) 17.5HP 42" Hydro with bagger on Craigslist for a good price, so I snagged that. The manual says it' s not designed for any ground-engaging attachments (fairly light-duty HST tranny I gather), but it cuts and bags quite well, comfortable to operate, runs well, and looks practically brand new...the owner kept it garaged. So, I'll probably just pick up a dump-cart rather than messing with adding any sort of loader capabilites...I was thinking one of the front scoops (like a Johnny Bucket type deal), but a simple dump-cart might be a better choice in terms of not putting the lawn tractor through more than it's capable of.

I'll probably still keep my eyes open for a garden tractor at a really good price or a something like one of the little Kanga mini-skid steer loaders. Or maybe I'll get a wild project hair and build something!

Dave

[qni51]

Cheaper dump for MC-519.

See

Question on 2305 MCS - Page 4 - TractorByNet.com

[beenthere]

Originally Posted by qni51

Cheaper dump for MC-519.

See

Question on 2305 MCS - Page 4 - TractorByNet.com

Does this actuator work on the MC519? Interested, as it is cheaper than the hydraulic ram I use now. Have my doubts that it is strong enough to dump a load of wet, green grass and wet leaves.