Hello,
I currently own a JD332 and am thinking of moving up to something with 4wd. I use it to clear snow and to mow, and sometimes tow a cart. In the snow the 2wd leaves me sliding and I have some slopes to deal with, so going up/down the road to clear the bank left by plows can get me stuck if I'm not careful.
I've been drawn to the Satoh/Mitsubishi S370D and the Bolens/Iseki G154 models. The reason is that I love older machines, steel construction, and diesel engines.
They seem simple and rugged. Do these machines have about the same capabilities as each other? Is there anything one has over the other? I would probably want a mower (could be rear pto) and either a blade, or blower. The rear hitch/pto blowers seem like the best capability-wise but my neck doesn't like the idea of constantly looking backwards to clear.
I know there is no one correct answer but how much should I expect to pay for that level of machine in a reasonable condition? And for attachments? I know parts are hard to come by.
My next question is on tires, I see these usually came with a diamond pattern tire for turfs, and an AG style. If I got a machine with the AG tires, will they end up destroying my lawn? I currently run rear turfs with chains (all year) and front straight ribs on my 332, and sometimes get a little bit of cutting with the ribs on soft areas or areas with moss. Which of those two styles would work ok in snow, and would chains really be needed with the additional weight and 4wd?
Sorry for any rambling, lots of questions. If any current owners of the mentioned machines could chime in it would be appreciated, or if there are other options in the same vein out there I'm all ears!
Edit: I just realized maybe this is a better fit in the Buying/Pricing/Comparison forum, if so I apologize!
I currently own a JD332 and am thinking of moving up to something with 4wd. I use it to clear snow and to mow, and sometimes tow a cart. In the snow the 2wd leaves me sliding and I have some slopes to deal with, so going up/down the road to clear the bank left by plows can get me stuck if I'm not careful.
I've been drawn to the Satoh/Mitsubishi S370D and the Bolens/Iseki G154 models. The reason is that I love older machines, steel construction, and diesel engines.
They seem simple and rugged. Do these machines have about the same capabilities as each other? Is there anything one has over the other? I would probably want a mower (could be rear pto) and either a blade, or blower. The rear hitch/pto blowers seem like the best capability-wise but my neck doesn't like the idea of constantly looking backwards to clear.I know there is no one correct answer but how much should I expect to pay for that level of machine in a reasonable condition? And for attachments? I know parts are hard to come by.
My next question is on tires, I see these usually came with a diamond pattern tire for turfs, and an AG style. If I got a machine with the AG tires, will they end up destroying my lawn? I currently run rear turfs with chains (all year) and front straight ribs on my 332, and sometimes get a little bit of cutting with the ribs on soft areas or areas with moss. Which of those two styles would work ok in snow, and would chains really be needed with the additional weight and 4wd?
Sorry for any rambling, lots of questions. If any current owners of the mentioned machines could chime in it would be appreciated, or if there are other options in the same vein out there I'm all ears!
Edit: I just realized maybe this is a better fit in the Buying/Pricing/Comparison forum, if so I apologize!
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