Do they still make RELIABLE garden tractors?

[madmax12]

John Deere 500-700,Ingersol,Symplicity,Kubota. That's about all I can think of.

I think I read somewhere on the forum that some of the new crafstman are simplicity. Not positive about that though.

 

[Ruark]

I really appreciate all the replies. As some suggested, I'd like to just keep this one and fix it, but I have no idea where to start. I ran it for a while one day, and a couple days later I went out and it was dead as a doornail. Turn the key, nothing happens. New battery, fully charged. Of course, there are a million things that could cause that - maybe it's just dirt in the keyhole. I really don't have time to tear it apart trying to diagnose it. There's an outdoor equipment dealer 30 miles from here; they might be able to work no it. Like I said, it's 30 years old.

 

[aczlan]

Sounds like a blown fuse to me. Does it crank if you put a screwdriver across the solenoid terminals?
Looking new(er) machines, I agree with the Deere 400, 500, 700, etc, but I would also add the Cub Cadet 3000 series to the list. IMO it is comparable to a 400 series Deere and will be cheaper as it doesn't have green paint

Aaron Z

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I would also add the Cub Cadet 3000 series to the list.

I sell them. I would not put them on "the list". You'd also never get me to touch a new Deere. I'd grab a old Deere 420/425 if your into them. Kubota G2160/G2460 are very similar and newer vintage. They are great tractors. Simplicity is very good. You all know my passion for Kubota, but the T's are not a great value for what they are, and while the GR's are outperforming what we'd expect its not a 30 year tractor. A BX1860 w/o valve can almost hit garden tractor pricing and will last forever.

Bottom line, quality costs more than it did 30-years ago. It you really want a tractor that will last like that you almost need to buy a subcompact, or one of the very few heavy built garden tractors.

 

[murphy1244]

I think I read somewhere on the forum that some of the new crafstman are simplicity. Not positive about that though.

Thats not true at all.

 

[bcp]

I think I read somewhere on the forum that some of the new crafstman are simplicity. Not positive about that though.

Check the model number prefix here to see who made Sears stuff:

Craftsman OEM List

Sears and Craftsman Source Product Code | Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews

Bruce

 

[aczlan]

I sell them. I would not put them on "the list".

What don't you like about them? We had one at the hotel I used to work for and it was a decent machine. It was a GT3200 with 2 valves. We bought it with a snowblower, plow and 60" deck for $3000ish when it had ~600 hours on it.

Aaron Z

 

[Ruark]

Sounds like a blown fuse to me. Does it crank if you put a screwdriver across the solenoid terminals?

Hmmmm, I don't know. I can't find a fuse or the solenoid terminals....

 

[aczlan]

Hmmmm, I don't know. I can't find a fuse or the solenoid terminals....

How about a jumper cable from the positive post on the battery to the positive post on the starter?

Aaron Z

 

[coobie]

I sell them. I would not put them on "the list". You'd also never get me to touch a new Deere. I'd grab a old Deere 420/425 if your into them. Kubota G2160/G2460 are very similar and newer vintage. They are great tractors. Simplicity is very good. You all know my passion for Kubota, but the T's are not a great value for what they are, and while the GR's are outperforming what we'd expect its not a 30 year tractor. A BX1860 w/o valve can almost hit garden tractor pricing and will last forever.

Bottom line, quality costs more than it did 30-years ago. It you really want a tractor that will last like that you almost need to buy a subcompact, or one of the very few heavy built garden tractors.

Now thats funny,why would you not touch a new john deere?Let me guess you sell kubota,simplicity and new holland?LOL,coobie