I chose John Deere and surprised myself!!!

[mjncad]

Thanks for the advice, I will register there so I can have easier access for parts. Do you just order then pick them up at your JD dealer and pay them upon pickup?

Yes; that's how it works.

Also, get yourself a shop manual for the 1026R on CD as it's cheaper than the hardcopy.

https://techpubs.deere.com/

And we want pictures of your toys too! :thumbsup:

 

[jenkinsph]

Parker,
Congratulations on your new machines.

I have suggested the D100 over the other models with the K46 hydros because of its simplicity hope that works out for you. About the 1026R I have several attachments for this size scut and as long as you have the time you can really spruce up your property. Have fun with it all.

 

[parkerpusher]

Of course, I would love a nicer mower....but the D100 is suprisingly comfortable with very nimble steering. I think the cheapest JD with the K58 is perhaps the X310 and it is 4k. Husqvarna is similar, I think their "garden" quality (not really, but that's what they call them) tractors with the better hydro were nearly 4k as well. So, If I was STILL not going to get the use of any real ground engaging equipment, the D100 seemed like the right answer. Now with the 1026R, it's the perfect combo for me. I wish I knew how to post photos, the D100 is actually a nice looking machine with lug rears and the rear weight bracket.

Parker,
Congratulations on your new machines.

I have suggested the D100 over the other models with the K46 hydros because of its simplicity hope that works out for you. About the 1026R I have several attachments for this size scut and as long as you have the time you can really spruce up your property. Have fun with it all.

 

[parkerpusher]

I don't know if there pictures are going to work, but here goes. Like I said, personally I think the little D100 looks pretty good with those weights. The rear tires are loaded as well, so this little guy trucks up and down whatever hills I have to mow with confidence.

 

[parkerpusher]

And as for getting alot done with a small tractor, I was the guy who figured that it had severe limitations (speaking about the R), and that once I started working with it I would possibly be dissapointed with it's weight / power / loader power etc. I have frequently used much larger equipment, and so I was pretty pessimistic about what this machine could do. I was wrong. This tractor could work a much larger property than my own and not be overly challenged.

Parker,
Congratulations on your new machines.

I have suggested the D100 over the other models with the K46 hydros because of its simplicity hope that works out for you. About the 1026R I have several attachments for this size scut and as long as you have the time you can really spruce up your property. Have fun with it all.

 

[1ID]

Congratulations on your new toys (I mean tools ) I had the same experiance as you when I shopped for a new CUT. I looked at all the colors I could find at the time. John Deere was the only CUT at the time that all controls were placed as they should be and had a reverser transmission instead of a hydro. I am of the opinion that a hydro tranny belongs on a lawn mower but not a tractor. So I purchased my 3320 and have never looked back. This thing continually amazes me at what it can do. The JD parts on line is awesome as I ordered a switch to add some lights. Ordered on line went to the dealership and it was right at the counter. Couldn't believe it. Enjoy your new equipment as I'm sure you will. There's nothing like having the right tools for the job!!!!!

 

[firefighterjrm]

I faced the same problem when I traded my 2320 with a MMM, I was looking for a tractor to do "tractor work" and a lawn mower to cut all though I decided on a 3032e and a D140 which thus far I am happy I think you will be pleased congrats

 

[mjncad]

View attachment 275082View attachment 275083

Like I said, personally I think the little D100 looks pretty good with those weights.

I have the same weights on the back of my L130 and I call them "Poor man's power steering." They help lighten the front axle a bit; but I sure miss true power steering like my 4200 has.

https://picasaweb.google.com/110106108324823291002/BambiThumper#5107510391433060306

 

[jenkinsph]

If I had to fill the tires and add rear weights to the mower to get up the hills I may have reservations. I have to work hilly terrain in the mountains all the time so I went with the x749 for manuevering in tight quarters and turning up the steep hills. I have an L130 too and use it to mow my own lawn and will again after rebuilding the tranny.

I really like the hdap tires on the 749 and they seem to be great for lawn and traction, suprizes me. As far as ability to work in lawns for grading, tilling and seeding the 749 and 1026R are very competitive. I don't like having to take the mower deck and 3PH on and off to use the 749 for the various purposes and suspect I will cure this by adding a 2720 in the near future.

Curious why you felt the need for the D100 and the 1026R since it sounds like 4x4 would have been a good option for the mowing in your case? Seems that an x749 or x748 would have done most of what you need if mowing is the predominate use or the 1026R with the drive over deck. Not knocking your choices just curious as to how you made them. I ask this because my purpose in having a separate mower would be to reduce the mowers weight driving over the lawn, if I had to add weight to traverse hills that would make me pause.

 

[parkerpusher]

With the weights and even the filled tires, I don't even hit 600 lbs with the D100 so it's not nearly heavy enough to impact the lawn. I would LOVE to have an X748....they look great and ride better than any SCUT in my opinion. But I needed to have a 42" deck to be able to reasonably get through the space behind my house and the "mountain" to be able to mow the front hillside, and then again down by the end of the drive there is quite a bit to mow where, between Cypress trees and the hillside etc, any larget than 42 wouldn't work there either. At the moment with the D100, I don't have to run a line trimmer buy maybe for 15 minutes once every 4 or 5 weeks, everything gets cut from the seat. With a larger deck, I could mow the field, but then I would have 2 areas (1 of them far enough away that I would probobly load the mower in the truck) that had to get push mowed. So, based on this, once I settled upon a small rider (choosing the D100 for its basic manual drive no hydro), that left the other tractor just to do "tractor" work. For this, I felt the 1026R better suited. It's job was simply loader work, plowing small food plots, maintaining the drive and any other tasks that arise through the year.

To agree with you though, IF I could have accomplished my mowing with a larger deck, I would have looked very seriously at an X700 series.

If I had to fill the tires and add rear weights to the mower to get up the hills I may have reservations. I have to work hilly terrain in the mountains all the time so I went with the x749 for manuevering in tight quarters and turning up the steep hills. I have an L130 too and use it to mow my own lawn and will again after rebuilding the tranny.

I really like the hdap tires on the 749 and they seem to be great for lawn and traction, suprizes me. As far as ability to work in lawns for grading, tilling and seeding the 749 and 1026R are very competitive. I don't like having to take the mower deck and 3PH on and off to use the 749 for the various purposes and suspect I will cure this by adding a 2720 in the near future.

Curious why you felt the need for the D100 and the 1026R since it sounds like 4x4 would have been a good option for the mowing in your case? Seems that an x749 or x748 would have done most of what you need if mowing is the predominate use or the 1026R with the drive over deck. Not knocking your choices just curious as to how you made them. I ask this because my purpose in having a separate mower would be to reduce the mowers weight driving over the lawn, if I had to add weight to traverse hills that would make me pause.