Neewbie here, I have 2.5 mostly slight hills and valley mostly grass some woods small pond and bridges over streams in Chester county Pa. The bridges and obstacles require a 42" mower deck and I want to pull a cart with logs and tools ect. I also would like to do some small tilling for a 40' x 40' family vegetable garden. Some snow plowing and possibly some light excavating (I think probably not possible with a 42" machine). All of this would be occasional yard chores / weekend warrior stuff. Anybody have any suggestions? I would love a JD X354 with 4 wheel steer but seems to me an aerator is about the biggest chore this can handle and I don't believe it has a PTO. A 1025E doesn't have a 42" mow deck so maneuverability is an issue along with price $$$ wow! Right now I have a toro time cutter z turn, hand tools and a strong back but I'm not getting any younger! I am not a tractor expert but I know my way around an engine and have rebuilt my fair share of junk! LOL. I am sure some newbie asks this every day but any advice on what to buy is greatly appreciated? Thanks for reading
New tractor advice
- Thread starter JRJM
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JD 4520
Platinum Member
The JD X354 IMO is just not going to get done what you are looking to do. The biggest problem I see is people choose too small and wish they had bought bigger. You don’t have a lot of land but you have listed some big chores. It seems that you need a 25 +/- hp to mostly satisfy what you are trying to get done, but maybe not all and won’t break the bank if you are patient and wait for the right deal to come along. Don’t buy too small, I will guarantee you that you will be disappointed later on.
rScotty
Super Member
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Yes, the chores you are describing seem to fit a small or compact tractor rather than a large lawn tractor. 25 hp would be just about right. The reason isn't the HP so much as when you start pulling a cart or lifting and carrying loads you want to have enough weight and width to be safe.
They are expensive, but last for decades.... or longer. And although I am a huge JD fan, there are some other makes that are very good too.
Plus some very good low hr. used machines.
Keep doing your research. You may find that tractors - even midmounts - don't always make the best mowers.
If it were me, I'd keep the Toro Z turn for mowing and expand the search for a good used compact tractor with implements for all those other chores.
rScotty
They are expensive, but last for decades.... or longer. And although I am a huge JD fan, there are some other makes that are very good too.
Plus some very good low hr. used machines.
Keep doing your research. You may find that tractors - even midmounts - don't always make the best mowers.
If it were me, I'd keep the Toro Z turn for mowing and expand the search for a good used compact tractor with implements for all those other chores.
rScotty
JD 4520
Platinum Member
Add the reinforced bridge supports to your project list!
RScotty did a good job of describing our similar thoughts. Study the different options and you’ll be happier once you make the decision. Keep asking questions though and you’ll generally get some good advice.
JD 4520
Platinum Member
My answer to your question is: probably or possibly. A 2 Series or similar frame size can be better. I believe you would be very happy with a 2 but may have to explore pro’s and con’s of a 1 Series.
My son was in the same boat as you, similar property, etc. spent a year looking and decided that a 1 Series wasn’t the deal for him. Kept looking and found a great deal on a pre-owned 2 Series and couldn’t be happier.
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Ddh1961
Bronze Member
Have a look at the LS MT125. Well built tractor with good hydraulics for a fair price. LS builds a lot of New Holland’s machines as well, but of course then you pay for the NH name. I’ve heard and read good things about MT125’s.
TractorTYMe
Veteran Member
Williy
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I test drove this one and ordered one the same day TLB
I would suggest that you test all the different models just
so you can get the feel of what you really want in a tractor.
This way you can get the feel of all the different options and
controls as you are the one going to pay for it and you will
have it for a long time and you want a tractor that you will
enjoy using.
willy
so you can get the feel of what you really want in a tractor.
This way you can get the feel of all the different options and
controls as you are the one going to pay for it and you will
have it for a long time and you want a tractor that you will
enjoy using.
willy
