Big decision

[Smittys D140]

Hi everyone i have a big question to ask you all. In may 2013 i purchased a new John Deere D140. I only planned on using this tractor for mowing grass, but that soon changed. For snow removal, i have been using an ATV with a blade. But the ATV is old and getting tired, it feels like it is broke down more than its running. I know that people bash the 100 series Deere's a lot. But the D160 is in my price range. I dont want a bigger deck than a 48". Basically i want to buy a newer JD to use as my main plowing machine and save the quad for a back up. So my question is, Should i use my D140, or should i buy another tractor? And which model? My price range is whatever trade in i can get for my D140 and maybe $1500 on top of that. If i can, i would rather keep my current machine, because it has been doing a great job for me and i hate to get rid of something that is working, to buy a piece of junk. Please help!!

 

[jenkinsph]

Keller,
I recommend you sit tight and focus more on mowing lawns for now. Try to limit your D140 to mowing and limit your towing of carts and aerators as much as possible. If you still wan't to pursue the traction type jobs later save up for an x500 and up or a good used scut. Don't kill your new D140 pulling the aerators.

 

[Smittys D140]

Keller,
I recommend you sit tight and focus more on mowing lawns for now. Try to limit your D140 to mowing and limit your towing of carts and aerators as much as possible. If you still wan't to pursue the traction type jobs later save up for an x500 and up or a good used scut. Don't kill your new D140 pulling the aerators.

Ok thanks, if i do have to tow aerators twice a year, how should i do it, to not kill my transmission? (less weight, less speed)

 

[Yellowfever440]

As he said I would save up for at least and X500 for plowing snow. There just a better built tractor for tbat, light snow pushes easy but heavy wet snow can really wear a transmission out on a light tractor.

 

[Big Barn]

Keller. I'm not familiar wit J D models whatsoever but everything the members have said above is the route to go. Hang tight. Dont kill your new machine. Small steps. You'll be farther ahead in the long run. Good luck.

Terry

 

[Smittys D140]

Ok thanks everyone, i will save up for a x500 or higher.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

How much would it cost to upgrade the ATV instead of the lawn tractor?

Not sure how much snow and what type you get in Greenwood, BC, but I don't see many people around here plowing with a lawn tractor. Snow blowers on the front yes - but not blades. My most similar experience was with a Honda 6522 with 60" power angle blade. The Honda was much heavier than a D140/160 or a X500, plus it had 4WD.

 

[oldnslo]

Depending on your driveway size is a walk behind snowblower an option? Good used ones in this area are less than $400.

 

[Smittys D140]

How much would it cost to upgrade the ATV instead of the lawn tractor?

Not sure how much snow and what type you get in Greenwood, BC, but I don't see many people around here plowing with a lawn tractor. Snow blowers on the front yes - but not blades. My most similar experience was with a Honda 6522 with 60" power angle blade. The Honda was much heavier than a D140/160 or a X500, plus it had 4WD.

I am running at 1997 yamaha big bear 350, it is beyond upgrading. I have priced out other atvs and they are way out of my price range. Plus i would like to maybe get a johnny bucket on the future tractor. We mostly get anywhere from 1-2 feet of snow each winter, falling in 3-8 inches at a time.

 

[Smittys D140]

Depending on your driveway size is a walk behind snowblower an option? Good used ones in this area are less than $400.

I already own a newer craftsman two stage snow blower, it does a great job when i am just doing our driveway, but i am a small lawn care company that also removes snow. So i have LOTS of snow to move each snowfall and the little snow blower is just to slow, plus we don't get enough snow at a time to make it beneficial to use.