Deciding what size lawn tractor is necessary

[awlchu]

Steve,

I wonder if buying a dedicated snow blower (standalone version) is best for you.

The x300 is a fine mower. Too small for pushing serious snow but capable for a JB Jr bucker for those chores around the house.

 

[SteveG_CT]

Steve,

I wonder if buying a dedicated snow blower (standalone version) is best for you.

The x300 is a fine mower. Too small for pushing serious snow but capable for a JB Jr bucker for those chores around the house.

This has been somewhat of a quandry for me. The consensus seems to be that unless I buy a tractor that is frankly way oversized for my property, plowing with it or using a small bucket loader for snow removal is not really going to be an option.

I'm kind of wondering now whether or not buying a snowblower attachment or a standalone snowblower would be better. If I look at the prices of new equipment, an 8+hp standalone snowblower (at least 8hp is necessary for the typically wet snow we get here) will cost me about the same as a snowblower attachment. Both options have some advantages and drawbacks.

The way I see it, the snowblower attachment would be larger, more powerful, and get the job done faster than a standalone snowblower but would not be as manueverable due to the larger size and being attached to the tractor. On the other hand, a standalone snowblower would be more manueverable and could potentially be a good bit cheaper if i buy a used one (most of the used one I have seen at the equipment dealers have been junk however), but will take longer to get the job done due to the smaller width and would give me another engine to maintain. I'm not sure that manueverability would be much of an issue as my driveway is fairly wide and straight.

Does anyone here have some experience with the usefulness of the snowblower attachments vs. a standalone snowblower?

Thanks,
-Steve

 

[jas67]

Does anyone here have some experience with the usefulness of the snowblower attachments vs. a standalone snowblower?

I have a 10 HP/24 HP Simplicity walk-behind, dedicated snow blower. It is a great machine. I paid $1500 for new, so it isn't cheap either. It handles all the wet & heavy snow that I've tried to move with it. We moved to a larger property with a larger driveway in Jan. '07. Although it works great, it now takes me well over an hour to clear my driveway, even if it is only a 1" snowfall.

This year, I bought a '98 Kubota B7100HST for some other projects around the house, and it had 50" snowblower with it. That is what I'll use this winter. I also have a Kubota G1800S garden tractor, but do not have a snowblower attachment for it. If I ever sell the B7100HST, I'll try to get a snowblower attachment for the G1800S first. If I do this, I'll need to use the walk-behind for the steepest areas, as I know the 2WD garden tractor won't do the trick there. The B7100HST is 4WD, so it will be fine.

I would say, if you don't want a tractor (CUT or SCUT), goes with a garden tractor and snowblower attachment. You may still want a walk-behind snowblower for walkways though. In that case, you could get a smaller/cheaper, or used walkbehind for the walkways.

There are a lot of great deals on used garden tractors with snowblower attachments (and sometimes other attachments, such as roto-tillers). Trying to find just the snowblower attachment later is a problem, so buy them together. I have been looking for 3 months to see if I can find one for my G1800S, and only see complete setups (tractor & blower).

I prefer Diesel engines, so if I was looking for a garden tractor for mowing and snow duties, these would be the models that I'd look at (all Diesel-powered):
Kubota:
GR2110 (newer, more $$$)
G2160 (newer, more $$$)
G1800/G1800S (older, thus more affordable)
G1900/G1900S (older, thus more affordable)

John Deere:
455
430
332
330

The 400-series, I believe are larger than the 300-series, but both are very durable, well-made units.

If you think you'd want to do some front end loader work, go with the 455, or get a SCUT (Kubota BX, or JD 20xx). Many of the SCUTs aren't all that much larger than the larger garden tractors, and would still be very good to mow with.

If you have a lot of small things to mow around, or tight spots to get in and out of, look at the G1800S/G1900S, they have all-wheel steering. The JD425 also had an AWS option (or maybe the all are, I'm not sure). The 425 is gas powered, though. I don't know if JD made any diesel-powered 400-series GT's with AWS. As I mentioned above, I have a G1800S. I have a lot of "stuff" to mow around, and the G1800S is just as quick for my mowing as the Simplicity zero-turn that I have.

The Kubota G-series, and the Deere 400-series (and maybe the 300-series) had three-point and PTO options as well, although the PTO's are not the standard 540-RPM variety; their usually 2000 RPM with different splines, so PTO-powered implements are probably limited to ones made for a certain tractor or manufacture.

Also, keep in mind that the best choice might not be a single machine. I have less money in my G1800S and B7100HST combined than a decent used BX-machine with a loader would have cost me, and IMHO, both are better suited for the tasks that I use them for.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I do believe that on a garden tractor or lawn tractor you'll be happier with a snowblower vs. a blade. Bigger machines (i.e. CUT) will have enough weight for traction to move more snow with a blade, but the garden tractors won't move more than a few inches.

I was in a similar situation as you this past spring. I found more used machines that fit the bill better than new ones. It seems the new machines are more focused on maneuverability and economy vs. strength and durability. Finding implements for a used machine is pretty tough, though. I bought a Toro 266-H for $200, but I had to do some work on it.

If all you're looking at is mowing and snowblowing, there are a lot of lawn tractors that will do the trick. You won't have to get up into garden tractors. Most of the mid to high end Craftsman lawn tractors have an available snowblower. If I remember right, the same is true with the John Deere line.

Just a hint: The flunkies at Lowes and Home Depot usually don't know squat about the equipment on their floor. They're doing good to remember that the one on the left is green and the one on the right is yellow.

 

[jeffinsgf]

jas67 made a couple of small mistakes I'd like to clear up.

The entire 4x5 series (425, 445 and 455) was available with All Wheel Steer. The 425 had a carburetted gas engine, the 445 had a fuel injected gas engine and the 455 had the Yanmar diesel.

He was correct about earlier JD's having 2000 RPM PTO, but as of the 4x5 series, JD went to 540 RPM PTO on the top of the line garden tractors.

 

[SteveG_CT]

I was in a similar situation as you this past spring. I found more used machines that fit the bill better than new ones. It seems the new machines are more focused on maneuverability and economy vs. strength and durability. Finding implements for a used machine is pretty tough, though. I bought a Toro 266-H for $200, but I had to do some work on it.

If all you're looking at is mowing and snowblowing, there are a lot of lawn tractors that will do the trick. You won't have to get up into garden tractors. Most of the mid to high end Craftsman lawn tractors have an available snowblower. If I remember right, the same is true with the John Deere line.

I definitely agree with you on this. The only reason I am even considering garden tractors is because most of the mid-range lawn tractors (JD LA-125,CC LT-1045, Husqvarna 2042LS, etc.) seem to be cheaply built (I have concerns about durability), and the higher end lawn tractors (JD X300, CC 15XX, etc.) cost nearly the same as entry level garden tractors.

In addition to mowing I'd also like to be able to remove snow from my driveway using a snowblower attachment and be able haul material (dirt, crushed stone, mulch, etc.) around the yard using an attachment like the Johnny Bucket. I'm a little concerned about the ability of one of the low or mid range lawn tractors' ability to handle the snowblower and Johnny Bucket attachments even though these attachments are generally available for them. If you think that one of the low or mid range lawn tractors can handle these tasks and still be reliable long term then I would happily save the $1000+ cost difference between them and the larger tractors and put it towards buying attachments.

Several people seem to be recommending some pretty powerful machines to me. I think I should make it clear that I am only dealing with a 1 acre property. I mentioned this in my opening post but it seems to have gotten lost as the thread has worn on. The larger tractors people are recommending are great machines no doubt, but I think they would be complete overkill for a property my size. I do appreciate the advice though.

Thanks,
-Steve

 

[Rick_CT]

Hi Steve,

I too live in CT. I have three acres, one of which is grass that I cut, and a 550 foot paved driveway that I maintain in the winter. I use a Toro/Wheel Horse 522xi. 22hp, hydrostatic drive, shaft drive, power steering, hydraulic attachment lift, 48 inch cutting deck with vac, 48 snow/dozer blade, 44 inch two stage snow blower. This setup takes care of my yard just fine.

I use the blade for snow up to about 8 inches, anything more I usually switch over to the snow blower. Switching over is quite easy, as Wheel Horse has a quick attach system that lets you do it without even needing any tools. Wheel weights and chains round out the winter equipment. The snow blower can throw snow over a single story garage roof with no problem.

Before I got the 522xi, I had a Wheel Horse Charger 12, which was a 12hp heavy duty classic machine. I had a blade for it but no blower. I could clear my drive with it, but if it was going to be a heavy snow, I always went out several times during the storm to keep up with it. It was difficult at times, and without the hydraulic attachement lift, pulling the blade up gets to be a killer after an hour or so. I could not believe the difference between the Charger 12 and the 522xi at moving snow. There is no substitute for hp and weight. The 522xi makes it fun, verses what amounted to work. The two cylinder Kohler on the 522 is smoother and quiter than the single cylinder Kohler on the Charger 12, which you really start to appreciate if you are going to be on the machine for any length of time.

I also have a walk behind snow blower, a Toro Powershift 1232. This is the mother of all walk behind snow blowers, with 12 hp and a 32 inch cut. It can really move a lot of snow, but you will get a work out. It is heavy, vibrates quite a bit, noisy, and your fingers get **** cold and cramped holding down those levers. I have done my whole driveway with it a number of times, and it is more than up to the task, but if I have a choice the tractor is the way to go. I don't know why I hang on to it, should probably find it a new home, just hate to give up anything that has a motor on it!

Let me know if you need any other information. I have attached a few photos so you can get an idea of the size of the equipment. JD, Cub, and Simplicity make comparable size lawn machines.

Rick

 

[shot_gun]

Steve , overkill is in the eye of the beholder. I have a customer who has 1 acre w/ house, garage ect on it and has a 2210/62c and 210 loader. His neighbors all laghed at him until they need something like to move a load of stone here, move mulch there, back drag the drive way. ect. So it really depends on what your doing as to what you need. You asked about the tractor snow blower on the Deere X300. The 44" on the LA or X300 series work very well and in your neck of the woods you'll probably get to use it. Depending on the snow they can toss it about 15-30'. The biggest thing with the lawn tractor is to get some weight on them to off set the blower. Being in the land of cheesesteaks this is not a problem for me. If you're a litlle lighter than me you can go with wheel weights and suitcase style weights also. Good luck.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I definitely agree with you on this. The only reason I am even considering garden tractors is because most of the mid-range lawn tractors (JD LA-125,CC LT-1045, Husqvarna 2042LS, etc.) seem to be cheaply built (I have concerns about durability), and the higher end lawn tractors (JD X300, CC 15XX, etc.) cost nearly the same as entry level garden tractors.

In addition to mowing I'd also like to be able to remove snow from my driveway using a snowblower attachment and be able haul material (dirt, crushed stone, mulch, etc.) around the yard using an attachment like the Johnny Bucket. I'm a little concerned about the ability of one of the low or mid range lawn tractors' ability to handle the snowblower and Johnny Bucket attachments even though these attachments are generally available for them. If you think that one of the low or mid range lawn tractors can handle these tasks and still be reliable long term then I would happily save the $1000+ cost difference between them and the larger tractors and put it towards buying attachments.

Several people seem to be recommending some pretty powerful machines to me. I think I should make it clear that I am only dealing with a 1 acre property. I mentioned this in my opening post but it seems to have gotten lost as the thread has worn on. The larger tractors people are recommending are great machines no doubt, but I think they would be complete overkill for a property my size. I do appreciate the advice though.

Thanks,
-Steve

I do think that a mid to upper range lawn mower will do what you'd ask of it. The only thing I'm not sure of is the Johnny Bucket. I've never seen what these will lift. I suppose a lawn mower that is built to carry a snowblower ought to be able to carry 150 pounds worth of weight off the front in summer too.

I don't think you'll ever regret buying a entry level garden tractor if you can fit it into your budget. There are so many other options that a garden tractor gives you. Do you garden? The tiller option on garden tractors is huge in my book.

I too have an acre. I've got a 19 hp. diesel Massey 1215 that I do the grunt work with. My lawn mower just mows lawn and pulls the trailer. I've loaned past lawn tractors to my dad through the winter to blow snow with; and if I can find a blower for the Toro, I'll do the same again this year.

I guess none of this is really any kind of answer to your question, but it may give you more to think about.

 

[SteveG_CT]

I do think that a mid to upper range lawn mower will do what you'd ask of it. The only thing I'm not sure of is the Johnny Bucket. I've never seen what these will lift. I suppose a lawn mower that is built to carry a snowblower ought to be able to carry 150 pounds worth of weight off the front in summer too.

I don't think you'll ever regret buying a entry level garden tractor if you can fit it into your budget. There are so many other options that a garden tractor gives you. Do you garden? The tiller option on garden tractors is huge in my book.

I too have an acre. I've got a 19 hp. diesel Massey 1215 that I do the grunt work with. My lawn mower just mows lawn and pulls the trailer. I've loaned past lawn tractors to my dad through the winter to blow snow with; and if I can find a blower for the Toro, I'll do the same again this year.

I guess none of this is really any kind of answer to your question, but it may give you more to think about.

I appreciate the perspective you're offering. I'll be visiting one of the larger dealers around tomorrow and will talk with them about the capability of the upper level lawn tractors they sell and see if they can really do the work I want.

Another option that has just presented itself is an older used Wheel Horse tractor for sale locally. It's a recently restored tractor from the 60's with a freshly rebuilt Tecuseh engine and the seller is including a snowblower attachment, wheel weights, and chains with it. From the pictures it appears to be built much heavier than any of the new lawn tractors I have seen and the price is certainly right at a mere $600. I will probably go have a look at it later this week. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Steve