Garden Tractor Capabilities

art · Dec 29, 2003

The first thing you should do is qualify the GARDEN tractor vs the glorified LAWN tractor that might just have the 25 horsepower engine in it. The JD 130 is a lawn tractor not a garden tractor. I would not hesitate to carefully mow down 6 or 18" tall weeds in moderation with a garden tractor. The larger wheels and tires should get you over some adverse terrain but not what a four wheel drive sub-compact would. Most garden tractors are driveshaft machines and should get you thru as tough of conditions as anything. Your price of 2500 is not for a current issue garden tractor as they are priced more in the 6000 to 7000 dollar range new. You might be better off to find a late model used one for some savings at a local dealer.

Hambone · Dec 30, 2003

I agree with Art. I have a JD335 which has the 20 hp Kawasaki twin and 48" deck. Have cut some amazing stuff. Just have to go slow.
Did not seem to bother it much at all. I don't think you would get the longevity out of a 25 hp glorified lawn tractor.

farmerdick · Dec 31, 2003

I agree with the last two posts. I have a John Deere 325 and it is stronger than a lower priced "lawn tractor". Try to avoid a tractor with small front tires and wheels, small ruts will slow you down and make the ride even bumpier. I would suggest a used "garden tractor" rather than a new lawn tractor if price limits you.

28RedHorses · Jan 4, 2004

Lyle,

SLOW is the word. I had a JD175 Hydro and it could not handle that kind of grass height. I found that even with the deck at it highest, the machine could handle grass about eight inches max (I had a 38 inch deck).

Another alternative is to have someone with a bush hog cut the grass the first time to get it to the depth you want and then you maintain it at your desired level. It might cost you a few bucks for this job but ultimately you will be able to use your mower and I think it will be easier on you and the mower.

My three cents /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

28Red

yellowsocks93 · Jan 4, 2004

Lyle,

If you did get a brand new JD for example a new LT180 with Kawasaki V-Twin and used it for rough stuff the motor I know would be able to handle it as my brother has used his 320 for really rough cutting over the years and it runs good yet with only normal oil changes and such. The JD LT 180 would come with a 2 year warranty and is about 3 grand. I know that is a little more than you wanted to spend but it might be worth it. I would rather have one than a 1980 JD 300 series because you get the warranty and you know who did the mainteinance on it. Just my opinion as I know people have said not to get lawn style garden tractors but this one has a great motor and is hydro.

pennwalk · Jan 8, 2004

Lyle,

Have you checked out the Yanmar group here? I know there are several guys in Texas importing used Japanese Yanmars (grays). If you don't need 4WD you can find some reasonable small tractors, which sound to me like they might work a little better for you and they are a ton of fun.

Chris