Garden tractor purchase... WTB?

[todlee]

Hey all,

I spent 8 hours here yesterday and today reading everything I could here to help make a decision.

I'm looking for a garden tractor for mowing and snow removal. My needs are snow removal on a 300' drive which is part gravel and part paved as well as around a couple buildings. I'm in SW CT, which has a lot of coastal influence to the storms, so we tend to get dumped on and often it is wet snow, so I think a blade is most appropriate (I do lust for a S-T attachment though). We have 2 acres of lawn, some manicured, some rough, but the lot is nice and level. No need for implements other than towing a wagon or boat around the lawn.

I spent my formative years plowing and mowing with lawn tractors that had pieces falling off all the time (oops, lets order two of those, so when it breaks the fourth and fifth time). What I want is something that will last 15 years, do the job and not break with proper maintenance unless I'm really, really unlucky or do something stupid.

We have a big CC presence in town (and my wife's family has IH ties), I have looked at and spend a bunch of time reading here on the CC 2500s (and 3100 and 3200). I have read up on the CC / MTD quality control and hood/engine heat issues. I also was not impressed with the local dealer either, even though I really wanted to do business with them, so the CC is out.

I've searched this forum and the net in general and found a surprising lack of comments on the JD X500. I visited the dealer and liked them and their stance on their equipment. On the X500... If it sucked, I'm guessing there would be more comments, but I don't see much in the line of "I love them" either. My take is they cost a lot for a belt drive, but they are top of the line machines. Anyone want to comment?!?!?!?

What others are out there in this size/price range? We have several Simplicity dealers locally (I haven't been there), and Kubota not too bad distance.

Thanks,

Tod

 

[ToadHill]

I've given up buying new garden tractors. I have two "OLD" CC's that were manufactured in the early 70's. They have a real heavy steel frame and the old Kohler motors run forever, if they do give up you can rebuild one for about $125. They take a lickin and keep on tickin.

 

[Ductape]

What kind of money do you want to spend? If a high end JD is not out of budget, you may want to take a second look at the new CCs. Though i have not seen them on the showroom floor yet, the new, small diesel powered units manufactured by Yanmar for Cub Cadet should be an impressive machine. Though being more of a competitor to machines like the Kubota BX, perhaps this is out of your price point. One thing i will recommend if you are serious about moving snow..... is to think about a machine with a rear differential lock. This will double your traction in snow, but will only be found on more expensive machines. I have heard good thing about the Simplicity machines and would give them a look if you have a dealer near you.

 

[todlee]

I've given up buying new garden tractors. I have two "OLD" CC's that were manufactured in the early 70's. They have a real heavy steel frame and the old Kohler motors run forever, if they do give up you can rebuild one for about $125. They take a lickin and keep on tickin.

Thanks Toadhill. A rebuild would be a great project and something I thought about. I have several big projects in the cue (like a boat to build, shop to remodel, etc...) for this I'm looking for "out of the box".

Ducktape, I woudl like not to spend over 5, but yes, I'm considering the JD X500 for 7K complete. On the Yanmar Cub, the dealer doesnt' have them and I have to jump, I'm also not one to buy something the first year offered and be the manufacturer's guinea pig. The JD X500 is an rear locker, one reason I like it. I'm going to drive by a Simplicity dealer today, I'll stop in.

 

[awlchu]

hello,

Buy used!

I suggest looking for a John Deere 318, 420, or 430 (diesel). A nice 318 can be found in the mid teens ($1400-1900) with a plow.

The 420/430 run for more money ($2500-$3500) but are well worth the money, especially the 430. Both are brutes and can take the punishment of plowing snow and mowing acres of grass.

The new X5xx series (not the old X5xx) are expensive and IMOP not a good return on your money. They will depreciate quickly. And their features (for the money) are not that above their competitors.

For the $4-$5k range a 445 or 455 is the best buy. Very high quality tractors with a 95% satisfaction rating from their owners. If you can fine one with under 500 hrs, it is a better tractor than a new X500.

Finally, the Kubota BX1500 is an excellent tractor too. May be in the $7k range but a quality tractor and built to take a beating.

....oh no, I'm turning into Mr Brown!

 

[Gittyup]

I agree to buy used. You'll get more tractor for less money. There are a number of brands that would suit you well. For plowing, you'll also want some weight, in addition to diffy lock. I second the JD older 318, 4xx's. I see 425/445 listed for under $5K, some as low as $3500. The 445 is diesel. So, it will cost you more. A BX gives you even more cabability, but not sure what that would seet you back for a used one. Older Gravely, Simplicity, CC, Honda 5013/18. All are good choices.

 

[JiminGa]

I bought an x540 this summer and I'll say it was a really nice lawn mower...traded within a month for a 2305, which is an even nicer garden tractor. If all I wanted out of the 540 was snow plowing and grass cutting, it would have stayed here for a while at least...down side to it was fuel consumption, that big engine sure liked gas. the 2305 sips fuel so much so that I have to remind myself to fill it

 

[TimS]

Hi Tod - I agree with the others that a used machine would fit your needs better. With a 300 foot drive and sometimes heavy, wet snow, you need something as big as you can afford. I do think you might want to also consider a blower rather than a blade - in some of these Nor'easters where we (I live one state north) get 2 feet of wet snow, you aren't going to be pushing a blade through them with anything short of a full-size tractor.

I would strongly recommend the setup I have (OK, I'm biased) which is a JD455, 47 blower, 60" deck. The little Yanmar diesels are very good on fuel, and last a long time - they seem to go about 3000 hours with proper service. I'd guess you'd pay a little more than the $5K budget for that rig, but I think it would serve you better than a newer, smaller unit. And I think with some looking you could come in under the $7K price of your X500.

Tim

 

[KentT]

I'm biased, but I think for the $5000 budget the Simplicity Conquest offers the most new tractor for the money. The famous "Simplicity cut" for your lawn (stripes are option based upon mowing technique), they work quite well with snowblades, and you can put either a single stage or dual stage snowblower on them.

TIP: You can get the hitch that allows you to adapt and use an older model single-stage snowblower on them. You can find plenty of good used 42" ones in the $150-300 range (based on time of year, mostly), instead of the $1000 or more for a new one.

Some will say a single-stage won't cut it in deep snow, but I disagree if you're talking about a Simplicity. Use wide open throttle and vary the cut/groundspeed to keep the intake hopper full, and they'll pump slush that's difficult to even shovel. Make sure you keep a steady stream coming out the chute -- if the stream gets interrupted it will freeze up and clog the chute quickly. Keep a steady stream going, and you'll be surprised at what they'll do...

Here's a video of my 1969 model with 42" single-stage in about 12" of heavy snow up near Worcester.

YouTube - 1969 Simplicity 3112V Blowing Snow

 

[Gittyup]

I agree to buy used. You'll get more tractor for less money. There are a number of brands that would suit you well. For plowing, you'll also want some weight, in addition to diffy lock. I second the JD older 318, 4xx's. I see 425/445 listed for under $5K, some as low as $3500. The 445 is diesel. So, it will cost you more. A BX gives you even more cabability, but not sure what that would seet you back for a used one. Older Gravely, Simplicity, CC, Honda 5013/18. All are good choices.

Oops. Just noticed typo. The 455 is diesel. The 445 is fuel injected water cooled Kawalsaki gas.