Garden tractor purchase... WTB?

[Gittyup]

I would also second a snow blower if you get many deep snows, or several snows without much melt-away. Although a plow is faster. It's not effective when you have no place to push to because it's already too deep on the sides, or its just too deep to plow period. I can plow (425) up 18" if it's dry, but only about 12" if wet, and even that is a workout.

 

[TimS]

... and you can put either a single stage or dual stage snowblower on them.
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...

I agree completely - a single-stage will do very nicely if used properly. And even if you do plug the chute, you just back up and take another run at the pile and it will unplug on its own. I used a single stage for 12 years and never had to clear the chute manually even once. The single stage units are also cheaper and lighter.

Tim

 

[DmansPadge]

I think it'd be worth your time to look at the Kubota G series as well. There are plenty of them running around with thousands of hours on them with little to no problems. You might do a search for "G2160" and read some of the posts of users that own one. The JD 500's are sweet machines too... but seem pricey... although I'd love one of the all wheel steer models.

 

[LBrown59]

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.1
* 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.

*I just bought a nice used 380 hour BX1500 last month for $4525.oo.
Nice thing about a BX is they all come standard with .
4 wheel drive
Power steering
Diff. Lock
Rear pto
3 point hitch
Local guy here has a 2006 77.5 hour BX1850 with FEL rear blade and 38'' brush hog .
It's a steal at $7500.00

 

[LBrown59]

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.

Check out new and used Kubota BXs.
A guy here has A used one for $7500. Only has 77.5 hours on it.
It's not only not broke in it hain't even warmed up yet.
Comes with a FEL , rear blade and a 38'' Brush hog.
The tractor alone is over $8000 new with out any of these attachments.

 

[LBrown59]

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!

* Now yer showin some smarts!

 

[todlee]

Thanks for some good ideas, you have me thinking. I'm not interested in used or another project at this point in my life.

T

 

[ChuckinNH]

I've used Simplicity yard tractors for the last 20 years, or so, and have had good luck with them. The Prestiege, and Legacy models would suit your needs, but unfortunately, are in the upper price ranges. Though the smaller one is a belt drive, both have a limited slip differential in addition to a differential lock which should really help with your snow. I'm a little concerned that even the JD X5xx series, and the Simplicitiy tractors are going to be a little light for pushing wet snow with a blade. Others with more experience can chime in here, but I think a two stage snowblower, or heavier tractor would be your best bets. Nothing will do a better job than a Simplicity mower deck in the summer however. Attached is a picture of my converted pasture yard after being mowed by my Legacy.

 

[Gittyup]

Thanks for some good ideas, you have me thinking. I'm not interested in used or another project at this point in my life.

T

Buying used shouldn't make it a project. The right used machine will run for years before you have to do anything beyond normal maintenance. If it were my money, I'd spend $4K on a good used JD 4xx before I'd spend that and more on a new x5xx. To get a comparable 4xx new today, you'd have to step into the x7xx, at well over $10K.

 

[KentT]

I've used Simplicity yard tractors for the last 20 years, or so, and have had good luck with them. The Prestiege, and Legacy models would suit your needs, but unfortunately, are in the upper price ranges.

Note that the lower-priced Conquest is essentially the same tractor as the Prestige without power steering, tilt steering wheel or hydraulic lift. I think some of the engine choices are different also. They both have diff-lock and automatic traction control.