Garden tractor purchase... WTB?

[articatsopro]

Check out a new or used ingersoll/case

 

[Jason B]

Hi

I would look into a used John Deere 425/445/455. But for the 425/445 I would look for a 99 -01 model as the early 425/445's had trouble with the cam-shaft gear breaking. If your good mechanically it is an ease fix or you can take it to your local JD dealer to be fixed. 425 lacks power to run a 60 inch deck( if your going with a 5 foot deck) from my experince so I would look at a 445 or 455. I strongly recommend the 455 Diesel, it's got plenty of power and just sips the fuel compared to the gas version. 455's can be tough to find depending where you live as they are very popular and saught after by people, and a lot of time they won't give them up. If you find a low hr 455 I would jump on it, if the price is right. If you got trees or stuff to manuver around, then look for an 425- 455 Equiped with All Wheel Steering.

Another option would be to by a John Deere 717 Z track mower with 48 inch deck and 19hp Kawiski engine. Use that to cut the grass and then buy a Simplicity Sunstar( can fine these cheap.... just need to look alot) and mount a single stage or 2 stage blower to move snow with. If you get a high hr Sunstar, then the price would be lower and possibly a good unit if all your going to do is blow snow..., could even use it to cut your grass with it too! The Sunstars are a great machine as well.

If you like your lawn looking nice, you might want to consider a used Walker Zero turn with the collection system. A snow blower is avalible for these units as well( one of the few zero turns out their that can do more then cut grass). Hint of warnning though... Walker mowers even used are not cheap but they sure built tough. I guess it depends if a Walker dealer is near by as well. Take Care Jason B

 

[Travelover]

Depending on your location, Craigslist can be a great place to pick up a used lawn tractor, like from an estate or from folks that just need it anymore 'cause they are moving to Florida.

I usually buy used when I can and it saves money for more toys!

 

[LBrown59]

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

Have you found anything yet?

 

[RETIRED]

I used a JD 318 for 14 years mowing grass and moving snow with a single stage snow thrower. It worked great for both uses. If you're looking to buy used, these should be easy to find.

In 2002 I traded it for a X585 that I now use for the same purpose. although expensive it is a very nice tractor and the four wheel drive is a real plus when moving snow. I use a 54in front blade for snow removal and find it to be be very handy. I have not had the need to get a blower for it as in my part of Minnesota we have not gotten any big snowfalls for several years. (I also have a larger tractor with a loader and back blade if needed)

The X585 has been around for a few years now and I see lots of used ones for sale. If you can afford the price I think you would be very pleased with how it performs.

RETIRED

 

[Steadite]

For serious snow removal, consider a 4x4 (JD or Simplicity)....I have an X585 (like a current X728) and it's a monster in the snow and doesn't even need chains or weights.

 

[LBrown59]

hello,

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.

I can vouch for that.
I recently bought a new one and a used one.
== L B ==

 

[LBrown59]

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.

I'D say these would most likely be rite machines.

A* 2005 Kubota BX1500 Private one owner.
Only 144 hours
FEL
MMM
Rear blade
New Brush Hog That's never been used.
Price $8000.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
B* 2006 Kubota BX1850 Dealer
Less than 100 hours.
FEL
MMM
Balance of warranty
Price $7900.

 

[Gittyup]

Hi

I would look into a used John Deere 425/445/455. But for the 425/445 I would look for a 99 -01 model as the early 425/445's had trouble with the cam-shaft gear breaking. If your good mechanically it is an ease fix or you can take it to your local JD dealer to be fixed. 425 lacks power to run a 60 inch deck( if your going with a 5 foot deck) from my experince so I would look at a 445 or 455. I strongly recommend the 455 Diesel, it's got plenty of power and just sips the fuel compared to the gas version. 455's can be tough to find depending where you live as they are very popular and saught after by people, and a lot of time they won't give them up. If you find a low hr 455 I would jump on it, if the price is right. If you got trees or stuff to manuver around, then look for an 425- 455 Equiped with All Wheel Steering.

Another option would be to by a John Deere 717 Z track mower with 48 inch deck and 19hp Kawiski engine. Use that to cut the grass and then buy a Simplicity Sunstar( can fine these cheap.... just need to look alot) and mount a single stage or 2 stage blower to move snow with. If you get a high hr Sunstar, then the price would be lower and possibly a good unit if all your going to do is blow snow..., could even use it to cut your grass with it too! The Sunstars are a great machine as well.

If you like your lawn looking nice, you might want to consider a used Walker Zero turn with the collection system. A snow blower is avalible for these units as well( one of the few zero turns out their that can do more then cut grass). Hint of warnning though... Walker mowers even used are not cheap but they sure built tough. I guess it depends if a Walker dealer is near by as well. Take Care Jason B

I love my 425 AWS! Headed into its 15th season. One ignition control module is the only repair over those years. Awesome mower and snow mover. I just put rear hydraulic remotes on mine so I can control a small dump trailer. Converted the 1/4" Hyd. QC's under the deck to 1/2" at the rear panel. Now I can dump this little trailer with either my bigger Kioti or my 425. It's great to have hydraulics! Not, that it's the only brand choice, but hard to go wrong with any of the upper end JD garden tractors, regardless of year.

 

[JDCOMPACTMAN]

I love my 425 AWS! Headed into its 15th season. One ignition control module is the only repair over those years. Awesome mower and snow mover. I just put rear hydraulic remotes on mine so I can control a small dump trailer. Converted the 1/4" Hyd. QC's under the deck to 1/2" at the rear panel. Now I can dump this little trailer with either my bigger Kioti or my 425. It's great to have hydraulics! Not, that it's the only brand choice, but hard to go wrong with any of the upper end JD garden tractors, regardless of year.

AMEN!