Garden Tractor Size? - Dragging Spring Tooth

[Sel]

I've been reading the posts, but haven't located the question I have. I have ten acres, of which I cut approximately 2 acres, 3-4 acres are for our three horses and the rest is crops worked by someone else. We need to think about a new mower since our mid 90's 18HP Craftsman 42" deck has seen alot of use, and is not intended for the type of work we need to have done.

We'd like to drag a spring tooth through our farm field, to loosen up the existing grasses where the horses graise, and break up some of the hourse bombs that our out in the field as well. We thought about a four wheeler to drag a spring tooth, but the thought of purchasing both a four wheeler and a mower just doesn't appeal to me. I figure for that kind of money, we could purchase a decent garden tractor, that would allow us to use a blade for scraping soil and light dozing, in addition to cutting the lawn and pushing snow.

Based upon your experiences, what garden tractors would be my best choice, while attempting to stay as low as possible in cost? I realize the deck would need to come off for working the land, but that should be easy as pie with the new tractors. I also don't want to purchase a tractor that will be underpowered. If that would happen, my wife would chew me a new azz.

I look forward to your suggestions.
Jeff

 

[DmansPadge]

Do you have a price point in mind? I'm thinking on the lines of a subcompact tractor would be best. But you are probably looking at $8000+. That being said... most of the real "garden tractors" out there will be near that price range as well.

 

[arthurb]

Sel,

To mow 2 acres of grass I personally would recommend a Cub Cadet in the 2500 and 3000 series garden tractors. For the rest of the chores I would agree with DmansPadge on a sub compact tractor. I can't say a good quality garden tractor couldn't handle the chores that you mentioned. But the chores would probably be more easily handle by a sub compact tractor. Check out the 5000 series Cub Cadet sub compact tractor.

IMO Cub Cadet offers the most features for the price. They're good quality and a very dependable piece of machinery. If you do buy a garden tractor buy one with a shaft driven transmission. You'll have more torque for pushing and pulling with front and rear attachments. The CC 2500 and 3000 series garden tractors have shaft driven transmissions.

arthurb,

 

[kayssupply]

Try the Grey market or Yanmar site here at Tractorbynet. A Grey tractor will give you what you are describing for a price you will like. You would need to use a rear mower. It would make taking it off easy. You have many models to chose from. They are all diesel. 4x4 is also an option you won't get with a lawn tractor. More hp to the ground.

 

[Sel]

I was looking at the Cub Cadet's, but wasn't 100% sure on there quality. I also considered a sub compact tractor, but I think that my wife would not be into a small tractor with a cutting deck out back. I know she'd prefer to get the strongest tractor in a lawn tractor size, that could do some light jobs for us yet caught a nice lawn.

We were thinking of an ATV for dragging and maybe some scraping, then a decent mower for cutting the lawn. I'm just not sold on that, since I think I could kill two birds with one stone by spending maybe $6K on a decent garden tractor.

Any additional thoughts or models to consider? We have a farm implement close by and they sell new/used machines. Planning on going there later today to look around.

I'll check out the other links on this forum as well. Thank you.

 

[KentT]

You may want to look for a new or used Simplicity Legacy.

http://simplicitymfg.com/legacy_xl.php

The older models were 2WD and now they're available in 4WD. They'll leave your lawn looking as nice as if it was done by a commercial mower, yet give you the utility for other purposes that you're looking for... You wife would likely find it both comfortable and easy to use.

They're made in Port Washington, just north of Milwaukee, and should certainly be readily available in your area. They're also sold under both Massey-Ferguson and Agco (used to be Agco-Allis) brand names.

 

[JohnSinVA]

You could consider a used 400 series JD garden tractor. These are shaft driven, have plenty of power, and a good condition 400 series can be had for between $4k and $6K. These can be equipped with FEL, 3PH, rear PTO and have rear diff lock for extra traction and should have no problem pulling your drag.

The Legacy XL is also a great choice in the used market, but expect to pay a few dollars more for one with 4wd.

 

[Sel]

I have my eye on two JD 425, one with a 54" deck and I'm not sure on the other. Looking at approx. $3,500, but not sure what year either is yet. What years were these made?