Help a New Guy - Important Purchase Soon!

[ncman]

What a great forum! Never would have guessed something like this existed outside Consumer Reports.

I'm looking for a quality lawn tractor. I have about 1 acre of gently sloping lawn to mow. I think bagging is out of the question; I'd like to mulch most of the time. No snowthrowing or ground-engaging, but I'd like a cart to haul mulch around and maybe a spiker and spreader. I think, overall, it'll be relatively light duty. However, I don't want something I'm constantly taking to the shop, and I do want something that I can realistically expect to still be mowing with in 10-15 years.

OK, that's the situation. Question: what do you buy? Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[theboman]

We had a Wheel Horse for over 20 years. 8hp Kohler that was 100% stud. Mowed 2-3 acres, hauled lots of dirt in a buggy and 15 years worth of firewood. It's still around but after all the years of hard, hard work it was retired..it still worked just relacement time came.

Bo McCarty
Bluegrass, Pick It Up!

 

[bigpete]

Ncman,

I'm fairly new to this forum too, and have quickly learned that you will soon read about the best features of two primary lawn tractor and garden tractor lines, perhaps a few more. Deere, Kubota, Cub, and Ford will be your big players in the high-end GT market. The choices broaden for you in the lawn tractor market.

Based on your description, you probably don't need more than a 48" cut deck. The horsepower range would probably top out at 18. You could certainly get by with a few less hp since you have fairly flat terrain. Your goal of 10 to 15 years of low-maintenance service will push you towards a pressurized/filtered oil system, and water-cooling adds dramatically to engine life. You should look for hydraulic deck lift, auto tranny, and power steering as a big plus for your prolonged satisfaction.

You can find new tractors from both Kubota and Deere that will fit your needs perfectly. Kubota's T1760 and TG1860 more than fit the bill. JD's LX 288, GT2XX, and 300 series would be your best bet if you were my neighbor /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. I went with the pricier Deere 400 line because of my needs and local dealer commitment. That's not to say a Kubota dealer is less committed, but in my area the nearest "orange" dealer is 50 miles away and has a bad reputation. Case closed for me.

If you buy one level above your needs, you will not regret it. If you buy two levels above your needs, you earn the rights to post in the "My X is better than your Y" forums here and all over the internet!

Happy hunting,

Pete

 

[ronjhall]

ncman
Checkout Steve Carvers post on end of season used tractor sale. There are a couple of tractors and mowers that may fit you needs. Click here.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

JD LT Series $2ooo-$3ooo
JD LX Series $3ooo-$45oo
Cub Cadet 2000 Series (NOT the 1000 Series)$25oo-$45oo
Toro 1744 HLX $28oo
Simplicity Broadmoor $3ooo-$35oo

If these are beyond the budget let us know and we'll list some good ones that are less $$$.

Bob

 

[Paul_in_CT]

I have had positive result with my Ingersoll 3014 also. I went thru the progression until I got to something that could handle my needs. I absolutely tore up a craftsman. Then beat up acouple of snappers/toro until I bought the ingersoll. I use the garden tractors to pull a york rake in the sand (I run a membership club on a lake). I also had a dumpcart that I would load up with anything (wet leaves, sand ,gravel ,etc) then pull it all over the place. The other tractors would have trouble on the hills. I just bought a kubota B2910 so that will be taking over the larger bull work but I`m keeping the ingersoll for mowing and small jobs. The ingersoll is hydro drive also. The other lawn tractors metioned are good tractors also. You can also purchase the extra valve kit and can run some hydro implement off the back of the tractor. It comes down to how u will use it and the availbility in your area.

 

[s1120]

I have to agree with Paul. As an owner of a Ingersoll 444, and a Ingersoll 224. If you want a tank that can handle a TON of work, look into these. Most people have never heard of them, there is not a big dealer network, but if you find one take a look.

 

[TresCrows]

Here is a pic from the brochure. My friend has one of these and it is a solid piece of iron!!!!!
J

 

[TresCrows]

second try.

 

[TresCrows]

here is the spec sheet if ya can see it.
J

 

[s1120]

heres a shot of mine....

 

[Bob_in_Ma]

Hi Guys,

I think the Ingersolls are great......but they are overkill for what the poster described. Go back and read the original post......a quality LAWN tractor is what he's describing.

Bob

 

[s1120]

<font color=red>Question: what do you buy? Thanks in advance for your input!</font color=red>

Sorry Bob, but I am the king of overkill. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Thomas]

Now Paul..two tractors almost the same /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif not unless you work them hard in which they need a break,or the other tractor your better half. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

But I do agree w/you one tractor fun..two tractor double the fun and thats what you should be having. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[s1120]

<font color=red>or the other tractor your better half. </font color=red>

Ding! Ding! you got it. Michele could not get me off mine, so she got her own. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I was looking at it just for the wood splitter, and was going to sell the tractor. She says "no, I wan't my own" so here we are. Ya shes a keeper./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Bob_in_Ma]

> Question : What do you buy? <

I bought a JD LX255. Great lawn tractor..........Don't need a garden tractor........... If I did I would consider the Ingersoll's for sure.

 

[s1120]

Good choice. You cant go wrong with any of the JD stuff. I have an old JD112 that was my dads, and its still chugging at 32 years old. I would also look into the Scotts. They look realy well built, and at a good price. I had looked into them before I got my Ingersolls.

 

[ingersoll]

I just purchased a Ingersoll 4018 it is built to last,but it is
pricey.I tore up the Craftsman tractors before buying this one.
It is Hydraulic drive and has plenty of power.Stay away from
any thing that can not be bought at a dealership.

 

[ncman]

Gentlemen, thanks for all of your input. After pouring over dozens of brochures, and speaking to my local JD, Simplicity, and Cub dealers, I purchased a Simplicity Broadmoor. I'm letting my dealer hang onto it until March, when I'll take delivery. I was sold on both the dealer committment and the respective machines at both the JD and Simplicity stores (local Cub dealer is soon to go out of business). It was basically a coin flip decision, but I just felt a little more comfortable with the boys selling Simplicity. Now I have a reason besides warmer weather for wanting Spring to get here soon! Thanks again!

PS: Anyone with any good Simplicity stories, I'd love to hear them!

 

[Bob_in_Ma]

ncman,

Congrats on your new Broadmoor! Real nice machine. They say Simplicity gives the best cut.

Good Luck, Bob