Buying Advice Help this refugee fleeing air cooled for small tractor

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Nope, no earth engaging equipment on a ZTR. Grass cutting is the only option. . . .

That's not completely true. The Grasshopper front-mount mowers will accept a variety of implements, although not the ground engaging types that the OP is looking for.

Implements | Grasshopper Mower

 

[bigdeano]

I mow over my septic drain field with a 6000 lb tractor, but I don't mow when it's muddy. There's drain gravel under the drain pipe which doesn't compact, so unless you're making ruts which could damage the pipe it shouldn't be a problem. I'm assuming you have a modern drain field made properly.

 

[jenkinsph]

I mow over my septic drain field with a 6000 lb tractor, but I don't mow when it's muddy. There's drain gravel under the drain pipe which doesn't compact, so unless you're making ruts which could damage the pipe it shouldn't be a problem. I'm assuming you have a modern drain field made properly.

I agree with the above, riding a tractor over the drain field should not damage it if it is properly designed and installed. If the drain field has problems or issues it should be fixed first then continue with lawn renovations.

The lawn mowing, maintenance and snow blowing can be accomplished with a lawn and garden tractor. These will handle light ground engagement tasks, clearing snow, raking, aerating the lawn, tilling, smoothing and reseeding small areas. You can work larger areas but it would take a lot of time to get the work done.

I would suggest you insure that the septic field is in good shape first. Then hire or rent larger equipment to renovate the lawn and any heavy ground engagement tasks if needed. Last I would buy a mower that could handle the mowing, lawn maintenance and snow blowing without any kind of heavy ground engagement tasks.

 

[varmint]

Seems like a small tractor, like a BX, with turf tires will do everything you want. Some fat turfs spread weight out very nicely, factoring in the contact patch area. Stay away from lugged tires.

 

[torqotrac]

Again thanks for all your comments. Yesterday I learned that Husqvarna will continue their AC engine in the rider(s) starting in Dec. Also the local dealer told me he has a 42" deck model with Kohler V and positraction (not a locker switch) which is a good seller @ $ 2800.

You can see I am a kind of "marginal man" with respect to tractors. Kind of disenchanted with riders, but knowing even the sub compact tractors are a little more than I need. I saw another spec on the Kubota BX 70-1 yesterday which stated 900 lbs, a good step up for me, but expensive, I guess. I have not yet visited the Kubota dealer, but on phone he suggested one of the liquid cooled riders, the GR 2120 which just doesn't do it for me after looking at the specs.

I appreciate you guys filling in the previous void I had on loading of a septic drain field. I have a "modern" drain field as far as I know as I have exposed a drain pipe trying to plant a tree and have seen a really rough schematic from the permit construction that was "bought off." I probably read too much, but I know that although most liquid passing through the drain field pipes goes downward into good ole mother earth for cleansing, some ? 5% - 10% goes up and out through "transpiration," passing up through the aerated soil usually planted with grasses. Experts make a big deal on the grasses and the soil fill. That is why I had concern.

Yesterday I found an ad for a BX , late model, with only 40 hours, with a grass bagger only, for $8700. To me ( inexperienced as I am) that seems too low? Thanks again

 

[varmint]

You might consider thinking that a nice BX would be a one-time investment... with an engine designed for thousands of hours, not hundreds. Plus, it would use less fuel than an equivalent torque gas engine. Try checking Tractorhouse.com for what different used tractors are priced at, and keep in mind, it will be "asking" prices, not necessarily the final selling price. You will occasionally find a good deal on a used homeowner's BX, via Craig's List- I've seen 'em. If you find one with a loader, you'll wonder how you got along without it pretty soon.

 

[davesl708]

You might consider thinking that a nice BX would be a one-time investment... with an engine designed for thousands of hours, not hundreds. Plus, it would use less fuel than an equivalent torque gas engine. Try checking Tractorhouse.com for what different used tractors are priced at, and keep in mind, it will be "asking" prices, not necessarily the final selling price. You will occasionally find a good deal on a used homeowner's BX, via Craig's List- I've seen 'em. If you find one with a loader, you'll wonder how you got along without it pretty soon.

I agree with varmint. I bought my BX used five years ago and have had nothing but good hard work out of it. It mows my 1 acre(60" deck), runs a 5ft tiller, 30 gal sprayer, FEL pushes snow and clears brush + 100 other things.
It has 1400hrs on it and still starts in all weather and uses much less fuel than my old 22hp gasser did.
I found mine on Craigslist and have never regretted buying it.
Turf tires are great for grass and snow.

 

[torqotrac]

I think I would love a BX also, but...besides the price I went to the local lot today and looked at a surprisingly small inventory. No sales help. A person came out eating a donut and glanced at me without speaking. He called for his cat for about 5 minutes from a grassy field (fat chance)and then went back inside. I left. Then driving by the JDeere store I stopped in. A huge inventory. I walked around for about 5 minutes without any response so I left. Guess it's a bad time to buy at the height of the grass/weeds season. Last stop Husqvarna dealer, a very small outfit. I went in. Talked at length about a 48 and 52 deck unit with locking differential. When I came home I looked at some prior research and found that these two Intek units run the tufftorque K 66 tranny which is supposed to be a good one. BTW a prior comment said Husqy would resume shipment in Dec of AC . That should have be of Kawasaki's. I'm leaning Husqy, but thanks for your help.