jcmseven
Veteran Member
Big Blue,
The Toro xi series posted is a really nice tractor. It is all shaft drive and really heavy duty. I agree finding a used one would be a good find. I have never been too impressed by the Cub Cadet (newer models) but I know there are those in our forum who have used and gotten good service. Unfortunately, I also know some local folks who would run if one showed up near them. I have no personal experience with them (except listening to the bellyaching of some others I know here who have). John Deere has some excellent equipment but new you are not going to be happy with what you can buy for you desired price. The 300 machines simply are not heavy enough to offer your desired performance on your my tasks. If you could find a used older 300 series (325,335, or 345) you would be happy, especially with a differential lock. They do not depreciate much, though, and might fall out of your price range. I am not in the business of promoting a specific dealer, but another option would be a used Gravely four wheel tractor. My dad still has one with over 3000 hours on it and neither the engine nor the transmission have been overhauled. He has used it to plow snow and due to its weight and rear mounted engine, it plows great. I am also sure this type machine would operate a snow blower well, too. The only caveat here is these tractors are no longer made. They were known for their legendary durability and will last thousands of hours in regular use--even used.
Johnnie Shubert Co, in Newton, NC still has several such machines and two of them have been completely restored/rebuilt. They are great--I almost bought one even though I have no need for it. Shubert has been around for nearly 40 years and has a good reputation. For pricing purposes it might be reasonable to call them. They had a couple sweet 20 horse tractors that looked like new that were in your price range. I know they were wanting to sell them, mainly due to their large inventory of commercial mowers/ZTR's which has been Gravely's focus for a few years now. Just another thought, as these tractors are taken in on trade and usually just sit as the clientele for Gravely now is almost totally commercial mowing. I am sure they could help you locate a snowblower, or if you just want a blade, my dad has one of those he never uses--since it no longer snows where they live.
John M
The Toro xi series posted is a really nice tractor. It is all shaft drive and really heavy duty. I agree finding a used one would be a good find. I have never been too impressed by the Cub Cadet (newer models) but I know there are those in our forum who have used and gotten good service. Unfortunately, I also know some local folks who would run if one showed up near them. I have no personal experience with them (except listening to the bellyaching of some others I know here who have). John Deere has some excellent equipment but new you are not going to be happy with what you can buy for you desired price. The 300 machines simply are not heavy enough to offer your desired performance on your my tasks. If you could find a used older 300 series (325,335, or 345) you would be happy, especially with a differential lock. They do not depreciate much, though, and might fall out of your price range. I am not in the business of promoting a specific dealer, but another option would be a used Gravely four wheel tractor. My dad still has one with over 3000 hours on it and neither the engine nor the transmission have been overhauled. He has used it to plow snow and due to its weight and rear mounted engine, it plows great. I am also sure this type machine would operate a snow blower well, too. The only caveat here is these tractors are no longer made. They were known for their legendary durability and will last thousands of hours in regular use--even used.
Johnnie Shubert Co, in Newton, NC still has several such machines and two of them have been completely restored/rebuilt. They are great--I almost bought one even though I have no need for it. Shubert has been around for nearly 40 years and has a good reputation. For pricing purposes it might be reasonable to call them. They had a couple sweet 20 horse tractors that looked like new that were in your price range. I know they were wanting to sell them, mainly due to their large inventory of commercial mowers/ZTR's which has been Gravely's focus for a few years now. Just another thought, as these tractors are taken in on trade and usually just sit as the clientele for Gravely now is almost totally commercial mowing. I am sure they could help you locate a snowblower, or if you just want a blade, my dad has one of those he never uses--since it no longer snows where they live.
John M