JD - what to get?

newcountry · Sep 19, 2004

I'm new to the tractor-buying world and am trying to get as much info before I buy. I'll have about 2 acres to mow with many trees and some incline- the acreage will go up to 3-4 acres within a couple years, as I clear land. Locally I keep coming back to John Deere (the JD dealer also sells Cub and Kubota and highly recommends the JD over these). I plan on adding components as I go, definitely will need a snow blade and cart for hauling rock and wood. May, but probably won't, get a tiller. The dealer said the definite choice is the GT235. Great, except for the $5000 he wants for it. I tend to want to buy new as what I buy I want to keep for twenty years. My questions are - Would I get away with saving money on an upper horsepower LX or LT series and if so, which one would be my best choice? Is there more of a difference between the LX/LT and the GT than just heavier duty construction? I'll drop the cash if it's worth it, but certainly wouldn't mind pocketing the $1000 I could save with one of the other models. Thanks in advance for your help.

I've already learned a lot just reading the posts. This site is a great resource.

JDGREEN4ME · Sep 19, 2004

I guess it comes down to how much time you want to spend mowing. If time isn't a concern the GT would work. I had a GT and loved it but I wasn't mowing as much as you are planning on. I would want to get the biggest tractor/deck I could afford to cut down on the time spent cutting grass. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

newcountry · Sep 19, 2004

I'd thought about a small tractor, but I figured I better try to tackle a garden/lawn tractor first. Plus there could be issues with all my trees in my back yard to mow around.

Hambone · Sep 20, 2004

<font color="red">I'd thought about a small tractor, but I figured I better try to tackle a garden/lawn tractor fi </font>

That is what I did. I bought a JD 335. Thought it was the best thing since buttered bread after my Craftsman. Then a couple years later, 200+ hours, I wanted something bigger. I have three acres and the 2210 does a great job for me. About double the money, and then some if you add FEL. I lost quite a lot of money selling the 335, wished I would have went bigger to start.

Bob_Skurka · Sep 20, 2004

First, while it is possible to keep a garden tractor running for 20 years, it is unlikely you will do that and be happy, especially as you add more mowing tasks. If you really are going to be looking at mowing 4 acres in the near future, then it will take a long time with a little garden tractor. I know that it is easy for me to recommend that you go bigger because I'm not spending my money telling you this, but I think the GT will be fine for 2 acres but too small for 4 acres. You'll end up spending a lot of time mowing, far more than you want to. If you are firm on your budget, you might be better off looking for a small used diesel tractor? Just a thought.

newcountry · Sep 20, 2004

Thank you for the info. Looks like I may begin looking at a larger tractor, and sure will look at used in that case because of the money. Any ideas on where to start- which brands are best or any good used models that hold up real well? I'll visit with my local dealer again and see what he thinks. He did say that if I went with a tractor he'd recommend the Kubota.

beenthere · Sep 20, 2004

I have a X485 now (54" deck) and was just as impressed with the 445 that I traded in. My suggestion, if you want quality and good mowing ability for the future, is to look at a used 445, 455, or even a 425 with 54" decks. If they have all-wheel-steer, it will be even better. They are solid units and a good investment that you can't lose on, as they will hold their value. IMO

bontai_Joe · Sep 21, 2004

I'd definitely go with a garden tractor with that size lawn and the hauling you plan to do. The LT and LX might cut the grass ok, but they won't be as durable, or as strong in pulling stuff. If you add in snow removal, or tilling, or pulling an airator, a GT will be needed. Since your Deere dealer also sells Cubs and Kubotas, I'd not be ashamed to check them out. The Cub 2500 and 3000 series machines are very capable and Kubota machines are very good too. If you decide to go bigger, check out the Cub 5000 and 7000 series machines, in my opinion, a good value for the $$$.

Mark4510 · Sep 21, 2004

I have had, until just recently, very good luck with our older GT 275. Though we dont have as much lawn as you, we do have a number of trees in our lawn and I find that the GT works well. Based on my experience I would recomend the GT.

Before I got the 4510 I did use the GT to pull the log splitter, small trailers, the boat, and even oaks I had cut down and limbed. It has been a workhorse.

Best of luck.
Mark