Looking for a new LT for around $5k

Buster57 · Apr 10, 2006

I am looking to replace my John Deere 318 with a new Lawn Tractor. Does anyone have recommendations for a commercial grade lawn tractor with a 48” or 50” mower deck? Is my budget too low?
I would like to know what people think of the Kubota, but if other brands are high quality I would like to hear about it.
My budget is $5000. I am tired of used equipment for lawn tractors so please try to suggest something new.
If I have to I will buy a used ZTR. This is to be used in coordination with my CUT.
Thank you,

aesanders · Apr 11, 2006

I would look at Kubota, John Deere and Simplcity for a good lawn/garden tractor. Those three make the best tractor style machines. The Simplcity COnquest is a great deal and can be had for $4500-5000 depending on what deck you choose. It is one of the less expensive GT that come with a locking differential. A ztr would be a good choice as well since you have a cut. Simplcity, Hustler, Exmark, Scag and many others would be worth your consideration. Most have high quality machines with starting prices near 5k. You can get way fancier machines for as much as you want to spend, but 5k shold be able to get you into something nice.

gamble77 · Apr 11, 2006

I would check out the new for 2006 Cub Cadet 2500 series. It has a fully servicable shaft driven transmission, one of the best seats in the industry, Kohler Command motors, etc. A GT2550 with a 50" deck and 22hp Kohler Command motor runs around $2699.00. Good luck.

Spiffy · Apr 11, 2006

To compliment you CUT, I'm thinking ZTR.

If you have other reasons for wanting an LT, something like that CC2500 just mentioned or the equivant size JD or several other brands might make sense. Esentially GT with turning radius close to the LTs

That said, you say you want commercial quality, I just don't see it in even the top of the line LT's or even many GTs. Of course with a really heavy GT then you have a large and heavy machine with nasty turning radius for mowing.

If you want bullet proof, the true commercial ZTRs sound like the best option. I'd stretch the budget just a bit (these will often have list prices around $6500 and up) and/or find either a demo unit, 2005 model year, or a low hour trade in (get the reasons on that and triple check everything though....).

Have fun playing with them! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Buster57 · Apr 11, 2006

Thank you everyone.

I am looking at a new Dixon Ram Mag 50 for right at $5000.

vmarc · Apr 21, 2006

Gamble 77.......Your web site advertises this machine for 3699.Did you make a mistake when you said it sells for 2699?My dealer quoted me 3699 and said it was discounted.Just want to clarify.We are talking about the gt 2550 Cub Cadet......A general thank you to every one on this site for giving me a great education on everything "tractorish".Don't know where else I could get all this great Info.