looking for an ideal garden tractor

[stevem5215]

I use a Steiner 420 with a few attachments on my 4 acres here. I use the Steiner with a 48" mower (backup to my Simplicity ZTR Citation), a full loader asm (mostly yard work), 54" rotating brush (winter snow removal), leaf blower unit (smaller one that only blows leaves into neighbors yard). It's been a great machine for the size and smaller things that smaller yards need. And can tow full trees with the AWD system these use.

 

[Vigo327]

I have a B6100 and B7100. One thing to consider comparing them to the more modern stuff is that the old B7100 is in NO way shape or form a 'step through design'. Getting on and off the tractor is much more physical, especially with FEL towers (my 6100 has fel). It's not like its a big tractor. I've gotten the feeling i might fall to my death climbing onto some of the larger vintage tractors and it isn't like that. However, it's not easy and if you have any special requirements (big in any of the directions, really) it could be majorly more comfortable to go with the newer model. Im 37 and dont mind swinging one leg over top of the steering wheel for a quick dismount. My 66yo father is the same 'size' as me other than weight but does not enjoy my tractor as much. I admit to being far larger than the average japanese male in 1980, but at 6'0/180lb i feel pretty dang normal and being much bigger would be an issue on this thing.

Depending on how big that physical factor is for you, it COULD outweigh the other pros/cons. If it's not a factor at all for you, then i really like my old tractor's old-school looks and utter lack of complexity and i'd almost rather have something that looked cool than something that worked 10% better. It's good enough for me (actually im in love with it). Im also putzing around on 5 acres of mixed wooded/field with it.

 

[Egon]

Thanks Egon.
do you think the bx1850 models are worth looking at? a quick google search shows that the pricing is similar between both the Kubota models. However the BX1850s are newer and they have smaller (more garden tractor sized) wheels.
both have comparable horse power and weight.
Given the ages, I'd assume that the BX1850 tractors would be pricier than the B700s. is there a quality issue that separates the two?

Questions I really can’t answer as I’m not familiar with the tractors you have mentioned but a slightly larger wheel size’s would probably be preferred.

 

[blivy]

Thanks all! Great comments. hadn't been looking too much at some of those models (like i said I'm coming out of being a gravely guy and the 8000 or G series was about as big a tractor as i was considering).
I do really like the B7000 series. They look like they could do good work. They may be less of the finish mower i was looking for, but are likely better for doing the drive, working the saw mill, etc. I also appreciate Vigo's comments about comfort. I'm a touch older than him but in good shape and limber. As long as I feel comfortable enough with my little boy in my lap I'm good to go (that's where feeling like I'm too high could be a problem)

A few more questions/thoughts:
1) Egon and others mentioned that the rear bigger wheels may be advantageous. I'm guessing that is an issue of weight? (Where I come from in the 2-wheel walk behind world, the bigger wheels just mean more top speed which is not always desirable).
2) would bigger rear wheels do some things better than others? Is it a safe assumption that they would be better for carrying heavy loads, pulling a bush hog or a scraper blade, but NOT as good for doing finish mowing (as they'd need wider turns and could rut or compact more)?
3) in y'alls opinion, should i be looking for two machines instead of one that can do it all? (a good tractor with a FEL and PTO/3pt hitch as well as a zero turn for efficient mowing?)

thanks again for all the thoughts!

 

[timbatrader]

Your description of your place almost sounds like you are describing my place along with the privet problem and the rarely used sawmill for may years my main machine was an old bobcat skid steer loader much better for dirt work than any tractor & attachment combination and the four in one bucket makes a great grapple for lifting dragging logs I have since collected a few more machines a 50hp leyland tractor and 5 ton tip trailer for moving gravel from the river onto trails a small bulldozer to maintain a couple of mile of step tracks in the jungle area and a small excavator just because they are fun to play with

 

[Egon]

The bigger tires give a better ride and usually a little more clearance. With an hst there is no problem with speed.

 

[blivy]

Timbatrader--that's a beautiful place you have there. Does remind me of my little slice of land as well.
Didn't realize that privet was a problem in New Zealand as well.
I've gotten mine under control--it is possible but does take some investment in time, sweat, and some cash doesn't hurt either. I still have little sprigs pop up all the time, but I'm reducing those each season as well (it's more like crab grass weeding now than jungle clearing!). My suggestion for long term is to keep as healthy a forest as you can (in the areas you want forested) and to concentrate on getting the desirable native plants thick on the forest edges. Then only a seasonal spot spray or cut can really keep it down and reduce it year by year. (I could on an on about this subject!)
hope you make good progress against yours.

 

[Vigo327]

Bigger rear tires have one advantage of holding a lot more weight in 'fill' if you end up filling the tires with liquid to aid in traction. My rear tires are not filled on my Kubota but since it is a mechanical 4wd with a rear diff lock the limits of traction are pretty high to begin with for something so small. If it were a 2wd tractor adding weight to those drive wheels would be a huge factor. They did sell them both ways so be careful.

As far as having your boy with you, it's a tiny tractor and I don't think it would be a great idea, but if you want to do it consider that they made gear tractors and HST versions of these so the HST would be a lot more drivable while holding something in your lap. They never put power steering on them to my knowledge and while that probably wouldnt be a problem for the kind of driving you'd do with a kid in your lap, its just something to consider. FEL is what takes it from 'not a problem' to 'a problem sometimes'. Although the FEL does also allow you to pick up the front wheels off the ground, steer them with no resistance, put them down and then set off in your new direction. I do do that when working in tight confines sometimes.

 

[CalG]

IF the older stuff is in your interests.

The Bolens HT-20 or HT-23 are something to consider in a capable "garden tractor".

The one I have has pulled the York rake, pushed snow with the hydro angled blade, blown snow with the front pto, pulled carts etc.
I fabbed up a three point rear assembly for it some years back. Great for the soil ripper and for some trailer ball applications.

The Hydrostatic drive is a boon, the HT-23 has hi-Low range gear box. Some models come with power steering. some have been fitted with loaders.

The only trouble mine has given me is a blown head gasket about five years ago. Don't ask what I did to deserve that, but I can advise to NOT park under the drip line of an eve with an upturned exhaust ;-)

 

[oldnslo]

BX 50 series had an issue with the HST stopping quickly which was an annoying feature at times. The BX is a work horse but you would have to consider a skid plate to protect the HST filter and plastic cooling fan. The hi lo range is also a great feature that some similar sized garden tractors do not have.