My tractor died, need to remarry.

[SnowedIn]

The Simplicity Sunstar (that came used with the property I bought ten years ago) finally gave up. I have been nursing it along all this time and now dealer says at least $1100 to fix the blown rear seal, flywheel, front PTO, etc not to mention the cylinders have low compression. I am tired of dumping money into this machine, not to mention the aggravation in doing all the piddly little repairs just to keep the engine running, the blower blowing, and the mower mowing. If I didn't do the majority of repairs myself I would have gotten rid of it years ago. I will say that the 20 HP Kohler Magnum was plenty powerful enough to keep my 100 yd driveway clear of snow (no matter how deep) and cut the 2 acres of grass with the 60" mower deck.

Anyways, now I am faced with what to replace it with. What I really need....2 stage snow thrower, 60" mower deck, (preferably 4wd, my entire property is on a slope) and shaft driven to the attachments. I have narrowed it down, I think, to these models.....Simplicity Legacy XL, Cub Cadet GT3200, Kubota GR2110 and BX1860, John Deere 700 series and 2305. I know some are garden tractors and some are subcompacts.

Any guidance would be appreciated. Are any of these models dogs? Price is a concern, that is why some garden tractors are included, although I will probably finance.

Thanks, Cap

 

[TripleR]

You have several good models from which to choose. I obviously like the BX Series, but the JD 700, especially the X749 AWS are really nice. We have a JD 2305 and I would pass on that and wait for the new 1023/1026 Series.

I am not familiar with the other models, but I am sure someone who is will come along.

Good luck.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Riding mower
Lawn tractor
Garden tractor
Subcompact utility tractor
Compact utility tractor
Utility tractor
Farm tractor

They're all tractors, originally designed to pull something across a field.

Of course now they're also pushing or carrying that attachment.

And believe it or not, I even have a neighbor that commutes by driving his New Holland tractor back and forth on the highway the 5 miles from his home to his job at the transfer station. (And yes, he has it licensed as a vehicle and an entire signal light assembly on it.)

 

[Transit]

Find yourself a woman with a good running tractor.

 

[SnowedIn]

Every time my wife (a real keeper) got on that Simplicity, something else would break, I swear. I started calling that tractor Christine, after the Stephen King car.

Cap

 

[SnowedIn]

TripleR,

Thanks...I will try to research the new Deere 1023/1026.

Cap

 

[crash325]

My best suggestion is to get more tractor than you think you will need. As time goes on you will find more & more uses for it.:thumbsup:

 

[MarkV]

Hi Cap welcome to the forum! I sure would compare the prices of the sub compact utility tractors (SCUT) like the Kubota BX series, to the higher end Garden Tractors (GT). If you are moving snow and mowing 2 acres you are getting where the diesel engine and the ability to use a front end loader (FEL) , or universal wheel barrow, may be a good buy. It will be more money up front yet offer so many more options. Once you jump to the diesel you will most likely be buying your last tractor. Unless like many here, you end up wanting bigger. :thumbsup:

MarkV

 

[SnowedIn]

Crash and MarkV,

I was thinking along those same lines...better to grow into it than grow out of it. My JD dealer is offering a brand new 2305 for $9400. They are moving 'em out for the follow on 1023/1026. I would think that is a great buy, but read a few reviews that owners had problems with overheating and difficult deck adjustments. That gave me pause. I know the perfect tractor is not out there but for all that money I don't want to deal with those issues. My Simplicity dealer says he is putting a deal together for me on the Legacy XL...I have to go there on Saturday for the show and tell. I have to see the Kubotas also. I will talk more with the JD salesman regarding issues. I'm tired already.

Thanks much guys

Cap

 

[Ductape]

I'm with the guys who say step up to a subcompact. They really aren't any more than the high end garden tractors........ and have much more durable chassis / running gear. Out of your choices...... I'd be looking at the JD 2305 or the Kubota BX.