Need help in comparing/purchasing...

[Hobobiker]

Everyone,

I have a quick question and would appreciate any feedback. My John Deere 275 garden tractor has been great, but we have purchased a new property on the top of a mountain in PA. I don稚 think the 275 will hold up to mowing about four acres nor do I think the snow thrower will do very well with our 1/8-mile stone driveway that is on an incline. I知 looking at upgrading and two very different tractors have risen to the top of the list. One is a larger version of the JD garden tractor that I have now (1997 JD 445, fuel injected, water cooled, 23-inch rear tires, 54 snow thrower, 54 blade - $4250). The other is a 1987 JD 655 compact tractor (Yanmar diesel, 60 blade, 3-point category 1 hitch, 5 rear blade, 4-wheel drive 5K).

One tractor may be a bit small, and one a bit large for job. Mowing will probably be 90% of the work, snow removal and other odd jobs about 10%.

Thanks to everyone for any advice you care to offer...

 

[Redneck in training]

If you do only mowing and snow removal get zero turn with snow blower.

 

[Hobobiker]

I bit the bullet and went with the 650 today. I have some dirt-related work that the rear blade could handle nicely, and the 3-point hitch and front/mid/rear PTO sealed the deal for me. Also, the tractor has just over 600 hours as compared to the 1600 hours on the 445. I realize that I'm doing without the Hydro and power steering, but I guess my nature is to buy more than I need rather than less.

Thanks everyone...