Need help picking a Lawn or Garden Tractor

[commok]

Folks, I just retired after 31years in the military, and have settled down in a place where I actually can own my first lawn or garden tractor, so I need advice! My needs are pretty simple - mow the lawn you can see here, including the gulley, and the slope that leads to it (measured at 22degrees). Going up and down that slope has me concerned that whatever tractor I get needs good traction, and a robust hydro. Since I want to bag, and have a lot of obstacles, I was thinking a JD x300R (the model with the direct shoot fan-assisted rear bagger) but it has a K46 hydro, so that has me concerned about longevity. I have considered a Kubota GR2110, but I am getting quotes of $8K (versus $4K for the x300R), and it would need a side bagger or tow behind sweeper. The JD x500 would be an option, but it would have a side bagger again, or tow behind sweeper, but it has a bulletproof transmission, and differential lock. I would like to have a tractor capable of a johnny bucket, and pulling a plug aerator, so the x500 looks good, but that rear bagger of the x300R sure seems appealing, and the price is right. Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

[drivadesl]

Real nice place Commok, welcome to the forum. And thank you for your service. I'm not to familiar with the models of machines you mentioned, but your place is definitely hilly so your right on with your concern for good tire traction. I know budget is always important, but if your going to be moving any heavy trailers around say for firewood, or wanting to pull your boat trailer with your machine, I highly recommend looking at the stronger of the machines you mentioned. Theres no pleasure in running a machine harder than it was intended, and resulting repairs and costs will leave you frustrated at the least. Get one with a strong drivetrain, you will be happier and more satisfied in the long run, and though more cost up front, the reliability/longevity factored in will make it all worth while. I'm sure there are others with more specific opionions, but thats my 2 cents.

 

[mjncad]

Nice looking place Commok, enjoy your well deserved retirement there.

You don't mention how many acres you have, or where you are located. If we knew that information, it would help in our advice.

At the risk of spending your money, you might want to look at the X700 series from Deere for the following reasons.

1. Shaft drive transmission.

2. Available 4WD and/or AWS (All Wheel Steer) for tight obstacle strewn yards.

3. Hydraulic PTO clutch instead of electric. If the X300/X500 uses the same cheaply made electric PTO clutch as their 'L' series big box tractors, you are looking at ~$150 for just the clutch. My L(emon)-130's clutch puked at 56-hours.

It might even be to your benefit to look at Deere's entry level SCUT's (Sub-Compact Utility Tractor) with a mower deck as they have a ROPS.

I understand the monetary factor; but consider this to be a long term toy...err...tool. It always costs more to trade up later.

 

[beenthere]

X series Deere with AWS (all wheel steer) would be my vote for your work.
Its been my choice for 15 years, starting with 425, and up to the x's.

Thanks for your service to this country. Much appreciated here.

 

[arrabil]

At 22 degrees you'll wish you had 4wd the first time you go up the hill after it rains or in the morning after a lot of dew has settled. I also recommend an X700 series.

 

[brin]

commok, You don't say how large an area you are going to mow...but in looking at the picture I would say you don't need to spend a lot of money to get the job done. I bought a 21 HP Murray Lawn Tractor with a 46 inch mulching mower deck and it would have all the power and stability you need to keep your grounds manicured and instead of bagging you return the mulched grass to the turf for the nitrogen...free fertilizer..I paid $999.00 for my Murray Tractor at Home Depot in 2004 so it might be a little more now but not nearly the cost of some of the others mentioned here.

 

[dodge man]

I have about 3 acres with some hills and I went through a couple of cheaper riding mowers. I was also looking at a Kubota GR and a John Deere X series. I ended up with a Kubota BX2350, which is a sub compact tractor. They are a serious step up in price, but the roll bar (ROPS) and seat belt make me feel a lot safer. They are also 4 wheel drive, which looks like a must for you. A front end loader is also nice and you might use it a lot more than you would think. Sub compact tractors are pretty easy to find used also.

 

[joes_427_vette]

A must... John Deere, four wheel drive, power steering, at least a 5 gallon per minute hydraulic pump, PTO, three point, and at least three in a row ( engine cylinders that is ). Don't skimp on the horsepower... you always need more. Make it loader adaptable. Your going to want one in the future. Hydro is nice, gears also work fine.

 

[9973720wb19]

I have the JD 997 Z mower and JD Walkbehind 19hp. On my hills, I would not know what to do without my walkbehind. nothing to fall off of and tracks along very steep hills because you can control power to each wheel independent. You may need two machines, a sit down mower and walkbehind for your hills.

 

[amigauser]

I would not know what to do without my walkbehind. nothing to fall off of and tracks along very steep hills because you can control power to each wheel independent.

It is hard to tell from your picture how much land you have but it appears to be relatively small. If that is the case then like the other poster above mentioned you may need just a hydro drive walk behind unit. They work great on slopes and you get some exercise in the process .