Need suggestions for choosing mower/small tractor

[amigauser]

If you are thinking about going used JD, Roeder has great pricing and free delivery in the continental USA. Scroll down to the lower used list which has the free shipping. They have X585 and X595 garden tractors on the list.

www.lawnpower.com Used Inventory

 

[skidoo]

Snip... I don't know if there are many of the new X7__ series that replaced the 595's on the used lots yet. Snip...

Yep. My X749 may never see the used market.

 

[LBrown59]

You would need software to do that. There are many picture organizer/editors available. You may want to try this from Nikon.

Nikon | ViewNX 1.2.2 - Windows

I think it is free. The basic ones like this can help improve an image with just the simple contrast, brightness, and sharpness adjustments. Very simple to do...

Thanks for the info.

 

[snodley55]

JD 455, but no 4WD. Are you sure you need 4WD? This really reduces the number of tractors, especially in the GT size range. Also JD x729 or X749 will have 4WD. Though these will be hard to find uses due to their relative newness. Other deeres: 4100, 2305, 2325. Maybe a 750 or 755. The other subcuts from Massey, New Holland etc. would also fit the bill.

 

[snodley55]

JD 455, but no 4WD. Are you sure you need 4WD? This really reduces the number of tractors, especially in the GT size range. Also JD x729 or X749 will have 4WD. Though these will be hard to find uses due to their relative newness. Other deeres: 4100, 2305, 2325. Maybe a 750 or 755. The other subcuts from Massey, New Holland etc. would also fit the bill.

OK, posting with a quote is not one of my strong points!
Anyway, Gittyup, you pose a good question. I'm _not_ sure I need 4WD, but here's the thing. The concrete drive I need to pull the 750# boat/combo up is very steep. It accesses the basement shop garage door from the elevation of the house garages, so it drops 8 feet or so in a short distance, and also includes a tight radius turn. I have had to put the 1/2 ton truck in 4WD to come back up this slope. Otherwise, the inside rear wheel loses some traction. However, this may be due to less weight being on this wheel when making the tight turn and the truck frame twisting a little and taking weight off this wheel slightly?
Possibly the more flexible frame and narrow tread width of a subcompact size tractor/large garden tractor would make this a non-issue?
Unfortunately, I may have to resort to just bringing a unit to the house and giving it a "test drive" to get the definitive answer. Was trying to avoid this since it would be a PITA.
I would not have any other use for 4WD and actually prefer the less costly 2-WD. This unit will be used as a lawn mower 98% of the time and I can always use the L3000 if I need the extra power and 4WD.
I think the JDX729/49 size unit mentioned will be too big/heavy/expensive for what I need here.
Thanks for all the replies so far.
John S

 

[Gittyup]

If 4WD is not a must, and you need stability/traction while turning, look for a 455 with all-wheel steer. Incredible stability and turning radius. Put chains on it for added traction. It won't have any problems pulling 750 lbs of rolling load.

Also, if diesel is not a must, same tractor can be had in a gas as a 425 or 445. Might save you some $, and make available more options. However, these tractors are about the same size as the X700's. I don't think you can go any smaller. There is also the older 420 that would do the job too.

These all have locking differentials too.

 

[snodley55]

Gittyup, (and others)
The 455 sounds pretty interesting. I'll check it out further. I do want diesel, however, so the other two that you mentioned are pretty much ruled out.

Traction while mowing is not an issue. All mowing is pretty flat. It's the steep grade up the basement approach that is troublesome. It's a sharp turn while going up, so diff lock won't be much use here and of course I don't think the chains will be too good on the concrete

What's the consensus on adding either wheel weights or suitcase weights to the rear to get the traction? Power I don't think would be a problem.
Thanks,
John

 

[Gittyup]

Both kinds of weights are available for the 455. Though you can't use the wheel weights with all-wheel steer (AWS). I prefer the suitcases anyway; so they can be easily removed. I think you can get as many as 5 on the rear weight bracket. Eash is about 40 lbs. You can also put them on the front too, if needed to improve steering with a heavy tongue weight.

Even without the diffy lock, AWS will help tremendously in turns with traction because drive wheels stay in line with the direction of travel throughout the entire turn. If I remember correctly, the tow bar is rated for like 400 lbs of tongue weight.

The 400 and 420 are also diesels.

If you don't want to use chains, then just run your tires soft. As long as there is no snow or ice. I don't think you'll have traction issues. You could also fit with more aggresive treat patterns, akin to ATV treads.

I think the 455 without mower deck will weigh in at about 1200 lbs, and the mower decks are pretty heavy (~250 lbs). Put 200 lbs of suitcases; add a 200 lb man, puts you up around 1850 lbs.

As a data point, I have the 425 AWS. I routinely pull a CMI tandem axle 6' trailer full of dirt (well over a thousand lbs) up hill on my lawn. As long as it's dry, it's no problem at all. Grass gives way when in it's real wet. On pavement, it'd be unstoppable.

Here is a link about the 400 seriers deeres. Search and post there for a lot more info: http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/info/index.php

 

[BANDAMAN]

Liquid Ballast in the rear tires is an effective way to aid in your traction issues. A 26X12X12 rear tire like on the JD 455 and most of the Kubota BX models have the capacity to hold about 100-120 lbs of liquid each, depending on what you are using. The 24X12X12 size on the Smaller BX1500, 1850, and 1860 plus the JD 425 will hold about 80-100 lbs per tire of liquid.

If available in your area, Rimguard is preferred. Its basically beet juice and is very heavy per gallon and biodegradable in case you get a puncture and leak.
I had it in my old BX2230 rear tires and it added a substantial amount of ballast, enough that I could use my front loader without any additional rear weight.

We put about 5 gallons of Rimguard in each of the rear tires on my buddies JD GX255 and it made a world of difference for climbing the steep hill in his backyard.

Since I cannot get Rimguard where I currently live, I'm using windshield washer fluid.

 

[Mith]

I will second that the JD 455 has spectacular traction.

We got a van and trailer stuck on a very steep and slippery track. We managed to borrow a 455 with the 4 wheel steering, figured that it might give enough to help the van up the slope.
As it turned out, the 455 just dragged the van right up the slope. To say I was impressed is an understatement.
That was on turf tyres not using the diff lock, didnt even spin a wheel.

BTW, thats a completely unbiased opinion, it wasnt my tractor, I prefer Kubota TBH