Need suggestions for choosing mower/small tractor

[ChuckinNH]

My limited .02. I have a Simplicity Legacy, and did own a Kubota BX22. At least price wise, I would buy the Simplicity if I 2wd was sufficient, and buy the Kubota if 4wd were mandatory as the OP suggested. The Simplicity hydraulics, power steering, implement mounting, etc. aren't quite up to The Kubota, or perhaps the JD. Buying used, I'm sure that you can find a Simplicity Legacy for less than either the Kubota, or JD. I will say that the limited slip differential on my 2wd Legacy with the diff lock goes about as well in some conditions as my BX in 4wd without the diff lock, and perhaps better on packed snow, etc. That really surprised the heck out of me. My Simplicity has turf tires, and my BX had bar tread tires........ R-1 equiv. I think that the way the Simplicity mower deck is set up would scalp less on uneven terrain than either the JD, or Kubota. ( I have mowed my three acres with an older JD (345 I think)) and it did well on my rough ground. I like the turbo grass collector on my Simplicty very much. It is easy to mount, and works well. I used a power flo collector on the JD and it worked OK as well, but I remember it having more "blowout" on the right front of the deck because of the blower rotational direction, and I found the twisted drive belt set up a bit less satisfactory than the simple set up that my Simplicity has. The OP doesn't need a loader, or 3pt hitch, and I don't think that the ones offered by Simplicity compare well with the Kubota offerings at all. My Simplicity has a gas engine, and uses about a gallon an hour mowing with the collector. There were some early problems with the Simplicity (B&D) diesel engines, but I'm pretty sure that they have been addressed. Because of steering geometry, the BX tractors will cut with their outside front tire in sharp turns more than my Simplicity, or the JD's. The limited slip differential in my Simplicity however, sometimes spins the inside rear on tight turns doing damage too. I think the nicest tractor for mainly mowing would be the all wheel steer JD 7x series with a moderate sized deck on rough ground.

OK, you got .05 worth.

 

[bontai_Joe]

I won't suggest a brand, but would suggest that you check out what dealers you have in the area and what their repair shops look like. Do they have a decent stock of parts? Do they pick up and deliver if you need it? The best local dealer would probably be the brand I'd focus on.

 

[Gittyup]

While it's a nice tractor, the JD 345 is not the same class of tractor as the 400 series. 400 series are all shaft driven. No belt drive mechanism to mess with. The x700 series is basically the replacement for the 400 series with the addition of 4WD option.

Around here a used 455 is selling for between $2500 and $4000. Legacies are nice machines too. I rarely see a Legacy for sale. Last one I saw listed, they were asking $4500. But, it looked almost new too.

I'd say the Legacy and 400 series are about the same tractor. I'd also suggest some of the bigger Gravely GTs with the engine direct drive to the wheels. They are unstoppable beasts and cut real nice. But, only available as gassers.

Not sure why you only want diesel. I actual prefer the gassers for this size. Much quieter (extremely quiet, in fact). Less cold contankerous too. Longevity? I'm at 850 hours, going on 18 years old now with my gasser. Spent less than $75 on repairs, and that was for electronics. I think the 445 is the sweet spot engine wise because it is fuel injected gas that gives it 2 more hp at 22 hp. Fuel injection makes it less prone to problems related to poor gas quality (ethanol blends). Unfortunately no AWS on the 445.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Gas engines can last quite well once you get above the throwaway grades. I had over 1400 hours on the little 12.5 Hp in my last Simplicity, and that didn't have a pressurized lube system. The dealer gave me a very good trade in for it because it was still in nice shape, and good running order....... not using oil, etc. I did have to replace the fuel pump on the Kohler Command 20 hp in my current tractor, and now I need to replace the starter solenoid. It's got something over 500 hours on it now. The larger engine in this tractor actually uses less fuel than the little one did.

 

[RWEST]

You might want to look at some weights for the FRONT of whatever you get, too. Picturing a giant wheelie and snodley55 looking like this partway up that steep slope.

 

[snodley55]

A lot of good thoughts, guys. I'll be scouring Craigslist and the local dealers for tractor (and weights) . Should be some choices starting to show up.
Thanks for all the replies,
John S

 

[bx24d]

When my wife suggested I go out and get a dedicated mower ('cause my craftsman was breaking down too much), I researched 4WD GT and subcompacts. The JD 700s, simplicity legacy and kubota G and GR as well as the smaller BX models were all in the running. My hills and thick, semi-meadow grass necessitated a shaft drive for the wheels and blades. I like the power of diesel. The Simplicity legacy felt more stable (lower center of gravity) than the Kubota BXs. It offered more options than the G and GRs. I don't like my local JD dealer so that left me with a Legacy and I love it. Just my experience. I also have a BX24 and took the mower deck off long ago and have not put it on since. Use it for backhoe work and got a nice set of pin-on forks for summer.

 

[wolfe1]

A X595 would be the perfect machine for you based on your description of needs. I have the X845 which is 2WD and gas, I am amazed by the traction and power - and the 595 would be leaps and bounds ahead of that. It is very comfortable.