Need tractor for hills

[bcp]

Plant flowers on the hills.



Bruce

 

[krumbles]

I have a lead on a 425, but it is a 1996 model...not sure I want something with so many hours. I agree on the flower beds...will be working on that for the steepest part of the yard. I still think I will demo the x500. They have a return they can sell me at a pretty good discount. Unfortunately, there is no Simplicity dealer nearby. Anything else in the $5k or less range I should be considering?

 

[willi67]

I will agree with zlock24 .. X748 with HDAP tires is the best I have used/seen, dunno what they go for but the older X595 is just as good if you can find one. I see that you mentioned Husqvarna, they have a AWD rider that should do 1 acre, worth a look?

 

[Gittyup]

A flower bed is much more work than cutting grass. I wouldn't be afraid of the 425 if the hours are under 1500 and it's been well cared for. Mine is that year, 1035 hours and still going strong. I think it could use some new valve seals (tiny bit of smoke at start up), but still runs great with plenty of power.

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree with buying an older Deere that compares the x748 or x749 aws. I have worked some very steep slopes with the x749 and it is very stabile. I would have bought a used one but I couldn't find it in my locale. I would much prefer the higher quality machine to the newer yet less optioned x500 series.

I should add that you will wan't all wheel drive and braking as the less slipping you do the better, very important to keep the grass in good shape on a slope. Doesn't take long to have a mess on a hillside if your mower/tractor slips here and there.

 

[9973720wb19]

I've got one large steep hill to mow and my JD 54" Walk behind works great - my JD 997 Z mower can't do it...nor my 4wd JD 4720 tractor. some spots between a large tree and the bottom of the hill, I can turn the walk behind almost sideways mowing across using the hydro steering. And it's almost 100% safe (for me not the mower) if I get into a jam.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Just how steep is steep. I second a power Trac for anyone on slopes or working tight spaces.

 

[krumbles]

Well, I was able to demo the X500 tractor on my hills, and it worked like a dream, especially with the differential lock. I was able to get package deal on a mower returned through the JD Promise program because of a small scratch (easily touched up) with some good-as-new implements (cart, aerator, and spreader). So the deal was just too good to pass up. Here are some pictures of the new machine. The shot on the lawn really doesn't do justice to the slope of the hill.

Thanks to all of you for the help deciding!

 

[rekees4300]

That's a nice mower. :thumbsup: Just curious, does it have a drive shaft or belt drive. If a belt I'd be concerned it would break on the hill and you wouldn't have any way to stop.

 

[BobRip]

How steep are the hills? Get a number. It makes a bid difference in the machine.