New Mowing Tractor

[tlj87]

We are in need of buying a new tractor for mowing. We currently have a 1993 Cub Cadet 1440 with ~600 hours. The deck is getting worn, so it will be retired from mowing, however we will be keeping this machine for snow plowing and hauling.

Even though the new tractor will be used primarily for mowing, we still would like a garden (or yard) tractor for its heavier construction and larger tires.

Upon looking at the New Holland site, we took liking to the MY17.

I have read that these machines are the same as the Toro machines. However, Toro has changed its lineup, and we was wondering if NH still made (or bought) the MY17.

Does anyone know anything about the New Holland Yard/Garden tractors? Price range?

We like the option of a 42" deck as it will fit in the bed of a full-size pickup. Seems that no other manufacturers (Deere, Cub) offer a garden tractor with a 42" deck anymore.

We will be mowing about an acre at our home, and about 2-2.5 acres at our camp weekly to bi-weekly in NW PA.

If you have any other suggestions, feel free to let us know...

 

[Cliff_Johns]

We like the option of a 42" deck as it will fit in the bed of a full-size pickup. Seems that no other manufacturers (Deere, Cub) offer a garden tractor with a 42" deck anymore.

Deere does still have 42" decks (including the 42" mulching deck which I have and really like). Look on their web site. They even give list prices right there.
Discounts from that vary by location.

A specific example can be found here:
John Deere products for homeowners: Features for X300 Tractor, 42-Inch Edge Mulching Deck

Cliff

 

[tlj87]

Thanks Cliff.

I am aware that Deere does offer a 42" deck, however it is only offered on the X300.

If we were to go Deere, it would be an X320 or X500 due to larger tire size, but the 48" deck might be too big.

The maximum width we can go with is 51" (distance between wheel wells in pickup bed).

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Not to be contrary, but if you choose the 320 without the deck (they call it the california option), then look at the options, the options include several 42 inch decks on the 320.

Not sure why they call it the california option.

For the larger mowers, though, you won't be cutting much past the wheels at some point.

Cliff

 

[CCinCT]

Cub makes a true 42" garden tractor, the 2542. Very heavy duty frame, transmission, and Kohler Command engine.

 

[tlj87]

Hi Cliff

I finally found the X320 California option. Seems you can indeed choose any deck (38-48").

All the dealers I called today said that 48" was the only option for the X320. I will have to call back tomorrow or Wednesday and see if they are aware of the X320 less deck (California) option.

So now I am wondering if this deck mounts the same as the 48" and there is simply not an error in their online configurator which allows a 42" deck to be spec'd.

 

[JiminGa]

could be a problem with the site, I know you can spec an x540 out with 3 pt. hitch and pto, but they can not be added to that machine.

 

[sergeant]

You can get a 42inch deck on the Current John Deere X500 series tractors But Diff/lock linkage needs to be removed because it interfers with lifting the 42inch deck so you would not be able to use diff/lock on the current X500 series tractors if you wanted a 42inch deck. all deere decks mount the same on the X300 tractors so you could get a 42inch deck on a X320

 

[LBrown59]

Cub makes a true 42" garden tractor, the 2542. Very heavy duty frame, transmission, and Kohler Command engine.

I would recommentd CC garden tractors.
Lots of bang for the buck there.

 

[bontai_Joe]

Nothing wrong with the Deere you are looking at, but I'd also at least check out the Cub 2542, the Simplicity Prestige with a 44" deck, the Toro Classic 315 (it's the old Wheelhorse design) can be had with a 42" deck (excellent machine but a bit pricey),