Purchasing a Garden Tractor for my 2 acre yard.

[the old grind]

A lot of suggestions for a BX. A good choice no doubt. I just wanted to point out that in that size or similar, and similar cost, one should also consider the JD 1-series, Mahindra Max (my pick of the bunch), MF GCs, Kioti CK20, LS J-series.... The point is there are many to choose and the smart shopper will try as many as they can before buying.

Certainly a more costly approach to have two machines, but something to consider. If you can put off the earth chores until you can afford a second machine (or rent for this purpose only), you might find you can get more done with the right machine rather than compromise performance for an all-in-one.

A small SCUT with turf tires will cut grass just fine, and will be a better earth mover than any lawn/garden tractor. By the time you pay for a big lawn tractor with specialty implements, you are at least equal to a small SCUT with loader and real implements. As mentioned, if you go with a SCUT, look at all the brands near you.

I would add that CAT 0 or CAT 1 accys aren't tied to the machine/model they fit, and the flexibility pays for itself if a next tractor is a bit larger or smaller. Also, next buyer wants the loaded 'garden tractor' but not to use all the attachments. Good luck getting your $$ reselling a disc or tiller for "XX" brand's XXX series.

IMO the guy who pay$ the most in the long run is the guy who tries to do the most to a price point, and 'on-road/off-road' trucks or motorbikes might have given quite a few of us a lesson in "doing it all with one". :ashamed:

Not to discredit the OP's considerations (models/brands), but this dilemma is the bane of first time buyers. At the risk of controversy, IMO a versatile tractor loses much of its cache to be a great mower (lawn) and a better mower will do little else well. Yeah, 'specialization is for insects' but we've learned much from nature, haven't we?

 

[MikeKTM]

I just went though the same exercise. I have less land, around an acre or so with a good size hill. Had a 93 Toro Wheel Horse with FEL/48inch deck/rototiller(never used) for about a decade. FEL really comes in handy when you need it but with the WH it was a pain in the neck to put it on and off. Ended up with a new BX2370-1 with FEL/60inch MMM/51inch 3PTO snowblower (LandsPride SB1051)/Liquid Ballast in Rear Tires/Grill Guard, paid cash to get the extra $700 off and not gave to pay the $1K plus insurance over the 60 month loan.

$16,300 before MA tax of 6.25%

I plan on about another $1600 on additional accessories, Rip & Dig/Snow Edge/Piranha/Skid Plates/LED Lights/Electric chute-defector upgrades and maybe a cab....

Take delivery on Friday!

 

[drajj5]

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Is there a specific JD X500 model that is most bang for your buck in terms of quality or can I pretty much pick or choose any of them because they are all great?



QUOTE]


You are not going to go wrong with any brand. My brother owns a cub cadet sc2450 and uses it for everything on his 7ac. The Scut (small tractor) was something I was unfamiliar with when I bought mine. I just knew after playing with his for a week on my property 3ac, that it was a tool that I was missing for years. I already had a hand-me-down ford 8n but after using his..... a scut was the right ticket for me. The agility of these small tractors is amazing! I ended up buying a Mahindra max which is a lil' bigger than his and am quite happy. I don't know your terrain, but here where I live it is hilly and in some places too steep to drive anything up or down. With that in mind 4x4 is a must- and recommended. Go and test drive as many of these little tractors as you can, all are good so just pick the one you like best. I also went and purchased new and feel that I did the right thing not only for the cheap financing, but knowing that there has been no 'hidden previous abuse'. All used tractors at one time in their life has been abused at one time or another in my opinion. You will find that once you have one, like me- wonder why you didn't get one years ago. They are just that handy

One note that I will add, when you test drive a tractor - imagine that you are in your yard and make tight turns, try to navigate close to obstacles as if it were your home or parked car. I did this and even did a figure eight in the gravel area near where it was parked to see just how tight it would turn. Good luck in finding the right one for you.

 

[davesl708]

For my two cents. I started with a JD D130 to take care of my 1 1/4 acre. Soon found I need to do a lot more work the JD could not do.
I found a used 2003 Kubota BX2200 with a FEL, rear blade and 5ft tiller for a very good price. Work load went way down. Then found I could do many more landscaping projects like redoing my lawn to level it out and get a better grass growing. Removed lots of brush, rocks and small trees that grew up. Moved a lot of cut wood and snow. The 60" MMM makes quick work of mowing and is more comfortable than the JD D130 & 42".
I am now considering getting rid of the JD and using the BX for everything. The category one PTO is the most useful part. Gives you the most options with out having to worry about specific brand attachments.

Get a little more than you need now and you won't be rethinking your needs in the near future.

 

[coobie]

I sure like my 2011 JD X740.Love the diesel engine & 7 iron deck.I would think the X500 series would be a good tractor also

 

[batwing]

I would try out a few tractors some little bigger, after you have spent some seat time I think you will know what's best for you.
Ron

 

[crabhab]

I would def. consider a Kubota BX. I have a 2003 BX1500 that is a little beast. I have just under 600 hrs on it. The loader in invaluable as many here have mentioned you will wonder how you ever lived with out it. I also have a 2002 Scott 2554 Garden Tractor which was made by John Deere and has a frame similar to the GX325 Garden tractors. It is great at cutting grass but, I think the air cooled motor and belt drive are not nearly as robust as a shaft driven X700 or Kubota BX.