Buying Advice Rest In Peace -- JD 420

[jack49]

OK,,, the trusty twenty old 420 was pronounced dead today (zero pressure in one cylinder ):

Dealer not too hot on repair (est=2200). Not too hot on new engine,either.

I can buy the dealer offer of 'checked out-in the back ' 425 for about $3500.,,,or,, look for other options of new, almost new or, used. I would use my blower with new attachment gear if I bought the 425. I need approx 60" deck, snow blower ,,,,,plus would be lawn clipping 'setup' (know nothing about these). About 5 acres; 300 foot driveway; occasional mowing of hunting cabin scruff lawn= one acre...
Like JD, but not stuck with brand. Need good quality.
Have Kubota for larger tasks.

THoughts and suggestions appreciated.

jack

 

[Diamondpilot]

Get a ZTR. A real one, not one sold at TSC. Make sure it has a Kawasaki engine. Let the Kubota you have do the rest.

Chris

 

[jack49]

ZTR and snow???? are there attachments??? Snow is an issue in MN....at times....

 

[jenkinsph]

Might consider getting some more estimates on rebuild or replace engine if the mower is in good enough shape to justify it. Some of the smaller shops are really hurting right now and may give you a better price.

 

[JoelD]

Might consider getting some more estimates on rebuild or replace engine if the mower is in good enough shape to justify it. Some of the smaller shops are really hurting right now and may give you a better price.

Agreed,

If they could fix the bionic man they can fix your deere.

Joel

 

[Nik]

Jack49

Yes Grasshopper ZTR and Walker ZTR mowers have snowblower attachments and grass and leaf collections systems. for their front mount ztrs. For pictures got to their website. Likely there are other makers as well. Grasshoppers are not cheap but are high quality tough machines.

 

[BTI]

Repower The beast!!

BTI

 

[Green_in_Michigan]

If you are in Minnesota you can "repower the beast" at http://www.jimsrepairjimstractors.com/

 

[oldnslo]

Shouldn't be that difficult to pull the head on cylinder #1 and see if it is a valve stuck open or a major issue like a broken rod, rings etc.. Once you have some idea of the extent of the problem it should be easier to make a decision on repair, replace, repower.

Roy

 

[jenkinsph]

Shouldn't be that difficult to pull the head on cylinder #1 and see if it is a valve stuck open or a major issue like a broken rod, rings etc.. Once you have some idea of the extent of the problem it should be easier to make a decision on repair, replace, repower.

Roy

Correct.:thumbsup:


Today it seems all the repairs are given up on and replacement is the order of the day.

 

[jack49]

To All,

Thanks for the replies. More infor is helping me ,,alot. I am leaning toward a 'repower'. Yes, the vendor, Jimsrepairtractors is just down the road from me. Don't know his reputation,,etc. Seems to specialize in Vangard B&S engines with some type of manual for the change out from the Onan to the B&S. How hard/easy is this?? I know my way around tools/engines,but, never this type of job.
Other option I am considering: a zero turn commercial level(60in), and a larger walk behind electric start snowblower. Obviously, as different set up,,,but, fast lawn cutting and able to get around gizillion trees/bushes/stuff.
Thoughts about this? Brands?
Thanks again to all of you. Great wealth of knowledge on this Board.
Regards,
jack49