same old newbie question...what is recommended for

takesallkinds · Jan 10, 2006

Some of the clouds are clearing (at least for now!).
I think a compact tractor may be a little too much. I'm not sure. A sub-compact might be ideal, but I think I want to be able to mow from the front or middle and not drag a mower.
Best way to go (again, I don't know what I'm talking about) may be the small PT or similar (ZTR?). Little concerned about the service for the PT. Also will check out hefty GT's as long as they don't get too expensive.
Thanks again.

Spiffy · Jan 10, 2006

OK you want a front or MidMountMower (MMM). CUT maybe too big.

In a tractor, that leaves the SCUTs and heavy GT's [actually some overlap between those two terms anyway]. I think somebody posted a neat link for low hours used JDs. Should handle the rough stuff, but you could maybe get a tiller or small box blade and level some of the rough spots too.

PT; your gains would be all the other things it can do. If you're only mowing [& maybe pushing snow], and want a local dealer for service [though many shops would be just fine with it]; it may not be your best option.

ZTR; only 2 negatives I can think of for the tasks you mention. You'll need to try it on your bumpiest terrain to see if you like it. And to get heavy duty, you're in the same $$$ as some pretty heavy GTs. I think someone linked Hustler [and their miniZ has a neat picture of a small gal running it], but here's CountryClipper only because they have a pivoting front end [so do CubCudet Tanks; or Ferris/Simplicity have suspentions systems]
Clipper

Happy Hunting! Let us know what you finally decide! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Varmintmist · Jan 10, 2006

If you are thinking that a loader isnt something you need, and with 4 ac you are probably close to right, look for a older JD x50, 2wd.

I bought a 850 with turf tires for 2800. It was older but not that old, you could add a new rear finish mower for less 2K or less and a light back blade for snow for 200.

Varmintmist · Jan 10, 2006

see if you can find a JD 850 or 750. Older Yanmar Deeres that are pretty common. I bought a 2wd 850 for 2800 with turf tires on it. You could get a rear mower for the grass and a back blade for snow.

Only problem with the 2wd version is thay are pretty light in the front. Great for mowing grass I would imagine, but I know you need weight on the front for moving snow.

takesallkinds · Jan 10, 2006

Thanks again.
Rather have front or mid mower. I think rear mount would be a pain. Also think I need 4WD for wet, uneven ground and possibly pushing a little snow.

Varmintmist · Jan 11, 2006

Then you better think bigger than 5K.

A Mid mower set up is going to cost more because the hook ups are tractor specific, 4WD is going to cost more to get anything worthwhile. You can get a MMM for a X50 series Deere.

You dont need 4WD for snow, it is nice but chains worked for a long time before 4WD was common on tractors. I plowed my drive for a year with the 850 and a back blade w/chains and the snow wasnt occasional and the only level areas I have are man made. The only reason I got rid of the 850 was that I NEEDED a loader. Depending on how wet you are going to try to cut on, 4WD is just going to let you rut things up.

Just tossing out a option. Good luck on the hunt.

takesallkinds · Jan 11, 2006

Thanks for that advice. If I get similar regarding the necessity of 4WD, then I'd like to drop it because of the added expense.
4WD is one of the reasons I was thinking of the PT-180.
Right now, our old Simplicity 12HP can go where we need it to, but tires spin in wet spots and it gets stuck once in a while on the uneven ground. So if, a 2WD with chains or maybe better tires would do better, then I can consider 2WD.

Spiffy · Jan 11, 2006

Talesallkinds, any chance we can get a picture or better idea of just how nasty the terrain is? As Varmitmist noted, if you're not using ground engaging equiment, chances are you don't want to mow the places a 2WD can't go, so don't really need to pay for 4WD. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I saw some quotes about double your budget in the Lawn&Garden thread, but many of used, say 300hr machines on a link listed a couple posts earlier were right in your ballpark with the deck included. I think you were pondering used or new anyway, but should ask: how important is new warranty or new financing offers to you?

What I was thinking in the Z's (because I did exactly that last year) and would apply to tractor styles to; shop around until you a previous year's demo model with a few hours. Full warrenty and financing still applied on the one I bought. I noticed a Z (actually a bit bigger than you even need, but likely bullet proof at that too) with this scenario listed on Ebay; so they're out there. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 edit

Spiffy · Jan 11, 2006

Simplicity 12HP can go where we need it to, but tires spin in wet spots 

That paints a bit of a picture! Thanks!

So the PT or 4WD SCUT would help, but so many other ways around it; it's probably still worth saving the money. Especially if your new machine has more weight and larger tires. If it still slips, perhaps slightly more agressive tires like bars or lugs would do it [though can get mudded up to]. Maybe weight [can work against you too].

Ironically, your discription is somewhat what I was guessing, so the Z [other's will dissagree here; maybe their theory is right; maybe this one is /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif] just maybe is the right tool for the job: The weight is right over the tires and - on the ones I'm thinking of - just as big of tires as a GT. I found with the indivual wheel control, you can squirm your way out of a slick spot the GT wouldn't. Doubt you'd have a problem with bars or lugs, except I understand [just the turfs on our Z: so can't say 1st hand] it takes more practice to not destroy your good lawn.

 edit: Most important of all: any chance you have a dealer who can bring out 1 or 2 of your favorite options for a test?

takesallkinds · Jan 13, 2006

OK all. I know a little more so I can sound like a bigger idiot now! Going out now and actually seeing these things and talking to the "experts".
Please keep in touch. This is a valuable resource. Now, if I get more in focus and zero in, should I stay on this post, or should I start a new one??? I don't want to go to jail, but I do want the advice/opinions that I receive!
Thanks.