same old newbie question...what is recommended for

Spiffy · Jan 14, 2006

experts in quotes! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You know everything you need to know! Actually, many great dealers out there, and some honest but mal-informed, and a few downright crooked ones. Not to worry, testing will help you find what fits you and a little research will weed out the lemon groves; there's always the chance of pulling a lemon out of an apple cart or vice-versa, but not worth loosing sleep over! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

After [or even before] you get to play with a few options, you can always post on TBN and probably somebody knows the good-bad-ugly about any given machine. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif If anyway possible, get a test on your property, or at least run around on the most similar terrain the dealer's lot has.

As for the posting question, one of the moderators could proably answer better, but I'll take a stab at a slightly gray area: while you're looking at general options yet, may as well keep all the information in this thread. Narrowed down to a few options or brands, could keep it here or start a new thread in Buying/P../C if you're comparing a couple machines of different color. A specific machine or a couple machines of the same brand goes to the cooresponding forum.

takesallkinds · Jan 15, 2006

Here's the rest of the story. I'm getting this for my girlfriend of 28 years (off and on) for a Christmas present (as opposed to a ring...I guess we're old-fashioned!) She's a skinny wisp of a thing that drive a 4WD truck and just loves being above it all.
We went to out for our first look-see. Local John Deere dealer.
First GT's, the GX's and I'm thinking, "OK, fine". Then X484. no X585. Whoa, 2305. Now I'm thinking, "What for?" She's more pleased than she's ever been with me. I'm looking at used equipment. I think I may end up disappointing her. It would be nice, but I'm having a hard time with cost/benefit.
Later.

daTeacha · Jan 15, 2006

As most of us can attest, it's real easy to get caught up in the "bigger/newer/more is better" syndrome, especially if you listen to all the guys here. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Of course if you weren't a newbie, you'd know that everyone who gives advice about what to buy has to send the recipient $5 (per post) after the purchase is finally made. The way I'm going, I stand to make a profit after buying a $15k machine. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

P.S. -- That last paragraph doesn't necessarily have a strong connection to reality.

Spiffy · Jan 15, 2006

"bigger/newer/more is better" syndrome 

This time I don't think it's even our fault....he just has a gal with the symptoms already! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Send purchaser $5 per post; quite a concept; /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I hope we don't have to pay double on bad advice, or I better win a lottery, buy a dealership, and starting handing out free mowers! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Spiffy · Jan 15, 2006

Thanks for the update takesallkinds! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

That 2305 is a diesel: more questions! Is her truck diesel or gas? Diesel is dang attractive (and often for good reasons), but if she doesn't have that symptom at least your options are stll a little open on that front.

New or used? Unless you're talking even more "old school" than I'm guessing [to me the right item trumps new & fancy, but I'm strange], new is certainly more romantic. So now figure the tangible value of financing, whatever you value warrenty at, and some blue sky figure per/hour or condition - finish with whatever the new "romantic factor" $figure is too you/her and you know whether new or used makes more sense! Just for rough figures: on $4K used; there easily might be an extra $1K worth of tanginable value (thus $5K) on new [not including the romantic factor]. Of course that 2305 is $10K ballpark instead. I'm not recommending either route; just saying you can be certain of one or the other; run a few fiugres and realize the opposite.

Now on "the bigger" thing; unless she want's some other attachments, I still maintain that nasty (88 inches on a 2305 - I think) turning radius takes the fun out of mowing real quick.

More....OK more bells and whistles, more features, more steel; more HP. The former, is going to be up to her, but I think you're all right there. Next, I think you're still talking 97% mowing 3% snow 0% anything else; so features I think you are all right. More steel? If you have rough terrain, more steel is hard to argue [and tire size too]; but quality design and fab has to go hand-in hand with it. Same with HP; as long it's quality you probably don't need [nor would likely regret either] more.

Soooooo: I'm betting you'd get some awesome longevity out of that 2305, but if you just can't justify the $10K+ new or whatever figure on a used machine [you're paying for 3pt, hdyrualics, 4WD, 2 PTO's and likely other things not used while mowing]; I think she'd also be plenty happy [or happier]on some $5-$6K options [or less in used].

Keep us updated. Who needs to follow soaps, when there are TBN purchases! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

takesallkinds · Jan 19, 2006

I think I'm going to nix the ZTR's (unless my thoughts are wrong!) With smaller tires, I don't think that they would be good over the rougher ground and for a comparable price, don't think they would be as rugged as a hefty GT or small CUT. Does this sound reasonable??

Thanks again

Spiffy · Jan 19, 2006

You could be reading TBN threads all night on that topic, but the long and short is you're not wrong focusing your search to the GT's and maybe SCUTs.

As far as rugged, I'll put the commercial Z's against any GT, but that doesn't negate the fact there is terrain they are not right for and the cost is nasty $5K+; a pivoting front axel will help the ride a little; front mounts make even more terrain accessable, but even more $$$$. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Have fun continuing your search. If one of your dealers does have a commercial Z around hop on it too to round out your search. But focusing the direction you indicate: I think you are making well informed choices! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 edit: Oh, let us know what you finally buy! Maybe even pictures! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Spiffy · Jan 20, 2006

Rereading this thread: Should note my 1/15/06 post was comparing CUTs to GTs not ZTRs.

Wow, I've about high-jacked this thread /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif hope a few others can give you some advice. If you do narrow it down to JD, I'd really bet the guys in the JD forum could give you great advice between the heavy GTs and light CUTs, but I think most check the posts in comparisons too. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

RickO · Jan 20, 2006

I would get a SCUT (3PT ability) for that much land. A GT is too small. I had a GT for years on 5.7 acres and never felt I could do what I wanted until buying my CUT. You can get a SCUT for about the same price as the X595 JD that was mentioned. My brother in law has a JD X595 GT and it sits in his garage execept for the hour it takes to mow his 1.5 acres. What a waste. For the money he has in it I have a CUT that I can do a multitude of things with. With 4 acres you will find all kinds of uses for a SCUT.

Your budget... look at the Massey GC series or Kubota BX series of SCUT they are priced right. Seem like good units.

takesallkinds · Jan 23, 2006

I could easily change my mind as I see these things and learn a bit more. As for now, I'm going to zero in on sub-compacts or small compacts. I need to keep in mind ease of use and safety (little, skinny old lady will be the main user). I will finance (would like to stay under $10K) so will consider new, if it's cheap enough, or used. Any advice on basic considerations, i.e. engine (gas, diesel, whatever), transmission (don't think I want manual??, what else is there?), PTO advice, anything I should consider for her pleasure?? I want mid-mount mower.
Thanks again y'all.