same old newbie question...what is recommended for

takesallkinds · Jan 5, 2006

I have about 4 acres to mow. Two are lawn and two are a bumpy, grass/weeds field. Our old 12 HP Simplicity is taking a beating on the field. It's not worth me investing $8-12K for the equipment recommended by dealers. I'd consider a lawn/garden tractor that can take the rough terrain, or a used compact tractor. I'd like to spend $3-5K, but could consider a little more if I get desparate. My biggest fear is getting something not rugged enough.
Thanks for any advice.

Spiffy · Jan 5, 2006

Lawn and Garden looks like a good spot for this post too, but [please don't kill the messanger /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ] moderators here ussually don't like cross posting.

Good luck with your hunting, deciding, dickering, & buying!

other post

takesallkinds · Jan 5, 2006

Sorry about the cross-posting.
I thought the 2 forums I posted in were relevent.

I'm lost and don't want to regret spending money I barely have!

gamble77 · Jan 5, 2006

I think that you could easily spend 3-5K and get a very nice garden tractor with large tires and a nice seat to do what you are needing done. I would recommend something like the new 2006 Cub Cadet 2500 series or another manufacturer like Simplicity, JD, etc. Just want to get a larger machine so it will absorb the bumps better.

I would not suggest you get a compact tractor if all you are going to be doing is cutting grass. Most zero turn mowers in the 3-5K range aren't very heavy and don't have the best seats to be comfortable over rough terrain. So I say look at some higher end garden tractors from some of the major brands, compare apples to apples, see which one has the most features, compare dealers, and then purchase! Hope this helps, keep us posted.

FOURTEEN · Jan 5, 2006

( I have about 4 acres to mow. Two are lawn and two are a bumpy, grass/weeds field. I'd like to spend $3-5K, My biggest fear is getting something not rugged enough.)

 That's kinda what I have! Nice lawn with lots of trimming near the house, and a big meadow/lawn that's sorta rough, plus about 1/2 mile of forest trails to keep weed and leaf free.

I've used: a 38" Honda lawn tractor - too fragile, slow and narrow; a 48" Power King garden tractor - rugged, but too tall and unwieldy; a 48" brush cutter on a Power Trac tractor - too expensive, and rough cutting for the lawn; and now my current favorite (drum roll) a Hustler 52"/20hp FasTrac ZTR - just right!!

This FasTrac isn't too expensive at less than $5000; cuts the lawn beautifully and fast; is extremely maneuverable doing all the trimming; is very ruggedly built from plate steel (the frame and deck have a lifetime warranty); is powered by a high quality V-Twin Honda; chews through 2' weeds with ease; rides nicely; and has a FOUR year warranty!

Most important - the FasTrac is the most fun to drive of anything around! A little yellow lawnmower/ATV/weedeater/sports car!!!

Hustler FasTrac

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wolfe1 · Jan 9, 2006

I mow about 2 acres and have another that is really rough- I went with a John Deere X485. I liked the larger frame, tires, seat, and overall construction. It handles the rough stuff without blinking an eye. It is not the cheapest way to go but I have never regretted it- I am including a link to where I bought mine - they have deals no one can beat - they get the John Deere employee trade ins every year- you can save thousands of dollars over the cost of new and they are **** near perfect. Nice people to work with and HUNDREDS of tractors- good luck www.lawnpower.com

Rob_H · Jan 10, 2006

Hi Takesallkinds;

I have a similar situation - about 1.5 acres of lawn and 5+ of meadows and wetlands that is rough and too wet to mow until July / August.

I bought a used JD 445 with a 54" belly mower and a small FEL. It is just right for this work. These machines are well designed and pretty bulletproof. The only problem I've heard is with the gas models (425 / 445). They had a plastic cam shaft that tended to give up after 600 - 800 hours causing a mjor engine rebuild.

I'd recommend looking for used 425 / 445 / 455's on eBay and equipmenttrader. There are lots out there, and you should be able to get a good one for around $5,000, maybe more if you get the FEL too.

Good Luck!

Rob H.

FOURTEEN · Jan 11, 2006

( I went with a John Deere X485. It is not the cheapest way to go )

Starting at: $11,579.00 with 54C deck for X485AWS !!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

LBrown59 · Jan 11, 2006

( I mow about 2 acres and have another that is really rough- I went with a John Deere X485. I liked the larger frame, tires, seat, and overall construction. It handles the rough stuff without blinking an eye. It is not the cheapest way to go but I have never regretted it- I am including a link to where I bought mine - they have deals no one can beat - they get the John Deere employee trade ins every year- you can save thousands of dollars over the cost of new and they are **** near perfect. Nice people to work with and HUNDREDS of tractors- good luck www.lawnpower.com )

I can get a new Kubota BX 1500 for 8500 with a front blade and a rear tiller .
A 54'' mmm would be about 1500 more.

wolfe1 · Jan 12, 2006

2003 X485 with 54c deck, 46.1 hours on it, 50 hour service done, 2 hats, new blades, and service kit. $6,800.00. Out the door. Perfect condition. Oh ya- made the salesman give me his unopened Pepsi to. Kabota makes a great product- I looked at them and tough to say ANYTHING bad about them, but they can not match the refinement of the X-Series. It is like the difference between Marilyn and Madonna-