searching new yard/garden tractor

[SiteCR2]

yard is roughly .5-.6 of mow-able surface. trees.
I have a Craftsman DT3000 (2003) model.
had spindles replaced along w/ a bunch of other work last year (over $400).
now i have a spindle howling again and tire issue.
motor seems to run good. i lose the belt about every 12-14 months.
live in florida so it is used year long.
wife said she'd rather me get a new tractor vs sinking more money into this one. I like the old one but might agree she's right.


thanks
don

 

[Muhammad]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[murphy1244]

TRy a Simplicity, they cut the best and last a looooong time.:thumbsup:

 

[Combustix]

Welcome I have a cub cadet 1046 and it's about 8 years old and never had a problem with it.

 

[radioman]

look into the smallest diesel mower version. Everything is heavy duty, last at least 10-20X longer then box store mowers.

kubota, JD, MF, holland, cub cadets, etc... they all have them. it doesn't matter if you look into zero turns or a subcompact model- it will help to lower maintenance costs and last longer. a zero turn is best at mowing, but limited use. A subcompact, you can do ANYTHING you can think of around your property.

 

[Briana03]

WELCOME to TBN

I moved your thread to the Buying/Pricing/Comparisons Forum.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Spend the extra bux and get a GARDEN TRACTOR (as opposed to a LAWN MOWER) After hearing some negatives about newer Cub Cadets, and with a history of owning older Cadets, I went ahead and bought a 2009 GT2550 to cut the approx 1/1/2acres right around the house and barns. Never regretted that decision. Neighbor bought a Cadet lawn mower (from big box store) and has had a multitude of issues with it.

 

[Martian]

Welcome!

I would strongly recommend not going with a "Home Depot/Lowes/Wal Mart, etc." version of a lawn tractor. The price tag looks good at first, but can be troublesome down the road. I've had a JD 345 and only one issue in the last 10 years. (Something to do with the fuel valve - only like a $45 repair, minor) Go to your nearest tractor dealer and get a good one. Deere is by far the biggest lawn tractor around here. If your cheap, you by a craftsman, if you want a lawn tractor, you buy a Deere. Not to say that others aren't good, that's just the way it is in my parts. Even buying the brand name tractors at the department stores are knocked down versions and aren't as strong of tractors. If you go to a dealer you get the "heavier duty" version and will last much longer. I have had very good experiences with a Toro though. Somewhere around 25? years old and it's still running strong. Heard good things about Cub Cadet in the past, but nothing lately.

 

[jenkinsph]

I suggest you check out a new Deere x310 mower with the better K58H transmission. With only 1/2 acre to mow this would be a good fit and should last you a long time.

 

[SiteCR2]

Great feedback and much appreciated. the old tractor goes to the mower doc tomorrow. if we can make it work one more year and not cost much will go that route and put $$ into savings and get one that will allow us to mow and keep up the yard. (why pay someone over $100/month??) plus i'm in the process of slowing taking back the back bit and increasing my yard w/ more citrus trees and other assorted fruit.
i also will need one to help w/ the landscaping as i start to move the dirt around etc. the craftsman won't handle that job well.
cheers