The search narrows

cmkh3 · Jan 2, 2005

OK so I have looked into several tractors and for my current needs as well as those in the future have found that the older JD 318 seems like a pretty well rounded machine. I prefer new to used for reasons like warranty, service, parts etc so there seems to be a consensous that the lowest current JD of equal is the
John Deere GX 335
List price: $7,639.00* (U.S.) with 48C deck
and the
Toro 520xi, 522xi
Manufacturer's Suggested List Price: $6009 - $8899* USD
and the
Simplicity Prestige 20hp
Suggested price range: $5,499 - $6,199*
and the
Cub Cadet 3204
$4799 * Price indicated is MSRP. Prices may vary by location.
Price does not include optional mowing deck.

Now I am looking to refine this further, so what say you to support your favorite tractor on this list? Or perhaps you choice is missing, if so what is it and why do you feel it should it be listed?

Chris

beenthere · Jan 2, 2005

What do you want to do with it? If dual hydraulics (which I believe the 318 has) is of interest, then maybe the Deere X series is what you want. I understand that is one of the main reasons the 318 has survived as the 'classic'. Dual hydraulics isn't everything, but if you want the flexibility of two hyd. rams and the attachments that go with them, seems to narrow down the choice. The X series is likely comparable in price to the 318 (taking into account the inflation of average hourly wages in those years).

I am biased, I will admit, but I don't see anything on that list that will match the Deere. But this is not my decision to make, and it is yours to live and be happy with after you buy. I wish you good luck in making the choice. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

DmansPadge · Jan 2, 2005

Like beenthere said.. it depends on what you really need and want to do with it. If I was choosing to buy off of your list.. I'd go with the Cub. For the price I don't think you'll beat it. I like the Toro's as well... but if I was going to buy one... I'd buy the New Holland version just because it says "New Holland" on the side and is a little better looking IMO! Toro makes the NH's and they are basically identical.

cmkh3 · Jan 5, 2005

Couple of questions based on these responces.
First does the Cub 3000 have the 4 hydraulic ports on the front, or can they be added?
The JD "X" series is bigger physically than I can justify. Otherwise they are very nice, albeit expensive, at least for me.
Kubota dealer didn't have any of the "G" series so looked at a 1500, nice.
I still like the options on the JD 318 but with these units being 15-20 years old you just gotta plan to spend those nickels and dimes. Actually major greenbacks /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I like the idea of a 4 wheel drive deisel subCUT but unless you just won the lottery (so you can buy a bigger place to justify a bigger tractor) you gotta stop somewhere, perhaps at the rental yard. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
I like the Toro 522xi (red over blue, sorry /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ) Is it true that Toro parts and service are not that easy to get?

Scrounger · Jan 16, 2005

Chris

I started with a list liek that too. I ruled out the Toro and the NH GT series since they were basically the same tractor and too costly for what they offered. I'm looking at a Deere GX also, but the 345 ad the only tractor that catches my eye is the new Kubota GR2100.

THe GX345 and GR2100 are the two I will chose from shortly. I'm not sold on all the belt drive stuff on the Deere and the Kubota does have all wheel drive so chains should be needed int he winter. That mean no damge to my drive.

Everyone says the Deere will run forever with the belts, but they look like alot more maintinance than the shafts on the Kubota.

Have you bought anything yet.

Scrounger · Jan 16, 2005

Our NH dealer picked up Toro since she said they can get Toro parts easier than NH parts for some reason. SHe also noted that she sells 5 to 1 NH over Toro. Side by side, they look alike, but have just enough differences to make you think the NH is better. Very odd.

cmkh3 · Jan 16, 2005

Scrounger,

I have not purchased yet. I was interested in the Ingersoll 3k-4k machines but cannot locate any dealers close enough to make them a viable option. The three makes and dealers that I like are John Deere, Cub Cadet and Kubota. I would note that as posted many times on this and other forums the dealers and how you and others feel about them can be an equalizer between brands and features versus price.

Chris

cmkh3 · Jan 16, 2005

Matthew,

The Kubota GR 2100 sounds like it would do everything I need very well indeed. Wish I could find a write up on it. Now if I can only find a local dealer who has one it may be a viable option to the BX1500 as I really didn't want to go that direction.

Chris

Scrounger · Jan 17, 2005

THat's half tyhe problem, no dealer will have one until lat Feb or early March. I only have an acre and a half, but I dont want to buy another tractor for 15 or 20 yrs. I'm thinking I might go bigger than smaller and look at the bx23 or the smaller bx15. FOr the cost it will last a lifetime for me.

cmkh3 · Jan 19, 2005

Talked to a sales guy at a local dealership and he said that the GR2100 is a dedicated mowing machine. The 4 wheel drive disconnects the inside rear wheel when you turn and the disconnect is via a cable so you have two cables running from the steering to the rear axle. Also there is no rear PTO nor front PTO. So based on price the BX1500 gets you into the "lasts a life time" and lets you do more for not much more $.

Don't know if this is correct but this is what I was told.

Chris