Toro GT 417

[Joe1]

I just bought a new 2004 Toro GT 417 (2005 Model designated as a GT 420) with Hydrostatic Drive and a 17 HP Kawasaki 585 cc twin and a 48" mulching deck.

With less than 6 hours, so far it's a nice solid (852 lbs with the deck) mower.

Has anyone had any experience with this tractor, and if so, anything I need to look out for as particular wear items?

Has anyone used this with ground enganging implements? Which ones and how successful? I'm particularly interested in a roto tiller.

Thanks

 

[DmansPadge]

I've looked at the NH version (built by Toro) and they seem to be well built machines. Although, I don't have any experience with them. What did that baby cost?

 

[arthurb]

Joe1,

I own a Toro 520XI garden tractor. I use to own a Toro 314-8 garden tractor. While shopping/looking at the XI series I asked my Toro dealer about the 400GT series. My dealer told me that the 400GT series is just a heavy duty lawn tractor. He said that it would handle a rear tiller, front blade, single and twin stage snow blowers, lawn vac and other various tow behind attachments.

The now 400GT series use to be the 200 series lawn tractors from 5-6 years ago. I can't recall what upgrades were made before Toro changed the 200 series to the 400GT's. My dealer said that he never had any problems with the 400GT's from customers who had them. He would only recommend the 300 Classic and XI series garden tractors for ground engaging attachments.

I wanted to use a sleeve/clevis hitch for a garden plow. The frames, front and rear axles are a lot heavier made on the 300 Classic and XI Tractors then the 400GT's. I chose the XI series instead. Look at Toro's web site. It list the various attachments that you can use with 400GT series.

arthurb,

 

[rexman]

i have the toro gt430.its in its third season of snow removal and other duties.it has the electric lift which is great to use.beats lifting by hand.last year we had the third most snow fall ever and the tractor kicked butt.i am using the 48 inch dozer blade to plow the snow.the key is to plow the snow back so it doesnt build up.i am happy with it.

 

[Joe1]

Thanks for the responses. I've got a JD 770 for heavier work, but I might use the 417LX for a roto tiller for a small garden. I feel the Toro will hold up for a long time since I am pretty serious about routine maintenance and I don't intend to over work it.