Toughest Lawn Tractor out there?

Fordlords · Mar 16, 2007

AYP is now Husqvarna home products LOL! Husky, Craftsman, and Poulan Pro. Like MTD, they have higher end machines in the Husqvarna lineup with Kawasaki power that compete with the mid-range Cub Cadets and JD X300/500 line. -Fordlords-

_RaT_ · Mar 16, 2007

jeffinsgf said:
I will also add that Bob's comment is on target -- kinda. BTW, I believe you'll find that Ventrac will be a little higher than Steiner, not lower. But, from what I have seen, they are also built better.

The 4WD articulated garden tractor is one of those beasts that is neither fish nor fowl. Like jcm said, its sized and powered like a garden tractor, but its priced like a CUT, so why not get a CUT? Well, I can think of several reasons, most of which would involve steep slopes and working around lots of beds and/or trees. As for comfort, I have only test driven one for a few minutes, so I am no judge on that, but I sure did like their maneuverability.

It seems like a huge leap to go from a Sears LT to a Ventrac, but RaT did ask for the toughest lawn tractor out there, and Ventrac and Steiner most likely belong on that short list, along with the biggest little Deere's, the top of the line Cub's and the top of the line Simplicity's.

Thanks for the comments. I am indeed looking for the toughest and can go through a process of elimination. Thats easy and fast with the internet. While I know what I would do personally, I have some guidelines as a board member to consider who will use it and fiduciary responsibilities. For really tough stuff, we use our CAT 236B with a hydraulic brush mower. I am trying to stay with the lawn tractor style. We do have some residents that volunteer time to mow what essentially is a baseball field and playground. The 54" Craftsmen can do it in a couple hours. Its just a bit rough for a ZTR, besides, we do some mowing of weeds along our trails as well and I think it would be a little rough on a ZTR. My old Kubota L3830 with a 84" finish mower worked superb, but that has been sold as of 3 weeks ago. We have some equipment we are selling that will help with the cost.

Egon · Mar 16, 2007

Look for a low hours Kubota B7100 HST with a 60 in. MMM. It should serve your purpose well.

GreenQuality · Mar 18, 2007

I would say with any ??? Ingersoll they make an old school tractor i belive it's a 3000 or 4000 series, not sure but hands down the best I've have seen. tryen to get one for my self!

bontai_Joe · Mar 19, 2007

Ok, so we now know that there is some rough mowing involved and a baseball field was mentioned. I'd like to know the total acreage involved, and will this machine be used for any other task than cutting grass.

diyDave · Mar 19, 2007

The toughest lawn tractor type mower I have run was the old Gravely 816 with a 50 inch deck. We ran one for 25+ years, tore down the onan 16 hp motor to see what it looked like, and there was no wear! finally sold it to get something bigger, but man was that one tough tractor!

slowrev · Mar 20, 2007

diyDave said:
The toughest lawn tractor type mower I have run was the old Gravely 816 with a 50 inch deck. We ran one for 25+ years, tore down the onan 16 hp motor to see what it looked like, and there was no wear! finally sold it to get something bigger, but man was that one tough tractor!

Yeah I have a 73 Gravely 812. Tough, and will go anywhere, but my elcheapo yardman is does a better lawn mowing job, more comfortable to use ( no center hump) and is faster mowing than the gravely.
I use the Gravely on small brush and briars, if it can run over it it will chop it up.

Toughest is not always best for all jobs.

Ben

Diesel-ME · Mar 20, 2007

RaT, getting back to your original question - re: "Lawn Tractors".... I'd say that most of them are equally disposable. It the budgets permits try to stay with a "Garden tractor". The frames and components are usually much heavier. Of course going with a Cub or JD, etc is going to run some long $$s, but they will last way longer and suffer fewer breakdowns.

I've had a Cub Cadet 1862 for 13 years, mowing several rough acres - previously fields. I've only had to replace normal wear items; one electric clutch, blades of course, tires, filters.

But just keep in mind that you are not going to find this class of machine at a big box store. They only carry the disposable lawn tractors (at least in my neck of the woods).

Similarly, don't be fooled by the fact that some lawn tractors have Kohler engines and LOTS of horsepower. The same machine might still have a crappy frame and crappy mower deck.

Your mileage may vary

~paul