Which LT/GT to buy...

fouracres · Jul 27, 2004

First post, but a long one.

I've been struggling with trying to decide just what to buy to replace our gracefully aging Sabre 16/46 mower. Our yard is 50/50 improved/unimproved four mowed acres surrounding a 1/2 acre pond (might be bigger).

My wife has expressed an interest in mowing when I am away from home so she has been looking at tractors with me. We first looked at Simplicity and John Deere 717A ZTR mowers, the ride was too rough for her. Option gone, but looked like fun to me.

Next was John Deere models with power steering. Have you ever stood there and watched the salesman get your wife on an X485 SE, seen the look in her eyes as she drives an X585 diesel 4WD around the lot? I think that I have talked her out of those... Power steering will work well mowing around the pond and it is the way we will go.

First problem is finding options. We buy new and locally. This leaves us with John Deere, Simplicity, Husqvarna and Cub Cadet. This tractor will be for mowing and pulling a cart. Might consider a snow thrower/blower in the future.

All I have driven so far is the GX255 with a 54" deck and it has all of the features that we want. Husqvarna only advertises "easy steering" on their LT/GTs. A stop at the Simplicity/Wheel Horse store will be soon.

Anybody out there own or know about tractors with power steering other than John Deere?

Thanks,
Bill

om21braz · Jul 28, 2004

The Kubota TG series (you can go gas or diesel) has power steering via an electric servo. It's in about the same class as the Deere GX255. The Cub's and Simplicity's are pretty nice units too. Check them all out and see which you prefer.

MessickFarmEqu · Jul 28, 2004

You can find all kinds of used Garden tractors because of the sub compact craze. Used diesels with under 400 hours, power steering and a nice size deck are pretty common at $3000 or so.

Ledgemere Farm · Jul 28, 2004

the Cub 3000 series has power sterring. Bring your wallet with you ...

fouracres · Jul 28, 2004

Sorry IHCrules, I mentioned that Cub Cadets were always a good tractor but my wife said that she is not riding around on something that looks like an egg. Her mother must have been scared by a chicken when she was carrying my wife!

frank_f15 · Jul 28, 2004

I KNOW SOME WILL TURN UP THEIR NOSE, BUT! check out the sears GTS they have a good sale on now, and u can get a verynice one, with auto trans(not hydo) for under $3000. i have had one for 13 years and have nothing but good to say about it.

Cecil · Jul 29, 2004

I'd second MessickFarm with looking at the used market. If you're looking for something the size of a GT, look for a JD 318 (or better yet it's 322 or 332 brothers, same frame different engines). There is a recent thread about the 318 here.

The 318 has an air cooled Onan engine, 2 cylinder, the 322 and 332 s both have liquid cooled Yanmar engines, the 322 gas and the 332 diesel.

If I could find a 332 with 400 hours for $3K, I'd be all over it.

yellowsocks93 · Jul 29, 2004

All of the 300 series I have seen at all dealers even mine need engine rebuilds. Including the 318 I just bought. Also the norm for hours seems to be 1,000 or over. It's hard to find a really mint one these days.

Cecil · Jul 29, 2004

Yep, 1000 hours on a 318 is getting close to a rebuild, 1000 hours on a 332 (liquid cooled diesel) is a whole different story. That's exactly why I'd be all over a 332 with 400 hours at $3000.