Best Garden Tractor

[cyleclayton]

I'm going nuts trying to figure out what Garden Tractor to buy. I don't have more than an acre of grass, but it's all on a hill. I've decided against a ZTR because I want to be able to pull attachments like a small disc, tiller, cart, etc. Have looked at the JD X500 series because of differential lock, but closest dealer is 30 miles away. Kubota is too expensive. Closest Simplicity dealer is 75 miles. In a bind.

 

[s219]

I'm going nuts trying to figure out what Garden Tractor to buy. I don't have more than an acre of grass, but it's all on a hill. I've decided against a ZTR because I want to be able to pull attachments like a small disc, tiller, cart, etc. Have looked at the JD X500 series because of differential lock, but closest dealer is 30 miles away. Kubota is too expensive. Closest Simplicity dealer is 75 miles. In a bind.

I'd have a hard time believing Kubota is more expensive than Deere. Make sure you get an actual street price from a dealer.

Cub makes a pretty decent garden tractor -- any nearby?

 

[cyleclayton]

Kubota GR 2020 lists at $8,362 - 20 HP with glide steer awd
JD X530 lists at $6,599

 

[dbear]

Other than the ones you already mentioned, the only other true GT that comes to my mind is Ingersoll. Not sure how the hydraulic drive would do on slopes versus diff lock.
INGERSOLL

 

[bjr]

I've heard that with the Garden Tractor attachments getting them on or off is a real pain. Check out the attaching methods and how much effort that is required for the changes of implements. bjr

 

[ferragame]

I have just over an acre as well. Entire yard is sloped. Some parts are rather steep. My neighbor blew three cheap big bix store tractors (engines, transfer, etc) on his yard in four years due to the slope. I bought a John Deere x530 last year and couldn't be happier. Its extremely well planted. Never feels like it wants to tip. Before i bought the deere, i borrowed my neighbor's tractor and it always felt unstable. It was constantly trying to roll and would tend to lift the rear wheel off the ground. The JD has no problems with the hills and feels bulletproof. I use it a lot (75 hrs the 1st year) and do a lot of work around the yard with it. I have the pull behind sprayer an mounted spreader as well as a cart. I went with the 530 over the 500 because it has a replaceable transmission filter and larger spindles. I had to get the 48in deck so it would fit into my shed. Got it for almost $1000 off list by competing two dealers against each other. Didn't think I'd need the power steering but now that I have it I love it. My neighbors love it too since I cut the part of their lawn their tractor can't climb. My 530 has no problems - don't even have to use the different lock usually. They have a cheap big box store mower and it definitely shows.

 

[cartod]

If you can get a Kubota with all the same stuff on it as the Deere for 2k less, well then you answered your question. I have never compared the two and had the Deere come out cheaper though.