Buying Question

[rshmn]

Hi,

Background
In the market for a 1-series type tractor on my property. Need to have a FEL, Mower, Blade, Snow Blower.

Property isn't the most level with slopes, tight access around trees and such- around 1/3-1/2 acre of grass to mow.
Driveway is 261 ft long (12ft wide), with a 4 car garage at the top, with asphalt as wide as the garage. Mature trees line both sides of driveway.

My question boils down to this, is it best to go all in on a 1023e/1025r, or is it better to split up the duties with a smaller lawn tractor like an x370?
Keep the x370 setup with a the mower most of the year, for winter, put a blade on it to move smaller amounts of snow. Use the 1-series with the FEL or snowblower for heavier snows/pushing piles back away from the driveway, etc.

Thoughts?

Looking to spend around $20,000 in either scenario.

Thanks!

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To the TBN forum rshmn. Glad you joined with us here.

I kept my Pro Yard Tractor, 24hp, with better mobility in tight areas for mowing, pulling a dump trailer, spraying, etc. and went with a little bigger tractor for everything else.

I am sure glad that I went that way as I have a lot more capability with the real tractor for the bigger jobs like bush hogging, using the FEL, running many different implements, like a 5' Box Blade, 5' Rotary Cutter, 5' Tiller, and 12" Post Hole Digger, etc..

 

[MF283]

Yep, mower for the yard, tractor for the other work.

 

[RyeThomas]

That's a tough one, with the ability to remover the FEL in no time, the new drive over decks with the auto pto connect, a quick hitch, the ability to multi task with a 1series has never been better. I would see if you could demo one. If it can make the turns and fit around the tight spots on your property one machine may work for you. I use my 2305 for everything, don't miss my zero turn one bit.

I will admit part of that is because I don't have the cash for two machines nor the room to keep them both garaged. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Depending on your "slopes" you may have wheel spin problems with a 2-wheel drive mower. Depending on your snowfall (wet / dry / how much at a time) I doubt you would be happy with a blade on the x370. The other problem with blades is you need room to push the snow.
Probably would not be happy in the long run with a blade, unless you have power angle.
I'd be tempted to see if the 1-series would work alone with drive over deck and auto-connect if available, FEL / Bucket / Forks. Forget the blade - use the bucket + Rear Blower for snow. Front blowers are more expensive and without a cab, snow will blow in your face eventually whether front or rear mount. It is very handy to have a front bucket and rear blower available at the same time without having to mount / remount. Depending on "slopes" consider either Turf tires or HDAP if available.

 

[Zebrafive]

I would not try and use a L&G tractor for the long of a driveway for snow removal. If only one tractor, go bigger than a L&G tractor.
I would prefer two, an L&G for mowing and bigger than a SCUT for tractor work.
One or both may have to bought used to stay in budget.

 

[rshmn]

Thanks for the input everyone! Still leaning towards the two tractor approach - even if I just use the smaller one for mowing and use the larger one for snowfall/treework/property maintenance, etc around the place. I'll let you know what I decide!!

 

[2ndhalf]

I agree with others suggesting two though I would go buy used Garden tractor frame mower if you planning to push any snow with it. x370 seems over priced and will cut into your $20k too much so you will have to compromise on your tractor. I'm thinking sub $2k mower and $18k tractor since you have such little grass to mow.\

Get your mower bought now and you can litteraly get killer deals since it is not mowing season. You can probably get a $3000 mower for $2k used. Do not pay them what they have it marked on the lot.