Comparison Case/Ingersoll or Deere?

[aczlan]

I have the following tractors available locally:
Case 4018 (w/48" single stage snowblower and 48" deck)- $1750 from a local Kubota/Cub Cadet dealer that I have a good relationship with
Case 4016 (w/48" single stage snowblower and 48" deck) - $1350 from CL
Deere 425 (w/47" 2 stage snowblower, 54" deck, PS and a cab) - $3900
Deere 345 (w/47" single stage snowblower, 54" deck and a cab) - $3700
Deere GX255 (w/47" single stage snowblower, 48" deck and a cab) - $4000

All have hydro transmissions and all (other then the 345 which doesn't say) have hydro deck lift.

This is for a commercial property which I am looking to upgrade from a 2005 Cub Cadet LT1050 with its SLOOOOOOOW forward speed and clog prone deck. This will probably also replace a 11/28 snowblower for clearing the sidewalks. The plan is to also be able to clear parts of the parking lot if we get a little snow (but not enough to call the plow guy).

Any suggestions?

Aaron Z

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Any perks like warranty or 5 day trial run?:thumbsup:

 

[aczlan]

Any perks like warranty or 5 day trial run?:thumbsup:

I should be able to get a couple of day demo on the Case from the Kubtoa dealer... The others are all on CL and I dont think it would be possible.

Aaron Z

 

[oldballs]

These are obviously used. I'd consider the one with the best local service for parts and repairs. JD is probably easier to get local service etc. IMO

 

[aczlan]

These are obviously used. I'd consider the one with the best local service for parts and repairs. JD is probably easier to get local service etc. IMO

That is my thought. I would probably have any major service (bigger than changing the oil or a belt) done at the Kubota dealership as they are close and while expensive, they do good work.

Aaron Z

 

[jenkinsph]

I think I would look into the 425 on your list for $3900. Really though I would have to compare all of them to see which ones were in the best condition for the money.


The 425 is a well thought of unit and does have a two stage blower.

 

[oldtractors]

Parts will be a lot harder to get and more expensive with the Case. I know - I have 5 of them. However, if well maintained, you won't need many parts. I would put that single stage Case 48" thrower against anything out there. They will move lots of snow. They also do a great job mowing.

However, a cab would be really nice. If I had the money I would get the 425.

 

[KBEAT]

I have both a Cub LT1050 and the Ingersoll 4016 (with the 48" mower and blower) I use the Cub to trim around the house because it's turning radius is much better than the Ingersoll, but I switch to the Ingersoll to do the open areas as it's comfort and cut are much better. As mentioned earlier, the Ingersoll's are tanks, but their close quarters handling are not as good as some others out there. All depends on the area you are looking at using it in.

 

[CBW1999]

I had a 4018 years ago and loved it. I had purchased it for home use- mowing about 1.5 acres at the time. I had the hydravac for the mower and it did superb! Also had the front blower (belt driven) and had no complaints.

Paid just over 10k for everything new- I think that was 1996 or 97. depending on the age and condition I think the price you listed is reasonable.

 

[aczlan]

I have both a Cub LT1050 and the Ingersoll 4016 (with the 48" mower and blower) I use the Cub to trim around the house because it's turning radius is much better than the Ingersoll, but I switch to the Ingersoll to do the open areas as it's comfort and cut are much better. As mentioned earlier, the Ingersoll's are tanks, but their close quarters handling are not as good as some others out there. All depends on the area you are looking at using it in.

How far will the Ingersoll throw snow? How does the 16 HP engine do pushing the 48" deck and blower when you are in heavy stuff?

Thanks

Aaron Z

 

[KBEAT]

Aaron,

The blower will throw the snow a good 30' or so, more than enough to get away from the driveway. I have been amazed by the 16HP engine in the Ingersoll, my Cub Cadet has a 23HP Kohler and I would put the Ingersoll up against it any day. The Vanguard engine is a great engine and the hydraulic drive does not seem to tax the engine at all, especially with the low range on the transmission if you need it.

 

[coobie]

I have a ingersoll 4020 and love it,20 hp onan engine with power steering and 3 pt.600 plus hours it runs like a top and heavy built.My good friend has a JD 425 that is a excellent machine also.I guess I would be more partial towards the deere if you looking the at 2 stage snowblower.IMHO the 2 stage is better than the ingersoll single stage blower.coobie

 

[aczlan]

Well, I took a look at the 345 the other day. Seemed like a decent machine. 1100 hrs on the clock, but looks like it has 500.
My only issue with it is that the single stage snowblower only throws snow 15-20 feet and it seemed to bog down (and I started smelling the belt) when cutting back a packed snowbank.
Looking at the belt it looked somewhat worn, does anyone have any experience with a Deere 42" single stage snowthrower on a 300 series Deere? Will this work better with a new belt?

Aaron Z

 

[aczlan]

Also another tractor in the mix: 1999 Toro-Wheelhorse 269H with ~350 hours, a 48" 2 stage blower/mower and a soft cab.

Anyone used one of these?

Aaron Z

 

[tsteahr]

Well, I took a look at the 345 the other day. Seemed like a decent machine. 1100 hrs on the clock, but looks like it has 500.
My only issue with it is that the single stage snowblower only throws snow 15-20 feet and it seemed to bog down (and I started smelling the belt) when cutting back a packed snowbank.
Looking at the belt it looked somewhat worn, does anyone have any experience with a Deere 42" single stage snowthrower on a 300 series Deere? Will this work better with a new belt?

Aaron Z

If you were smelling belt I suspect the belt was not tensioned properly and was slipping. That would explain the short throwing distance. There is usually a adjustable belt tensioning mechanism under the tractor as part of the snowblower hitch setup. If the belt tension is set correctly you should be able to bog (and even stall) the engine without slipping the belt. When used correctly, single stage blowers can work very well in all snow conditions. They just need the right feed rate (ground speed) for the particular conditions.

 

[aczlan]

If you were smelling belt I suspect the belt was not tensioned properly and was slipping. That would explain the short throwing distance. There is usually a adjustable belt tensioning mechanism under the tractor as part of the snowblower hitch setup. If the belt tension is set correctly you should be able to bog (and even stall) the engine without slipping the belt. When used correctly, single stage blowers can work very well in all snow conditions. They just need the right feed rate (ground speed) for the particular conditions.

That was my thought, the belt wasnt slipping much, but I could smell just a hint of smoke, so I backed off. I really like Kevlar wrapped belts for snowblowers and that belt looked like it was ready to be replaced (1/16th or 1/8th deep chunks missing from the point of the V), so I may see if I can get them to knock off a little for that.
There is someone in town with another Deere that has the same blower. Perhaps I will see if I can demo it and see how well it throws snow.

Aaron Z

 

[aczlan]

Talked with the manager and it looks like we will be driving an hour or so to a guy who has a couple of newer (2005ish) Deeres with low hours and nice cabs. They only have 48" decks and single stage snowblowers, but they are 2mph faster than the current Cub Cadet.

Aaron Z