Buying Advice Garden Tractor Advice

[wihakowiSteve]

Yeahh, I know this is way off-topic but I really respect you folk's good advice and judgment, so I'll post it! I need to to get a small "garden" tractor simply to finish mow with. My TC-35 is really too big to use on the lawns and manuever around and my venerable old JD 317 has just about had it and I'd like to sell it while it is still alive.

I have a total of about 3 acres to mow and there are lots of paths and smallish areas that pretty much necessitate a smaller tractor. The 317 was really about perfect for what I have to mow -- 16 to 20 HP, HD belly mower, hydro, "bigger" wheels.

Here's the question - I have looked at new replacements to the JD and really can't afford them. I have looked at used tractors that might fit the bill but they all seem pretty beat or still out of my budget. I have looked, but not too closely, at new tractors that I would refer to as homeowner quality -- Sabres at Home Depot, Sears tractors -- and they are more in my budget but I don't really know about their quality or longevity. I'm in a quandry as to which way to go!!

What do you folks use for day-to-day lawn and finish mowing? Are there any of the $2000 - $3000 new tractors that are quality-wise any better or hold up to pretty heavy use better than others? Any used tractors in that range that could be recomended?

Any input appreciated. Thanks. Steve

 

[s1120]

I'm thinking with the budjet you have, you would be better off fixing up that old 317. They were one of the best garden tractors ever made by JD.[OK, the 17hp kohler motor was a little suspect, but by this time you eather got a good one, or its been replaced] Restore it up, and enjoy meny more years of service.

 

[BigDave]

IMHO, I haven't seen much of anything that is any good below 3K. Consumer Reports did a riding mower test a few years ago. They commented that a riding lawn mower was the most unreliable piece household equipment a person can buy. Used Deere's command top dollar, so I would recomend looking for a Kubota diesel garden tractor. They sell for about 7-8K new, so you should be able to find one for 3K. Also, an older small CUT might fit your budget and still provide better reliability than a new machine built to lower standards.

 

[nicklan]

wihakowiSteve,
I keep my JD 216 - not because I use it. But because it is worth more to me than I could ever replace for the money. Still runs great, just a little too small.
Nick

 

[MikeBurr]

Take a look at the NH site, they have some mowers. Don't know about the price, but they look like they could take care of a lot of lawn. I think the orange also had some mowers.

 

[Hoeman00]

I just got out chain saw and backhoe and made room.
I like to mow w/ my 35D!
I get strange looks weaving through pine trees w/
SS because it turns ALOT sharper than the
JD 110.

 

[bpence]

Depending on what the JD needs to get it into tip-top shape, I'd at least think about rebuilding or upgrading it and let it be your little workhorse. I have a JD 316, bought new in 1986. It has well over 2000 hours, and like your 317 it's used mostly to mow in areas where my Kubota can't get in to. Personally, I don't mind a few dollars now and again going into the JD. It's still a workhorse, it just doesn't have to work as hard or as much any more. I just had to put a new ignition switch in, but that's not a big deal. I'd easily invest $500 into the JD 316 and not bat an eye. Can't replace it for anything close to what I'd want to spend, and I don't suppose it would bring much if I tried to sell or trade it. Heck, it might even get a new paint job this fall/winter.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

Recently visited my local JD dealer and I always like to look at what used stuff they have. They had a '99 325 for $3000. and it was in excellent condition. If you decide to buy there are some in that price range, They also had a couple of Cubs in that price range. (Southeastern PA)

 

[Hightech]

My co-workers and I had this very conversation earlier this week. Some ideas from a couple of idiots I work with actually made since. And I quote,"Go to WalMart and buy one of those $800 Murrays, run the crap out it for 5 or 6 years, and then buy another one when it's dead." I think I may do just that next spring because my wife refuses to let me mow "her" lawn and she drives "her" mower like it's a New York City Cab.

 

[Green_in_MI]

No way are you going to spend $2-3k for a new tractor that is any way near the beast your 317 is. You will have to spend at least 2-3 times that. I suggest that you spend ~ $1k for a new engine and maybe another $1k to refurbish what else may need it and you will have a great machine to drive for another 20 years.