"Lawn Tractors" and Carts

[timb]

\"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

Change of pace question from my usual CUT research. While I'm counting down the months until I'm at my property full time (< 1 year) and buying a "real" tractor - this year's lawn work looms.

I've also come to the realization that I don't now have and may never bother to put in enough good lawn to justify a six-foot (or even 5-foot) finish deck for the bigger CUT. So - I'm looking at putting that money into getting something more along the lines of a "lawn tractor" size (JD LT160-LX277 range) - for finish mowing. Since I will be getting a much larger CUT eventually I don't have any real need for much in the way of typical "garden tractor" implements for this mower. However, one thing that would be nice would be a small cart for the better half to tote around her miscellaneous implements of destuction.

But - it looks like (reading between the lines) the mfgs. really limit the cart size until you break into the garden tractor level. Are the transaxles in these that wimpy? I'm not going to try to pull a 1-ton trailer - but a cart capable of toting say a couple of hundred pounds would be nice. (Pretty much level yard - certainly no significant grades). The only little lawn/garden tractor I've ever had was a "real" (IH) Cub Cadet 128. I think that thing would have driven through these lawn tractors /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anyway - is anyone using their lawn tractor with a little cart? - how big? and how well does it work out?

Thanks
Tim

 

[rlk]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

Tim, I have a JD LX188 with hydrostatic drive that is about 10 years old. I bought a small trailer from Northern that you put together yourself. I think it is about 4' x 4'. You have to add the floor and sides. It was about $150. I used 3/4 inch pressure treated plywood for the floor and sides.

Before I got the BX 2200, I would fill the trailer about 3/4 full with gravel, and the JD would pull it with no problem. I do not have steep hills - probably would strain going up a steep hill. I would not go down a steep hill with the trailer loaded because I don't think the brakes on the JD would allow it.

I had good luck with this arrangement.

Before getting the JD, I had a rear engine Snapper. It would also pull the trailer loaded with firewood.

Based on my experience with these two riding lawn mowers, I don't think you will have a problem pulling a small, lightly loaded trailer.

 

[rancar]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

<font color="blue">"...Anyway - is anyone using their lawn tractor with a little cart? - how big? and how well does it work out?" </font>

Tim...

I have a John Deere Utility Cart#15 (meaning box capacity is 15 cu.ft.) for my JD425(20HP) lawn tractor. I find this cart real handy to do chores just as you describe. Load capacity is 1,500 lbs...and I have filled the cart with about that much weight carrying gravel and dirt. I've had no problems with the axle but if the tires are under inflated, it is VERY noticeable. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I just make sure I pump air to maximum inflation limits and I'm good to go carrying these heavy loads. You could get smaller carts from JD as well. #10 has a load capacity of 1,000lbs. #7 has a load capacity of 700lbs.

...Bob

 

[timb]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

Bob,

Thanks for the cart info.

What was worrying me about toting a load - JD doesn't even list any carts for their lawn tractors until you get up to the "LX" series and the ONLY cart listed there these days is the 7 cu. ft. model. I haven't found anywhere listing the trailer capacity for the lawn tractors and I hadn't been able to find any specs on the 7 cu. ft. cart. Not sure I like that particular cart (probably build my own like rlk) but 700 lbs is more than enough capacity for what I have in mind.

This is a question I should have asked the dealer but I didn't think of it while we were there.

Since I will be getting a bigger CUT I don't need the hydraulics, rear PTO, et al that you start getting into (and paying $$$ for) in the "lawn-and-garden" or "garden" level tractors - but I would like the heavier-duty all-around build if I could get it without the bells and whistles.

Sounds like the LX277 (with 17 hp Kawasaki twin) will work out in that role ok.

Tim

 

[Schultz]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

I have an Ingersol 18hp 448 and the Ingersoll 1000lb cart with sides and I also use my 5'x8' trailer behind the tractor. I think any of the garden tractors can pull the carts without axle problems. You&#8217;re more likely limited by traction.
I put a ball hitch on the cart and the tractor so I can hitch to the cart or the trailer with ease. Each spring I load the trailer with about 2500 lbs of compost from the neighbors horses. My only limitation is traction and breaking power. I put it low range while driving down my driveway to keep it under control and then I drive as fast as I can into the garden because the trailer tires usually sink within the first 15-20 feet causing the tractor tires to spin. Then I throw off as much as it takes to move to another spot in the garden.

 

[rancar]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

Tim...

<font color="blue">"...I haven't found anywhere listing the trailer capacity for the lawn tractors and I hadn't been able to find any specs on the 7 cu. ft. cart..."</font>

Following is from the latest edition (page121) of JD's Grounds Care Equipment Purchasing Guide. Your JD dealer should have a copy. It lists all the specs of JD's line of garden and compact tractors and many attachments.

Cart #7

Box Capacity
Struck.....7 cu.ft.
Heaped....8.5cu.ft.
Load....700lbs

Box Dimensions
Width....30.25in.
Length....34in.
Depth....12in.

Box Construction....Bolted
Steel Gauge....18

Tailgate....Hinged/Removable

Tires....Pneumatic, 2PR

Tire Size....14.00x4-6

Wheel Bearings....Iron/Oilite with grease fittings

Axle Diameter.... 3/4in.

Hitch....Tethered Chain

Maximum tongue weight....70lbs.

Dump Angle....30 deg.

Ground Angle.... 5 3/4in.

Net Weight....73lbs.

The price should be around $300+/-. I've seen similar generic carts being sold by Walmarts and Home Depots that look like they are made just as well for somewhat less in price if cost is a major consideration.

....Bob

 

[JIMCT]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

I went to a parade last summer where several of the floats were pulled by 300 & 400 series John Deeres. These were large fancy floats and the tractors were covered by huge decorative "boxes". You had to be very close to see the little tractor underneath. I guess towing capacity is limited mostly by downhill/braking/safety issues.

 

[timb]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

Bob,

What was most "telling" to me was using "reverse psychology" with the #7 cart to find out what the "blessed" towing capacity of the LX277 was. That's the number I really wanted to find - but it's a number missing from even the on-line operator's manual. The Dutch and UK JD sites (if you dig really far) show the #10 and #15 carts (up to a full load of 680 kg) are fine - but that isn't in the U.S. attachment list.

Since I doubt the LX277 uses a different tranny on the other side of the pond - it gives me some comfort that I won't trash the hydro pulling a decent lawn cart. I figure if I'm not using tire chains - and a 4 wheel (neutral tongue weight) cart - and still not slipping the tires on grass then I can't be doing too much harm.

I will definitely follow-up with the dealer to see if he has actual documentation as to max. towing capacity.

(When we were still looking at the low-end "L" series - we had been talking about the 4710 I'll be looking for next year. My wife asked if the dealer would throw in the L if we bought the big tractor. The dealer smiled and said, "sure, if we buy the 4710" (and he dropped his voice slightly) "at list" he'd "throw in the 'L'".)

Everyone's a comedian. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[chrisjbell]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

I wouldn't worry about the "blessed" specs too much. I have a JD LX255 and I haul a 17 yard cart that I picked up at Home Depot for about $150. I fill that thing with just about anything - I use it all the time to haul firewood up a pretty steep driveway. It is also really nice for giving the kids a ride in. But I'm sure I load the thing up more than it is rated for and there haven't been any bad effects in over three years. It is actually one of our favorites for hauling stuff around - we use the JD to pull it instead of the Kubota because it is easier to maneuver.

 

[rancar]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

Tim...

<font color="blue">That's the number I really wanted to find - but it's a number missing from even the on-line operator's manual...that isn't in the U.S. attachment list...When we were still looking at the low-end "L" series - we had been talking about the 4710 I'll be looking for next year. My wife asked if the dealer would throw in the L if we bought the big tractor. The dealer smiled and said, "sure, if we buy the 4710" (and he dropped his voice slightly) "at list" he'd "throw in the 'L'".)
</font>

I recall we've discussed some of the faulty information located on the JD website and in the printed material in other TBN threads. Certainly, it's a disappointment when one can't find this information on what is regarded to be a very good website (and IMO it is relative to other websites I've seen) or when the information is misleading or incorrect as we talked sometime back on engine torque. All I can say is, grill that dealer a bit and get him to dig up the specs....if anyone should have it, it should be him.

Now for that 4710 and throw in the lawn tractor for free deal. The dealer may have been facetious when he said this or maybe not. It certainly isn't worth it if you bought the 4710 at list price. But, tractor sales have been down last couple of years and the burden remains on the dealer to sell product. So....these creative combo deals may not sound so bad if you could talk the dealer down to a reasonable sales price on the 4710.

How about this one for you to consider. Go shopping for the 4710 now....try to talk a desperate dealer who needs to make a sale into selling you a 4710 at 15-20% off MSRP and get him to throw the #7 cart in for free. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

...Bob