Looking at buying John Deere GT275, small issues

[jkjeeper06]

Hi all, I am in the market for a used garden tractor project. I don't have a large lawn, and by no means need a tractor, but I would like to use the tractor for it's attachments and generally enjoy a good project. I found a GT275 for sale for $200 that I am interested in. It runs/drives/stops just fine, but when the PTO is engaged, the blades spin for a few seconds and then the blades shut off. The fact that the clutch is engaging leads me to believe it is an electrical problem, but I know these tractors have expensive PTOs and carburetors. Do you think it is worth pursuing a tractor like this? Have you seen these types of issues before? I'd like to put a snowblower on it in the winters and lend it to my father to clear out his driveway at his cabin

The next question: This tractor is heavy (690lbs and a 170lbs rider) and my lawn is 1/4 acre. It is very overkill, but will the weight damage the lawn? My truck (6000lbs) leaves marks on the lawn when I infrequently bring it into the back yard. I'd hate to compact my lawn and damage my grass

 

[stevem5215]

Looks like the clutch is available from Amazon for $89. A bit more for another one will get you a 1 yr warranty on it. But, it's possible that the battery is weak on it too. Those electric PTO clutches take a lot of juice to start and the alternator on the older engines wasn't the strongest. I would suggest a new battery and good cleaning of the wires and connections to the rest of the electrical distribution and then see if the clutch still acts up.

Steve

 

[jkjeeper06]

Hmm, that is far cheaper than I found! Thank you! Is this a tractor that is worth resurrecting or keep looking? It is below my max budget, but the fact that it was a project caught my eye. As I said before, my lawn is pretty small, but I'd like something that is more than adequate for mowing as well as be able to move my utility trailer and empty boat trailer around without driving my jeep into the back yard

 

[deezler]

Its a good solid model of garden tractor, definitely worth repairing, IMO. I got mine for $500 and thought it was a pretty good deal. The hood is all busted up, obviously. But mine came with extra rear wheel weights and still doesn't rut up my yard at all (though I do have well draining soil). The big wide rear tires help distribute the weight. Mine just has the 44" mulching deck, so its really not much bigger of a machine than most riding mowers. Just way sturdier. I like the 7mph top speed, too.

 

[jkjeeper06]

Last question: would a 38 or 42" mower be overkill on my 1/4 acre? Like I said before, I am really interested in the attachments I can use with this: aerator, trailer, maybe a snowblower. I have owned a lawn tractor before, but never used them on lawns as small as mine. I'm sure a rear engine snapper-type would be awesome for my small lawn, however all I could do with it is mow the lawn. When it comes time to pull my empty boat trailer or utility trailer out from the back yard, it would be of no help

 

[Stubee]

I don’t think it’s overkill. I have a LX176 that I’ve seriously abused and an X300. They are used on yards not much bigger than 1/4 acre. I own them for the key feature to me: bagging huge amounts of leaves. The old LX was also used to haul a 4X8 trailer overflowing with wood, an ATV trailer full of gravel, lots of hard work and it’s still running.

I’d not worry about the yard as I don’t notice any impressions on well or poorly-drained soil.