Looking at new lawn tractor/garden tractor

[Mojoman]

Hi all, found this site while on the great search for my next new toy /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
There's quite a bit of good info, and I was hoping that I could get some specific to a couple of models I'm looking at.
Unfortunately, I can't spend the kind of money I want to so that I buy 1 tractor and be done with it for 20 yrs, I just can't do it. So......I've got to go on the cheap, but I hope that cheap doesn't mean I can't get 10-15 yrs out of a tractor with proper maintenance. I've got just over an acre of relatively flat ground to mow, just have a culvert in front that is a fairly soft angle (typical 70's acreage development, if ya know what I mean)
have about a 60-70' asphalt drive - want to get a snowthrower attachment and I plan on bagging here and there

So here are my finalists....
JD L111 or L118 ( maybe a L120 if the boss says yes)
thing I'm not sure of on these is the B&S motors, are B&S motors just not that great?
I do like the thicker guage deck on the JD than the comparable cub cadet, I also wonder if the frame is a little more stout as well, but not sure on this...

Cub cadet LT1046
I've heard good things about the kohler motors, and consensus is that they're better than the B&S, is this the case?
The cub has a few more features than the JD at the same price point - is this a model that will last 10 yrs? I liked it when I sat on it, it was comfy.

last - a used cub cadet 1641
now this one is a little more than I originally told myself I'd spend, but I think it could be worth it if's a good tractor
The seller is the original owner he bought it new in 1993-94
hrs - ? maybe around 500 +/-
16 hp twin cyl kohler w/spin on filter
tilt
hydro tranny w/spin on filter (or something like it)
shaft drive (I believe)
hydraulic deck lift (thrower lift too?)
tooless deck attach
comes with snowthrower/chains/weights
asking $2500

so what do yall think? I'd like to get new, but the 1641 sounds like more of a garden tractor, thus I gather more heavy duty, probably more than I need, but it'll be there if I ever do.

thanks in advance,
Benny

 

[KiotiJohn]

I'm afraid I'm not going to be too helpful, but as far as the Briggs Engines go, I've had terribly good luck with them. I have a 14HP Briggs I/C (industrial/commercial) on my rider that's 7 years old and it has never needed a thing. My Mom's 12HP Briggs is 12 Years old, and same story. I can tell you that Mom cut both of her properties an awful lot with her old mower, and the frame suffered more than the engine ever has. Properly maintained, I think the Briggs will serve you well.
Kohler makes good engines as well. I've heard people say that each of these makers are not what they used to be, but I'm not so sure that's altogether the truth.
I always have to wonder about used machines. If it's so good, why is the guy bothering to be rid of it? $2500 is a lot, in my book, for a used tractor and worn snowblower, but then, everything gives me sticker shock! Obviously the seller doesn't think it'll be around a long time, or he'd probably just keep it rather than spend a bunch on a new one.
Sorry I wasn't more help. Someone will be along to give you better advice. Oh, and welcome to the forum.
John

 

[Moon]

I like the used one from the descriptions given. 500 hours isn't bad. Maybe some other TBN'ers owed that model and can comment on it specifically.

Moon of Ohio

 

[Dutch445]

That's a tough question, a 12 yr old tractor vs a new one with warranty, even though the newer ones you mention aren't built like the old Cub.

Have you looked for maybe a late model machine, that may be a step up from what you are considering new, like a JD LT or LX, or Cub 2000 or 3000? Maybe a 1 or 2 year old would be in the price range of that older cub you are looking at, and possibly in warranty if it's new enough..

Another thought, see if you can find a leftover JD L110 with the Kohler, I would imagine there are some of those left if you looked around.

Good luck!
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[JINMA224XR]

<font color="blue"> I can't spend the kind of money I want to so that I buy 1 tractor and be done with it for 20 yrs, I just can't do it. So......I've got to go on the cheap, but I hope that cheap doesn't mean I can't get 10-15 yrs out of a tractor with proper maintenance. </font>
<font color="blue"> thing I'm not sure of on these is the B&S motors, are B&S motors just not that great?
</font>

Hey Benny,

This is what I do Benny. When I want a machine to last as long as possible, then I buy new and get the best quality that I can afford. In 1988, I bought a 38" MTD/LT from Lowes with a 12hp/IC Briggs & Stratton Engine, for 800 dollars. I have maintenanced the mower and greased the rear axle once a year. This unit is now 17 years old and still running and mowing good.

I had another push mower with a 3 1/2 hp Briggs and Stratton engine that I sold at 20 years old and it was still running and mowing when I sold it also.

Change the oil/filter/grease the tractor/Don't hit solid objects with the blades or tractor/keep mower under cover/ and you have a good chance for the mower to last for quiet a while.

Buying used is taking too big a risk, in my opinion. You just don't know if the mower has hit anything or if or what maintenance has been done.

Usually the seller tells you what he thinks you want to hear. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Have a nice day,
Joe

 

[jcmseven]

Mojoman,

Go Green.....

John M.

 

[Mojoman]

Thanks for the input Joe, I do have reservations about buying a used tractor though, but the thought of getting the blower & access. for the same price as the new one still intrigues me. I suppose that if I looked at it and it looks clean, one can assume that the guy took care of it. However that doesn't guarantee anything either.

I know JD has the stellar reputation, but I sat on both JD L111/118/L120 & Cub LT1046/1050 and overall, I think they feel pretty comparable. However, I feel there are some real feature advantages with the CC. Elec. PTO, cruise, and most peoples opinions, a better engine (kohler) 26hp which I don't necessarily need, but I'll take it, and that deck wash system, which may be more marketing hype than anything, but it's cool.

I guess I'm just looking for some confirmation that the CC is a good unit and will last just as long as the comparable JD in these 2 series, I think that's my biggest hurdle to my decision.

I'm partial to the cub LT1050/1046, but mainly the 1050 for the nose roller and the heavier (12ga) guage deck. Is the 13 ga. deck on the 1046 something I shouldn't even worry about or will the deck rust out on me in 5yrs? Also, the 1050 had a deeper deck than the 1046, pulley covers seemed more heavy duty.

You don't get a nose roller or elec PTO on the JD's until you get into a JD L120 which is $200 more than the 1050.

Both the L120 & L1050 have spring assist deck lift which I like, but thought that the JD's was easier to operate, JD has a high back seat which was definitely more comfy and cub does not, but, the cc low back seat was much more comfy than the JD lowback.
Pedal position/operation were pretty comparable, but I kinda liked the cub's better, but not by much.

A question that I can't seem to get an answer for is, are the cub frames all welded like the JD's? I know they're both c-channel, but can't tell if both are welded. Again, maybe a trivial thing to worry about considering my situation, but hey I can admit it, I'm ****. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Arrrgh, decision time is upon me!!! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[DmansPadge]

Mojo, I agree with Joe. I'm always hesitate to buy used... even if it looks clean. The JD's and the CC's you are lookin at are both entry level units and I wouldn't think one is much better than the other. I would suggest buying new with which ever feels better to you. If you like the features on the CC, get it. The decks are going to be close to the same gauge and if you keep it clean and the tractor covered it isn't going to rust out any time soon. My dad has a 15 yr. old Craftsman that has been garaged kept and he uses it to cut 3/4 acre once a week and it is still in great condition.

 

[Spiffy]

Not sure if I can be exact help, especially since I just jumped on the ZTR bandwagon, but:

I'm not even going to guess the model number, but the one we just replaced (18 Kohler twin, 44 deck) sounds much like what you're talking about in used. It was around 13 or 14 years old and say 100+ hours a year; often hitting things or mowing things not meant for lawn mowers (very tall grass, gravel, concrete lawn orniments, branches...). The deck was finally getting thin, but the engine siezed to make the final decision. Anyway, I'm betting there's a lot of life left in that machine, and would be intriqued by it, but for that money [and, of course, no guarentee] it better be in real fine shape - those engines are spendy!

On the other end, thin decks really scare me, but you're probably intending much less abuse than my mother does on the farm or even my wife around here; I still don't like 13ga.

Personally, I don't like the entry level machines, but won't deny they have their place with proper use and proper maintence. That being said if you choose the entry level route (applies to expensive machines too), after you've compared the "durability" (remember material choices and grades as well as design are as important as thickness for things like frame gage etc.), you're exactly right to find the features that fit you and go with that machine. IMHO, on these machines there's so much price targeting and sub-contracting going on that the color really only matters if it makes you or your favorite dealer happy (I'm not teasing, just saying that you have to put your own price tag on the intangibles).

Chad

 

[JINMA224XR]

Hey Benny,

Personally, I don't much buy by name anymore.

I sit down and decide what I need in a Tractor and then go out and find the best price that i can find with what i think that I want and need, that is within my budget.

When it comes down to comparing machines side by side, I usually always go with the one that looks like it is stronger. In that I mean the guage of the metal, engine size, rear axle size and Over all strength of the rear transaxle, size of rear wheels. And especially zert fittings for the important items that will need lubrication for durability.

If you get a tractor that is stronger than you need, then you stand a good chance of not using all of the engine power , when you are using the tractor,, and that in itself, will help the tractor to last longer.

When you get your new tractor home, don't trust that all is as it should be, and go over everything, especially oil level and make sure that everything is greased and oiled as it should be from the get go.

Also look at the front axles and make sure that no plastic is being used in or around where the front wheels are rotating. Plastic axle caps are ok,, but the less plastic, the better.

Also, you should drive both out in the parking lot, if they will let you before you make your purchase, as that may also tell you a whole lot also, in making a comparison.

17 years ago, I drove, my little MTD 12 hp, before I bought it, and last year, I drove my little Jinma 224, before I bought it as well.

Take your time and look them both over and over and over, until you know in your heart which one is the best one for your money.

Best of Luck &
Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif