My tractor died, need to remarry.

[SnowedIn]

The Simplicity Sunstar (that came used with the property I bought ten years ago) finally gave up. I have been nursing it along all this time and now dealer says at least $1100 to fix the blown rear seal, flywheel, front PTO, etc not to mention the cylinders have low compression. I am tired of dumping money into this machine, not to mention the aggravation in doing all the piddly little repairs just to keep the engine running, the blower blowing, and the mower mowing. If I didn't do the majority of repairs myself I would have gotten rid of it years ago. I will say that the 20 HP Kohler Magnum was plenty powerful enough to keep my 100 yd driveway clear of snow (no matter how deep) and cut the 2 acres of grass with the 60" mower deck.

Anyways, now I am faced with what to replace it with. What I really need....2 stage snow thrower, 60" mower deck, (preferably 4wd, my entire property is on a slope) and shaft driven to the attachments. I have narrowed it down, I think, to these models.....Simplicity Legacy XL, Cub Cadet GT3200, Kubota GR2110 and BX1860, John Deere 700 series and 2305. I know some are garden tractors and some are subcompacts.

Any guidance would be appreciated. Are any of these models dogs? Price is a concern, that is why some garden tractors are included, although I will probably finance.

Thanks, Cap

 

[TripleR]

You have several good models from which to choose. I obviously like the BX Series, but the JD 700, especially the X749 AWS are really nice. We have a JD 2305 and I would pass on that and wait for the new 1023/1026 Series.

I am not familiar with the other models, but I am sure someone who is will come along.

Good luck.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Riding mower
Lawn tractor
Garden tractor
Subcompact utility tractor
Compact utility tractor
Utility tractor
Farm tractor

They're all tractors, originally designed to pull something across a field.

Of course now they're also pushing or carrying that attachment.

And believe it or not, I even have a neighbor that commutes by driving his New Holland tractor back and forth on the highway the 5 miles from his home to his job at the transfer station. (And yes, he has it licensed as a vehicle and an entire signal light assembly on it.)

 

[Transit]

Find yourself a woman with a good running tractor.

 

[SnowedIn]

Every time my wife (a real keeper) got on that Simplicity, something else would break, I swear. I started calling that tractor Christine, after the Stephen King car.

Cap

 

[SnowedIn]

TripleR,

Thanks...I will try to research the new Deere 1023/1026.

Cap

 

[crash325]

My best suggestion is to get more tractor than you think you will need. As time goes on you will find more & more uses for it.:thumbsup:

 

[MarkV]

Hi Cap welcome to the forum! I sure would compare the prices of the sub compact utility tractors (SCUT) like the Kubota BX series, to the higher end Garden Tractors (GT). If you are moving snow and mowing 2 acres you are getting where the diesel engine and the ability to use a front end loader (FEL) , or universal wheel barrow, may be a good buy. It will be more money up front yet offer so many more options. Once you jump to the diesel you will most likely be buying your last tractor. Unless like many here, you end up wanting bigger. :thumbsup:

MarkV

 

[SnowedIn]

Crash and MarkV,

I was thinking along those same lines...better to grow into it than grow out of it. My JD dealer is offering a brand new 2305 for $9400. They are moving 'em out for the follow on 1023/1026. I would think that is a great buy, but read a few reviews that owners had problems with overheating and difficult deck adjustments. That gave me pause. I know the perfect tractor is not out there but for all that money I don't want to deal with those issues. My Simplicity dealer says he is putting a deal together for me on the Legacy XL...I have to go there on Saturday for the show and tell. I have to see the Kubotas also. I will talk more with the JD salesman regarding issues. I'm tired already.

Thanks much guys

Cap

 

[Ductape]

I'm with the guys who say step up to a subcompact. They really aren't any more than the high end garden tractors........ and have much more durable chassis / running gear. Out of your choices...... I'd be looking at the JD 2305 or the Kubota BX.

 

[hmorgan007]

I advise you to go JD home page, proceed to build a tractor and compare specs on the 2530 and the 2305. I believe the 2530 is only a little more money but looking at the specs you may find you will get a better tractor. The smaller 2305 operates at a higher rpm to get the HP it is rated for and the hydraulics are better. Just my memory from having recently made the comparison. They are both good machines, just pick the one that exceeds your work load expectations.

 

[SnowedIn]

I'll check out the JD 2530...this is all great feedback. Thanks much guys. I'll let you know how it all plays out.

Cap

 

[oldnslo]

I do not believe the 60" deck is an option on the BX1860. I think you would be looking at the BX2360 or 2660 for a 60" deck.

The JD2305 is be dicontinued / replaced by the 10** models so JD dealers may be willing to dicker a little more on them.

MF, NH also make models in this size range.

Bottom line is get the one that fits you from a dealer that you comfortable with. Most people find the dealer is as important if not more important that the color of the paint.

If you have been mowing your lawn for 10 years with 2WD is 4WD necessary or just a convenience?

Roy

 

[bp fick]

You sound like a perfect candidate for subcut consideration.

You might be precisely the target that Deere has in mind with it's up-coming 1000 series and the folks Kubota has marketed the BX series to for a decade. Diesel power will cut fuel costs in half!! You'd be amazed by the fuel savings, while delivering incredible power with a much heavier-duty unit. I would peg life-expectancy at double the typical gas lawn/garden tractor, which puts the price into perspective in a hurry. Zero financing makes this all available without crunching the family budget.

On a side note, but related to your topic, I wish we had more women who regularly operate their BX sharing their perspective here from time to time.

When we had a BX, my wife took to it like a champ. There wasn't much she couldn't/wouldn't do with it. There are untold hundreds of women who love to operate their Kubota BX tractors.

 

[jenkinsph]

Snowed In,
Welcome to the forum

If you have alot of slope work to deal with I would give the X748 and X749 a hard look. So far I am well pleased with the X749, very manueverable, low slung and plenty of power.

All the ones you listed are good and I considered most of them when I was buying last year but the low slung 749 won.

 

[bakerg]

If you look into Massey Ferguson, the GC2400 comes with a 60" cut and it cuts beautiful. I never expected it would cut that good.:thumbsup:

 

[Qapla]

You may also want to check out the new LS tractors. They are good tractors and have aggressive pricing.

 

[LBrown59]

I have narrowed it down, I think, to these models.....Simplicity Legacy XL, Cub Cadet GT3200, Kubota GR2110 and BX1860, John Deere 700 series and 2305. I know some are garden tractors and some are subcompacts.


Thanks, Cap

There are mostly all good choices but i would rule out the
Kubota GR2110.I have a very nice CC GT2554
with
54''mower
rear tiller
and front blade i'd like to sell.

 

[SnowedIn]

Ok, I will try to reply to some very good points recently presented.

Roy (oldnslo) you are right, bx1860 only up to 54" deck. 2wd has gotten me by for ten years and would suffice, but many times I found myself slipping and sliding while snow plowing even with chains and 5 suitcase weights. Once in a while clearing mouth of drive I would get stuck out in road...not in snow, just slippery conditions on incline.

bp fick, I like the pic of the gal on the tractor. The property looks great too. I spend about two weeks each month away from home and my wife hops on the tractor to mow or snowplow. I give her a lot of credit...my post title is a little misleading...spending so much $$ on a new tractor I feel is a major commitment to a lengthy parnership between man and machine.

jenkinsph, the previous owner of my property ( a dear friend of the family) rolled two machines here. One was a high slung Case I think. Lucky he didn't get hurt. I avoid driving sideways on the steeper parts. Low slung sounds very attractive.

Qapla, I'll see what I can find out on the other brands...not sure if they are sold near me.

I knew this forum was going to be filled with knowledgeable guys willing to share their opinions and expertise.

Cap

 

[bp fick]

The BX from Kubota is also very low slung. The x700 series Deere are outstanding machines in every respect. Between them, you'd be buying very classy, super high quality machinery with great dependability and re-sale value, so it would come down to dealer preference and support to make a difference. The new Deere 1000 series have yet to turn up at dealerships so that depends on your patience.

Don't discount the Massey Ferguson. They also make a fine tractor similar to the others. Again, this all depends on local dealers having a presence in your area.

Finally, 4x4. At this level of cost and quality, absolutely get it. The safety and traction factor is night and day over what you've experienced in any lawn tractor. And remember to enjoy the process. You'll know it when you sit on it. :thumbsup: