Need advice on new purchase

[skunky]

Have approx. 4 acres to mow need to buy garden tractor that will last and not have to replace every 4 to 5 years. any recommendations.

 

[1955jd]

i ran a small wheel horse 212-5 on 3 scres for 20 years...did have a few minor breakdowns but it still runs today ... i've since bought a used john deere..myself i would look around for any thing used such as a john deere , wheel horse,cub cadet...my brother bought i believe a 20 year old mtd garden tractor and that thing just wont stop...should be plenty of good used mowers out there..do your home work , check them out good ..to me so much of the new stuff just isn't made a well as the older machines

 

[Carl_NH]

As 1955JD said - if you can find a good JD 318 series with Kawasaki or Onan engine, or Cub Cadet 1800 or IH900 series with the Kohler or Onan (in the Super Cub) that dont smoke or need an engine rebuild it is worth it.

You will find them from $600 to $2000 - the $600 price point will will likely take some fixing and at $2000 you should expect a refurbished clean unit. The 20 year old units are built better and are strong units. Similar new Garden Tractors today will set you back $5-6K.

If you have the budget, also consider an older smaller compact tractor like the Kubota B6200 with a belly or rear mower - these can be had for $3-5k and they run forever. Or stepping up a used Kubota BX series 6-7 years old maybe $7K range.

 

[whiskywizard]

Have approx. 4 acres to mow need to buy garden tractor that will last and not have to replace every 4 to 5 years. any recommendations.

What's your budget? Are you a fan of new or used?

I also mow 4 acres and just recently went through the same decision process you're going through now.

I didn't want to be a slave to the lawn; in my opinion, 4 acres warrants having a dedicated piece of equipment that is both reliable and fast. I went with a Zero Turn from Toro. I chose a model that's at the top of the homeowner lineup, just below the commercial units.