Need Help for my Mother

[murphy1244]

Go with the EXmark, that is the best zero turn you can get...:thumbsup:

 

[eonblue]

Hmm, since she has a Cub dealer near her, would the Z-Force S be another option? I've read a good many accounts that the handling on hills is much better than a lap bar ZRT. That just hype? Is there some other reason I should check the S models off the list of options?

 

[dodge man]

I know what you need, a 4 wheel drive sub compact tractor. They handle well on the hills, plus they have a seat belt and a roll bar. The problem is they are outside your budget brand new, but you might find one used with some hours on it for your budget. They look a lot like a riding mower, but are larger and built much tougher. They are also usually water cooled and a diesel.

My property is also rough and hilly in places, and I used a regular riding mower for years. After going for a few dangerous rides, I decided it was time to invest in something more durable and safer.

 

[Lone Wolff]

Eon,

If she has a JD now 15-20 Yrs old it would be good to know the model since you say they paid a good amount it will still have value if its in decent condition.

If its the garden tractor or 318 series, 260 series or similar and running is worth $800-1200 maybe depending on condition. If its the LX series - lawn mower then its less.

So I would spend a little to get it running and working to sell and offset the new machine cost. It could be as simple as a low battery, or fuel issue but if its not running you will get very little.

+1.
If it was an "expensive" Deere years ago, it will have some value regardless of condition. I would trade it in for a new Deere at a dealer or fix it one last time and sell it in working condition.

 

[Combustix]

I got a 1000 series Cub that I got at HD. I have some steep areas but mostly uneven ground. I have replaced the battery and the blades due to ground strikes, as I said it's fairly uneven. The steep areas don't worry me any more as I have had the machine 8 years now. and have not rolled it yet, though first couple times I took it pretty easy still runs like a champ.

 

[hizoot]

safety for your moms sake would steer me towards a 4 wheel drive small sub compact tractor such as a JD2305/1026R or Kubota 1860/2360,etc. I believe the JD x700 series are full time four wheel drive. These make as much of difference stopping as well as starting on a hill. Zero turns are fast and fun but will be too much of a handful on this property and she could get seriously hurt/maimed .It takes a seasoned veteran to be able to control one in that situation...but they will still loose control from time to time. I know its out of the budget,but her safety should trump dollars....besides one of subcompacts will probably outlast her and you when you inherit it . She'll be able to till/garden, clean up brush with a rake/grapple on the front end loader,grind up limbs/branches with a Wallenstein cutter....even dig post holes...or use the front end loader to carry groceries into the house:laughing:good luck and keep us posted:thumbsup:
I strongly suggest staying away from the big box store lawn mowers,they wont last notime

 

[piller]

The property is around 3ish acres. Half the property is fairly smooth and will be easily mowed, but the other half is rough to very rough and includes some pretty heinous slopes.

Why mow the rough to very rough 1.5 acres with heinous slopes?

 

[eonblue]

Why mow the rough to very rough 1.5 acres with heinous slopes?

The rough stuff is flat and separate from the heinous slopes, though, Im pretty sure there ARE areas they could and maybe should just let go. Its just always been like that and my Grandmother is pretty set in her ways.

 

[eonblue]

Alright guys, so she feels pretty good about either an x320 or a x500. Last question. Does John Deere wiggle on the price or does the manufacturer pretty much lock that down? Will they throw in free attachments in lieu of coming down on the price? Any tips there?

 

[Carl_NH]

Eon,

Maybe we are being to invasive, but if she has a 15-20 Yr Old JD machine that was expensive when purchased it has "value" if you are interested in getting the "best deal" leverage with what you have - but you haven't provided that part of the puzzle.

The same thing applies to your statement "throw in free attachments" what does she need to do and which ones? It really depends on what she NEEDS and what does she WANT.

Its really frustratiing to see you try to make decisions for your mom without realy knowing her end goal/objective while she seems to know what she wants.


Bottom lne you cant negotiate what you dont know you need. My advice was to get the existing machine running and trade it for a new one..

Good luck from here, just spend the money - its not mine, seems to apply.

Carl