New Garden Tractor

bassmanpb · May 14, 2011

Hello everyone.I just purchased a new garden tractor and I wanted to chronicle its journey .(to good or bad reviews, whatever the case may be) I also wanted to pick some brains about how to best maintain it for a long and productive life.
I did a bunch of research and realized it wasn't going to be an easy choice.First let me say I have about 2 acres to mow and that is the main job of this garden tractor.Hopefully a garden tractor will enable me to do some other chores after adding attachments .I didn't have a lot of money to spend(as one or two of you might relate). I have a 1995 MTD 12.5hp with a 38" cut and need to spend less time cutting the grass and I don't want a zero turn.Long story short- I'm waiting for a Cub Cadet GTX-1054.

bassmanpb · May 14, 2011

Here's a pic(I hope)

JTKub · May 14, 2011

Good deal and congrats to you! It's a nice machine for $2999. They're big and comfy. It will also have the Hydro-Gear G730 trans which is great. It's got it's own spin-on filter and is serviceable : Hydro-Gear - Products

Set the deck up so it doesn't bang around on the ground and you'll get years of service out of it. FWIW, I had a Courage 20hp V-twin on my last machine and liked the engine very much.

Joel

bassmanpb · May 14, 2011

Thanks , that's one of the reasons I wanted to put this out there .It seems a lot of the problems people have had have come from the initial set up of the machine.I'd like to go over it and make sure it's good and tight first.

JTKub · May 14, 2011

I'm sure you've probably read all the threads, but check the tire air pressures when you get it. Generally they'll be way over-inflated. 2) Make sure the deck is level side/side. A very slight nose-down is generally good for cut quality. Having the gauge wheel height set so that the deck doesn't ride along the ground is key to deck (and all it's associated hardware) longevity. 3) Go easy on the zerks. They can pull out easily. 4) Keep'er clean and dry! Try the deck wash if you like. Especially if you like a nice green soupy mess on everything.

Joel

bassmanpb · May 14, 2011

Actually I haven't read the threads concerning setting it up .I was ready to buy a Craftsman and realized home depot did offer a Garden Tractor.(The 0% twelve months didn't hurt).Thanks for any and all info on setting this up .I figure about another week and I'll have it.I say I and not we because I've even driven my 10 and 11 year old sons away from anything containing the word tractor in it.

Thomas · May 15, 2011

Looks like good solid GT also fair price..like the arm rest.

Keep us updated on unit handles.

scoutcub · May 15, 2011

First of all, :welcome:!!

Congrats on the purchase, looks like a nice rig for a good price. Great advice from JT. Follow the owners manual closely with required maintenance and you should be good!

let us know how you like it.....

bassmanpb · May 15, 2011

Thanks everyone .I actually had a 10 % coupon and I ordered it through Ebates which gives you 3% cash back.I'm a tool kind of guy and this it the biggest tool I've ever bought.I can not wait!Will definitely take my time going over everything before even starting it up.

JTKub · May 15, 2011

Who's actually selling it to you through ebates, Lowes?

It may come still in the crate. I'd actually prefer it that way and set it up myself. There's not a whole lot to do to them to set them up.

Obviously a local dealer purchase is easiest if you have a warranty problem, but I don't care who you are or where you bought it when it comes to peak mowing season. You're going to wait ~3 weeks for a repair.

Joel