New Lawn Tractor Advice?

[BigBlue]

Let me start off by saying I don't want to spend more than $5000 or so for a lawn tractor and add to that the cost of a snowblower attachment. So all told maybe $6500 t0 $7000. I have 2 acres of mostly level lawn to cut with quite a few trees and also hope to get a snow blower attachment to clear a 600 foot driveway. We usually get between 40" and 70" of snow a year. I'm 58 and currently use a John Deere D140 with a 48" deck for lawn cutting and a Cub Cadet 3X 26" snowblower for the driveway. I'm getting tired of buying Home Depot or Lowes tractors every few years and want something that will last. I sure would appreciate any advice you could share.
Thanks,
Don

 

[DHD]

What ever garden tractor you finally get, I suggest when snow blowing, a cab can be your best friend.
I'm also a fan of awd or 4wd when it comes to snow blowing, but with-in the budget you've mentioned, for a new machine, your only choice would probably be the Husqvarna R322T AWD and unfortunately a cab is not available for the R322T at the present time.

You've mentioned you have mostly a level lawn so I assume your driveway is mostly level also, there are many choices of garden tractors with differential lock, which I would suggest if you were not going to pursue a 4wd or awd machine.
Perhaps a GT with differential lock in combination with rear tire chains would provide adequate traction in your snow blowing situation.
I am not very knowledgeable of GTs with differential lock, but I'm sure others will chime in and offer their opinions.

I have used a GT with out differential lock for snow blowing in my 530 ft driveway and another 300 ft driveway, and very often got stuck for lack of traction, even though I had rear tire chains and extra rear weight. I now have 4wd and awd snow removal machines, and lack of traction is no longer an issue.

good luck in your search

 

[pmsmechanic]

If I was in your shoes I would be looking for a 755/855 John Deere. Your not stuck right now as you have two tractors that are doing the job. (You didn't mention that they were not working) So take your time and start looking. You should be able to find what you want in that price range.

 

[BigBlue]

I think I'll find myself close to a John Deere dealer today, so I thought I'd stop in and take a look. He lists two used 700 series GTs along with a few 500 series. My neighbor was layed up last winter with knee surgery and asked if I would clear his drive when it snowed. He has an older Cub Cadet and a 44" blower that worked fine on his drive and mine. The 500 or 700 series John Deere are much strong than his Cub Cadet, so I think either would work for me.
Thanks for the advice!
Don

 

[zbruch]

I'm not sure where you are located, but I've recently listed my LIKE NEW R322T for sale here in Sturgis, SD to help finance a new full size tractor. It is a great machine, someone is going to get a great deal on it... PM me if you have any questions.

 

[BigBlue]

After doing a bit of research and pricing I ended up spending a few more dollars than I wanted to and bought a JD X530. Used JD GTs cost close to the price of new, at least close enough that the 4 year warranty was worth the difference. It is good to know they hold their price so well. I had it delivered this past Monday and hopefully can look forward to many years of use. Thanks to all!
Don

 

[s219]

After doing a bit of research and pricing I ended up spending a few more dollars than I wanted to and bought a JD X530. Used JD GTs cost close to the price of new, at least close enough that the 4 year warranty was worth the difference. It is good to know they hold their price so well. I had it delivered this past Monday and hopefully can look forward to many years of use. Thanks to all!
Don

Cool! Let's see some pictures! That is roughly the model I would get to replace my old Deere LT, if it ever dies. I don't think it will though.... 14 years old and counting, and still solid.

 

[BigBlue]

I'll try to get some pics up by the weekend. I have to wait for my Apple advisor(Daughter) to get home and show me how to do it. This tractor follows a JD D140 and it's like a night and day difference. While I haven't done any work with this tractor yet, I'm very impressed with the power steering and the overall solid feel of the X530. I hope this is the last tractor I'll ever have to buy.

 

[BigBlue]

Here's a few pics of the new JD X530.

 

[s219]

Oh man, that is sharp looking!!! I can feel my wallet getting warm in my pocket.....