New Mowing Tractor

[tlj87]

We are in need of buying a new tractor for mowing. We currently have a 1993 Cub Cadet 1440 with ~600 hours. The deck is getting worn, so it will be retired from mowing, however we will be keeping this machine for snow plowing and hauling.

Even though the new tractor will be used primarily for mowing, we still would like a garden (or yard) tractor for its heavier construction and larger tires.

Upon looking at the New Holland site, we took liking to the MY17.

I have read that these machines are the same as the Toro machines. However, Toro has changed its lineup, and we was wondering if NH still made (or bought) the MY17.

Does anyone know anything about the New Holland Yard/Garden tractors? Price range?

We like the option of a 42" deck as it will fit in the bed of a full-size pickup. Seems that no other manufacturers (Deere, Cub) offer a garden tractor with a 42" deck anymore.

We will be mowing about an acre at our home, and about 2-2.5 acres at our camp weekly to bi-weekly in NW PA.

If you have any other suggestions, feel free to let us know...

 

[Cliff_Johns]

We like the option of a 42" deck as it will fit in the bed of a full-size pickup. Seems that no other manufacturers (Deere, Cub) offer a garden tractor with a 42" deck anymore.

Deere does still have 42" decks (including the 42" mulching deck which I have and really like). Look on their web site. They even give list prices right there.
Discounts from that vary by location.

A specific example can be found here:
John Deere products for homeowners: Features for X300 Tractor, 42-Inch Edge Mulching Deck

Cliff

 

[tlj87]

Thanks Cliff.

I am aware that Deere does offer a 42" deck, however it is only offered on the X300.

If we were to go Deere, it would be an X320 or X500 due to larger tire size, but the 48" deck might be too big.

The maximum width we can go with is 51" (distance between wheel wells in pickup bed).

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Not to be contrary, but if you choose the 320 without the deck (they call it the california option), then look at the options, the options include several 42 inch decks on the 320.

Not sure why they call it the california option.

For the larger mowers, though, you won't be cutting much past the wheels at some point.

Cliff

 

[CCinCT]

Cub makes a true 42" garden tractor, the 2542. Very heavy duty frame, transmission, and Kohler Command engine.

 

[tlj87]

Hi Cliff

I finally found the X320 California option. Seems you can indeed choose any deck (38-48").

All the dealers I called today said that 48" was the only option for the X320. I will have to call back tomorrow or Wednesday and see if they are aware of the X320 less deck (California) option.

So now I am wondering if this deck mounts the same as the 48" and there is simply not an error in their online configurator which allows a 42" deck to be spec'd.

 

[JiminGa]

could be a problem with the site, I know you can spec an x540 out with 3 pt. hitch and pto, but they can not be added to that machine.

 

[sergeant]

You can get a 42inch deck on the Current John Deere X500 series tractors But Diff/lock linkage needs to be removed because it interfers with lifting the 42inch deck so you would not be able to use diff/lock on the current X500 series tractors if you wanted a 42inch deck. all deere decks mount the same on the X300 tractors so you could get a 42inch deck on a X320

 

[LBrown59]

Cub makes a true 42" garden tractor, the 2542. Very heavy duty frame, transmission, and Kohler Command engine.

I would recommentd CC garden tractors.
Lots of bang for the buck there.

 

[bontai_Joe]

Nothing wrong with the Deere you are looking at, but I'd also at least check out the Cub 2542, the Simplicity Prestige with a 44" deck, the Toro Classic 315 (it's the old Wheelhorse design) can be had with a 42" deck (excellent machine but a bit pricey),

 

[LBrown59]

Upon looking at the New Holland site, we took a liking to the MY17.
I have read that these machines are the same as the Toro machines.
we were wondering if NH still made (or bought) the MY17.
Does anyone know anything about the New Holland Yard/Garden tractors? Price range?
We like the option of a 42" deck as it will fit in the bed of a full-size pickup.
We will be mowing about an acre at our home, and about 2-2.5 acres at our camp weekly to biweekly in NW PA.
If you have any other suggestions, feel free to let us know

I looked at the MYs when I was shopping around a couple of years ago. I wasn't impressed with them. The MY 19 with a 52'' mower was $6000. Left the New Holland dealer and checked out the Cub Cadets. The CC GT2554 with a 54' mower was a lot more impressive and the price was $4000.
The New Holland MYs are Blue Toro tractors.
New Holland never made the MY17. Toro makes the MY17.
About the same price range as John Deer Kubota and Simplicity.
Take the deck off and haul it separately == Might be quicker than spending extra time mowing with a smaller mower. Also you may not have to go between the fenders with the mower. Check it out before you decide on mower size.
3.5 Acres is a lot to mow with a little narrow 42'' mower. I had an MTD with a 46'' mower. Seemed like it took forever to mow a little 1/4 acre patch that I was mowing with the CC and 54'' mower in no time.
Find a way to haul a tractor with at least a 48'' to 54'' mower and check our the CC 2000 and 3000 series garden tractors which are as nice/good as the others mentioned above and for less money.

 

[ChuckinNH]

3.5 Acres is a lot to mow with a little narrow 42'' mower.

Lbrown is right about that! I mowed a little over three acres for 12 years with that setup, and can vouch for how long it takes. You have to also consider how much longer it takes to trim around things with the edge of the deck so close to the wheels too. If it were me, I would look for a bit heavier tractor, and larger deck...... modify what you have to for that to work. Going to a 48" deck took 2 hours off my mowing time!

 

[LBrown59]

If it were me, I would look for a bit heavier tractor, and larger deck......
*modify what you have to for that to work. Going to a 48" deck took 2 hours off my mowing time!

I wouldn't go with anything less than 48'' for that much land.
54'' would be ideal.
*I agree he needs to make the hauler work to fit the tractor he really needs not adjust the tractor to fit the hauler.

He could do what I did and buy a small utility trailer to haul the tractor on.
Back in 1995 I bought a new wards lawn tractor with a 46'' mower deck.
Couldn't get the mower between the fenders of my little import pick up.
Instead of going with to narrow of a mower deck I found a nice little used 6x 8 tilt bed utility trailer for $350.
That worked out great because I got the right sized mower for the job and a very useful trailer at a cheap price.

== L B ==