Buying Advice Not sure what to get?

[The Bajan]

Hi there.

We have about 4 1/2 acres that is about half wooded. There are lots of trees we need to mow around. For the most part, our land is flat but there are a few areas that are sloped. One small area is sloped fairly steep. We also have a 200 ft driveway and a 1200 ft private road that has to be snow plowed in the winter. We haul a lot of dead wood and brush and occasionally a yard of soil, stone, or other landscape material. Although we haven't done it, we have a space planned for a 100' x 80' garden (hopefully have it ready to go next spring). In addition to this, we have a rental property just next door that we sometimes need to maintain (about 2 acres).

Because of the number of trees we have to go around and pass through, we are only going with a mower deck below 50". Also, a tight turning radius is very important to us. Eventually, we will want to be able to add attachments to help with the small garden, lawn maintenance, and of course, a plow for the winter.

To all this I have to add that my husband is the one who normally takes care of everything with the tractor/plowing work. However, he is leaving in Sept for 9 months to the Persian Gulf. So, it's very important to me that I'm able to handle all the jobs myself. Including removing and attaching the mower deck and plow.

We've looked at a few different brands/models and I'm a bit overwhelmed. My husband doesn't care a lot about creature comforts like noise level or power steering. However, I'm very sensitive to loud noise and I like the idea of power steering because of the easier maneuverability around trees. I'm also concerned about the company standing behind the brand if there is an issue while my husband is away. Any suggestions?

Thanks much!

The Bajan

 

[rekees4300]

To all this I have to add that my husband is the one who normally takes care of everything with the tractor/plowing work.

:welcome: What equipment do you currently have? How much snow do you get? What is your budget? For $10K+ the John Deere X700 series would probably be a good option.

 

[The Bajan]

We currently have a Sears Craftman II, 18hp, 6 speed manual trans that [I think] is from sometime in the 1980's. It has a 44" mower deck and a front plow that is 48". We also have snow chains for the tires. We traded a canoe for it several years ago. My husband is a magician at keeping things running and has always been great at taking care of maintenance. However, even he admits it's time to get a replacement. Our budget is somewhere in the $8000 range for a tractor and a plow. That's the only attachment that is crucial immediately.

 

[The Bajan]

I forgot to say we live in Michigan around the thumb... snow varies from year to year but it can be significant.

 

[rekees4300]

We currently have a Sears Craftman II, 18hp, 6 speed manual trans that [I think] is from sometime in the 1980's. It has a 44" mower deck and a front plow that is 48". We also have snow chains for the tires. We traded a canoe for it several years ago. My husband is a magician at keeping things running and has always been great at taking care of maintenance. However, even he admits it's time to get a replacement. Our budget is somewhere in the $8000 range for a tractor and a plow. That's the only attachment that is crucial immediately.

You could get an John Deere X500 with 48" deck for $6K. Don't know how much a front blade would be but likely less than $2K. With 1400' of road to plow would a snow blower make more sense? I got an X500 last year and it's an awesome machine!

John Deere Lawn Tractors Select Series X500 JohnDeere.com

 

[The Bajan]

Thanks for the link. We have looked at the x500 series and really like it. In particular, I like the power steering and turning radius of the x534. However, before we pull the trigger on this, I wanted to know if there is anything else comparable that we should be considering. We have thought about a snow blower and it would be a great option but the plow allows for more versatility overall. We haven't priced the snow blower but I can only imagine they would be much more pricey than a plow.

The only other brand we have actually test driven is the cub cadet. Again, the turning radius is excellent (better than the Deere) but the power steering wasn't very impressive. The price was much better and has my husband leaning that way but I'm concerned about the company backing the tractor if there is a problem. He doesn't worry about that because he just figures that if there is a problem he will be able to take care of it anyway. I know that's true but still, he can't fix it if he isn't here.

There are too many choices out there and because we are just going from ordinary mowing/yard work to intending to having a fair sized garden/mini-farm, I wanted to be sure we don't under-power ourselves with just a lawn tractor. At the same time, I really don't see where we need diesel, 3 pto, and all those bells and whistles either. To me, having power steering is a luxury. Finding a tractor that runs FAIRLY quietly is also a luxury. Ease of operation, ease of removing/attaching deck and plow, and great turning radius are must have items. It's a tough combination and since we are both fairly ignorant of tractors in general, I thought I'd reach out for help from you guys. Of course we know John Deere's reputation and Cub Cadet has a good rep also. But that's about all we really know.

Thanks again for the link. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Grandad4]

If it has to be a "garden tractor", go with the Deere, based on reputation and overall quality. Not the ones you get at Home Depot, but the X series from a Deere dealer. Another good make to look at is Simplicity, although there may not be a dealer nearby. Plowing 1/4 mile of Michigan snow is going to be hard on any equipment. Your work requirements would really be better met by one of those diesel/3 point/pto machines if the budget allowed.

 

[Deerherd]

I agree with Grandad, get the real tractor, you will be glad you did. Keep your current mower for grass cutting or get a less expensive dedicated mower. Getting a garden tractor that would handle the snowplowing duties could be a daunting task, especially for some of those Michigan storms. You could always hire a snow plow service for next winter when your husband is away.

Many of us have gone through what you are and have found that a do-all machine is really tough to find. Good luck in your search!

 

[The Bajan]

If it has to be a "garden tractor", go with the Deere, based on reputation and overall quality. Not the ones you get at Home Depot, but the X series from a Deere dealer. Another good make to look at is Simplicity, although there may not be a dealer nearby. Plowing 1/4 mile of Michigan snow is going to be hard on any equipment. Your work requirements would really be better met by one of those diesel/3 point/pto machines if the budget allowed.

Thank you... I do wish the budget allowed for the x734 but it doesn't. All the same, looking at the x534 I still think it would take care of our needs. Would you please give me your opinion on that? Thanks for the suggestion regarding Simplicity. I looked them up and there is a dealership just 3 miles from us so we will go in today and check them out.

 

[Grandad4]

One of the Deere folks will have better comments about the X534 and snow removal. I own Kubota equipment, which is also top notch, but I'm thinking the Deere product line would have more options in your price range. Best of luck with your shopping.

 

[The Bajan]

We visited the local cub cadet dealer and talked about the 2100 series (which he said is comparable). There were some good things about it but really not comparable to the John Deere and if we wanted to pull our trailer, we would have to modify it and that would void the warranty so scratch that one off the list. We also checked on the Simplicity. Wow! I was impressed but they don't have the turning radius that the Deere has and for the money, the Deere still seems to be the better buy. I don't think the salesman took me seriously either. Unfortunately, as a woman, that happens to me in these waters.

So far, the x534 seems to be where we are landing. I did hear a negative comment about potential problems with the all-wheel steering. If there's anyone who could shed some light on that I'd be grateful. The comment was made that eventually all four tires will toe out over time and cause us to need to replace parts (I can't remember the parts he said). Is this true? Is it a big deal or is it ordinary wear?

Thanks again for your help. I won't be at a computer again until very late tonight but please know I'll be checking in then for any updated info.

 

[rekees4300]

I'll be checking in then for any updated info.

When you negotiate with the dealer, see if he will include HDAP knobby tires on the rear. They will make a big difference in traction.

 

[mjcountrybumpkin]

I personally have found the 4 wheel steer mowers to be more gadget than function ( although I have one I mow my yard with now). I would personally go ahead and step up to the x540. Only standard steer liquid cooled engine in the x500 lineup. Worth the money and as tight as they turn it would still do a great job of mowing around obstacles. I personally test drove the same mowers a few months ago and was getting ready to buy the x540 when someone called and asked if I would like a free mower they didn't need. So basically that was the end of a pretty new Deere for me(til I convince my wife the free mower isn't big enough)

 

[wolftree]

The Bajan,

How close are you to Dryden, Michigan? There is am agressive(low prices) Kubota dealer there worth talking with.

Rosy Brothers, tel.810-796-3007

"rosybrosinc.com"

 

[The Bajan]

I personally have found the 4 wheel steer mowers to be more gadget than function ( although I have one I mow my yard with now). I would personally go ahead and step up to the x540. Only standard steer liquid cooled engine in the x500 lineup. Worth the money and as tight as they turn it would still do a great job of mowing around obstacles. I personally test drove the same mowers a few months ago and was getting ready to buy the x540 when someone called and asked if I would like a free mower they didn't need. So basically that was the end of a pretty new Deere for me(til I convince my wife the free mower isn't big enough)

This is excellent advice. Thank you. I will test drive one before deciding.

The Bajan,

How close are you to Dryden, Michigan? There is am agressive(low prices) Kubota dealer there worth talking with.

Rosy Brothers, tel.810-796-3007

"rosybrosinc.com"

Not too far.... about 50 miles. Worth the trip for more info and a possible good deal.

Thank you all. I'll let you know how it goes. I really appreciate the advice and perspective you all have.

Have a good night,

The Bajan

When you negotiate with the dealer, see if he will include HDAP knobby tires on the rear. They will make a big difference in traction.

Again, excellent advice. My husband would love the chance to negotiate. I'm not real good at that. I don't have enough "mean it" in my bargaining skills.

 

[jenkinsph]

I personally have found the 4 wheel steer mowers to be more gadget than function ( although I have one I mow my yard with now). I would personally go ahead and step up to the x540. Only standard steer liquid cooled engine in the x500 lineup. Worth the money and as tight as they turn it would still do a great job of mowing around obstacles. I personally test drove the same mowers a few months ago and was getting ready to buy the x540 when someone called and asked if I would like a free mower they didn't need. So basically that was the end of a pretty new Deere for me(til I convince my wife the free mower isn't big enough)

when I was shopping for a new mower I found the x 729 with all wheel steer to turn much sharper than the 728 with two wheel steer. One pass around a tree with the x749 is all it takes for me.

 

[duroc]

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

There are a lot of deals on tractors right now that are offering a 0% finance charge. Why not buy something new and get what you want. I know you said your budget is around $8k, but putting a few thousand down on a new tractor would give you about 28 months of payments IF you have the $8k in cash funds. I too live in Mi and with the 1400' of road you need to plow, you might rethink buying the smaller mower type lawn mower/tractor. Just my opinion, but you might be further ahead in the long-run buying something larger and better equipped. Oh, and BTW....tell your hubby "thanks for his service." :thumbsup:

 

[jenkinsph]

There are a lot of deals on tractors right now that are offering a 0% finance charge. Why not buy something new and get what you want. I know you said your budget is around $8k, but putting a few thousand down on a new tractor would give you about 28 months of payments IF you have the $8k in cash funds. I too live in Mi and with the 1400' of road you need to plow, you might rethink buying the smaller mower type lawn mower/tractor. Just my opinion, but you might be further ahead in the long-run buying something larger and better equipped. Oh, and BTW....tell your hubby "thanks for his service." :thumbsup:

I agree that a larger machine would be the wise and better choice. All too often I see and read about members having to trade up once they are more aware of their needs for minimum level of equipment. That trading up is costly for them and is lost money which is tough on peoples budget starting out.

The suggestion to take advantage of the 0% financing is sound imo. Getting the right equipment the first time would be far cheaper and easier to swallow.