Buying Advice Small garden tractor advice

[mikefrommichigan]

I am in need of a small garden tractor to supplement my New Holland compact tractor. I have not had much luck with garden tractors over the years. A craftsman tractor I purchased 10 years ago with a B&S engine blew the engine after 4 years and approx 200hrs. I then purchased a cub cadet in 2011 with the Kohler Courage SV710 engine. That is also now starting to blow blue smoke on startup and under load after 150 hours. Several technicians I have spoken to, suggested it is not worth repairing.

Is there an inexpensive ($1500 or less) tractor out there, new or used, (do not care what brand or make of engine) that anyone could suggest I look at?
Maybe I am expecting too much for under $1500.

Thanks

 

[s219]

You have to spend about $3500-4000 to get something good. Unfortunately the cheaper stuff is junk from what I could see.

 

[RalphVa]

Why do you need a garden tractor when you already have a NH compact?

Just get the appropriate 3 ph gizmo to work your garden with the NH.

What do you need to do?

Ralph

 

[DFB]

Wow your pretty rough on them hey!

I have a 18hp MTD Yardman with a twin cylinder B&S I/C engine I bought at a Walmart in 1998 for $1300.

Blades, belts, deck spindles, wheel axles, batteries, a tranny bracket, some salvaged second hand tires, and finally a starter but all still good

Took apart and cleaned the carby some years ago but never again since using Startron steady.

Beat the crap out of it too two tanks at a time for 4 hrs continuous cut probably 10 times a year.

Boned off some deck guards over the time they just get bent up on the stumps and rocks



So what are your cutting conditions

How often do you check the oil?

 

[DFB]

Oh came with a cart as part of the deal.. still have that too.

Had to buy replacement tires/rims from TSC for that though. :confused3:

 

[mikefrommichigan]

I have a small horse barn with approx 10 acres. 7 acres of pasture, 3 acres of grass (not lawn). I use the NH to cut the 3 acres of grass, and keep the weeds down in the pastures, etc. I have a fenced front and rear yard that I need the small garden tractor for, as well cutting around trees etc.

I check oil on both tractors every time I use them and change oil every 50 hrs.

Any recommendations on a good used machine?

 

[jaydee325]

Check Craigs List for a John Deere 345 garden tractor. They come up from time to time in the $1800 to $3000 range. Will last a long time. Liquid cooled V twin, hydrostatic with hydraulic lift. Also check for a John Deere 318. There is a nice one listed around Lansing for
$1800.

 

[murphy1244]

Look for a used Simplicity. I had a Conquest that I traded in with 650 hours and it ran great. Only thing that went south was the Battery.

 

[coobie]

IMHO you will be hard pressed to find a decent lawn tractor for $1500 bucks.To buy a new decent one I think you would be in the $4,000-$5,000 range.My choices would be John Deere or Simplicity.I found this used 1996 ingersoll 4020 a few years back but it cost me $3,000 it came with 48 inch deck,snow plow and chains.Good luck on your search.

 

[woolyAcres]

If you don't mind going back in time, you can find Wheel Horse tractors that will do lots of work around the yard, driveway, etc. Very well built and still lots of (used) units out there. I'm sure you could find a 300, 400, or 500 series with mower and plow for under $1500. I've got a 520 with 60" deck, 4" plow blade, and 4" snow-blower. Much easier on the yard and starts every time in dead of winter without needing to be plugged in. You can even find rototillers, mid-mount graders, plows for it if you look.