What can a Garden tractor handle

[davideoftex]

I have been doing a lot of reading and switching back and forth on the size tractor I will be getting. I will be useing it 95% of the time for cutting 3 acres of flat grass. I also want to get loads of rock delivered and be able to spread it out now and then. Some other jobs I will be doing is putting up a barn, fence and digging a pond.
I have already decided that the fence and pond would be a one time thing so renting or paying to have it done would be smarter.
The original question now comes back.

What can a Garden tractor handle???

 

[automech]

Depends on the garden tractor. A cheaper one will cut grass ok, unless you go really cheap, then it will probably cut grass. At least for a season or two. The higher end stuff will be heavier, and have heavier duty engines and transmissions. By higher end, I mean 5000 and up, maybe well up. You can plunk 10 grand down and get one of the sub cuts that are out there now. Whatcha got in mind?

 

[davideoftex]

I started thinking cheap and revised it to along the lines of CC 2554,
I figured if I spent more than that I might as well go with a sub compact tractor. Then I realized I dont have that much use for that much tractor then I went back to thinking of a cheap tractor (sears) then back to CC 2554 then just a ZTR mower but then I cant do anything else with it.

I AM SO CONFUSSED

 

[automech]

The loads of rock thing you mentioned is the problem. If you really want to move some rocks around, say for a driveway or parking area, you might want a loader, or a box blade. I think you can push stone ok with a front blade too, say with the Cub you're thinking about. You can only push stone so far, then you kinda have to be able to pick it up with somthing. Picking up stone any other way than sitting on your seat and pushing a lever sucks IMHO. You better surf the website a little and develope a plan.

 

[aesanders]

Sounds like a decent garden tractor and a Johnny Bucket would do you wonders.

Check this site out.. http://www.johnnyproducts.com/

 

[Fordlords]

The Cub 2500's are excellent garden tractors for a unit that will last you 10-15 years or more mowing 3 acres. You can also do many other things with them other than just mow. For 3 acres I would definitely consider something heavier duty than the real inexpensive jobs.

For that acreage and to have something to move rocks, you could go with a SCUT, but then again you end up comparing the Cub 2554 at $4k to something that as you mentioned will probably end up $10-12k or more once equipped with mower and loader.

I've read a lot here about those Johnny Buckets for the smaller GT's and owners seem to be impressed with them, might be ideal if you are only moving the rocks once or twice a year.

-Fordlords-

 

[Garrabo]

Is it possible that after you purchase this garden tractor you will in 6 months say to your self; Man I wish I would of got just a little more tractor. Its been said here before. Just a thought. My first tractor was a $4000.00 garden tractor, I bought 3 more after that, larger each time.

 

[davideoftex]

I know that I will want a bigger tractor later, but I would only use it for those bigger jobs once or twice. That Johnny dump looks like it would do the job great for me.
Unless someone tells me about a more dependable tractor than the CC 2554 in its price range then I (at this moment) will be looking for the dealer in my area to give me tha best price and also get the little bucket.

I have two or three tractor dealers around here that I will go to this week and see what is available as a used sub tractor.

I am still trying to figure out all the acronyms here and I havnt figured out what the subcut is ":}

 

[Egon]

From looking at the mounting of the Johnny bucket I'd venture a guess that with any load the back tires will be spinning most of the time.

 

[dubba]

I think if I had a choice I would get a sleeve hitch & the johnny bucket that goes on there. An electric operated sleeve hitch is very useful for other ground engaging attachments. As far as usefulness of a garden tractor, mine gets more use (not including mowing) than my full-size just because it's easier to get on & off.

A subcut is a Subcompact tractor