What is the general opinion of NH Garden tractors?

Snatchface · Jun 18, 2005

Looking for a garden tractor. Would prefer to steer clear of Deere (heh). Anyhoo I just learned about NH and have a dealer nearby. People seem to have a high opinion of NH hereabouts. What do these things run and how are the attachments?

Bob_Skurka · Jun 19, 2005

I went looking for a new garden tractor a bit over a year ago. NH was one of my options, I could not find anyone who had one. The NH dealer did not stock them. I later found out they are made by Toro, essentially the same tractor as the Toro brand, just painted blue. Toro has a fine reputation too. For pricing, at least list pricing, you can go to the Toro website and price them there (or at least you could price them last year).

GATC35 · Jun 19, 2005

Define "Garden" tractor! You question could be taken as anything from 10 HP up to 50 HP. Be more specific on what size tractor, what you will use it for, and your soil conditions and you will get some good feedback.

I have a TC-35 and I love it !

John_Mc · Jun 19, 2005

( Define "Garden" tractor! You question could be taken as anything from 10 HP up to 50 HP. )

Garden tractor is actually a well known term amoung retailers. Go to Sears, look at the biggest riging mower they sell, and you are probably looking at a "Garden Tractor". The next size range down is typically called a "Lawn Tractor". Both are almost always gas engines (Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, etc.) For a rough size reference: I can pick up a wheel of my 22 HP Sears "Garden Tractor" without a jack or lever, with a good bit of effort.

( I have a TC-35 and I love it ! )

That's a great tractor, but it's a whole heck of a lot more than a garden tractor.

pdub · Jun 21, 2005

I wouldn't classify anything that you can buy at Sears, Home Depot, Lowe's or any "warehouse" store as a garden tractor, but as only a mower. Here's why: a garden tractor is built much heavier (you definitely won't be able to pick up a NH GT22A by hand) with a thicker frame, heavier duty mower deck, etc. A true garden tractor will last a lifetime, something that you buy at a warehouse store certainly does not have that reputation. Other reasons why I would go with a New Holland GT: Cruise control, hydraulic implement lift, power steering, mower deck options, dual range hydro, versatility with attachments.

Also, don't forget, if you go with your local dealer instead of a warehouse store, you can get your garden tractor serviced at the dealer!!!

Tex22 · Jun 22, 2005

The Lowes in this part of the Country (NE) sells Cub Cadet and Toro Garden tractors. The Home Depot carries John Deere Garden tractors. These are equivalent to the NH assuming you could even find one. None of the dealers I know even carry the NH mowers/Garden Tractors. They told me they were too expensive and not enough demand.

John_Mc · Jun 23, 2005

( I wouldn't classify anything that you can buy at Sears, Home Depot, Lowe's or any "warehouse" store as a garden tractor, but as only a mower. Here's why: a garden tractor is built much heavier (you definitely won't be able to pick up a NH GT22A by hand) )

I didn't say they were high-end, durable units... just that that has been what the industry refers to as "garden tractors" for at least 10 years. I agree that the NH GT22A is a far superior unit to my old Sears Craftsman 22 horse "Garden Tractor". On the other hand, the GT22A would be a world of overkill for my use... and I suspect for a large number of people who are basically looking for something to mow their lawns with, with only occasional other uses. I've got a CUT for the larger jobs.

John Mc