I wish to buy something new to mow my yard. I am currently using a Murray garden tractor and I seriously need to upgrade. Most of the 2 acres is sloped so I need some traction help when turning back up the hill. I am mainly after a more comfortable/enjoyable/quicker mowing experience. I have no idea what to spend but I'm guessing in the $6 - $8K range. Thanks for any suggestions. I was thinking of a Deere or Kubota and have had trbl finding Kubota MSRP online.
What to buy for 2 acre mowing
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coasterez
Banned
For traction on the hills, weight is paramount. Any of the Deere 300, 500, or 700 series machines would fit your need. I'm sure there are Kubotas, MFs, and NHs that would work too. Also consider Simplicity or a ZTR.
Or think about buying a used Deere, like a 425, 445, or 455. These machines are awesome and will last a lifetime. They are certainly heavy enough for those hills. I mow a 20 degree slope sideways with my 425 AWS with no problems slipping or fear of turning over. I have pushed snow as deep as 25 inches too (with chains and weights). Mine is on its 13th season and still looks and runs like new. I recently saw a 445 with 60" mower and power front blade with 600 hours on it for $3500. I thought the guy was giving it away, at that price. If you can find one for less than $5K in good condition, you can't go wrong.
A Gravely tractor (not walk behind) is also good and heavy, and well made. Many have the engine mounted directly to the rear axle, very low to the ground. I owned an old one, and it couldn't be stopped and never slipped. With just 10 hp, it actually gave a better cut than my Deere.
Or think about buying a used Deere, like a 425, 445, or 455. These machines are awesome and will last a lifetime. They are certainly heavy enough for those hills. I mow a 20 degree slope sideways with my 425 AWS with no problems slipping or fear of turning over. I have pushed snow as deep as 25 inches too (with chains and weights). Mine is on its 13th season and still looks and runs like new. I recently saw a 445 with 60" mower and power front blade with 600 hours on it for $3500. I thought the guy was giving it away, at that price. If you can find one for less than $5K in good condition, you can't go wrong.
A Gravely tractor (not walk behind) is also good and heavy, and well made. Many have the engine mounted directly to the rear axle, very low to the ground. I owned an old one, and it couldn't be stopped and never slipped. With just 10 hp, it actually gave a better cut than my Deere.
Bird
Rest in Peace
If you're concerned about traction, I'd try to get a dealer to let you try it on your own property. I have the smallest Toro ZTR; plenty of power and it's gonna turn the wheels, and traction has been fine on dry surfaces, but any damp grass and a slope and no traction.
beenthere
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I can say matter-of-factly and from experience that the all wheel steer (I have the Deere X485 now but have had allwheelsteer -AWS- for years now) is the best thing for traction and working hillsides as you describe.
I very rarely use the positraction unless I am sitting with one wheel spinning.
When going to the 2 whl drive with all wheel steer, the difference in mowing my hillsides (probably 2 of the 8 acres I mow) was phenomenal. I my opinion, as good or better than having 4wd. At present, I do not have the wheels on my X485 loaded nor do I have extra weights on the rear or the wheels. Still get the traction needed when traversing the sidehill to the point I almost fall off the tractor, but can still make a turn to go straight up the hill, with no slippage.
The AWS has been pretty bullet-proof for Deere over the years too. It is rugged on the 400 and X400 series for 10 years now. Okay, didn't mean to make this sound like a commercial. Just to offer and support your thoughts.
I very rarely use the positraction unless I am sitting with one wheel spinning.
When going to the 2 whl drive with all wheel steer, the difference in mowing my hillsides (probably 2 of the 8 acres I mow) was phenomenal. I my opinion, as good or better than having 4wd. At present, I do not have the wheels on my X485 loaded nor do I have extra weights on the rear or the wheels. Still get the traction needed when traversing the sidehill to the point I almost fall off the tractor, but can still make a turn to go straight up the hill, with no slippage.
The AWS has been pretty bullet-proof for Deere over the years too. It is rugged on the 400 and X400 series for 10 years now. Okay, didn't mean to make this sound like a commercial. Just to offer and support your thoughts.
KentT
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I suggest you look at a Simplicity Conquest or Prestige (or their Agco, Massey or Snapper counterparts). They have diff-lock and 54" decks, at a price point below their competition. The Conquest is an approximate $4500 machine, and the Prestige is about a $5500 machine (ballpark prices).
beenthere
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Just a thought to offer here, that diff lock won't help when trying to make a turn to go up a slope when on that slope. It doesn't like turning when locked. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
daTeacha
Veteran Member
There are some nice articulated (bend in the middle) 4x4 mowing machines out there. Many have the mower hanging out the front, which allows you to cut under low branches and such very easily. The things are heavy, often used on golf courses, college campuses, parks, etc. A couple of brands to investigate would be Steiner, Power Trac, and Ventrac.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If you're concerned about traction, I'd try to get a dealer to let you try it on your own property. I have the smallest Toro ZTR; plenty of power and it's gonna turn the wheels, and traction has been fine on dry surfaces, but any damp grass and a slope and no traction. )</font>
I'm with Bird on this one for sure. I have a ZTR and when doing some things on uneven moist ground traction gets lost faily easily. Another thing is crossing light ditches at the wrong angle will get you stuck, and believe me, they're heavy to move on your own, after you disengage the hydro drives and try to pick up the engine end to move it over.
I have to keep something to put under the wheels in those situations so I can regain some traction.
Most of my land is flat, but I've learned to avoid the dips because of the sticking.
Get an all wheel drive as others have said for your slopes, I think you'll be happier.
John
I'm with Bird on this one for sure. I have a ZTR and when doing some things on uneven moist ground traction gets lost faily easily. Another thing is crossing light ditches at the wrong angle will get you stuck, and believe me, they're heavy to move on your own, after you disengage the hydro drives and try to pick up the engine end to move it over.
I have to keep something to put under the wheels in those situations so I can regain some traction.
Most of my land is flat, but I've learned to avoid the dips because of the sticking.
Get an all wheel drive as others have said for your slopes, I think you'll be happier.
John
