Buying Advice Which one?!

Mooster · Jan 20, 2014

Hello all
I have 7 acres of pasture and my home is in a subdivision on 1/2 acre. I would like to get advice on what I should buy. The 7 acres of pasture will just be spot mowed. The tractor will also be used to tow a small arena groomer/harrow. I was looking at the 2014 Craftsman garden tractors. The reason for looking into the garden tractors is because I would like it to pull double duty, mow lawn and work out at the stables. We only have 4 horses so manure really isn't a problem nor would we do any earth moving.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I currently have a JD LA135 with about 100hrs.

LindenBruce · Jan 20, 2014

Honestly, I would stay away from a garden tractor. I have a Husky and the engine leaks oil like it's going out of style, and the mower deck pillar bearing supports for the blades break if I happen to hit a big rock. I thought this thing would have been better built.

I would go with a JD 700 series machine or even a 1000 series if I were do it all over again. Or a Mahindra 22 MAX. Or an LS J series. All are smaller nimble machines that have mid mount mowers and can use other smaller sized implements that would be perfect for you.

B.

Poopdeck Pappy · Jan 20, 2014

I'd also look at a Kubota BX series with a mid-mount mower. It will be quite a bit more expensive than a Craftsman garden tractor, but it will do a LOT more work and will just barely be broken in when the Craftsman is rusting away in the junk heap.

I learned a very valuable lesson when I started acquiring wood working tools. The lesson is this: When you buy a cheap tool to save money, you'll remember the money you saved every single time you use it.

LindenBruce · Jan 20, 2014

Exactly Poopdeck Pappy. We had an old Monkey Wards 18hp 38" rider that lasted for 25 years and was still going when we replaced it with the big Husky. In fact, I still have the engine for a future as yet to be determined hydraulic powered project one day.

I also forgot to mention, but I snapped an axle on the Husky's hydrostat last year. Going from reverse to forward when I heard a "bang" and it wouldn't move anymore. Cost about 150.00 dollars in parts and I did the work myself. But that axle just broke in two like it was nothing.

It's a shame, because both riders, the Monkey Wards and the Husky, both have B&S engines which typically have had a good reputation I thought. Both are strong engines, but the oil leaks on the new one is troublesome. If you do decide to stay with a throw away rider, get one with the Kohler engine. B.

Mooster · Jan 20, 2014

Thank you for the replies.
Unfortunately the property was just bought so we are still trying to adjust financially and waiting on people to rent stalls or pasture. Ive looked at the real tractors but right now its not really an option. For big work we will have to rent one. I was just looking into something to use daily for small stuff that I could also use at home.
Anyway,
Thanx again

Not a member · Jan 20, 2014

What is your budget? A small, older used tractor may be an option. They will definitely hold up better and pretty well hold their value too. If you're set on getting a garden tractor... I think the Craftsman's are a good way to go. I bought the biggest one they had with a gear drive transmission. It was built a lot heavier than the lawn tractors. Tall bolt on tires, heavy frame, 10 gauge deck, etc. I bought it in 2005 and sold it last year. It held up well while maintaining a couple of different properties. Back then I paid $1950 I think. I'm sure they are more now and not even sure if they offer a gear tranny.