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Garden Tractor Advice

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by ReelFaster, Sep 18, 2021.

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  1. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Touched on this in my other posting but I wanted to learn and get more information about what I should be looking for spec and build wise.

    Looking for must haves to make sure the garden tractor I hopefully end up purchasing is capable of mowing the lawn and hauling around some larger items (small bass boat, trailer, heavy wood trailer) without compromising the unit. I am looking at used and trying to keep my budget in the 1k - $1,500 range if a really nice and well kept. Thanks in advance for your time and advice!
     
    ReelFaster, Sep 18, 2021
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  2. Casper

    Casper

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    We bought a Husqvarna LGT 2654 at our church in May of '17. Two years ago it had a front wheel hub break out the center of the wheel. Last year it did the same and the frame was cracked as well. A friend of mine is starting to experience similar issues with a slightly smaller model.

    I'd stay away from Husky mowers.
     
    Casper, Sep 18, 2021
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  3. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Thanks Casper !

    Older wheel horses, Horkn recommended Ariens GT which look really beefy, and there are many Deere models that are pretty beefy as well that look to fit the bill. Am just not that familiar with the specs I should be looking for!
     
    ReelFaster, Sep 19, 2021
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  4. Horkn

    Horkn

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    Older simplicity garden tractors are built well too. You really want to get a real garden tractor if you want it to be able to handle the chores. Some will call them garden tractors, when they really are not.
     
    Horkn, Sep 19, 2021
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  5. amateur cutter

    amateur cutter

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    I've got an old Gravely 16G professional model that I traded for years ago. Knew nothing about them, but it was in beautiful shape & had 550 hrs on it. Turns out it's a freaking tank & darn near bullet proof. I hooked it up to a two horse trailer we use to store bagged firewood in, my buddy said you're not gonna move that. I dropped it onto to the hitch, put the trailer where I wanted it & unhooked. The trailer was empty at the time, but probably weighs in at 2500 empty. Cuts decent too.
     
    amateur cutter, Sep 19, 2021
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  6. Casper

    Casper

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    The Husqvarna LGT2654 falls into your latter definition.
     
    Casper, Sep 19, 2021
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  7. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    John Deere 318 would fit your bill... pushing your upper limit on dollars... but it’s got hydraulic deck & 3 pt hitch...
     
    Chvymn99, Sep 19, 2021
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  8. moresnow

    moresnow

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    Old Ariens here. 17hp if I recall. Works pretty good hauling a 4x8 trailer load of splits. It's only responsibility! It's actually fun to use.
     
    moresnow, Sep 19, 2021
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  9. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Great info thanks fella's.

    Thank you and I would love a unit with a 3pt hitch
     
    ReelFaster, Sep 19, 2021
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  10. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Is there anything specific with the transmission type or min horsepower for pulling heavier loads I should be keeping eye out for?
     
    ReelFaster, Sep 19, 2021
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  11. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    I'd stay away from the elcheapo "tractors" that have the sealed belt drive transaxles...completely disposable. Any of the old Cub Cadets would work...the ones with the heavy duty cast iron transaxle and "shaft drive"...70's to maybe early/mid 80's (longer?) vintage...and anything in the say 14 HP (12?) and up range will do what you want...those older cubs always had a nice HD cast iron front axle and heavy steel frame too...dang things are all over the place, around here at least!
     
    brenndatomu, Sep 19, 2021
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  12. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    Here's one that just popped up locally...there are tons of them, they are usually cheap, and worth fixing if they need something...
    (Not sure why the words and the pic posted separately?!) :hair:
     
    brenndatomu, Sep 19, 2021
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  13. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    upload_2021-9-19_15-30-56.png
     
    brenndatomu, Sep 19, 2021
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  14. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Thanks a TON brenndatomu :yes:
     
    ReelFaster, Sep 19, 2021
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  15. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    Case garden tractors I think are the best design and are practically bullet proof.
    It's hydro consists of a pump on engine arrangement like a log splitter, simple separate valve and a hydraulic motor on the side of a two speed axle.
    Power king tractors are beasts, especially with the two transmissions.
     
    Screwloose, Sep 19, 2021
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  16. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Those Case units were Ingersoll-Rand mini-industrial tractors.
     
    MasterMech, Sep 24, 2021
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  17. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    That's a pretty tough budget if you need it to mow efficiently AND haul loads that size while lasting for decades. We're talking about something old, discontinued, and harder to source parts for, something that you will have to spend $$ on mechanically refreshing, or getting really, really, lucky.

    I know Deere the best do that's where I'll focus, off the top of my head, I'd be seeking:

    None of these are going to happen @ $1,500, but see if they might suit you anyways.

    Small tractors like the Deere 2210, Deere 2305, Kubota BX series, perhaps a Massey or New Holland model of equivalent size.

    John Deere X700 series, and the X400/500 series models that predated them. (X465/475/485/495 or X575, 585,595)

    Deere 400 series from 1992-circa 2002, 425, 445, 455. You MIGHT score one in non-running or awful cosmetic condition for $1,500. These are great machines that can haul your trailers and still be very efficient mowers.

    Deere 400 series pre-1992 - these are really falling into the collector/enthusiast category along with any of the more desirable 300 series units from pre-1992. 400/420/430 along with the 318/320/322 etc. All are a bit clumsy as mowers compared to post-1992 units.

    What might we find for around $1,500?

    Deere 200 series, ie: 210/212/214/216 - These are tanks for for pulling but good mower decks are getting kind of tough to find. Really becoming more of a collector unit as opposed to a daily workhorse. Make sure the variator pulley assembly works!

    Deere 300 series ie: 310/312/314/316 (Kohler) - Like the 200 series but heavier and sometimes with hydraulics, albeit very light duty. 316 Kohler is a one-year only model - pretty rare.

    "oddball" Deere 300 series - 316 (Onan), 317 - The 317 was precursor to the mighty 318 (which was just the everyman version of the 322 IMO. ;) ) and are something I would avoid unless you know exactly what you are getting into. Thankfully these are rare, and especially so with the now infamous original KT17 Series 1 engines. Series 2 engines are ok, but nowhere near as reliable as newer stuff. The 316 w/Onan is just a 318 without 2nd/3rd hydraulic options and no power steering. They aren't exactly rare but not as common as the 318 either. (My grandfather's is still in the back of his machine shed)

    You may find some bargains if you look for Scotts by Deere or Sabre model Garden tractors. They aren't green and yellow and tend to sell cheap because of it. But they share most parts with high-volume Deere models so parts, both new and used, tend to be easy to find. The Deere G100 falls into this category as well (but not the G110). These are going to be machines from the '90's and very early 2000's. Heavier duty than the vast majority of what is sold today.
     
    MasterMech, Sep 24, 2021
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  18. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    No, they had nothing to do with Ingersoll Rand. Case wanted to enter the garden tractor market and therefore purchased the Johnson brothers Colt tractor company. Then the garden tractor division was later sold to John Ingersoll and the name was changed to Ingersoll.
     
    Screwloose, Sep 24, 2021
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  19. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    A friend of mine has one of the Ingersoll's. The Rand just comes out naturally (despite being incorrect) because of the vast amount of equipment with that name. I stand corrected!
     
    MasterMech, Sep 24, 2021
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  20. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Awesome info MasterMech , thanks a ton :handshake: I've got my eye out......
     
    ReelFaster, Sep 24, 2021
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