Garden Tractor Advice

Honestly when they first came out I thought IR was getting in the L&G business.

 

I don't know what your mechanical ability is but it's rare to find something capable in that price range that won't have some issues. Not necessarily bad as it drives the price down but something to consider.

 

I don't think you'll find any of the ones that mastermech listed for the price you want.

The ariens GT, and simplicity sunstar's should fit the bill. Especially if you want a 3pt hitch.

Deutz Allis had repainted sunstar's for sale for a while. Ultima is what they were called. Also called Agco-Allis 1920. They go for less$$ because they are lesser known.

 

The old Sears Suburbans were work horses. Had a manual 3 point hitch, they were tough.

 

Here's one going up for sale. Needs a bit of prettying up, but the suggestion is that it's worth about 1200.


48" mow deck and a snow blade. All you'd really want/ need is a 3pt hitch ( and a better seat) and you're set

 

I know that one is in Wisconsin, but I'll look and see if I can find one in Jersey if at all possible.

 

Here's one...ariens gt 18 lawn mower hydraulic tractor - farm & garden - by owner...

60" deck even.

 

Horkn with the helping hand for a win

 

It’s a hard price range period.. harder to find one that doesn’t have mechanical issues.. I had a cub super garden with front and mid mount…. Mowing capability were moderate at best.

 

one clue if the rear wheels bolt on -likely a true garden unit, if held on by giant e-clip -lawn mower

 

I always try. Must be the Eagle Scout in me.

Same is true on the mowing deck of the ariens GT's. There's better mowers out there, like simplicity, but at least the ariens have the striping kit on them. Blade speed is lower on the ariens gt decks. That won't help. But as far as durability, the ariens gt decks, despite being stamped, are pretty darn durable, especially once you weld a reinforcement bar/ piece to the leading edge. Did that to ours a good 20+ years ago.. Didn't matter if it was a 48" or 60" deck for mow quality, but if you keep the blades sharp, they work pretty good. My blades are very dull now, and I know my spindle bearings are needing replacement, and it still mowed pretty good today. If you want the best and quickest mowing job you can get, get a zero turn, but that zero turn absolutely cannot do tractor stuff like a good garden tractor.

 

I own two 3014 Ingersoll GTs, parts are not a problem. just like chainsaws here, there are forums that specialize in all the GTs with plenty of members willing to assist each other.

I keep one of mine set up for mowing although most of the large mowing jobs here are now handled by a finish mower on the Ferguson. The other Ingersoll picks up the snowblower, rototiller, and general beast duties. I had a large Simplicity prior to owning these and I thought it was a beast at the time, but the Case / Ingersoll GT's are way tougher and built way better.

These machines are very heavy duty and mow pretty well. I really knew nothing about hydraulics prior to getting these 7 or 8 years ago and they are fairly easy to work on.

They show up used occasionally and typically need a little TLC, but they are well worth the little bit of maintenance needed. When not abused and neglected, they are lifetime tools.

 

Thanks a ton fella's!