Hi Everyone - It's been awhile

lauriet1 · August 25, 2003

Hi all - I haven't been posting or lurking in a LONG time. Crazy life for the last 6 months or so. Getting ready to move with my dogs and horse to a new place in October with 11 acres, small house and a REALLY BIG GARAGE! (28 X 40). It's got a 400 ft driveway and quite a bit of area to mow (about 3-4 acres) so I'm gonna need a tractor with a mower deck and a snow blower. I really don't want to put a plow on my beautiful GMC Truck. Need something with 4wd, doesn't have to be new, would buy used. I don't know much about tractors so I'm looking for some help out there. Anyone have some suggestions for me? Thanks very much.

silverado man · August 25, 2003

good to see you back.

Is this what you are looking for? Except this doesn't have 4X4.

http://classifieds.tractorbynet.com/defaul...etail&adid=1829

And here's a few more.

http://caldwelltractor.com/used_tractors.asp

pacodiablo · August 25, 2003

You should look at a compact tractor. They are a step above lawn and garden tractors and are equipped with hydraulics and the like. A 3 point hitch is helpful and the universal standard. With a 3 point you can use an attachment from any brand on any brand of tractor.

Here are some links...

http://www.cubcadet.com

http://www.kubota.com

http://www.mahindrausa.com

http://www.agcocorp.com

http://www.mcconnellmarctractors.com

These machines run from $10K to about $18 or $19K depending on price and brand.

If those seem to big, take a look at Simplicity...http://www.simplicitymfg.com

They cost more, but would be better suited to your needs and would last longer than an MTD or Murray.

CMNTMXR81 · August 26, 2003

Tractors are cool, but how about ATV's as a possible alternative.

When I had my Polaris, they had tons of attachments for pull behind mowers, push or pull snow blades, PTO take off blowers, thatchers, aerators, trailers, etc, etc. Plus you can mow and plow a sh*tload faster.

lauriet1 · August 26, 2003

Thanks for all the information guys! Looks like I've got alot of research to do. I will be alone when I move (yes...that's why I haven't been on board for awhile, have a STBX ) so I'll need something that I can handle by myself with attachments that are easily taken on and off, unless one of you want to move to upstate New York to lend me a hand I know some folks who have Simplicity mowers and they seem to like them. Looks as though their Yard and Garden models are something I could easily handle. Larger tractors are really cool, but kinda intimidating, especially if I had to use chains, put on belly mower, etc, etc. not sure I have the strength to lift them up and put them on.

Which is the better motor the Kohler or the Briggs & Stratton?

melbertbloosfan · August 26, 2003

Thanks for all the information guys! Looks like I've got alot of research to do. I will be alone when I move (yes...that's why I haven't been on board for awhile, have a STBX ) so I'll need something that I can handle by myself with attachments that are easily taken on and off, unless one of you want to move to upstate New York to lend me a hand I know some folks who have Simplicity mowers and they seem to like them. Looks as though their Yard and Garden models are something I could easily handle. Larger tractors are really cool, but kinda intimidating, especially if I had to use chains, put on belly mower, etc, etc. not sure I have the strength to lift them up and put them on.

Which is the better motor the Kohler or the Briggs & Stratton?

I would think most folks would say the Kohler is the superior engine, but at a cost premium. Which is the better VALUE, now that might be debated. I have always had B&S on my mowers, never had a problem. Dad runs Kohler and never had a problem. His kohlers are usually quieter and have less vibration. But, at a cost!

Properly maintained, either engine will prolly last as long as you want it to.

Good luck on the move/fresh start!

sk · August 26, 2003

Here's a great "sub-compact" -- it has features of the compact diesel tractors but in a smaller package: http://www.deere.com/2210

You may also want to check out: http://www.steinerturf.com for some small but useful 4WD tractors. If you are looking to buy new I would budget about $14K for a tractor, deck, snowblower, and maybe a loader.

Scott

lauriet1 · August 26, 2003

If you are looking to buy new I would budget about $14K for a tractor, deck, snowblower, and maybe a loader.

$14K Wow! I like the John Deere Models and the Kubota's. Just goes to show I have great taste! My wallet isn't bulging big enough for a new one of those so I guess I'll have to look for a good used machine. The link above was for a place in Florida, they had alot of nice ones. There must be some big tractor dealers around here that sell used equipment. I'll keep shopping! Thanks for all the info guys!

silverado man · August 26, 2003

Here's a list of a few dealers in NY area.

http://www.lorenzomfg.com/onny.html

lauriet1 · August 26, 2003

Awsome Silverado - You guys are the best!

silverado man · August 27, 2003

No problem. Hope you find what you are looking for in one of those. And you'll have to post some pics when you do get it.

k1500chevy97 · August 27, 2003

You can get a nice 8420 from john deere for a decent price and it will do everything you ask it to

silverado man · August 27, 2003

You can get a nice 8420 from john deere for a decent price and it will do everything you ask it to

I don't think she needs a tractor that big.

k1500chevy97 · August 27, 2003

You can get a nice 8420 from john deere for a decent price and it will do everything you ask it to

I don't think she needs a tractor that big.

big ???

silverado man · August 27, 2003

Yeah she's looking more for a all around lawn tractor that can push snow along with mowing the lawn. For some reason I don't thing the 8420 is a little over kill to mow a lawn, not unless your lawn is a pasture.