Need help finding the right yard/garden tractor

11 years ago

Long time lurker, newbie poster. Lots of great info here!

Well, it's time to buy a new(er) mower. Price point $2k - $4k. I have about 1.5 acres which is quite hilly. I need a mower that will be used primarily for mulching and want it to look nice when I'm done. I prefer hydro and am prepared to utilize fluid filled ag bar tires for improved traction. My current machine is a Simplicity 3314H with (I think) a 48" grass masher deck. It's not very dependable but ok for backup/entertainment (I'm a mechanic) purposes.

I've looked over a lot of the current offerings but it's not clear how to compare a Vickers hydro to the current offering of Tuff Torq equipment. Probably tougher than a K46 but equivalent to a K57, K72? Also watching craigslist but seems that people are wanting a lot of money for their used GTs, most 10 - 20 years old.

I'm fine with buying "one step above what you need" but not sure where that is. I'm looking for suggestions on good mulching mowers (am I right in assuming that a 46" deck is going to be a better choice that the 50" - 52"?) that will be durable.

From what I've looked at the x300 series seem to be a little underpowered for mulching at 18hp. The Snapper NXT seems to have a lighter guage frame (12 guage) than seems necessary. The B&S line (Snapper, Craftsman CTX)sounds promising and the Cub Cadet's might be a possibility as they are also available in my area.

Open to any and all suggestions.

Comments (8)

tomplum
11 years ago
Maybe expand your options to used commercial equipment. New units you may need to push the envelope in pricing a bit to actually replace what you had. The larger X series tractors have at least a hydro that you can service. I would not make an automatic assumption that a 46" will mulch better than a larger one. Mulching is great, but can bring quality of cut issues and clipping dispersion issues along with. Take your time and research well.
gdj204
11 years ago
Tufftorq publishes their specs on their website - if you can get similar specs for Vickers, etc., then you should be able to make a better comparison.

John Deere used to publish info about their transmissions before they updated their website (price of progress, I guess). Their x320/324 has a better tranny than their x300/304, if you're looking at those tractors.
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mech0001
Original Author
11 years ago
Not real hopeful on getting any specs on the hydro.

I'll look at the x320 specs. Really like a used 425 for under $3000, tho.

Any suggestions on good mulchers?
tomplum
11 years ago
That 425 sounds real nice. I think the best approach is to start checking out what dealers close to you have in the back row. be it a tractor complete or even extra decks. Get their opinions. Look on the Craigslist/ EBAY , estate sales etc. The older 400 series were built like tanks, but lots of them had no mulching. Service decks are available new- but pricey once you add it to a machine you just had to buy too. Maybe a Toro XI with a 52" recycler.
ravenh2001
11 years ago
I have had an x320 for 5 years and the only regret I have is I didn't go up to the all wheel steering. I mow 3 ac of orchard and have to back up for about 1/4 of the 300 fruit trees.
mech0001
Original Author
11 years ago
ravenh2001,

Ooh, that's a lot of backing. I only have 7 fruit trees so not so much of an issue. Do you mulch/climb hills with it? Any info on how it does with those tasks?
ravenh2001
11 years ago
No real hills and I don't mulch. I often wait to long to mow so I have to slow down sometimes to get a good cut. It is still more relaxing than my big deere with a 6' flail.
jrsavoie
11 years ago
The diesels are much more fuel efficient. If you shop around you can find red diesel a little cheaper - no raod use tax.
You can find a an older 300 or 400 series John Deere or Kubota and have something that will last years.
My 1980 John Deere 400 has been cutting 3 1/2 acres plus , ever since and is still going strong. I would like to sell or trade it and end up with a similar tractor in a diesel