Posted by dennis on April 02, 1998 at 09:39:05:
In Reply to: Need help with purchase of Garden Tractor posted by Jim Agans on March 31, 1998 at 17:50:27:
: I am in the market for a new tractor, mostle for work around the yard. I need something that gives a smooth ride due to back problems. It seems the bigger tired machines ride better and am looking at garden tractors as opposed to lawn. Can someone give me some good advise? There are so many its hard to decide. Why are JD's so much more than murray or MTD? are sears any better than MTD or Murray? SHould I go Hydrostatic? HELP!!!!!!
Ive been shopping for about a month and have come to the conclusion that it depends on what you are going to do with the "tractor" part. If you intend to do a lot of ground engagement such as plowing and grading I would spend as much as possible to get the very best. Any of the good quality tractors are built well enough to handle mowing if thats all you intend to do with it (although JD has what seems to have the best resale value).
If you only intend to mow a lot of grass you need to look into the "non-tractors" such as "zero turn radius mowers" these can speed up your "in cut time" and reduce your overall time spent mowing(less stress on the ole back). I will be "test mowing" a Husqvarna model 1200-18H this weekend, this is a true mower with a four inch turn radius, 18hp, 48" cut, and hydrostatic drive it retails for around $5200.00. This particular mower has been used as a demo and has about 34 hours on the meter and has been offered to me for $3300.00 I will let you know what I think come Monday.
Good Luck with the mower/tractor and the back I know just how you feel.