Garden Tractor Advice?

Q. Just wondering if anyone has any input... we're moving soon to a small hobby farm, where we'll be keeping a couple of horses. I've started research what sort of tractor will best suit my needs. I'm pretty sure I'll require a garden tractor in the 24-28 HP range, but I want to be sure.

Primary uses for this equipment will be A) mowing (this will be by far the biggest usage), B) pulling an arena drag or cart with materials, and C) Moving small to moderate amounts of snow. Total acreage on the farm is nearly 15 acres, but much of that is covered with woods, pasture, outbuildings, etc. Total mowing area is probably going to be less than 5 acres.

The snow-moving requirement is the one that makes me think I'll need the most tractor I can get. This would be used to move snow up to 6 inches deep, anything beyond that I would be calling a plow. A friend has told me that he doesn't think a riding tractor will really be useful at moving snow, although I'm not sure he grasps the difference in power and weight between lawn and garden tractors. If a large garden tractor ISN'T going to move snow, am I looking at more power than I need?

That being said, this tool WILL be a workhorse on the farm, as I truly can't see the need for an actual compact tractor (and don't want to incur that cost). I'd love to hear any feedback on this, feel free to make any equipment recommendations as well (I'm leaning towards Craftsman Pro and Husqvarna).

thanks a ton!

dan
//

Answer
You are right about your friend not getting the difference. Your tractor should move snow just fine. You will need a snow blade with power angle or you will be trying to pull frozen bolts to change the angle - a real pain. I'd also suggest that you have a front end loader in case of a hundred year storm that dumps two or more feet of snow. If that happens you will not be able to find anyone that is not under contract in your area - plan on doing the job yourself (been there and done that).

As far as horsepower ratings, talk to your dealer but keep in mind that lower rated tractors will usually do the job, just more slowly. Proper technique helps quite a bit.

Finally, consider adding a plow to your 4x4 pickup. Its faster than a tractor and a damn site warmer and easier to start in the winter. You can plow with the storm and thus handle higher snow falls. Once you're done you can work your neighbors and probably pay for the plow in a year or two.

I have a 95 Ford Bronco, 4x4, 302 V8 EFI, how hard would it be to put a 99 or 2000 V8 Triton engine in it.?

Q.

Answer
You are aware of the Tritons' problems with spitting out spark plugs. . .right? I wouldn't put one in a lawn tractor. Just sayin'

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what john deere garden tractors have a 60" deck?

lcole1969

I would like to know what all John Deere lawn and garden tractors models came with a 60" mower deck?

thanks

Answer
John Deere 757 Ztrak, John Deere 445 Tractor with a 60" mower deck, JOHN DEERE 430 DIESEL GARDEN TRACTOR ,John Deere 855 4x4 diesel compact-60" deck
John Deere 425 can be fitted as 60", 667A, 455, M665, 755 disel, 1445 - lots of them, but most popular seem to be the 425, 445, and 455.

is there a fast tractor that is powerful enough to go on a hill?

I saw these tractors that move really fast and they're wide. I want to know if there are any of these that would be powerful enough to go up a 35 degree hill
a lawn mower

Answer
Not sure what you are referring to a wide mower. There are basically five types of lawn mowers out there. You have a Push Mower, Ride Mower, Zero Turn Mower, Stand Behind Mower and a Tractor. Referring to a wide mower you may be thinking of a Zero Turn commonly referred to as Z-Turn because of their popularity in any Commercial mowing business. They move faster than any other Mower and can turn in any direction w/ out the back wheels moving a inch. (Zero Turn) Anyway i own a Mowing business and the only thing that can get on steep hills is a Tractor. Plus most have four wheel drive (4x4) and this makes it easier to climb the hill w/ out tearing up the customers yard. Because there are more than two wheels digging in the grass.

Some Commercial Zero Turns can get on decently steep hills. Keep in mind though they are made to finish a job quickly. Even a Commercial Mower made for this type of thing can't stand up to a 4x4 Diesel Tractor. Although w/ the Tractor you are stuck going up and down the hill. Where as w/ the Zero Turn (if the hill is not too steep) you can just ride side ways on it and get it done.

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what is the stupidest that you ever did?

sweetmicha

stupid things

Answer
Yesterday, I tried driving into my dad's driveway (which was covered in snow) only I completely missed and was driving in by way of the lawn. I got my truck stuck. As I Threw the truck into 4x4 to get out, I managed to drive into deeper and deeper snow and got stuck worse. By the time I was done, the truck was in 3 and a half feet of snow and completely immobilized. After 2 hours and my neighbor coming over in his John Deere we got it out. Except that I wrapped the chain around the frame AND axle and managed to bend that, and as we were pulling it out when the tractor stopped I hit the gas instead of the brake and managed to smack into the back of the tractor, smashing the front of my truck and the radiator. Total damage= $1800.00

shed ramp plans will this be good for a 12ft shed ramp with a 3-12 pitch?

John

i need to make a ramp for a shed i built the shed is prob less than 3ft according to what i found on the internet to have a lawn tractor with the belly deck the pitch should be 3in high for 1 foot in length so the ramp should be somewhere around 12 ft in length so my plan first the shed base has a 2x12 exposed i am mounting this ramp to, the plan is to screw a 2x4 on the 2x12 and level it than buy 3 4x4s maby 4 depending on what you say to this cut the 4x4s to length and on one side make the notch cut to sit on the 2x4 then screw the 4x4 down and do the same for the next 2 or 3 boards next i want the ramp to be 48in wide the doors are 72in wide but i don't see a reason to make the ramp 72in wide, i think the way im going to make the ramp is not buying a single sheet of plywood but to lay 2x6 horizontally with maby an inch gap in between boards for traction and rain will run off easier, what i am conserned is will i be better off useing 2 4x4s and in the middle have a 4x4 post out of the ground for suport or just use the 4x4s with no suports on a 12ft ramp witch would be more cost effectively.

Answer
DON'T notch your 4by4's get double joist hangers and nail on 2by12's adjust for height of 2by4's on ramp! GOOD LUCK!

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what john deere garden tractors have a 60" deck?

best 4x4 lawn tractor image

lcole1969

I would like to know what all John Deere lawn and garden tractors models came with a 60" mower deck?

thanks

Answer
John Deere 757 Ztrak, John Deere 445 Tractor with a 60" mower deck, JOHN DEERE 430 DIESEL GARDEN TRACTOR ,John Deere 855 4x4 diesel compact-60" deck
John Deere 425 can be fitted as 60", 667A, 455, M665, 755 disel, 1445 - lots of them, but most popular seem to be the 425, 445, and 455.

is there a fast tractor that is powerful enough to go on a hill?

Zach

I saw these tractors that move really fast and they're wide. I want to know if there are any of these that would be powerful enough to go up a 35 degree hill
a lawn mower

Answer
Not sure what you are referring to a wide mower. There are basically five types of lawn mowers out there. You have a Push Mower, Ride Mower, Zero Turn Mower, Stand Behind Mower and a Tractor. Referring to a wide mower you may be thinking of a Zero Turn commonly referred to as Z-Turn because of their popularity in any Commercial mowing business. They move faster than any other Mower and can turn in any direction w/ out the back wheels moving a inch. (Zero Turn) Anyway i own a Mowing business and the only thing that can get on steep hills is a Tractor. Plus most have four wheel drive (4x4) and this makes it easier to climb the hill w/ out tearing up the customers yard. Because there are more than two wheels digging in the grass.

Some Commercial Zero Turns can get on decently steep hills. Keep in mind though they are made to finish a job quickly. Even a Commercial Mower made for this type of thing can't stand up to a 4x4 Diesel Tractor. Although w/ the Tractor you are stuck going up and down the hill. Where as w/ the Zero Turn (if the hill is not too steep) you can just ride side ways on it and get it done.

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Opinion: What is the best YAMAHA ATV for "every now and then" recreational riding for value?

best 4x4 lawn tractor image

ColetraiN

Getting into the market for a 4 wheeler, I like Yamaha, just don't know what model is the best for the price.

Answer
..raptor is the crotch rocket style 4 wheeler,mainly track or dirt roads,not good for woods or fields..no good for other uses as yard work...dont have the suspension for the potential abuse,clearance issues.......big bear,grizzly,wolverine are 4x4 or 2x4,multi-purpose,good for fields,dirt roads,mud,hills generally wherever you want to go..have racks on them to tie things down...and also work great for snow removal,trail mower,etc..you can pretty much replace your lawn tractor now a days with the right 4 wheeler..they have snow blowers,plows,trail mowers,sprayers,cabs w heaters,almost anything you can think of....you may want to stick to a 500cc or larger,especially if you are gonna use it for yard work or 2 people riding..the 4 wheeler is truly a very versatile machine..you also have the option of shift or no shift...hi or lo range...you will be looking at minimum $6000 for new...no matter the brand...they are all produced under strict quality control...its a matter of taste...and dont forget to check for customer satisfaction after the sale,parts costs,etc...

Can I put a plow on my 97 V8 2wd Dodge Ram?

David

Can I put a plow on my 97 V8 2wd Dodge Ram 1500?

Answer
As Dodge man stated it would be pretty much useless. A two wheel drive pickup has enough problems getting around in snow by itself due to the lack of weight over the rear wheels. Adding the weight of plow rigging and the plow to the front end of the truck takes more weight off the rear and makes the truck more subject to spinning.

If you need a snow plow, acquire a 3/4 ton 4x4 and add the equipment.

Have plowed snow using 4x4's, tractors, and even my Kohler powered 418-8 Wheel Horse lawn tractor equipped with ag tires and chains. The lawn tractor was the most fun, it moved 14 inches of powdered snow on level ground and downhill with no problem.

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Garden Tractor Advice?

best 4x4 lawn tractor image

danomac

Just wondering if anyone has any input... we're moving soon to a small hobby farm, where we'll be keeping a couple of horses. I've started research what sort of tractor will best suit my needs. I'm pretty sure I'll require a garden tractor in the 24-28 HP range, but I want to be sure.

Primary uses for this equipment will be A) mowing (this will be by far the biggest usage), B) pulling an arena drag or cart with materials, and C) Moving small to moderate amounts of snow. Total acreage on the farm is nearly 15 acres, but much of that is covered with woods, pasture, outbuildings, etc. Total mowing area is probably going to be less than 5 acres.

The snow-moving requirement is the one that makes me think I'll need the most tractor I can get. This would be used to move snow up to 6 inches deep, anything beyond that I would be calling a plow. A friend has told me that he doesn't think a riding tractor will really be useful at moving snow, although I'm not sure he grasps the difference in power and weight between lawn and garden tractors. If a large garden tractor ISN'T going to move snow, am I looking at more power than I need?

That being said, this tool WILL be a workhorse on the farm, as I truly can't see the need for an actual compact tractor (and don't want to incur that cost). I'd love to hear any feedback on this, feel free to make any equipment recommendations as well (I'm leaning towards Craftsman Pro and Husqvarna).

thanks a ton!

dan
//

Answer
You are right about your friend not getting the difference. Your tractor should move snow just fine. You will need a snow blade with power angle or you will be trying to pull frozen bolts to change the angle - a real pain. I'd also suggest that you have a front end loader in case of a hundred year storm that dumps two or more feet of snow. If that happens you will not be able to find anyone that is not under contract in your area - plan on doing the job yourself (been there and done that).

As far as horsepower ratings, talk to your dealer but keep in mind that lower rated tractors will usually do the job, just more slowly. Proper technique helps quite a bit.

Finally, consider adding a plow to your 4x4 pickup. Its faster than a tractor and a damn site warmer and easier to start in the winter. You can plow with the storm and thus handle higher snow falls. Once you're done you can work your neighbors and probably pay for the plow in a year or two.

I am considering buying a Long Tractor, are there any downsides to them?

itybtytity

I am unsure what year it is but it says 2360 on the side and it is 4X4. I know this model was made from 1990-1997. The guy is asking $7000 and it comes with a 5ft KingKutter bushog.
I am in need of a TRACTOR and 4X4 would only be a plus. I would be using it to BUSHOG 5.5 acres and other farming work.
I just wanted to know the downsides to the "Long" brand of tractor.
If you don't know what a "Long" tractor is then don't reply.

Answer
First of all are you talking about a lawn tractor or a long tractor? If it is a lawn tractor, look around you may find one a lot cheaper than $7000. Also do you you need a 4x4? Most likely you do not. How many acres do you need to cut? I ask you this because a 5ft kingkutter is usually used on a area that is not well groomed such as a pasture or a back forty. I suggest to look around and you will find a better deal. If not call me and I will hook you up with a mower that will meet your needs....

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is there a fast tractor that is powerful enough to go on a hill?

best 4x4 lawn tractor image

Zach

I saw these tractors that move really fast and they're wide. I want to know if there are any of these that would be powerful enough to go up a 35 degree hill
a lawn mower

Answer
Not sure what you are referring to a wide mower. There are basically five types of lawn mowers out there. You have a Push Mower, Ride Mower, Zero Turn Mower, Stand Behind Mower and a Tractor. Referring to a wide mower you may be thinking of a Zero Turn commonly referred to as Z-Turn because of their popularity in any Commercial mowing business. They move faster than any other Mower and can turn in any direction w/ out the back wheels moving a inch. (Zero Turn) Anyway i own a Mowing business and the only thing that can get on steep hills is a Tractor. Plus most have four wheel drive (4x4) and this makes it easier to climb the hill w/ out tearing up the customers yard. Because there are more than two wheels digging in the grass.

Some Commercial Zero Turns can get on decently steep hills. Keep in mind though they are made to finish a job quickly. Even a Commercial Mower made for this type of thing can't stand up to a 4x4 Diesel Tractor. Although w/ the Tractor you are stuck going up and down the hill. Where as w/ the Zero Turn (if the hill is not too steep) you can just ride side ways on it and get it done.

Opinion: What is the best YAMAHA ATV for "every now and then" recreational riding for value?

ColetraiN

Getting into the market for a 4 wheeler, I like Yamaha, just don't know what model is the best for the price.

Answer
..raptor is the crotch rocket style 4 wheeler,mainly track or dirt roads,not good for woods or fields..no good for other uses as yard work...dont have the suspension for the potential abuse,clearance issues.......big bear,grizzly,wolverine are 4x4 or 2x4,multi-purpose,good for fields,dirt roads,mud,hills generally wherever you want to go..have racks on them to tie things down...and also work great for snow removal,trail mower,etc..you can pretty much replace your lawn tractor now a days with the right 4 wheeler..they have snow blowers,plows,trail mowers,sprayers,cabs w heaters,almost anything you can think of....you may want to stick to a 500cc or larger,especially if you are gonna use it for yard work or 2 people riding..the 4 wheeler is truly a very versatile machine..you also have the option of shift or no shift...hi or lo range...you will be looking at minimum $6000 for new...no matter the brand...they are all produced under strict quality control...its a matter of taste...and dont forget to check for customer satisfaction after the sale,parts costs,etc...

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