I'm a new homeowner, and for the first time in my life have enough yard (about 2 acres) to justify a riding lawn mower. I'd prefer something a little more heavy-duty-- a so-called "garden tractor"-- because I'm likely to use it for more than just mowing. Aerating, seeding, hauling around mulch and setting out a garden are among the activities in which I'd employ the tractor.
I looked at a new gasoline-powered Kubota today with a 46-inch mowing deck and an 18 horsepower Kohler V-twin engine, but the dealer wanted something like $3,800 for it!
For obvious reasons, then, I'm also entertaining used garden tractors. Later today, I'm going to check out an old Ford LGT garden tractor-- the local New Holland (former Ford tractor) dealer says parts are plentiful, though I would have to order most of them and wait a couple days for them to come in if something on this late '70s-early '80s tractor happened to break. If the asking price isn't more than $500 or $600, I'll be sorely tempted to buy it, despite its age. My family has a history of restoring old mowers like this one, for what it's worth.
Anyway, I'm interested in hearing your opinions on this: New or used, what's the best garden tractor out there for a not-too-ridiculous price? I'm talking under $1,500 used-- preferably under $1,000 used to be honest-- and under $2,500 if new.
I looked at a new gasoline-powered Kubota today with a 46-inch mowing deck and an 18 horsepower Kohler V-twin engine, but the dealer wanted something like $3,800 for it!
For obvious reasons, then, I'm also entertaining used garden tractors. Later today, I'm going to check out an old Ford LGT garden tractor-- the local New Holland (former Ford tractor) dealer says parts are plentiful, though I would have to order most of them and wait a couple days for them to come in if something on this late '70s-early '80s tractor happened to break. If the asking price isn't more than $500 or $600, I'll be sorely tempted to buy it, despite its age. My family has a history of restoring old mowers like this one, for what it's worth.
Anyway, I'm interested in hearing your opinions on this: New or used, what's the best garden tractor out there for a not-too-ridiculous price? I'm talking under $1,500 used-- preferably under $1,000 used to be honest-- and under $2,500 if new.