It's time to invest in a yard tractor and I've never done this before, so I've narrowed it

[LaydeeBug]

down to two. I am interested in advice and suggestions, and promise to take everything with a grain of salt.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_372785-63311-YTH24K48FR_4294729028__?productId=3606296&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

or

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-42inch-24hp-turn-tight-8482-hydrostatic-yard-tractor/p-07128856000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

[dmosh42]

1. In deciding what tractor you would need, it's better to look at where it will be used.

Last edited Tue Jun 19, 2012, 10:50 AM - Edit history (1)

How much property, and is it hilly? The specs they provide are useless, because the same machine twenty years ago, might have lasted a lot longer based on the quality of parts. My Sears tractor of six years ago, was based on a 16 hp Sears tractor that I bought in 1972, which lasted until I sold my house in 1992, and new owner used the same machine. It also was used for northern winters with a snow blower! I bought a Sears 25hp tractor in 2005 for my present property, and last winter I gave it away, after the third transmission failed. I have two acres with some incline, front to back. It was just too much on the cheap quality machine. Engine was still good, but a poorly designed tractor.

[LaydeeBug]

3. Only about a half acre, but it is uneven and there's a hill in the back.

I'm getting the snow plow attachment as mid atlantic winters tend to leave us digging out once in a while, so I figure I'll save in sweat or save from paying the neighborhood kiddies (who are getting older, and less interested in such things)

[dmosh42]

4. If you have a paved driveway, I would go with a separate snowblower.

When I had my Sears 16hp tractor with the snowblower attachment, and if we had a wettish snow of 8" or more, I would just go down my driveway, and back up the neighbor's driveway, as he had a Sears tractor with a snow plow, chains & weights, but couldn't push the heavy snow. Of course, I don't know what you can afford, so don't want to sound snobby. Just don't expect too much as what these sales departments claim their machines can do. You might do some research on people's experiences with lawn tractors on the "Gardenweb.com", which I found very helpful in my last tractor purchase. Go to the 'forums' secton, and then to 'tractors'.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. I had problems with the last two craftsman tractors I had. One was a

transmission problem and the other was they wanted like $600 to fix the mowing deck. I have a 2006 John Deere 42" cutting blade now. It tends to throw the mower belt a lot.

[TuxedoKat]

5. They break down alot

Get one where the place who sells it to you will come and pick it up for you to repair it so you don't have to transport it to a repair place.

[Vinca]

6. We've had good luck with Kubota.

My husband is still using a tractor he bought new about 1985.

[HopeHoops]

7. Go for a John Deere.

[LaydeeBug]

8. John Deere won in the end. Made in America. nt

[HopeHoops]

9. That's a major factor when I buy tools (among other things). Enjoy it!