Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I realize that this question has been asked.  And I may not have read enough questions/discussions to maybe find an answer.  But I will ask anyway.(I'm new to this forum)
I have a 'slope' that is approximately 1/2 acre in size.  My Toro 21" walk behind mower can do it.  I've only 'smoked' it a couple of times so a 'splash' oil engine can work but I would rather have a full pressure.  It takes me about 1 1/2 hours to do not counting the (2) 15 minute breaks.  I'm 65 but in good shape so it's something I can handle.......at the moment.

I would like to buy a Lawn/Yard tractor to do the job.  The John Deere rep came to the house and said that the X300 series could handle the job with no problems.  The hydrostatic transmission would work nicely he says.  He did suggest that I also have them put fluid in the tires to help with the 'center of gravity' to keep it low to ground?  The cost: $3100 plus tax and delivery.  Retail is $2999 but with the fluid addition and such that brought the price up.

Consumers Reports rated the Craftsman "Yard" tractor LT4000....model #28856..... with a 24 HP B/S engine and 42" deck higher than the X300.  They gave it a Best Buy rating.  I told the Sears rep about John Deere saying I needed fluid in tires.....he responded with 'wheel weights'.  The Craftsman tractor is about 1/2 the cost of the JD.  But..........is it as 'hardy' and strong for my situation?  I don't think Consumers Reports tested on slopes? 

The John Deere describes their transmissions, kinda.  The Craftsman does not.....it only says premium hydrostatic, whatever that is suppose to mean.

Is anyone willing to go out on a limb and recommend one over the other?  The JD does comes with a 4 year warranty while the Craftsman comes with 2.  But at half the price????? I think all things considered the two choices might be close.........except for the transmission????

Thanks

FrankMA wrote:
I appreciate the replies that have been coming.  It is 'my opinion' if one has the money then Simplicity or John Deere are the ones to buy.  They're rugged and seem to match their engines, transmissions and frame to what the need is.

But......I'm thinking there are more people like me who have to be somewhat frugal on their initial outlays.  Because I have a 'slope' for a yard; I live in the mountains, I have to buy more tractor than I need to be able to get the proper transmission at a price I can afford.  Craftsman is the only one that comes close to what I can afford.  I know some folks will say you get what you pay for and as the old FRAM commercial used to say "Pay me now or Pay me later".  But sometimes being frugal can pay off.  Also as it was stated above.........."you've got a lot of explaining to do with the wife".......I can't explain to her I need a $5,000 or more tractor.

I will possible go to our local Sears Catalog/Franchise store and look at the GT6000; they actually have one.  I just wish I knew what to look for when looking at the tranny; to be able to tell which/what one it is.  If it is the K58 or Hydro G I think I'm OK.  I think I would like for it to be the Hydro G because it has a filter that is accessible and I assume can be serviced easier?  But I noticed at the Hydro web site there are other tranny's that are not as good in the torque so would not want of those lesser ones?  How to tell?

Thanks

Most GT's have "ground engaging" tranny's which means they are capable of using pull behind accessories that dig into the earth. You could also find out what tranny is installed on the tractor and then go to the manufacturers website and look it up. The manufacturer's websites are usually very good at providing all types of relevant information on their product. You may have to actually poke around the housing of the tranny to find out who the manufacturer is if the store cannot provide this information. That in itself is a red flag for me which is why it's often better to buy from a dealer.

The Craftsman GT's are a really good bang for your hard earned buck and are very capable machines. They may not have the fit and finish of something more expensive but they can and will get the job done. Buy what you can afford to buy and later on down the line you can always upgrade if you have a few extra bucks. You may decide that the Craftsman fits your needs just fine. I bought my WH 522xi used for the price of a new Craftsman GT. I was seriously considering the Craftsman when I came across the 522xi on CL and scooped it up - I had always wanted a Wheel Horse and had looked hard for a decent 520H but just could not seem to find a good one, then I came across the 522xi and that was it. Buying used is always a good option to consider as well.

I went to the Sears Catalog/Franchise store and looked at the GT6000.
You all are right....it does not have the fit and finish of a John Deere or other high end tractor.
But it DOES HAVE the Hydro Gear G7 tranny !!!
And all in all it was pretty well put together for what it is.
I am a fan of Kohler motors.... that is a plus.  Even though I have had no problems with any B/S motor as long as it was an Intek or better.
Now comes the hard part.......is Sears willing to deal?  or am I willing to part with the money.

Thanks to all


Oh, I measured my slope......It appears to be mostly a tad under the 15 degrees that is quoted as not to go over.
But...........I have a small section that approaches 20 degrees (maybe).  DO ANY OF YOU THINK THAT IS A PROBLEM?

Go for it! The price is right (got to keep the peace), it will serve your needs (it does have to really work!) and it's a REAL GT (YEAH) !!!!!

Like I said before, these are great bang for your buck tractors. Sears (Craftsman) does some good things with trying to lower their cost and price to the consumer and the Craftsman GT line up is one of them (can't say that for everything...). I too, like the G730 HydroGear Tranny as it has the replacable FULL SIZE filter - bonus points in my book! I thiink Sears has a "friends and family" night deal every so often where you get an extra 10% off for whatever you buy that night. If you can line that up with a special discount or sales promotion, you could probably score a GT6K for less than $ 2,800.00.

If you want a serious, tough, garden tractor, go used. Forget the hydrostatic. You can pick up a nice (60's or 70's) WH, Bolens, Case, Ingersoll, Sears Suburban, or Cub Cadet with a gear transmission (or no trans at all in the Case and Ingersoll, they're hydraulic drive) for under 1,000, often under $500 if you're willing to do a bit more work. If it's not too badly rusted you can repower one with a bad engine ($1500) and it'll be good for another 20-30 years. They're all capable of ground engaging and have a solid steel frame. Won't be as pretty or have a warranty but it will be able to pull your next door neighbors brand new one to the junkyard in 10 years - and the one he buys to replace that one. Check out mytractorforum.com when you get a chance.