Another What garden tractor to buy thread.
- Thread starter jrsavoie
- Start date
ShuhornGarage
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- Joined
- Mar 22, 2016
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- 41
If you haven't already purchased a unit, there are a few considerations you should make
1. How easy are the attachments to change, seconds, minutes or hours
2. Ease of use, comfort to operate & handy controls that are easy to use & close at hand - no reaching req'd
3. Variety of attachments available
4. Ease of maintenaince - how easy is it to change/add oil, fuel, coolant, parts accessability, in stock or need to be ordered & WAIT!!
5. How long do you expect it to last
6. Resale value when you either what to upgrade or sell when you no longer require that type of epuipment, does it have value or is it worthless
Many units that may cost less can save you $$ up front but will aggrivate you every time you use it. If aggrivation is ok then save 10%-20% buying a bargain
If you want to pat yourself on your back every time you use it because it's a wonderful unit then spend a bit more so you can do just that
It takes about 45 seconds to remove or re-install the loader on my JD 3046 tractor. I've had a JD 400 - NOT RECOMMENDED
a JD 2305 & a JD 2720 & now the JD 3046 - all the accessories are super easy to install or remove - no pins to line up, nothing to hump around
Almost all other brands are not that user friendly when installing / removing attachments.
They all work reasonably well when they're new but....
Make sure the sales person will show you how to operate everything & not just tell you how to operate & install/remove attachments
It's a big investment & my best advise it to buy 1 or 2 sizes larger than you require today so you won't have to upgrade as often because you most likely will want a more powerful unit sooner than one realizes
Check out new prices in your area & then used prices to determine your end cost of ownership
1st choice John Deere
2nd choice Kubota
3rd choice is a **** shoot at the best of times
Happy shopping
Still shopping. But not pressed for time. So far my favorite find would be an old JD955 with low hours. About impossible in this market.
I am more worried about going too big or not big enough. We have a 1975 Ford backhoe and a 1963 John Deere 4010 wide front diesel with the 4020 recall kit. I want something that will have at least as much power and be as tough as the 1980 JD400 was. I was told more than once to stay away from the new JD 10, 20 and 30 series.
We saw a New Holland TC30 141 hours for $15.000. Haven't heard back from the seller. We'd really like to be closer to $10,000. So we could invest in another less expensive piece of equipment.
Any further opinions would be appreciated. We aren't in a hurry to spend any money.
58Yeoman
Well-known member
Couple years ago, I bought a 2015 JD X738, just because I wanted a tractor to play with, that was larger than the small Cubs I was playing with. It was 5 years old with ~130 hours on it and came with a 54" deck, which I really didn't want. The dealer added a 54" snow blade, all for around $10,000. Last year, I added an aftermarket fel for another $3,000. It ticked all the boxes I had for my use.
Is there a diesel 4x4 version?Couple years ago, I bought a 2015 JD X738, just because I wanted a tractor to play with, that was larger than the small Cubs I was playing with. It was 5 years old with ~130 hours on it and came with a 54" deck, which I really didn't want. The dealer added a 54" snow blade, all for around $10,000. Last year, I added an aftermarket fel for another $3,000. It ticked all the boxes I had for my use.
That size would work.
58Yeoman
Well-known member
Check here on Tractor Data. The X750 is diesel, there may be others of the 700 series.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
That's a cool little machine. I'd use the hell out of something like thatCouple years ago, I bought a 2015 JD X738, just because I wanted a tractor to play with, that was larger than the small Cubs I was playing with. It was 5 years old with ~130 hours on it and came with a 54" deck, which I really didn't want. The dealer added a 54" snow blade, all for around $10,000. Last year, I added an aftermarket fel for another $3,000. It ticked all the boxes I had for my use.
WhoWhatNow
Well-known member
Sounds like you are looking for an 2011 or earlier x748. Diesel, AWD, optional rear PTO and loader compatible. I believe that after 2012 they could no longer mount the OE Deere loader.
58Yeoman
Well-known member
I did last summer, just wish I'd bought one a few years ago when I hauled 7 tons of rockl. Last year, I hauled 9 tons of fill dirt to level the edge of a ravine, plus used it to lift two small bridges I replaced over my creek. We season our firewood down by the creek, then haul it to the wood shed with the end loader and a wagon full in the fall, plus other jobs, of course. I like it.
kenners
Well-known member
Used Equipment for Agriculture, Construction & Forestry | MachineFinder
Discover used equipment from John Deere, such as lawn mowers, tractors, UTVs & agriculture equipment. Search the inventory of John Deere dealers near you.
www.machinefinder.com
Yankeefarmer
Well-known member
Tractorhouse.com ?There is another site but can't remember what it is right now.Used Equipment for Agriculture, Construction & Forestry | MachineFinder
Discover used equipment from John Deere, such as lawn mowers, tractors, UTVs & agriculture equipment. Search the inventory of John Deere dealers near you.
WhoWhatNow
Well-known member
Machinery Pete:
www.machinerypete.com
2006 John Deere X748 Lawn and Garden - Isanti, Minnesota | $8,295 | Machinery Pete
2006 John Deere X748 lawn and garden. Browse the most popular brands and models at the best prices on Machinery Pete.
www.machinerypete.com
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Holy smokes. 8k for a 16 year old tractor without any attachments besides a deck? That's nutsMachinery Pete:
2006 John Deere X748 Lawn and Garden - Isanti, Minnesota | $8,295 | Machinery Pete
2006 John Deere X748 lawn and garden. Browse the most popular brands and models at the best prices on Machinery Pete.
WhoWhatNow
Well-known member
That does seem high. I purchased my 2011 with a 54” deck for $5k 4 or 5 years ago. I got a great deal on it though. Also, I’m not sure why that machine is listed as 2 wheel drive. The 2WD would have been the x728.
edit - just looked at the listing again and it clearly a 4WD. It also has a 3 point lift and the rear PTO which were optional on these machines. Expensive options. It is low hours as well so it may not be a bad price. I have not looked at the going rate of these tractors for years though.
RPH
Well-known member
This is the problem in todays market, especially in the scut / cut market. What I observed was out of warranty equipment going for almost new prices. Kubota warranty is 6 years. In 6 years a lot use / abuse can occur. At that point the savings, what little it might be, can be easily consumed in maintenance and possible repair costs. For the couple extra thousand the warranty is cheap insurance and guarantees low hour operation.
Plus I can order just what I want and not settle so much on what there.
Juiced06GTO
Well-known member
Look at the B series Kubota's, specifically a 2601 or 2301. Both are under the HP limit for emissions. I have one the I purchased new back in 2016 after analyzing every tractor around for over a year. This is a tough market to purchase equipment in, everything is going for top dollar. My machine new with the backhoe w thumb, loader w third function, and 54" mid mower deck was just over 27K. You can knock that down quite a bit if you don't need the backhoe.
They will do a ton of work, mine has moved hundreds of tons of material around the property while building my shop.
They will do a ton of work, mine has moved hundreds of tons of material around the property while building my shop.
We finally went out looking yesterday. We liked the B2601. Just the right size for what we need. Now, if they could knock $10,000 off to get to a reasonable price.Look at the B series Kubota's, specifically a 2601 or 2301. Both are under the HP limit for emissions. I have one the I purchased new back in 2016 after analyzing every tractor around for over a year. This is a tough market to purchase equipment in, everything is going for top dollar. My machine new with the backhoe w thumb, loader w third function, and 54" mid mower deck was just over 27K. You can knock that down quite a bit if you don't need the backhoe.
They will do a ton of work, mine has moved hundreds of tons of material around the property while building my shop.
Found out my brother and a friend both have B2601's and like them.
In searches the only things advised were the seat ***** and they could use rear wheel spacers.
It still bothers me that I can buy a 200 hp tractor cheaper than a garden tractor. Might ought to buy goats or sheep and some electric fence
RPH
Well-known member
The bx2680 cost a little more but has some creature comfort features. Cruise control when cutting the lawn is nice. The bx2680 has the upgraded adjustable seat. Seat comfort counts when it takes a few hours to cut it all the lawn. Got about 4 acres around house and outbuildings. New seats are big dollars.
You forgot about Kubotas treadle pedal design that *****!
Be careful with wheel spacers if you have a mid mount mower deck, it can cause clearance issues.
If you can find a good condition 200hp tractor for less than a CUT I’d be all over that! Although you’ll probably find the CUT more useful.
Juiced06GTO
Well-known member
I have never had an issue with the seat on mine, but I have the swivel seat since the backhoe is there, I think it is different if there is no hoe. As nice as it is to have one machine that does everything, in retrospect I should have purchased three different machines. A zero turn mower to do the lawn, and old mini excavator for digging, and an old skid steer for the loader/fork work.
At the time had I done some searching I probably would have spent the same money and had machines that were better at doing all those tasks, although the Kubota holds its own and does get a lot of use, and it was new, and I could finance it at 0% instead of outlaying 30k in cash, the gains I've made on having that money invested over the past 5 years have covered a good portion on the cost of the machine.
At the time had I done some searching I probably would have spent the same money and had machines that were better at doing all those tasks, although the Kubota holds its own and does get a lot of use, and it was new, and I could finance it at 0% instead of outlaying 30k in cash, the gains I've made on having that money invested over the past 5 years have covered a good portion on the cost of the machine.
kurtveselic11
New member
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- Apr 22, 2022
- Messages
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I adore you guys; I learned a lot of useful information. My wife and I recently bought our own plot with a farm, and we are slowly starting to get used to a new life. Our main task is to find a good tractor model that would suit us in all respects and buy it. We also want to purchase smaller equipment to make it easier to take care of the garden. We are considering buying this equipment from the plant & machinery service, but have not yet decided what to order. If you have any ideas about this, then I will be glad to listen to them
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Yep. I understand that we have been averaging 5% for several years.
I still had a lot of trouble buying new. And to kick it, I don't care for the tractor.
The 26 HP is undersized for a lot of stuff and the LX2610 tractor is oversized for the HP.
I would have been better served with a smaller garden tractor - like a 455. Or a similar sized older tractor with more HP. Like a JD 955.
But we couldn't find anything for what I considered a reasonable price. Especially since I am not able to work on much right now. Or possibly ever again. Everything is left up to my wife.
Except I about killed her with the Kubota already.
I hope I get used to this thing. Way to jerky for me
Mikeske
Well-known member
I have a John Deere 2305 which came before the 1025 series. I got mine fully loaded with front end loader, backhoe, 62” mower deck. The thing is a workhorse around my property but did discover over the first year it limits. When the ground is soft it will get stuck super fast with the turf tires. The turf tires had another issue and it was they were 2 ply on a one ton machine with all the attachments on it.
I went to getting the lug tires which are 4 ply. No more flats since I did this. The machine is a real work horse but since it so heavy on the clay soils in the spring I still needed a lighter machine for spring mower duty so I kept the old lawn tractor for several more years until paid off the zero interest note I had on the 2305.
What is surprising even with the 400 hours on this 2305 is the fact the resale value has only gone down a couple grand since I bought this new. This tractor is a real workhorse and punches above it size in doing work. This does not have all the features of the newer JD subcompact tractors but still get the job done. Sure it might be slower but still works great.
One issue is the fact that you should get a 2305 the hydrostatic transmission has a fan on the driveshaft. This plastic fan can be easily damaged and a aftermarket shield is highly recommended ang I have one that is installed.
I went to getting the lug tires which are 4 ply. No more flats since I did this. The machine is a real work horse but since it so heavy on the clay soils in the spring I still needed a lighter machine for spring mower duty so I kept the old lawn tractor for several more years until paid off the zero interest note I had on the 2305.
What is surprising even with the 400 hours on this 2305 is the fact the resale value has only gone down a couple grand since I bought this new. This tractor is a real workhorse and punches above it size in doing work. This does not have all the features of the newer JD subcompact tractors but still get the job done. Sure it might be slower but still works great.
One issue is the fact that you should get a 2305 the hydrostatic transmission has a fan on the driveshaft. This plastic fan can be easily damaged and a aftermarket shield is highly recommended ang I have one that is installed.
MooreGarage
Active member
I love my John Deere 1025R TLB. I have accumulated a number of 3-point attachments: brush cutter mower, wood chipper and post hole digger. Bought it new about 3.5 years ago, got a real deal on it because it was a leftover 2017 model in early 2019.
Juiced06GTO
Well-known member
Did you end up buying a 2601?
LX2610.
Not sure about it yet.
So far I am hating it.
The belly mower needs to be 2" forward. I can see how to fix it. But it's new and under warranty. So I'm not touching it.
I don't like the hydrostat controls. Seems jumpy.
The wheel width seems too skinny for the height.
It's under powered for it's size
Because I won't have equipment with emissions. We stayed below 30 hp
Choices we knowingly made. Except the belly mower issue.
Having buyers remorse.
We bought new because used were overpriced. I'm not up to working on things right now.
0% interest.
So far they delivered it. Picked it up. Delivered it, picked it up. And are supposed to send someone out to look at it tomorrow.
We have yet to do anything with it other than park it in the shed. Total time on the tractor can't be more than 15 minutes
Crabman
Well-known member
jr
Good luck with it, looks like a nice and capable machine. I hope it works out.
Good luck with it, looks like a nice and capable machine. I hope it works out.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
How can you be sure of all those faults after 15 minutes?
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I guess I am wondering why you bought it if they were so easy to identify.
And I'd wonder why they sell so many tractors if they are so terrible
Being so disappointed with an expensive purchase *****. I hope you can get it sorted but getting used to them might be needed.
Aren't wheel spacers are pretty common mod on tractors?
jeep63
Well-known member
Lots of SCUTS on this thread. I'm looking to step up from my x320 to a beefier tractor to maintain my private gravel lane, shuffler a car hauler around, and cut grass/haul mulch/stone.
I found a x730 that has 1250 hours on it and was rode hard and put away wet! They still want 4,900 for it. It needs tires and the steering column is loose, front grill is cracked badly and needs replacing. So I figure 1,000 additional for me to replace the tires, grill, and fix the steering issues. so nearly 6k for an overworked 'newer' tractor.
I also found a 'frame-off' fully restored 1989 318 plus a JD Model 80 cart for 4,300. The guy got the tractor from his dad with 900 hours. He and his brother tore down fully, sandblasted everything metal and had an auto painter repaint every piece. The tore the motor down sent it out to be machined and rebuilt it fully. He sent me a 6 page spreadsheet that lists all the parts, part numbers, where purchased, and date. It also has one page of notes entries on the status by date and other related bits of information.
This thing looks factory new. He is being transferred over seas and when he comes back is not going to keep is current suburban house, so he is selling his stuff. His brother restored another 318 so he does not want this one. He has every manual/parts book there is, plus 3 boxes of spares, some tools he has for it, and a couple of containers of hydraulic fluid.
I've always wanted a 318, but perhaps I'm too caught in the "legendary" aspect of that tractor. It is over 30 years old, but full refreshed and ready to rock again.
I found a x730 that has 1250 hours on it and was rode hard and put away wet! They still want 4,900 for it. It needs tires and the steering column is loose, front grill is cracked badly and needs replacing. So I figure 1,000 additional for me to replace the tires, grill, and fix the steering issues. so nearly 6k for an overworked 'newer' tractor.
I also found a 'frame-off' fully restored 1989 318 plus a JD Model 80 cart for 4,300. The guy got the tractor from his dad with 900 hours. He and his brother tore down fully, sandblasted everything metal and had an auto painter repaint every piece. The tore the motor down sent it out to be machined and rebuilt it fully. He sent me a 6 page spreadsheet that lists all the parts, part numbers, where purchased, and date. It also has one page of notes entries on the status by date and other related bits of information.
This thing looks factory new. He is being transferred over seas and when he comes back is not going to keep is current suburban house, so he is selling his stuff. His brother restored another 318 so he does not want this one. He has every manual/parts book there is, plus 3 boxes of spares, some tools he has for it, and a couple of containers of hydraulic fluid.
I've always wanted a 318, but perhaps I'm too caught in the "legendary" aspect of that tractor. It is over 30 years old, but full refreshed and ready to rock again.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
For what you want to do, wouldn't a small loader be incredibly helpful? That 318 sounds very pretty, but for all the reasons you listed, it doesn't feel like the right machine
jeep63
Well-known member
A buddy keeps telling me to find a kubota 4x4, but that seems like overkill. I think a decent x7 series will do the job, but I'm trying to stay around 5k, so I think I need to up my budget.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
After seeing someone post a pic of a x738 with a loader here, I really want one.
That would have worked for us. Or a JD 455.
One thing I did not like about the JD 955 we looked at was how slow the hydraulics were.
Since we bought the Kubota, I never looked into if that was specific to that tractor or if they were all slow.
For the size of the LX 2610. I would have liked more HP to make the machine more usable.
The EPA put all the small tractor manufacturers in the same boat.
I'd rather have found an older smaller diesel with loader or a similar sized tractor with better horsepower. The LX2610 doesn't have enough horsepower to run a decent rototiller.
4x4 or front wheel assist was mandatory in our shopping
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Juiced06GTO
Well-known member
I am surprised at all the issues with the LX, it is the old B2650 that was a step up from the tractor that I got. I believe the belly mower on that is a ground contact, whereas mine is suspended, so it rides on the wheels which set height rather than mine that is adjusted hydraulically.
The pedal takes some getting used to, but mine never exhibited any type of jumpiness, same with the loader control. I also like the fact that you can split the functions, so raise/dump or drop/curl or vise versa at the same time. I believe the loader valve on the JD's is one way only.
Hope it works out for you and they get the issues sorted!
The pedal takes some getting used to, but mine never exhibited any type of jumpiness, same with the loader control. I also like the fact that you can split the functions, so raise/dump or drop/curl or vise versa at the same time. I believe the loader valve on the JD's is one way only.
Hope it works out for you and they get the issues sorted!