ride on mower snow blower options

[marcello7x]

So im soon to be in the market for a ride on. I have iust shy of an acre mostly grass. Along with 2 long driveways. Im looking for somethng used. That is fairly priced and has avaiable replacement parts. What are my options? Looking to spend around 1500 max since most of my $$$ is going twords the downpayment on the house.

Looking for brands and models you guys have experience with. Ive never looked into tractors orr mowers or anything of the sort.

 

[marcello7x]

Also its a little hilly so i guess i woupd need a little extra hp for snow blowing uphill.

 

[theoldwizard1]

First, there is a difference between a "riding lawnmower" and a "lawn/garden tractor" although it is not so evident these days.

Riding lawnmower cut grass. That's pretty much it. Depending on the size of your lot and how fast you want to cut it, you could easily spend your entire budget on a new "rider".

Garden tractors are usually much heavier built and do have interchangeable attachments. John Deere and Cub Cadet are some of the best today, but you will spend close to double your budget and that might not include a blower for a new one.

If your into older (10+ years)equipment, you might be able to find an old Wheel Horse, JD or Cub Cadet with mower and blower. Sometime you can get lucky and they will look almost like new. More likely, they will be well worn. don't let that put you off if you have basic repair skills. If the price is right, these old machines have a lot of life in them. Yes, you are going to spend some money of wear items, (battery, belts, bearing, blades, etc) but if the oil was changed regularly the engines and transmissions on these older models last forever. The ones I named still have good dealer support.


P.S. If you want to blow snow "up hill" you will need at least 12hp, chains and wheel weights. Hydrostatic drive is a good option.

 

[bobcatdan]

Older garden tractors are almost always better built then what is out there today unless you spend $10,000. One thing to watch, a lot of parts are obsolete on older lawn and garden, if the company is still around at all. I use a 18hp Gilson S series my grandpa sold brand new from his small engine shop.

 

[Sureshot]

Where are you located?

 

[briggsguy17]

I was in the outdoor power equipment industry for many years, hence the screen name. That being said, GO WITH A PREMIUM BRAND!! John Deere, Toro/Wheelhorse, Cub Cadet, Simplicity, etc..... Parts availability should not be an issue with any of these brands. With your budget you will have to go used to get any kind of quality/durability. Stay away from home center or non-dealer units, cutting an acre with a sears 42" and blowing snow will be frustrating and short lived to say the least. Try to find a unit with a full box frame, snowblowing can wreack havoc on low end machines. Also look at the motor in the machine you ultimately find. Kohler, Kawasaki and Briggs and Stratton Vanguard are what I would limit myself to. Onan, Wisconsin and Tecumseh can be hard to get parts and/or service for. Look around, you should be able to find something decent in your price range.

 

[dwm]

Good luck in your quest. I mean that sincerely, I'm not being a smart-***. Around here, it's hard to find used 2-stage blower attachments, with or without the tractor, especially at this time of year. And new, you could spend $1500 pretty easily on the blower alone (say the MTD OEM-190-032 or one of the Bercomacs).

The best time of the year to buy a blower is June/July. You might consider buying a decent blade instead of the blower to get you through this year. I would avoid single-stage blowers; they don't work nearly as well as a two-stage and I'd rather have a blade. Don't forget you need rear weight too, whether it's wheel weights or suitcase weights. You'll also likely need chains (you'll definitely need them if using turf tires). If the driveways are asphalt in good condition, chains will scar them, especially with any wheelspin. If you care about that, I'd get rubber tire chains. These are the ones I've used:

http://www.weaversinfo.com/Price%20sheets/Tire%20chains/rubber_tire_chains.htm

 

[p_mori7]

Around my neck of the woods, the ideal machine would have:

16+ hp engine (Usually B+S)
Hydrostatic transmission
rear wheel weights
rear wheel chains
rear counterweight
42" to 48" belt driven 2 stage blower
removeable snow cab

and a used one in good condition will run $2500+++ EASY.

My ideal machine:

Case 444 or 446 with front hydraulics.
48" 2 stage blower (as well as all the other stuff)

Last one I looked at was $4500...

 

[marcello7x]

Thanks for all the replies, exactly the info I was looking for. Yes I'm looking more for a tractor, didn't realize the diffence. Looks like anything 15+ HP is what I'll need. Going to go with an older one, I'm not worried about working on it too upkeep it.

I'm in mass and there seems to be alot on Craigslist, just need to sort through the junk in my price range. I agree for now a blade might be best and get a dual stage come spring.

 

[diggerrick]

My driveway is about 90x26 with a 12ft wide "tee" in the middle, and until last year I used a Case lawn tractor from the '70's with a "Snowcaster" attachment. I sold it to my dad (for the same $100 I paid for it in non-running condition a few years ago) and bought a 26" self-propelled Craftsman last year. It's way more maneuverable, and I don't have to screw around with swapping out a mower deck and snowblower attachment twice a year. The new blower doesn't take up any more floor space than the old blower attachment either, and it's easier to store because I can move it easily anytime I want. It's way easier to transport, too. The only part I miss about the tractor blower is that it was much better with heavier, hard packed stuff out by the road. You definitely have the right idea about blowing the snow - I'll never go back to plowing!

 

[ishiboo]

Thanks for all the replies, exactly the info I was looking for. Yes I'm looking more for a tractor, didn't realize the diffence. Looks like anything 15+ HP is what I'll need. Going to go with an older one, I'm not worried about working on it too upkeep it.

I'm in mass and there seems to be alot on Craigslist, just need to sort through the junk in my price range. I agree for now a blade might be best and get a dual stage come spring.

Horsepower doesn't really matter. You can plow decently with 8.

The issues for plowing are weight, transmission longevity and the ability to add weights/chains. All of the new lawn riders use undersized transmissions which are not good for frequent plowing.

I would look for a big old heavy garden tractor, hopefully one that already has wheel weights and chains. You can pick up a decent new tractor for $1500, especially right now, but once you add a plow, wheel weights and chains which you will NEED, you'll be at $2200+ for a less-capable machine.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Thanks for all the replies, exactly the info I was looking for. Yes I'm looking more for a tractor, didn't realize the diffence. Looks like anything 15+ HP is what I'll need. Going to go with an older one, I'm not worried about working on it too upkeep it.

I'm in mass and there seems to be alot on Craigslist, just need to sort through the junk in my price range. I agree for now a blade might be best and get a dual stage come spring.

If you are going to throw snow you need at least 12hp, IMHO ! 2 stage blower will throw farther, but they are harder to find. Also a hydrostatic transmission is nice to have for a tractor being used to blow snow.

Most of the big brand names have very active owner/restorer web sites.

 

[diggerrick]

Horsepower doesn't really matter. You can plow decently with 8.

My old Case has a 9hp B&S w/ 3sp transmission. I think the reason lawn tractors have such big engines these days (my 42" deck Craftsman has a 16.5hp Kohler) is because of the hydrostatic drives - you just don't get the trorque multiplication you got with the old geared transmissions.

 

[marcello7x]

I found a cub cadet tractor with a kholer 23 hp and hydrostatic for 1400. Then maybe come spring get a blowrr attachment. Im going to keep my eye out. I tend to find great deals with a little effort.

 

[RAYJAY]

I found a cub cadet tractor with a kholer 23 hp and hydrostatic for 1400. Then maybe come spring get a blowrr attachment. Im going to keep my eye out. I tend to find great deals with a little effort.

what model is it and what year ? some of the newer stuff form cub cadet is junk so beware I'm running a 1882 super seen a lot of the newer cubs blow up the rear hydro

if its a series 1000 its just a lawn mower would never even try to move snow with it

even the gt 2500 series is not that heavy duty any more

Jeff

 

[dwm]

I have no trouble moving snow with my Cub Cadet SLTX1050, and I get a lot of snow on my driveways (300' of lakefront in Michigan, no trees or anything else to slow down the wind from the lake blowing snow onto my 2 acre lot). I don't like the fact that the hydro isn't easily serviced, but it has not been a problem. The main issue I see is overheating the hydro, which isn't a big issue in the winter unless you destroy the mechanically driven fan. I fitted an additional electric fan to mine that I can turn on and off, but I only turn it on in the summer when mowing. My lawn is pretty steep, as is one of my driveways. The hydro whines under load, but many of the modern units do that, even the larger units. The whine hasn't changed a bit since new. And to be honest, I could buy several new hydros before I'd get to the price point of a Cub GT, which is more tractor than I need.

My main issue with the new cub 1000's is the blade rotor bearings. I haven't had trouble with mine, but that's because I grease them regularly. Those who haven't greased them regularly have had them die fairly early. Of course the schedule is in the manual, but neglect them and you'll be buying new ones.

Take care of the machine, don't push it beyond its capabilities, and you should be OK. Blowing snow isn't beyond the capabilities of a Cub 1000 series. Parts are readily available, which is an upside. My local Cub dealer is top notch, but I can't speak for others.

I ran a 46" 2-stage snowthrower on the front of my lawn tractor (not a garden tractor) at my previous home for 10 years without any problems, clearing my driveways plus about 300 yards of private road. I sold that tractor with the blower when I sold the house, and it was still working great. It wasn't what I'd call a nice, vintage machine either; a Craftsman I bought new in the mid 1990's. But I took good care of it.

 

[porcupine73]

You might be slightly limited to find a garden tractor with snowblower in that price range, though the right deal can come along. I've had a 22HP or so Cub Cadet my dad bought probably 25 years ago with a 40" or so snow blower. That thing is a workhorse. In the last couple years it sheared the splines off the snow blower input shaft so I haven't been using it for snowblowing.

If you have a hilly area, you are probably going to need 4WD, or wheel weights and chains. Even with the wheel weights and chains, sometimes I still had problems with that Cub Cadet in certain situations. The snow blower part must weight 250 lbs+, and all that weight on the front tires levers weight off the rear drive tires.

 

[canuckian]

I have a John Deere x300 (17hp kawasaki)with the 44 inch bLower. It's as small as id go with the snow we get here. I have a 140 ft driveway with an incline at the front and even with chains, weights and my fat **** in the seat, there are times that it struggles with only 1 wheel powered at a time. Upgrading shortly to something with at least a locker in the rear end or depending on pricing, maybe a 4x4.
As others have said, for blowing, stay away from the lighter duty stuff. It just won't last. also, try to get a 2 stage blower. $1500 is an optimistic budget but if you dont mind doing a little work on what you buy, you may be able to get a decent rig.
Good luck and have fun! Blowing snow with a big blower that you don't have to walk behind is a hoot and a half!

 

[marcello7x]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Im going to keep ky eye out dor the heavyest newer cub or john i can find.

What weight range would be ideal for blowing(not counting wheel weights) i dont kind deviating from the budget a bit if i can really get a jump in quality and performance. I have the typical complex of aoways wanting more performance, even if i dont need it.

 

[mikester]

Thanks for all the replies, exactly the info I was looking for. Yes I'm looking more for a tractor, didn't realize the diffence. Looks like anything 15+ HP is what I'll need. Going to go with an older one, I'm not worried about working on it too upkeep it.

I'm in mass and there seems to be alot on Craigslist, just need to sort through the junk in my price range. I agree for now a blade might be best and get a dual stage come spring.

Ive owned a three JDs since the early 80s. I now own a 425. Ive got a 54" blade and I also picked up a single stage blower for it. As far as a single stage Ive never really had a problem moving snow with one. The 112 and the 316 that I had both had single stage blowers. I usually start with the blade in the winter. Unless the forecast is for 12+ inches. Then I'll switch to the blower. The older models are a little more involved when it comes to changing the implements because they are belt driven. I would look for a JD 112, 140, or any of the 300 series. The 318 was the best selling garden tractor that JD offered back in the day. Theres a ton of them around and they has power steering. The picture is the first snow storm that hit us in 09.

 

[mikester]

Same storm cleaned up with the single stage blower. As Im getting older I look forward to winters with no or very little snow.

 

[marcello7x]

I just searched for some 318. A bit more than i wanted to spend for something made in the 80's. I may have to start with the cub and upgrade in a couple years if need be.

 

[50cal]

My old Case has a 9hp B&S w/ 3sp transmission. I think the reason lawn tractors have such big engines these days (my 42" deck Craftsman has a 16.5hp Kohler) is because of the hydrostatic drives - you just don't get the trorque multiplication you got with the old geared transmissions.

+1 for the Case also can go by Ingersol. I have a 448 repowered from Onan to V twin Kohler with a blade. These tractors are hell for stout and can be found reasonable. Parts no problem.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Well, I'm a Wheel Horse fan ! Probably because my Dad owned a couple.

Wheel Horse is but a shadow of what it once was, but the good news is that Toro bought them several years ago and continues to stock most parts.

The C-series are "stronger" than the B-series. The C-series was replace by the 400 series and B-series by the 300 series, There was also a D/500, but these are really "big boys".

They came with 6 speed transmission or hydrostatic. There was also both an electric and hydraulic lift option. Engines ranged from 8HP to 20+HP. mostly Kohler all though there was a few Briggs & Stratton thrown in. Most of twin cylinders (over 16HP) were Onan, but some were Kohler.

Most of the mowers and blowers are interchangeable. They also have a lot of other attachments.

 

[TexasT]

Gravely and a snow canon, also handy is a blade. Mower too.

With proper care your grandchildren will be using it.

 

[nehog]

...
I'm in mass and there seems to be alot on Craigslist, just need to sort through the junk in my price range. I agree for now a blade might be best and get a dual stage come spring.

Well, I've got a well used (20 year old) Craftsman with a blade (and bagger) for sale. But it needs more than a little TLC, it ran when I put it up on blocks, but that was over a year ago...

However, the price is right, tractor, bagger (hard bag) and snow blade for $225.

 

[regguy1]

I have a Case 446, bought it new in 1984 and it's still going strong (48" Snow Blower)

Ingersoll took over Case Lawn tractors in late 1984, I think they still make them.

Here's a used on on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/CASE-INGERS...642?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item336fef8a8a

Models 444 / 446 / 448 had the large tires and are built like a tank.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You want to see a horse blow some snow !

Watch this video

The good parts starts at about 2 miuntes.

 

[mikester]

I just searched for some 318. A bit more than i wanted to spend for something made in the 80's. I may have to start with the cub and upgrade in a couple years if need be.

I can understand the $$ factor but if you look at the older garden tractors they were built to last. I restored my 112 back in 82. I bought it for $100. I bought a used plow, a used blower, and pretty much mowed my lawn and cleared my driveway with it until 97 or 98. I sold it to a guy down my street for $1200. I had a 316 after that. Bought it for $2300, bought a blower for it (it came with a plow) and I think I sold that one for $3200. I basically used them year round. Mow the lawn, **** up the leaves in the fall and plow the snow in the winter. The older tractors were very easy to repair. They has cast parts not like the aluminum stuff they use today. I know a guy thats been into Cubs for years. He swears by them. All he has are the old narrow frames. I think hes restored close to 10 of them over the years. Another JD model to look for is the early 200 series. 210, 212, 214, are all good little tractors.

 

[036.6turbo]

Cub Cadet here. Plowed with it for the last couple years, this year I picked up a snowthrower for it, off of CL, for $100.00.

My best friend has a JD 318, we have literally mowed side by side. Their is no clear advantage to the JD, other than the power steering.

The JD has a Onan motor, Cub has a Kolher.

Tons of good info here;
http://www.mytractorforum.com/index.php

 

[mikester]

Thanks for all the replies, exactly the info I was looking for. Yes I'm looking more for a tractor, didn't realize the diffence. Looks like anything 15+ HP is what I'll need. Going to go with an older one, I'm not worried about working on it too upkeep it.

I'm in mass and there seems to be alot on Craigslist, just need to sort through the junk in my price range. I agree for now a blade might be best and get a dual stage come spring.

I dont know where you are in Mass but theres a 200 series in the Berkshires thats pretty cheap and a guy in Conway has a blower and plow listed. There was also a 185 with a blower and deck for sale in another area of Mass on CL. It looked real clean. Be aware that the 2 stage blowers arent available on all models, especially on the older units. Plus the 2 stage blowers are very heavy compared to the single and that makes the tractor a bit harder to steer.

 

[lars]

There are a lot of responses on here so far and many good opinions. I have a pretty decent knowledge of garden tractors of all brands and recently spent a lot of time looking for a snow machine. Here's my brief opinion on some of the major brands.

Case/Ingersoll - Truly a heavy duty machine that will move a lot of snow. Parts are harder to find and attachments are pretty scarce. Don't buy a tractor thinking you will come across a blower or plow cheap in the future; you are much better off buying a package. The are one of the lesser known brands so unless you want to learn to fix it or have a good Case mechanic around you may want to look at something else.

Gravely - I would have them tied with Case for ruggedness and they are super simple. However, your classic Gravely 4-wheel tractors are gear drive which may not be the best choice for plowing snow where you're doing a lot of back and forth. Also, most 4-wheelers have a manual lift which gets pretty tiring on a blower.

Wheel Horse - Simple, reliable machines. I seem to come across more gear drive than hydros (see above). A lot had Onans which mean expensive (often 2x more) parts.

Deere - I will admit that the 318 is probably the best garden tractor ever built but they're the most overpriced tractor as well. Usually 140 H3's can be found for way less money. The 140, 300 series (watch the 317 though), and 400 series are nice. The 110/112 and early 200 series are nice too, though I wouldn't favor them for long-term snow use. After that there are a lot of vertical shaft machines with a lot of plastic on them. Attachments for the 140 - 300 series are out there, but pricey.

Cub Cadet - I think Cub Cadets are the best overall buy for a couple of reasons. They are common as dirt - parts are easy to find and everyone knows how to fix them. Most had Kohler engines which are generally bulletproof and parts are easy to find. Two attachment mounts covered 35 years of production; narrow frames from 1961 to 1970, wide frames from 1971 to 1997. Attachments are cheap - the 42" blade can be had for $100 and a blower for $150 around here. And overall they are generally really well built.

I would suggest looking at an 1811 and going from there. I don't think you will get a bigger bang for your buck than a Cub.

 

[marcello7x]

So much great info here idk where to start. I think you may have convinced me on an older unit. Ill get more bang for my buck since im not worried about doing a little work to get it going.

 

[mikester]

Think about this. The older Cubs and JDs are still running and being used after 25 years. They were really built well. You can still get a ton of parts for them and they hold their value. Heres a picture of my old 316 when I was trying to sell it.
BTW if you get a tractor with a plow or blower figure on a set of weights and chains.

 

[TexasT]

There are a lot of responses on here so far and many good opinions. I have a pretty decent knowledge of garden tractors of all brands and recently spent a lot of time looking for a snow machine. Here's my brief opinion on some of the major brands.

Case/Ingersoll - Truly a heavy duty machine that will move a lot of snow. Parts are harder to find and attachments are pretty scarce. Don't buy a tractor thinking you will come across a blower or plow cheap in the future; you are much better off buying a package. The are one of the lesser known brands so unless you want to learn to fix it or have a good Case mechanic around you may want to look at something else.

Gravely - I would have them tied with Case for ruggedness and they are super simple. However, your classic Gravely 4-wheel tractors are gear drive which may not be the best choice for plowing snow where you're doing a lot of back and forth. Also, most 4-wheelers have a manual lift which gets pretty tiring on a blower.

You obviously don't have experience with Gravely. They are gear driven but their unique clutch system allow instant forward/reverse with the push/pull of a lever on the older and a foot control on the newer. Also hydraulics were offered just have to pick the right tractor. With the engine low and in the rear over the drive wheels traction is improved along with a lower center of gravity.

I will give you the Case/Ingersoll. They are tanks and easily repaired. Finding a dealer is not as easy but the interwebs solves this with both brands.

 

[036.6turbo]

Cub Cadet - I think Cub Cadets are the best overall buy for a couple of reasons. They are common as dirt - parts are easy to find and everyone knows how to fix them. Most had Kohler engines which are generally bulletproof and parts are easy to find. Two attachment mounts covered 35 years of production; narrow frames from 1961 to 1970, wide frames from 1971 to 1997. Attachments are cheap - the 42" blade can be had for $100 and a blower for $150 around here. And overall they are generally really well built.

I would suggest looking at an 1811 and going from there. I don't think you will get a bigger bang for your buck than a Cub.

I could not agree more. Look for an older Cub, they are almost as addicting, as GJ.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Wheel Horse - Simple, reliable machines. I seem to come across more gear drive than hydros (see above). A lot had Onans which mean expensive (often 2x more) parts.

I my area, Onan engines are NOT common, but I agree with you. I would rather have a "big block" Kohler single (16HP) than an Onan, just for the parts cost !

There are also some that came with Briggs & Stratton engines. These are less desirable to collectors so you should be able to buy them cheaper.

If you get one with a manual transmission it is possible (but not cheap) to retro-fit an electric lift. A very nice option for a snow blower.

 

[ishiboo]

Cub Cadet here. Plowed with it for the last couple years, this year I picked up a snowthrower for it, off of CL, for $100.00.

My best friend has a JD 318, we have literally mowed side by side. Their is no clear advantage to the JD, other than the power steering.

The JD has a Onan motor, Cub has a Kolher.

Tons of good info here;
http://www.mytractorforum.com/index.php

Just by looking at it you can tell how heavier built they were... the frame rails on that are at least twice the height as what's on my 2011 Deere lawn tractor, I'm sure they're quite a bit bigger than the garden tractor frames as well.

 

[036.6turbo]

Just by looking at it you can tell how heavier built they were... the frame rails on that are at least twice the height as what's on my 2011 Deere lawn tractor, I'm sure they're quite a bit bigger than the garden tractor frames as well.

Exactly, I had one of those "orange" Scott tractors before this one, HD model, supposedly made by JD? I had it over ten years, guess what? Had a heck of a time finding parts for the silly thing! HD quite carrying parts for the model I had, local JD store could care less, because I didn't buy it from them.

I can walk into Aldermans in Lennon Michigan, and they will have what I need in stock. If I don't want to drive out there? There are several online places, ship right to my door.

The thing is a brute, I can pull my (3) enclosed snowmobile trailer, around with it,with the sleds inside!!

That Scotts would have pooped itself, if I would have tried that with it.

 

[geologist]

My solution: