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Best lawn tractor/snowblower combo

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mikeg77

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
We just bought a new house and I've been trying to figure out what to buy for a snow removal on a long driveway and mowing 1.5-2 acres of lawn. I'm looking to spend in the $5000 range(or less). A 4wd SCUT would probably be best, but I don't think I can find what I want in my price range.
I've been watching cl and tractor house for used machines and I've gotten some good advice on here about some machines I've thought about, but after looking around I'm starting to think that maybe I could go new for not much more then my $5k.
It's a holiday weekend so I haven't actually talked to anyone, but from what I can find online it looks like a new Kubota t2380a2 with snowblower would be $7200msrp. I'd assume I could get one out the door for $6500 or so.
I'm also interested in the Husqvarna gt series. Msrp on a new gt52xls is $3999. I can't find much on a snowblower attachment for them, but I can't imagine it would be more then $1500 or so keeping me under the cost of a Kubota.
Any other ideas for a new machine I should look into? I want something better then the big box store line up, but I don't want to spend the money to get into the Deere x500 or 700 series(unless I can find one used).

thanks,
Mike
 
#2 ·
I don't know if there is a best combo. If I were in your situation, I would look for something that has a good K72 transmission with diff. lock, power steering, and a hydraulic lift. That means you are in GT range.

I don't know what you have against the X5.. Series, if you are entertaining the Kubota, but it would work. Also a Simplicity Prestige or Conquest, or Cub Cadet X3 would be fine too, especially the Prestige. The Husqvarna GT52XLS does not have a locking tranny, but the GTH52XLS or the GTXL52SLI both do. I would suggest either of those.

Good luck.
 
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#3 ·
I bought my BX 2350 for 8,250 from a dealer I found on tractorhouse. It came with a 60" belly mower and a front end loader. I would think that if you skipped the loader you could get close to the 5K mark. Maybe 6K. If you're going to get something with a blower on the front you're really going to want power steering. That should make your decision easier. My craftsman with a 46" blower on the front without power steering was like trying to steer a tank when snow blowing. I'd never do it again.
 
#4 ·
Is your property flat ? The T2380 is roughly equivalent to a JD 380 series tractor - it is a lawn tractor not a garden tractor.
 
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#5 · (Edited)
First of all, welcome to MTF and congratulations on the new home!

OK, after looking at some images of Kubota lawn tractors with snow blowers on line (couldn't find one on the Kubota website), the blower looks like it's made by Berco. This is a good thing. They are excellent snow blowers.

Should you choose the Husqvarna GT, make sure the snow blower you get is also made by Berco. Don't get the Husqvarna-badged Agrifab, The Berco is worlds away better.

I must throw in with the others. I would seriously consider a late model Deere x500 series. It will be more capable than the Kubota and of equal quality. Both will last you many years. Frankly, I had a Craftsman tractor made in the same factory as the Husqvarna and it served me well, but it is not in the same class as a Deere or Kubota.

Where are you located? Never underestimate the ability of the guys on this forum to find you just the tractor you're looking for. They love spending other people's money.

Personally, in my opinion the "best" tractor/snow blower combo is a 4wd x7 series Deere with a model 47 or 54 two stage snow blower. Obviously I am biased because I own one, but having owned a number of tractor/snow blower combinations, some of which worked very well, I can't imagine a better combination than what I have now.

Good luck with your search.
 
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#6 ·
Welcome to the group Mike. As with guns or cars or sports teams, there is no "best" garden tractor or tractor/snow caster combo. Just the best one for you in your situation. Are you mechanically inclined? Do you live in a subdivision or area with HOA or "yard police" that dictate how your property is maintained? If you're comfortable turning wrenches and can skip a mowing or two if your tractor is down for repair then used is the way to go. If not, then go new and get a warranty.
Maybe you may want to consider getting a new rider or smaller Zero Turn for mowing and a heavy duty classic GT for snow duty and other yard/garden chores. Something like a Gravely ZT-XL52 or 60 will do quite well mowing you lawn and will last you several years and retails for less than 4K. That leaves you with another grand for a classic GT like a Sears Suburban, JD 314/16, Simplicity Sovereign or..... for the snow/garden chores.
Just think realistically about your abilities and needs and make the best "informed" decision you can.
 
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#8 ·
mikeg77 said:
We just bought a new house and I've been trying to figure out what to buy for a snow removal on a long driveway and mowing 1.5-2 acres of lawn. I'm looking to spend in the $5000 range(or less). A 4wd SCUT would probably be best, but I don't think I can find what I want in my price range.
I've been watching cl and tractor house for used machines and I've gotten some good advice on here about some machines I've thought about, but after looking around I'm starting to think that maybe I could go new for not much more then my $5k.
It's a holiday weekend so I haven't actually talked to anyone, but from what I can find online it looks like a new Kubota t2380a2 with snowblower would be $7200msrp. I'd assume I could get one out the door for $6500 or so.
I'm also interested in the Husqvarna gt series. Msrp on a new gt52xls is $3999. I can't find much on a snowblower attachment for them, but I can't imagine it would be more then $1500 or so keeping me under the cost of a Kubota.
Any other ideas for a new machine I should look into? I want something better then the big box store line up, but I don't want to spend the money to get into the Deere x500 or 700 series(unless I can find one used).

thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...
Welcome and congrats on your new home. I've been looking for one for my son. Situation is similar, but he has some serious terrain to deal with which has caused us to discuss the need for 4 wheel drive, power steering, power lift, deck width, serviceable transaxle, diesel or gas, and few other things.

What you can afford dictates what you get more than what you need. A couple of years ago I bought a 2010 JD X360 48" deck, with new 44 blower, soft cab, weights, chains for over $5000 and later a 2010 Husqvarna GTH27V52LS for under $2000. The Berco blower is about $1500 new, but figure several hundred more for weights and chains. I tried without the chains on the Deere the first snow after getting it and I made it about 20'.

Power steering is perhaps more important mowing than snow blowing, but I can't compare without since I've always had it. The 44" blower has issues when turning (back wheels run over snow), but the weight of the snowblower will remove it when you go back over it. You just learn new patterns. The tractor is less maneuverable than a walk behind, but I blow more area than I did with the walk behind, since it's easier (especially along the road) which means I have less plowed into my drive by the county plow.

Narrow areas may dictate deck width. You have to be able to get through the places or mow it by hand or remove the obstacle. However, I got the 52" Husqvarna to save time. 42" mowers were not reasonable even though I'm retired. Surprisingly, the 52" had a better cut too. My son has tried my X360, Husqvarna GTH, and a friend's Kubota BX2380. Each has something he liked as compared to his Craftsman 2000(?), but each had some draw backs. Basically, there's no perfect solution. You just have to choose the one "you" like best. Try as many as you can. Green will cost you more, they have features like ease of deck or blower install/removal. If that's a big deal to you, a drive over deck would be helpful, it's extra $. Kubota and Husqvarna mowed equally well and close in speed, but the Husqvarna can't have the loader option and is a little more work to swap mower to blower or back.

For all that you described you are trying to do, $5000 is on the low side. You like my son just have to decide how much you want each of the features. Used can be an option if you have the time and ability to do your own work. That will guide you to the best tractor for you. Sorry, I didn't even touch on ground engaging uses because I haven't had the need or experience. Then color may factor into the final price. There are a lot of great pieces of equipment out there. Don't miss considering space to store it. You can leave it outdoors, but I've always found things last longer when you keep it indoors.
 
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Discussion starter · #11 · (Edited)
That Kubota is a great deal, but it's a 12 hour drive away.
I would love a deere x5 or x7 series, but they're out of my price range new. There is a used one at a dealer near here that I'm interested in. It's a 2014 x530 with 300 hours. Soft cab and snowblower, but no deck. Asking $5,000. If I can get a deck thrown in for a few hundred more I'm probably going to go for it. Also trying to get a quote on a new 2016 cub cadet xtc gsx. They're asking $4500 for it with no deck or blower, but I've dealt with them enough to know they make good deals on older inventory.
Oh, and I've got plenty of space to store it indoors.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Bought an 09 Deere x500 with 153 hours, 54" deck and a 44" snowblower. Paid $5700 out the door. Everything is in great shape. Probably more then I should have paid for an 8 year old machine, but the good thing about $$ is that you can always make more of it.
 
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mikeg77
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