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NTF: Concidering 2003 L-120

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cooter4x

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello, newbie here. I'm looking at a 2003 JD L-120 and concidering purchasing this (merry Christmas to me!) and I wanted to get some opinions and thoughts about this model.

I live on approx. 1 acre which is 95% hill and 5% slope! I need to mow it and plow the driveway if it snows. Do you all think this tractor is capable of handling this task? Thank you!


I'm also looking at a 2004 Craftsman GT5000... any comparison?
 
#2 ·
Consider buying a good used Garden Tractor with a heavy duty chassis and transaxle. Neither one of these choices will serve your need for very long.
Especially if they are used. Both units are good lawn mowers with limited towing capacity.

Good Luck
 
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#4 ·
A good used Wheel Horse 416 or 418, or JD 300 series (not the "X" series),
something heavy with a strong gear driven rear end and a stiff frame.

If you plan on snow use, a lot of weight, torque and traction are required.
No newer lawn tractor has these attributes.:Welcome: :goodl:
 
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Discussion starter · #5 ·
This is the description of the Craftsman I mentioned above...



2004 Craftsman GT 5000
~26 HP Briggs and Stratton ELS(exstended life series)
~very heavy duty hi/low 3 speed gear transmission(6 gears total)
~48 inch 10 gauge side discharge mulcher compatible deck(mulching kit included)
~48 inch spring loaded snow plow(like new)
~99% tires(still a few new tire stubs) with 2-50 lbs. wheel weights and chains
 
#8 ·
Those have lock diff which 2 rear tires are spin same not 1 is spin another 1 is not.

Those are very strong which you could do anything with that.

What kind tractor you look for and what your budget is?:fing32:
 
#9 ·
:Welcome1: cooter, glad to have ya aboard.

I have a 2003 JD L120, and my yard is sloped in the rear also. I have to run chains year round to handle it. I snow plow also with no problem, haul firewood and assorted items in a 10Cu.Ft. cart, but to tell you honestley if I were you I would look at something else especially since you mention mostly hill for your yard. You'll wear this entry level lawn tractor out quickley for what you are describing.
 
#11 ·
If you are dealing with snow in ohio, and a sloped yard - you need a manual gearbox, or else at least a heavy duty lawn tractor / light duty garden tractor hydro tranny.

If your budget is in the 2000-3000 range, either a used JD GT, or a new craftsman DGS6500 will do the trick...
 
#12 ·
I second everyones thoughts here, for 2500-3000 range look for a used JD 300 series garden tractor or a Cub 2500 or 3000 series as well.
 
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#13 · (Edited)
Do not buy the L120, for the job you describe it would be totally useless. You also need to be aware that there is a big difference between a lawn tractor and a garden tractor. You need a full blown garden tractor for what you want to do. I would recommend you keep your eyes open for a low hour JD 318. Large numbers of 318's were sold and they are listed for sale on ebay all the time for $1500 to $3000 depending on condition and accessories. FYI, the 318 is now over 20 years old and has reached collector status it is also considered by many to be the best garden tractor Deere ever built. Check out http://weekendfreedommachines.com for complete model info on these tractors. A couple of other models to look for include the JD 322(gas) and 332(diesel) which are liquid cooled versions of the 318.
 
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DeereMan
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