[Gyre]

Hello all, thank you in advance as I signed up to pick the brains of those more experienced than myself about garden tractors. I like the looks of the older tractors and I am interested in the value that they represent, is that is where I have been focused. Where I live I do not have the chance to see or operate any examples, I will end up buying something farther away and having a family member pick it up for me most likely.

To start with I have an in town lot so I want to get as much tractor as I can without getting too much tractor. My lot is large, about 1/3 of a block so when I get the grass in next summer I will need an able mower. I have a large north facing drive so I would like to be able to move snow quickly. We have a lot of snow events however it is seldom deep enough to need a blower I would prefer a blade or a sweeper. In a perfect world I would also be able to fit a small front end loader and or a transport tray on a three point. I have a garage and tools and do not mind working on my machines but I do not have a machine shop and do not want to spend all of my time working on my machines.

I like the Case 442/4/6 series because they have hydraulic lift for blade/mower, look good, have three point available, and go for reasonable prices. Would the Case be a good tractor for me or should I look for something else?

 

[jar19800]

:MTF_wel2:

there is a large group of Case fans here try posting the question in the Case forum. :goodl:

 

[Onan18]

I would say yes a case is a great machine for the money. My neighbor has a 444 and loves it except the electrical is Mickey Moused. Personally I would get a 446 or 448 as they have the Onan and it is pressure lube.

Joe

 

[OldBuzzard]

Case would be a good option.

The Large Frame Bolens tractors would be worth considering. They all have hydro lift.

The 12 & 14hp single cylinders have a manual angle blade and the 18-23hp Kohler Twin cylinders have a hydro angle blade available.

The singles use a 48" deck and the twins a 54" deck.

Another thing in the Bolens favor is that they were the ONLY tractors in that era with the foot controlled hydro.

 

[Gyre]

Thanks for the reply's, I will have a look at the Bolens, so far the ones I have seen for sale have been in rough shape.

I did not ask in the Case section because I figured that I would be less likely to get critical feedback there.

I worked at a Case IH dealership through out high school and did all the grounds maintenance. Ironically however I did it all with a four wheel drive Ford and a small fleet of grey market Kubotas.

 

[SonnyT]

Case--Ingersoll tractors seem to be really good tractors. As well as Bolens and JD's and others. Alot of the JD's have hydraulic lift for the deck and attachments. Older 300 series and up do.
If you can find a Case in good shape and with attachments for a good price, you won't go wrong. :fing32: