[sabine]

I need some help deciding on the best option for a lawn tractor, I have a 5ac property with about 2ac that need to be mowed. I also want to use the lawn tractor to pull the biggest possible cart to move things around the place.

I think I’m looking at the John Deere S240 or the Husqvarna 22HP 48-in but I’m very confused about options, comparisons and generally what to look for.

How much does the HP of each motor influences the amount it can pull?
Electric mower engagement – is this important and how difficult is it to engage the mower manually?
That other options should I be considering?

Hoping for some expert opinions

:thanku:

 

[UrbanTractor]

Welcome!:Welcome1:

With a property your size, you really should be looking at heavier-duty machinery. I'm not familiar with the Husqvarna model you mention, but the John Deere S240 model is a Lawn Tractor (LT). LTs are for light duty lawn mowing and yard maintenance tasks. For heavier-duty tasks and for tackling the bigger jobs on a property your size, you really want to look for a Garden Tractor (GT).

The horsepower rating of the tractor is less important than the type of transmission it has. LTs have light-duty transmissions that are not designed for heavy loads and high stress. GTs have heavy-duty transmissions that can handle pulling, pushing, hills, etc. So don't get hung up on horsepower (my JD 140 GT, for instance, only has a 14 HP engine, but it is a much more capable machine than that S240 or Husqvarna.)

GTs typically also have additional features and expandability. Those features and the ability to use them for many different kinds of tasks, make GTs a better fit for a property your size.

GTs of course cost more money than LTs, and you won't find them in a big-box store. They are sold at dealerships. If the price of a new GT is beyond your budget, the good news is that because they are built much heavier they also last a lot longer than LTs (which are almost disposable commodities). So there is usually a healthy supply of GTs on the used market to fit almost any budget.:fing32:

 

[tracktortag]

Welcome to MTF! :MTF_wel2: I agree with Urban Tractor. Given your requirements, you would be far better off with a larger garden tractor. As UT mentioned, they are constructed using heavier duty components, in accordance with their intended uses. You would be able to pull a larger trailer, and much more weight with a GT vs. a LT, and without the risk of damaging anything.

Another thing to consider are the attachments that you may want to use. For instance, LT mower decks run smaller than decks used with GTs. A typical GT mower deck averages between 40, and 50 inches. Some mfgr.s offer 60 inch decks. You would finish cutting your lawn more quickly with a GT. You would also have more options, and availability if you were to decide to pick up a snow blower, or plow.

And as UT mentioned, there are good used GTs to be had for the same amount of money, or less than a new LT, depending on the particular LT. You may well come across a GT being sold with mower, and plow, and/or blower attachments included too.

 

[sabine]

Thanks so much for all the feedback this certainly helps a lot.

The classifications between Lawn and Garden tractors seems to be bit flaky sometimes, if I look at the John Deere (Canada) website they don't list GT on there only LT.
Can you give me some examples of Makes and models that I would be looking for when buying used. I will most likely go used as my budget (around $3000?) will most likely not get me a new one.

Again thanks for helping me make a good choice

 

[SVTADAM]

Pulling the biggest cart possible...get a garden tractor. Trust me...I know.

 

[Patriot Fan]

Two other things to consider are your budget and what dealers are close to you.

 

[nkaust]

nobody asked what the property is like. is it flat ground?

 

[rayjay]

In a deere you need to be looking for a GX325/335/345 or a GT225/235/245 for a bit less than the GXs. Any lesser Deere won't have a strong enough transmission. A 425/445 probably will be out of you price range unless you get lucky. Decks are cheaper for the GX and GT . Lots more out there.

 

[cadetpwr]

If not stuck on JD green ones, Any of the older Cub Cadet, espicaly IH built models, along with Simplicity/Allis Chalmers, Gravely built some nice riders that are near bulletproof, if a bid odd to many with the engine in the rear. Even new GT's do not hold a very good flame to the older ones. My biggest issue with newer JD's of any level, is the brittle plastic hood assembly. Extremely expensive to replace, brittle when its a summer day, even more so when its cold out. Just opening it can crack and split the top. There are garden tractor collector clubs all over both the US and Canada. See if you can find one in your area. Someone will most likely love to help you find a good refurbished GT that will suit your needs and not need any major repairs for years to come. Good luck in your hunt. Mike

 

[sabine]

I found a JD L120 at a local dealer, it has 20hp and about 500 hours on the clock. They asking $1200
Any thoughts?

 

[TUDOR]

Bookmark this link. Make sure to click on Lawn Tractors, which includes garden tractors.

You will find most GTs listed with at least some of their specs. You're looking for a tractor that weighs at least 825 lb, and preferably over 925 lb. Anything with less weight is not likely going to have the transmission that you need for the tasks on 5 acres of property, and you will learn quickly that weight is King, not horsepower.

The JD L120 comes up about 300 lb shy of what you need, and the hydro (Tuff Torq K46) is an entry level unit suitable for a level, city property sized, lawn. Two acres would be a stretch for it, and any slopes of more than 5-10° are going to beat it up.

A hydro (transmission) suitable for your purpose would be a K72 (this is the minimum), K92, Sundstrand Series 15 (aka Sundstrand 90), or Eaton 11 or 12.

Watch Kijiji and Craigs List for offerings and be prepared to cross the border for a good deal, even with the poor exchange rate.

 

[rayjay]

That L120 is worth about $600 tops. You should forget the L100 Series unless you plan on replacing them every year.

 

[UrbanTractor]

I found a JD L120 at a local dealer, it has 20hp and about 500 hours on the clock. They asking $1200
Any thoughts?

As these guys have been saying, the L120 is a Lawn Tractor. You need a Garden Tractor, or bigger.

There are many brands to choose from. In the JD world, with a $3K budget, you have a lot of options. Some have been mentioned already -- rayjay's suggestions are a good list to begin with.

You could also add the 318/322/332 models to your watch list. Though older, if you find one at the top of your price range it should be in excellent condition and would possibly include a few attachments (e.g. mowerdeck, snowplow, snowblower, maybe a cart, etc). Also watch for the newer X500/510/530/540/etc models.

As you come across models on your local market, post them here and someone will give you feedback/info. There is a huge variety of models out there with different engines/transmissions/features, it can be tricky for a newby to sort it all out. But there are a lot of knowledgeable hobbyists here who can help you.:fing32:

 

[tracktortag]

Gravely built some nice riders that are near bulletproof, if a bid odd to many with the engine in the rear.

I can vouch for Gravelys, as I own a number of them. My oldest rider is a 1968 (pictured in my avatar) that I have had since 1975. My newest being a 1975 model 816. Having the rear mounted engine adds weight to the driven rear wheels, which helps to increase traction. They, and their attachments are also gear rather than belt driven. A nice Gravely 816, 817, or 8000 series tractor could be something to look for.

I have also recently started using a John Deere 140 (my first John Deere), which is a hydrostatic transmission tractor. While I have yet to use it for more than towing trailers full of leaves, I can already tell that the reputation it has with JD owners is justified. To this end a nice JD 140, 316, or 318 may be something worth considering.

As cadetpwr wrote, older Cub Cadets were also overbuilt, along with older Simplicitys, etc.

And cadetpwer, guess what color is a perfect match to our old specially painted yellow Gravely "Commerical" series tractors?:fing32:

 

[Ilovetomow]

I'm going to go against the grain here a bit, but if you are not handy, or just not willing to put in the time to maintain an older tractor, then you should probably go with one of the new units you are considering.

In my opinion, the Husky LGTH22V48 is a better choice for you than the JD S240. Although not super tough, the LGTH22V48 comes with a TTK57 tranny. That's a step up for a K46 which the JD has and should be able to pull a cart around 2 acres of level land. It's also under your budget, always a plus.

To really meet your needs the Husqvarna YTH25K54 has a K66 tranny and is just a bit over your budget at $3200.00.....I think. Even the Cub Cadet XT2 GX54 would do the job. It has a K58 tranny, but is a bit more than the Husky. The only reason to choose it over the YTH25K54 is maybe a more convenient/reliable dealer.

 

[TJR345]

Just remember one thing ,whatever brand you decide to buy make sure you're able to get parts for it.Though many change models over the years,its the good ones that'll carry the parts for years to come.You don't want something you can't get or are limited to parts.

 

[ms fowler]

Just to chime in on the HP question. I routinely use a Cub Cadet Original built in 1963 for mowing my 1 acre lawn. It is only 7 HP and has a small (32"?) deck, but it gets the job done. I am not saying you only need 7 HP--the more the better, but the point is that a Garden Tractor is better for you than a lawn tractor.
For 5 acres I would be hesitant to buy any "tractor" that uses variable diameter pulleys and belts as the transmission. Take a look underneath and you see belts that do not drive the mower, then they are the transmission, and you want something else.

 

[nkaust]

lol i love these disputes.

 

[Caseman2]

Don't overlook the Case Ingersoll line either, they are all hydraulic drive and tough as nails with many attachments available.

 

[North Dakota 322]

for your uses you want a X500 or bigger

check out these links
http://www.deere.com/wps/portal/dco...ctor?categorySetName=Riding Lawn Equipment&categorySelected=true&siteName=en_US