I am considering "upgrading" in a few years. For me upgrading doesn't necessarily mean a larger more powerful tractor but one that is better at it's intended purpose.
Right now I have a 312 for mowing duties, a 317 with a tiller in the summer and blower in winter and a Jacobsen GT14 with FEL. The 317 and Jacobsen will be very useful over the next few years as I plan on replacing a fair amount of sidewalk & driveway, ambitious landscaping projects, and putting in a new pool. When I'm done with all of these projects, say 3 years or so, I won't be needing the Jake or 317. I already don't use the blower much as the amount of space I need to clear snow from has greatly dwindled. That will leave the 312 for lawn duties. While it's main purpose is to cut grass, I have to admit it's not the best machine for the job.
While most of us seem to be going bigger & better, I'm looking at smaller & more specific. What i will be looking for is a tractor with a 38"-44" deck that cuts grass & leaves an exceptional cut. I have about 1/2 acre flat lawn with a few obstacles. The only thing that I think I'll need to pull is a lawn sweeper a few times a year, other than that should just be mowing. Hydro is definite, foot controlled would be a plus but not a deal breaker. I'm not against purchasing new but anyone that knows me knows that I'm cheap and will probably look at something pre-owned. I'd also like to keep it a bit newer, maybe 8-10 years old.
What models will fit my criteria? Aaaaaaaand.......go
Right now I have a 312 for mowing duties, a 317 with a tiller in the summer and blower in winter and a Jacobsen GT14 with FEL. The 317 and Jacobsen will be very useful over the next few years as I plan on replacing a fair amount of sidewalk & driveway, ambitious landscaping projects, and putting in a new pool. When I'm done with all of these projects, say 3 years or so, I won't be needing the Jake or 317. I already don't use the blower much as the amount of space I need to clear snow from has greatly dwindled. That will leave the 312 for lawn duties. While it's main purpose is to cut grass, I have to admit it's not the best machine for the job.
While most of us seem to be going bigger & better, I'm looking at smaller & more specific. What i will be looking for is a tractor with a 38"-44" deck that cuts grass & leaves an exceptional cut. I have about 1/2 acre flat lawn with a few obstacles. The only thing that I think I'll need to pull is a lawn sweeper a few times a year, other than that should just be mowing. Hydro is definite, foot controlled would be a plus but not a deal breaker. I'm not against purchasing new but anyone that knows me knows that I'm cheap and will probably look at something pre-owned. I'd also like to keep it a bit newer, maybe 8-10 years old.
What models will fit my criteria? Aaaaaaaand.......go
