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Help selecting a Garden Tractor

16 years ago

I've got the list down to the Cub GT 2550 and the JD X320. Similar price, similar horses, similar features. Cub's got shaft drive, JD's got another gallon in the tank. Can't tell whose chassis is better as JD doesn't publish specs. Cub is 11 gauge welded c-channel steel.

My use? Primarily yard maintenance (mowing, bagging, broadcast spreading) and some hauling.

My yard? 4.5 acres, 2.5 has lawn, on a long sloping hill, 20-30' over a 200 foot span. Couple of spots a bit steeper.

Help!!

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Comments (7)

User
16 years ago
The JD X320 is a lawn tractor, not a garden tractor. The CC GT2550 is a garden tractor with ground engaging capabilities, larger rear wheels, a heavier duty transaxle and shaft drive.. You are comparing apples and oranges.
tony2008
16 years ago
i just spent a month on the same thing i bought the cub cadet 2544 so i could hual it in the back of my truck the cub seems more heavy duty than the deer the 500 series was what they were comparing to the 2500 series i hope this helps
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You need some serious weight and power to move dirt, till and plow. Personally, if I were you I'd use the GT you have to mow the lawn and maybe blow snow. And then I'd buy a used vintage utility (smaller size, low profile) tractor like a Ford (600 and 800 series), Massey (135, 35), Case (430), etc. They're out there, they're relatively inexpensive, will last another generation, and can easily handle your dirt work that they were designed for. Plus, they're fun to use....
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Sorry, ducati996 for delay in responding : Parts of the lawns are not perfectly smooth and have rocks scattered thru out...part of the CT landscape look. Others are very smooth and manicured looking. Some are sloped and a bit hilly. It's definitely lawn, not a pasture with an irrigation system thru out. I have a John Deere 955 (diesel) with a 70a Bucket loader... I also have a 413 Rotary Cutter for it. I was told this was mainly a brush cutter for mowing down a field or pasture and in the 7 years I've been here, it's never been used. I don't think the John Deere would be good due to it's size and manueverablity...bronze sculptures, trees, rocks, slopes, and slightly rolling lawns. The Gravely 50" Promaster has been a great machine but I wanted to investigate other options. I know I'm looking at a $10-15k investment so I want to make sure I make the right choice. When I talk to the tractor salesmen, they of course want to sell me their machine whether it's the best or not :P Thanks so much for all your input :)
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"aerating/ground engaging tools." Dragging an aerator around doesn't require a lot of HP, HD trans, or traction tires. Pulling a plow, etc. through heavy clay on the other hand.... Specifically define what you intend to do which should simplify your selection. rcbe makes excellent points, especially asking what other folks have in your area and what they use it for. If you're going for the "upper end" of this market, carefully evaluate the service reputation of local dealers. A "GT" from Sears, etc. would probably do what you want, but are you "handy?" Good luck, Ev
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To do an oil change see this http://www.mytractorforum.com/232-articles-drive-train/161413-how-do-oil-change-tuff-torq-k46-transaxle.html To see how to repair the K46 see http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html To get a tractor with a better trans you will probably exceed $3500. I have a Deere X300 for 5 years with the K46 and first thing I did was drain the factory 10-30 oil and put in 5-50 Synthetic which will make it last much longer. It is a good trans - keep it clean and do not over work it and it should last. A rebuild looks easy for someone with average mechanical skills.
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wally2q
16 years ago
Tbird,

the chores you are describing do not require a true "garden tractor". As you probably know, there are 3 generally accepted categorizations of lawn machines out there:

1. Riding lawn mower. A tractor that is made for mowing only, and super light chores such as pulling a spreader, or a small utility trailer

2. Lawn tractor. Basically, a "deluxe" lawn-mower. Usually heavier duty, for larger lawns, rough terrain, etc. Will take a beating and not break-down like a "riding mower" would.

3. Garden tractor. Capable of plowing a field, pulling stumps, and hauling heavy loads. Some garden tractors have hydraulics, 3-pt hitch with PTO, and front-end-loaders etc. Like a "small" farm-tractor.

The X320 is in the #2 category.
The CC GT2550 is in the #3 category.
tbird481
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks to everyone for the input. I realize the JD and Cub I'm comparing are only close in price. My yard has a significant slope and I've got a hill between the shop and the house so hauling will come in handy. Who knows what else I'll do in the yard at some point. As long as the Cub is reliable it's the right choice.
paulk
16 years ago
I purchased the Kubota GR2100 to tackle my hills. The GR2000 is the gasoline version. The all wheel drive is incredible up hills. Just yesterday I pulled a cart full of stones up a very steep hill. I was concerned the tractor wouldn't pull it so I had my son ahead of me with the atv and chain. The climb got slow but never needed the atv assistance.
wally2q
16 years ago
For a significantly sloping yard, and hauling chores, I'd strongly consider something with diff lock, or limited slip. I think in this price range, there are only 2 choices: Simplicity & most recently, a Husqvarna model.
kuppys
16 years ago
tbird481,
I must agree with wally2q. I purchased a Husqvarna GTH2254XP Garden Tractor last year and I love it. The price was right too. There are a lot of positive things with this model including the 12 guage deck and also 5 gallon gas tank.

PK

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