Used GT275 vs. new LA135

cwenisch

15 years ago

What do you think about a 1998 GT275 for $1995? Is that a good deal? Or would I be better off getting a new LA135?

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Comments (7)

machiem
15 years ago
Put it this way...

Would you rather have a 1998 Ford F-250 or a new Ford Ranger.

This is no knock against either, but one is heavy duty and the other isn't. It really depends on your intended usage.
cwenisch
Original Author
15 years ago
My intended use is to mow about 1.5 acres and maybe in the future blow snow but not sure yet. The thing I want the most is to not have to worry about repairs. For the past 7 years I've had a 10 year old Snapper and an old Murray and I'm sick of wrenching on them and pumping money into them all the time.

I like the idea of the stronger GT275 but I'm worried with the age that it will start needing little repairs shortly after I buy it.
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garydewater: That's about 1/2 the price as a new one and 135 hours is about 3 years of average homeowner use (about 40 - 50 hours/year). If it is in good condition and not been abused it sounds like a pretty good deal. You did not mention what year model it is. I have an acre and 1/4 myself and usually rack up about 40 - 50 hours/year depending on what projects I'm working on. I mow, dethatch, aerate, overseed, pull a cart loaded with rocks, firewood, etc... and mulch my leaves in the fall pulling a lawn sweeper to collect them. You can usually save a bunch of $$$ buying a good used quality tractor. Just make sure it has been well taken care of by the previous owner. If it looks rough it probably is rough. An engine coated in oil, grass clippings, etc..., faded paint, cracked seat and weathered plastic components typically indicate that it was left outside in the elements and not well cared for. Good luck!
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jagstang41
15 years ago
If you're going to blue snow you will need the GT275 for sure. I don't think the LA135 can even take a blower, much less have the transmission and motor power to move one. And even if it can, I wouldn't for fear of how much life it will zap from the tranny.
cwenisch
Original Author
15 years ago
A snow blower is an optional attachment for the LA135 so it must have sufficient power to run it.
User
15 years ago
A snow thrower is perfectly acceptable and efficient on an LT. The weight of the snow thrower increases the load on the front axle and wheel/steering assemblies but is as easy to spin as it's mower deck. If the manufacturer makes that accessory available then it is within that model LT's capability. With the correct added wheel or rear weights and chains an LT will do the snow job nicely... within reason.

Take a careful look at the GT275. If it is low hours, in good shape and has been well maintained it is a superior tractor to the LA135 with more flexibility as far as attachments.
johntommybob
15 years ago
I don't think it's a good deal unless it is in great condition with low hours. If it fits that description I might be tempted, but I would offer some less. As has been already stated - it is the superior unit.

I never owned one but I did try one out before I bougth my GT225. The biggest difference I noticed was the steering required much less effort on the 225. The dealer said the steering gear had been redesigned.
steve2ski
15 years ago
I own a 1996 GT275, mow approx 3.5 acres with it, most of it not real smooth.
The GT275 I have 2 complaints with, it has a combined choke throttle (making it a summer tractor) starts at WOT, not a good way to warm up a engine.
The steering takes high effort to turn, I can't imagine what the weight of a snow blower would do to it - ofcourse it's a summer tractor
BTW
It has been a good tractor, I have used JD service throughout its life - ave $400/yr maintenance cost. Mechanically it's like new, but not a economal GT.

Used GT275 vs. new LA135

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machiem

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Used GT275 vs. new LA135

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