Re: Garden tractor recommendation

Posted by Paul Fox on March 29, 1999 at 17:46:50:

In Reply to: Garden tractor recommendation posted by Harry Chapin on March 29, 1999 at 17:26:03:

You'll get as many opinions as there are people. Here are mine:

1 - what is the min HP, or the ideal HP that I
should look for?

On a tractor or rider, I wouldn't go less than 10, and I'd shoot for 14 or better

2 - how old of a machine should I consider? 5, 10
years old? I found a Deere 318 with 320 hours for
$3900, but I have no idea if 320 is a lot of hours
or if it's the equilivent to low milage?

Depends on the tractor. 320 hours on a JD318 is nothing, if it was maintained. 320 hours on a Tecumseh-powered no-brand is a near miracle. Usually (tho not always) tractors sold by Ag outfits (JD, Ford, Case, etc) are more rugged than generics or K-Mart brands.

3 - what brands, years, and models to look for?

See above.

4 - what are some good questions to find out over
the phone when I call about the tractors?

Do you have maintenance records? Did you maintain it or take it to the dealer? How big a lawn did you mow with it? What attachments did you use (Rototillers can be hard on a lawn tractor, as can snowblowers)

5 - what to look for when I look at the machines?
I'm handy, but no mechanic.

Is it clean? Is the tin straight? Are there leaks? These are all signs of how well it was maintained. What shape are the belts and tires in? How do the battery and cables look? Does it start easily? Run smoothly? Look closely at the mower deck. Is it solid? Are the mower drive spindles in good shape? Are there stress cracks around the spindle mounting area?

Hope this helps.

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