Some direction on a new mower/tractor

[modigmiller]

Hello,

I'm moving to a new home and will need to get a larger mower than just a push mower. Can anyone recommend a small garden tractor that one can mow with, but do other things with like perhaps attach a tiller or plow, perhaps a snow plow on the front? Something that will last a lifetime if taken care of? I am ok with older tractors and can do basic mechanics work. For some reason I am of the opinion that modern mowers just seem cheap. In a perfect world I'd stay under $2000, but could likely bump up to $3000.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Nothing for that price new will last you more than 5 to 10 years .
Older units will be your only option at that price.
For ground engagement you really need a strong tractor and I really like the Bolens / Troy-Bilt Duraforce ( GTX series ) garden tractors .
After that the old Cub Cadet ( pre MTD ) 3000 series
Look for some thing with a horizontal crankshaft engine.
These are real tractors, everything else is just a glorified lawn mower
Avoid anything from Husqvarna .

 

[gotomow]

There's a 2003 John Deere GX345 by me. He's asking $3500 plus the snowblower is included. Under 600 hrs looks clean. Stuff is out there. Use TractorData.com to check MSRP when new. 1990's list should have been $5000-$6000, early 2000's should have been around $6500-$7900 when new.