Multi-Tasking Riding Mowers

[dressagetraks]

I CANNOT afford a tractor yet. Out of the question. Someday, yes.

But I’m getting a little money back on top of a mortgage refinance to pay off a few bills and get a few smaller things for the farm. I’m really thinking of getting a riding mower. I only have a self-propelled push mower, and I have a large yard, and I have an old hand injury. And then there’s the pasture.

So tell me about riding mowers. What can/can’t they do in areas besides your typical yard? Can they mow pasture? Eventually hook up to a little drag for arena work on a small scale, when I add an arena? Pull a little trailer? - like for picking up branches or stuff, or maybe 2 bales of hay, not talking about a livestock trailer.

And how much does a multitasking yard/small farm stuff riding mower cost, roughly?

[MunchkinsMom]

I bought a John Deere Garden Tractor with a 54 inch mowing deck (model GT245 - price brand-new 5,400). It is strong enough to do pasture mowing, and to pull the Newer Spreader - often I do both at the same time!

I bought it on the JD payment plan, but paid it off early. They had a good deal on the first two maintenance work being done free.

I have had it for almost 4 years now, and no repairs (knocking frantically on wood right now).

For the yard work, the 54 inch deck was a bit too large to fit in some tight spots. My DH bought himself a self propelled mower to do the yard now.

We originally bought a Troy Built lawn tractor at Lowes, for about 1,300, and the darned thing broke down too often (well, my father-in-law’s bad driving had something to do with that, but that is another long histerical story). That is why I bought my own garden tractor so I didn’t have to share, and go without whenever the other was broken.

I have been very happy with my purchase. No it was not the cheapest one out there, but with the lack of repairs, well worth the extra money.

I’m sure it could pull a smaller pasture drag with no problems.

And it is very, um, female friendly, has forward and reverse foot pedals instead of having to move a lever to do that, the mower comes on with a button (not a lever to engage the mower), and is hydrostatic, so fewer belts to break.

My only complaint is that the choke lever is very hard to push up, my 14 year old daughter is not strong enough to push it up and get the engine started, I would hope that they have improved that on newer models. I don’t have an issue really, with all the farm chores, my arm strength is pretty good.

Forgot to add, yes, it can pull a small trailer/wagon thing, and it also pulls a large seed/fertilizer spreader (that can hold 100 lbs) with no problems.

[ttldr1]

I have a craftsman 21 HP, 6 speed, w/hydrostatic trans and 42" deck that is my little work horse. I mow with it (obviously), drag a homemade drag, pull a farm cart with up to 6 bales of hay, just about everything. I bought it used about 5 years ago for $600 and that so far has been the best money I have spent. The 21 HP is a big engine for a lawn tractor so it has got quite a bit of power. My next purchase will be the newer spreader. I love those little things and it is the perfect size for my little “herd”.

[foggybok]

We got a smaller JD for the lawn, it does a lot of other work as well. It was ~1200-1400 I think…

It pulls a little wagon, and seed spreader and could pull a drag. I use it to mow in the pasture a little at a time, but I think if I really used it to mow the whole thing, I’d probably kill it faster…

husband loves it as his little workhorse, but now that he is allowed to drive my Kubota, he uses that for the heavy work…

[Limitless]

We recently bought a Craftsman garden tractor, 26 hp, 54" deck at a Sears outlet for $2000. It was brand new, but had a dent, hence the discount. I named him Black Beauty;) We have a large yard and plan to have horses at home in the near future. We figured it would be better the have the bigger engine that could handle attachments for whatever came our way in the future. It has the hydro transmission, but isn’t an automatic. It’s very easy to use. The 54" deck means I can cut all the grass in no time, but it isn’t as handy in some tight spots.

We kept looking at craigslist for something used, but they all seemed to be either very old or very expensive for a used machine, so we went new. If you have a Sears outlet anywhere near you, I’d give it a try.

[TheBandit]

I have an ancient 1970’s Gravely lawn tractor. I have used it for almost everything. I have a blade for the front of it, so it can scrape paddocks and push up the manure pile. I’ve used it to pull the harrows in the sand ring. I pulled my manure spreader with it too. (before we bought the tractor)

I used to drag my sand ring with an old Craftsman as well. Hubby owns a small engine repair shop, so he’s aways bringing home new toys to play with.

[monstrpony]

I’m on my third mower/garden tractor–JD, another JD, now a Husqvarna. Each time, the mowers have gotten a little wussier, not because I get lesser models, but because of cheaper mfg. I used to be able to do much of the pastures with the first JD, now the Husky doesn’t have enough traction unless it is very dry. And I have some steeper pastures, the belt drives will run away with you downhill. Nor can the Husky handle my heavier arena drag. All three were from Lowe’s/Home Depot, in the just-under $2000 range, 42"-58" decks.

Last time, I looked at a JD dealer at the heavier grade mowers, in the ~$3000 and up range; almost wish I had gone ahead and got one of those, and probably will the next time.

I also have a small, older Yanmar diesel tractor that I use to bushhog the pastures, load manure for gardeners, etc.–if it ever dies, I will probably give up and sell the farm ;). Does a great job but I do have some steep areas so it is slow and monotonous work. Would like to be able to do the flatter (tho still not flat) areas with a mower. If the horses have been out in wet weather at all, the mower just can’t handle the rough surface from hoof-pocks. During the last two drough summers, there almost wasn’t enough grass to warrant the bushhog, nor was it tall enough, but the weeds, of course, were flourishing.

Anyhow, esp if you won’t have a tractor, I would strongly encourage you to go for the larger mower. You’ll have to go to a tractor place to find one of these, the home improvement stores do not carry the more heavy-duty ones. Should have no problem with a smaller chain harrow for your arena.

Also, when the time comes, unless you need a front-end loader, you might consider a four- or six-wheeler instead of a tractor. Things like fertilizer spreaders and sprayers are made now that mount on an ATV and are smaller than a three-point-hitch one (that you’d need for a tractor), and a bit cheaper. Some six-wheelers even have small dump beds, handy for moving those tree trimmings or bales of hay. Just something to consider. ATVs aren’t cheap, but are probably still cheaper than a decent small tractor.

[Fancy_That]

I’m in your shoes and did some research

We also can’t afford a tractor and are researching getting a GARDEN TRACTOR, which is different from a RIDING MOWER or LAWN TRACTOR.

Some folks interchange them, but a GARDEN TRACTOR will be more versatile with higher horse power and the ability to add implements (plow, box blade) and pull heavier equipment.

I really need it for dragging my new arena! So I’ve researched different arena drags/rakes, and many of them do need more HP than you might think.

Here’s info on the Handozer:
3 Foot D3 EQ Handozer™ Equestrian Arena Drag

Designed to prepare the best possible footing for arenas. Easy to operate and handle, so you can work the arena at the depth you prefer, while providing aggressive cutting action in the toughest surfaces. Back leveling rake is reversible and can be used to maintain your driveway as well. Includes flat-proof wheels, axle, lever and set pin. Caster assembly makes transport easy.

3’ Handozer D3 requires a 16hp lawn tractor;

4’ D4, requires a 350cc or 18hp utility vehicle/atv… NOT to be used with a lawn and garden tractor.

Here’s the Craftsman Garden Tractor we want to buy (used, local)

“25 hp Vtwin Kohler engine, 6 spd trans. Garden Tractor (garden takes attachments because it has a frame, lawn tractor just cuts grass). Less than 100 hours on engine. Comes with dirt moving blade, sleeve hitch, plow, front bumper and 50” mow deck"

[MunchkinsMom]

@Fancy That;4158185

We also can’t afford a tractor and are researching getting a GARDEN TRACTOR, which is different from a RIDING MOWER or LAWN TRACTOR.

Some folks interchange them, but a GARDEN TRACTOR will be more versatile with higher horse power and the ability to add implements (plow, box blade) and pull heavier equipment.

Exactly. The third trip to the shop with the Troy Built, I asked the repair guy what is up with this? He asked me what I was using it for. I told him, mowing the lawn once a week, and pulling the Newer Spreader every day, and mowing a bit of the pasture (not all at once) from time to time. He said it was too much work for a lawn tractor, I needed a commercial grade garden tractor.

Which is why I got the JD from the tractor dealer, not from Lowe’s or Home Depot, or TSC. Well worth the extra money since it is holding up so much better.

[Aggie4Bar]

We bought a Cub Cadet with 46" deck to take care of the yard and pastures, which is about 3 acres total. I think we paid around $1600 for it. It does just fine. Husband had wanted a zero-turn mower, but he reports this one turns on a dime. (I don’t mow. :D) We’ve got a little utility trailer for it that we’ve used to haul dirt, hay, manure and various trash with. No problems there.

[2DogsFarm]

Another vote for the Cub Cadet - a friend whose husband repairs farm equipment can’t say enough good things about them. Wish I had one or could justify replacing the lawn tractor that came with my house.

AND: if you are in MN there’s a company - Concord Equipment - that makes a FEL for the Series 3000 and will sell you a reconditioned 3000 with the FEL (new) for $4K - THAT is a Sweet Deal!

I have talked to them several times and they are working on figuring a shipping charge to me, who is NOT in or near MN

I do use my 17HP mower to do my pastures but the bellymount mowing deck is taking a beating doing it. I have to replace blades at least once a year. :o

It will also pull a small metal dumpcart loaded with manure or 4-6 50# bales of hay depending on how I stack them.

Still: I paid -$0- for it, it is at least 5 years old (as long as I’ve owned it) and is a Yard Machines model with a 42" deck.

[KitKat987]

We have a little JD. I think the model is L120, has a 20 HP engine in it. I have mowed the pasture with it, have a sprayer and an aerator that I also hook up to it and it works quite well. As far as arena dragging, I cheat a little bit on this one, but it works quite well, and it cleans the blades at the same time. I drop the mower deck down to a low setting and then just drive up and down the arena. If I want to reposition some sand I just drop it that much lower and drive toward where I want the sand to go. Of course, the blades are not running while I’m doing this, I’m just utilizing the cover that goes over the blades Works like a charm and comes out smooth as glass.

[Calvincrowe]

We got a Kubota tractor–the smallest they make, to mow our very large yard and to handle the work on our teeny farmette. It cost us under $11K, brand new, with a mid-mount 54" finish mower, a front bucket and 4’ brush hog. You can find used models for much less, and they last forever. I had a riding lawn mower and we killed it mowing our lawns and the one acre pasture in just 2 years.

I’d look for a tractor, vs. spending lots on a mower that isn’t as versatile.

[Frank_B]

Browse the dealers for used tractors. There’s some nice ones to be had these days for about the same price as a big garden tractor. If you’re not familiar with machinery, it helps to have someone along who is. And, believe it or not, theere are still some honest dealers around!

Having said that, four years ago I got a JD GX-255 for my 3 acre lawn. I can drag large tree limbs with it, and it pulls a small trailer just fine. No problems, and the power steering is very kind to my arthritis. There’s several attachments available, but you have to drop off the mower deck to access the PTO.

[Fancy_That]

Tractor is best…can’t argue that…it’s just $$$

[QUOTE=Calvincrowe;4159090]
We got a Kubota tractor–the smallest they make, to mow our very large yard and to handle the work on our teeny farmette. It cost us under $11K, brand new, with a mid-mount 54" finish mower, a front bucket and 4’ brush hog. You can find used models for much less, and they last forever. I had a riding lawn mower and we killed it mowing our lawns and the one acre pasture in just 2 years.

I’d look for a tractor, vs. spending lots on a mower that isn’t as versatile.[/QUOTE]

Right. I think everyone would agree that a tractor is truly the best piece of equipment for the job.

Having said that…even a used tractor can’t be had for less than $5K. Even at $10K you’re getting a screaming deal.

But you can find a riding mower, lawn tractor, garden tractor for $1000 easy.

So … $10K vs $1K It’s all about trade-offs.

(I dream of having a Kubota someday. But for now, am looking at the Garden Tractor)

[2DogsFarm]

@KitKat987;4158991

As far as arena dragging, I cheat a little bit on this one, but it works quite well, and it cleans the blades at the same time. I drop the mower deck down to a low setting and then just drive up and down the arena. If I want to reposition some sand I just drop it that much lower and drive toward where I want the sand to go. Of course, the blades are not running while I’m doing this, I’m just utilizing the cover that goes over the blades Works like a charm and comes out smooth as glass.

KitKat: I think I love you
What an excellent idea!
After 5 non-dragged years, my indoor has the beginnings of the hated “track” around the outside. Now I can chug around on my lawn tractor and fix that!
AND I get to tell myself I’m doing some “maintenance” on the mower: cleaning the blades:winkgrin:

[Go_Fish]

If it has a cup holder for my beer, I’m happy.

[KitKat987]

[QUOTE=2DogsFarm;4161638]
KitKat: I think I love you
What an excellent idea!
After 5 non-dragged years, my indoor has the beginnings of the hated “track” around the outside. Now I can chug around on my lawn tractor and fix that!
AND I get to tell myself I’m doing some “maintenance” on the mower: cleaning the blades:winkgrin:[/QUOTE]

Glad I could help My husband went to clean out the blades this spring when we got it out of storage and was shocked to see that they were pretty much sparkling clean and shiny Amazing what a little sand can do I came up with the idea last summer when I was cutting through my very potholed outdoor sand ring on the way to mow the pasture. I dropped the deck down and what do you know…

[synthia]

I need to buy a chainsaw sharpener which is easy to use and should be more consistent. I read a post https://topreviewedten.com/best-electric-chainsaw-sharpener/ where I found two types of chainsaw sharpener oregon 511 and timber tuff cs bwm. Please suggest the best one out of these.

[seabreeze]

I have a JD X320. About $3500 from the dealer several years ago. It has over 800 hours on it. I mow my yard, road frontage, an empty lot, and my grandmother’s yard with it weekly…about 3 acres… Additionally, I mow my 2 smaller pastures, riding ring, and paddock every other week…about 2 acres. I pull my dump manure cart with it (a 17-bushel cart), and that can be quite hefty…300-400 pounds, if it gets rained on. Pulling a drag, no problem.

That said, I’ve spent a lot maintaining it over the years, particularly the last 2-3, because I work the heck out of it. The JD service guy knows me by name, I don’t have to be home when they come work on it, and they just call me at the end of the summer and tell me how much I owe. That tells you how frequently it gets worked on. The engine is a beast. I just wear out everything else.

I’m in your shoes. Need something new but can’t really afford a tractor. I’ve started threads here about this tractor vs. that mower. Still haven’t made a decision. I’d love a little setup like
@Calvincrowe. Approaching 50 and doing all the chores on my own, I suspect a front-end loader would be worth every penny. And, really, considering all I spend in maintenance and the $200/mo I spend to have my larger pasture mowed April - September, I’d probably break even doing one of Kubota’s 0% finance deals.

Good luck with your decision! Let us know what you get.