Need a Garden Tractor

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Lawdawg79

Tractorologist
Senior Member
Member
Hey guys, new with some Qs.

I'm currently on the hunt for a garden tractor.

I found a 2000ish craftsman GT with 6speed manual but needs work. The guy said the engine is fine the deck turns on but it got water in the tank, needs a new spindle, needs a new starter relay. And the tires arent holding air for more than a few days.

It's got the 22 horsepower Kohler Pro Series.

I got the guy down to 280. But I'm on the fence whether I should get it or not. Thing is I need a manual transmission (geared) I plan to do garden work with it, will need to be pulling trailers with dirt, mulch, bags of concrete, landscape stone around.

I'm not opposed to owning an old tractor either, there's an old Simplicity 7117 in real good shape I'm interested in. And there's a few old Cub Cadet floating around as well.

600ish is about as high as I would want to go
 
Hard to go wrong with and older Cub. Simplicity/Allis are good old tractors.
When looking try to find something that comes with a rear hitch with 3pt or sleeve hitch.
My stable is mostly older Mid to late 70's Sears suburbans, they can be workhorses.
I would personally stay away from that Craftsman, I dont think the frames are up to do the heavier work you want.
Not sure where you are at, but there should be better deals with a more complete package.
I would check on Facebook market place and FB vintage tractor groups, sometimes really good deals..
 
An older hydro will pull fine... a manual tranny isnt really any better unless it has a proper clutch like some older Bolens, Cub Cadet or MTD... most other GTs just use a sprung pulley against the drive belt as a clutch. $600 isnt enough of a budget for a decent GT unless you willing to fix/repair a few things. Dont get hung up on HP... a 10hp Kohler single cyl from the 70s with a Peerless 2300 4 spd or a hydro will pull more weight than a more modern 22hp twin.
 
He said he can start the GT off a temp fuel supply and drive it around and on a trailer. Said deck starts, lights come on, all gears work and i can test it. There is another GT for parts for 100 bucks from another seller. It has a 22hp with bad head gasket, but good tires and a near perfect deck and a hydro transmission. I dont at all mind workin on stuff so long as im not chasing problems with more and more parts.

The Simplicity was tuned up at the end of last year, new belts, blades,filters. Tires are good...but 700, its prob worth it, but hard for me to swing...its property tax season here :-/ lol

But i get a good feeling about it, like the guy took care of it. 00I0I_5MMswD4cZeF_1200x900.jpg
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Toomanytoys84 said:
Cub 1xx series would be my pick. You can get them cheap needing minor work.
Click to expand...
This one caught my eye. I just found it this morning. Havent talked to the guy yet.

Im just learning about tractors, i was kinda weary of the old low HP engines until this thread.
 

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I should also add that I have Hills....my back yard is probably 40 feet higher than where my yard meets the street out front
 
I'd take 12hp in and older tractor with a real frame than a newer ones with a tin frame and aluminum gearbox. You'll be impressed what that 12hp will do for you.

Somethings to think about from my years of working with these older tractors.

Older Cub Cadets. Built like tanks but it's common for the steering to need work and the linkage on the hydros. Not hard or expensive to fix.

Simplicity and Allis. Bevel Gear boxes are a common problem. Not hard to fix but can get spendy. If the box in the one your looking at is quiet and not leaking it will probably not give you any problems.

Wheel Horse The rear wheel hubs and axles are coupled with a keyway and keystock. These can be a problem if the retaining bolts weren't kept tight. Can be involved to repair and costly. If your hubs and axles are tight you should be good for a lifetime. Easiest tractors to work on and maintain if powered by one of the single cylinder engines. The tractor and the drivetrain seldom needs any work. With upgraded seating I like Wheel Horse tractors.

Bolens On these it's been the twin cylinder engines that have given the most problems. Both Briggs and Kohler.
Probably just my bad luck.

Good luck with your search.
 
Well the guy with the 127 never responded and now the add is gone.

I did find a cub 1872 with a 6 foot deck, he wants extra if the plow is included.

The ad says all the Hydraulics work, new outboard disc brakes and a rear end that can be adapted to PTO...

There's a few 100 series Cubs floating around as well as this one. I also have a paint gun and would prob freshen up whatever i get. Ive painted some cars and motorcycles.

Theres wheelhorse and bolens around here too.

Im southern illinois
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I'm not a JD person and the only reason is because they are as common as fleas on a dog around here.
The 316 and 318 are still popular with many implements available. Certainly worth looking into.
WARNING! Anything JD Green tends to command top dollar.
 
I just sold a 314 the other day and I have a 317 in the shop right now.... wouldnt keep a JD for myself tho... they manage to over complicate things and make them harder to work on... IMO

Wide frame cubs are nice tractors also... thats the 128 and up,

Most any older GT from the late 60s thru the early 90s were heavy well built machines... if the rear rims are 12" or bigger with 4, 5 or 6 lug bolts its a safe bet that it will do what your looking for... pick a colour.
 
No one mentioned John Deere because you said you had a $700 budget. When you paint something green and yellow, add 2 or 3 times the price of the actual value :thumbs:

I agree with Lance, I have worked on several JD, mostly the smaller lawn tractors, I hate them. They made things way over complicated. I am doing a motor swap in a JD110 mower now, fighting me every step...and parts can be expensive.
 
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