05-16-2007, 01:43 AM
Grateful - my advice was based on older tractors (70's & 80's) a better value IMHO
and if you take your time and find a good one they will run far longer that anything made in the last 10 years
that was not a higher end one.
I haven't seen anything under $1500 worth taking home and I'm guessing since he is looking to go cheap
that's the neighborhood that he is going to be in.
If you want to spend more there are lot;s of good choices - some of the Cubs are nice and the entry level Deers
are good as well but you are $2000 up.
B&S was in regards to older tractors - not a good track record on riders
The Inteks and other industrial level engines are dependable.
Never been to Garden Web so I can't comment on their knowledge level
Steel frame was in reference to frame not deck although I will say that the light steel decks are not
as good as early heavier steel decks and if you have tree roots and uneven ground to deal with
you quickly appreciate a heavier deck and gauge wheels on all four corners instead of a front floating deck.
Catch a tree root and you will quickly ruin a spindle and be replacing blades
- oh how well I know this : -)
I have a "modern" 38" high lift deck on my 210 (same as used with the collection systems)
and with fresh blades and a level deck it cuts like a dream.
I'm not saying that an older tractor is best for everyone but at $1000 or less I would look
at a nice clean trade in before I would give MTD any more money
and if you take your time and find a good one they will run far longer that anything made in the last 10 years
that was not a higher end one.
I haven't seen anything under $1500 worth taking home and I'm guessing since he is looking to go cheap
that's the neighborhood that he is going to be in.
If you want to spend more there are lot;s of good choices - some of the Cubs are nice and the entry level Deers
are good as well but you are $2000 up.
B&S was in regards to older tractors - not a good track record on riders
The Inteks and other industrial level engines are dependable.
Never been to Garden Web so I can't comment on their knowledge level
Steel frame was in reference to frame not deck although I will say that the light steel decks are not
as good as early heavier steel decks and if you have tree roots and uneven ground to deal with
you quickly appreciate a heavier deck and gauge wheels on all four corners instead of a front floating deck.
Catch a tree root and you will quickly ruin a spindle and be replacing blades
- oh how well I know this : -)
I have a "modern" 38" high lift deck on my 210 (same as used with the collection systems)
and with fresh blades and a level deck it cuts like a dream.
I'm not saying that an older tractor is best for everyone but at $1000 or less I would look
at a nice clean trade in before I would give MTD any more money