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From: djb@cbosgd.UUCP (David J. Bryant)
Newsgroups: net.garden,net.consumers
Subject: Re: Garden/Lawn Tractors
Message-ID: <925@cbosgd.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 2-Feb-84 21:06:27 EST
Article-I.D.: cbosgd.925
Posted: Thu Feb  2 21:06:27 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 8-Feb-84 01:57:49 EST
References: <144@hou2f.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Columbus
Lines: 38

I too am looking to buy a garden tractor.  My wife and I just recently
bought a house on 5 acres and we are definitely going to need far more
than your typical push mower to keep it trim.  Here is what I have learned
so far (much of this is comment from my neighbors):

   * For 5 acres, get at least 16 HP and 44" cut.
   * Sears lawn/garden tractors come highly recommended, as does their
     maintenance agreement (corollary: repairs can be VERY costly).
   * Get headlights
   * All-Aluminum engine blocks aren't as durable as aluminum blocks with
     cylinder sleeves.

I have lots of other questions, to wit:

   1) What brands/models are good?  Which are bad?
   2) What types of transmissions and drive trains are best?  Which should 
      I avoid?
   3) I am prepared to pay up to $2500 for a good garden tractor.  Is this
      reasonable?  If no, why not?
   4) How practical are these gizmos for other work - snow removal, tilling,
      etc?  What lawn/garden tasks do they do well?
   5) How does cutting velocity (M.P.H) vary as a function of horse power?
      Do I really need 16 HP?  At what speed can I expect it to cut?
      (I can readily translate M.P.H into hours needed to cut 5 acres.)
      
As I understand it, this is a good time to go shopping for garden tractors,
so I'd really appreciate pointers that will help me get a good deal on a
quality tractor. 

       *         * 
				David Bryant (make that "Farmer Dave")
				AT&T Bell Laboratories
               *		Columbus, OH 43213
            *			(614) 860-4516
	 *  .
            .			djb@cbosgd.UUCP
                		cbosgd!djb@Berkeley.ARPA
       *         *