Considering a tractor upgrade

[rod7515]

Im considering buying a JD 455 with a very nice JD cab. It is presently set up with a quick attachment and 54"plow. It has no mower deck with it but is supposed to be very low hours on the Yanmar diesel less then 300. I am not sure of the year. When I originally contacted the owner he said sale was on hold because the tractor wouldn't start. He claimed the part would be about $150 and would only take about 5 minutes to put in. That was Wednesday. I ask about taking a look at it yesterday morning but it didn't work for him so hopefully tomorrow night will work better.
Now, I currently use a JD 420 that has been repowered with a Honda GX670, its a 24 HP engine and its performed great over the last 6 years since its been together. The hour meter doesn't work but I would guess it to have only about 200 hours since installation. I only use it during the winter for snowblowing. The chassis on this 420 I would guess to have over 1500 hours at least but has no problems. Currently it has a soft cab but the front and rear windows have cracks in the vinyl and the canvas is needing replaced.
My problem is I hate to buy something that will give me any problems since the 420 I have is rock solid dependable. But from what I have read the 455's are also rock solid. Add the diesel upgrade and an all but new cab is it worth the risk.
I figured I would take my blower and put it on the new 455 and the plow from the 455 to the 420 then sell the 420. It's not quite that simple but it's easier then building my Dart! I would estimate if all this would work out i would spend a difference of about $1200 - $1500 bucks have a newer tractor/cab.
So what do you think? Of course this deal hasn't been made yet so maybe it won't matter. I should know more tomorrow night I hope.
Rod

 

[383Scampman]

Here's my take, rod. Unless it has power steering and 4wd it isn't worth owning. R4 or turf tires are required also. I had a Ford 2000 with a 4x3 trans, no p.s. and Ag tires. Every time I mowed my pasture the R1's would dig in on turns and make a mess. When I hit a bump the manual steering would try to separate my shoulders from the sockets. Solution: New Holland 2210 with 3x3 trans, bucket, R4 tires and hydrolic steering. This is my 5th season mowing and snowplowing my 200 ft driveway. IMO at least 32 h.p. is needed to move snow. I mow about 4 acres with a Landpride 72" pto mower. Switching to a N.H. cut my mowing time by 50% over the Ford because the p.s. made it so I could increase my ground speed. Tractors are cool. Tom

 

[RPMagoo]

I have a Kubota l-3830 with HST, a bucket, and R-4 tires. I mow with a rear mounted , Woods 6 ft. finish mower, and Love it. -- Quite a few bucks, but It's a keeper.

 

[retractable]

Rod I used to sell JD for 20 years. Have been retired for two years. I have had 5 JD 455 lawn tractors and did not have any problems with any. It would be a good up grade for a 420. The diesel is very efficient on fuel- but you might not put many hours on it. Snow blower will need a different pto shaft to make it work. Good luck with the upgrade you will enjoy it. Jay

 

[barbee6043]

I have a Kubota l-3830 with HST, a bucket, and R-4 tires. I mow with a rear mounted , Woods 6 ft. finish mower, and Love it. -- Quite a few bucks, but It's a keeper.

I don't know what you have for ground, and mow..acreage or yard... but lots difference in a real tractor and a " lawn tractor".

a turf tire does not tear up any ground, but worthless for traction if needed..

 

[999yards]

Went through the same delima and ended up with a Kubota 1870. It is diesel, 4x4, quick detach bucket and shaft driven mower. It is just as fast as a zero turn and has a turn radius that is certainly not limiting. I think the 23 hp tractor is the same size. The tires do not mess up the grass unless it's in 4x4 and turn sharp.

 

[rod7515]

Thanks for the replies, i ended up buying it on monday night. I would have really liked to have a 4wd but the cost was much more and i dont use it for mowing, just snow removal. Over the years ive had 4 tractors with blowers each time going bigger and yes adding power steering and cabs. With the blowers ive never needed 4wd. The guy i bought this one from treated me really good on this 455 diesel. I just hope i like the diesel as much as ive liked the gas powered tractors. I has only 160 hrs on it so it should last a long time!
Rod

 

[dartnabout]

Diesel is where it is at! I have gas and diesel. I have never had problems with my diesel.