Which tractor should I buy?

[dooley1337 11]

Hey guys,

I recently got a little homestead and was curious what tractor is the most versatile? I've already got a '73 8hp but its getting tired and needs a replacement. Which tractor would be the best fit to replace it? I do a lot of yard work and have a long driveway so something that can handle a snow blower would be awesome! Any input on models would be great! Thanks!

 

[WHX?? 48,828]

A C series 12 HP or better. A C-160 in a hydro would be the cat's meow.  Use the '73 for light duty tub pulling. 

[Pullstart 62,910]

If I haven’t, 

 

For the chores you laid out, a Hydro model might serve you best.  I prefer a gear jammer, but most of what I do is ground engaging stuff... plowing field and tilling garden, etc.

 

 

[Tach-a-matic 357]

312-8, 314-8 or 314-H, 315, etc, ... Magnum or Command powered

the twin cylinders sound sexy and all but singles are the way to go IMO because they are so easy to work on and parts are easy to find

just taking the shroud off of an Onan is a pain

Edited July 20, 2021 by Tach-a-matic

[pacer 3,173]

As mentioned, any of the 'C' models with 12 to 16 hp and hydrodrive - with the C160/C161 probably coming out on top of most of our 'wish list'. The 300 series are also good, as are the 'D' series (160/180/200) Tho the D's are kinda ... a 'love/hate model --- I'm in the 'love' group!

[roadapples 6,983]

C160 hydro gets my vote...

[D_Mac 8,621]

I will toss in my 2 cents. I had a C-161 and I had a 416-8. If I was to have one of them back I would lean towards the 416-8. Automatics are nice but tricky to move around your garage when not running. I like the 16hp Magnum Engine. The 416-8 was a beast. Up for any task you give it. As long as it is a Wheel Horse you cant go wrong with what ever one you choose!! Welcome to the Red Square !!

[Lee1977 6,666]

Just go buy two or three you will find a use for all of them.

[Goldnboy 926]

I suggest a repower that B80 will do it all. Just acquire a larger K series engine. 

 

@richmondred01 provided this 14Hp and is was a great choice. I run a tiller,  snow plow, cultivator,  everything but the 60" deck.

[biged77 113]

A mid to late 80s 300 or 400 series with a magnum 14 or 16 HP (M series) engine.  Simple and easy to troubleshoot.   I also like the 48" decks, have had warpage and spider cracking problems with the 42" decks.

[Pullstart 62,910]

47 minutes ago, Lee1977 said:

Just go buy two or three you will find a use for all of them.

  

 

 

[tom2p 2,394]

Almost all Wheel Horse garden tractors are versatile 

 

get the tractor that is in the best condition / best maintained 

 

Kohler single with manual transmission will provide great performance and are very reliable 

 

if you will cut a lot of grass - 2 acres and more - consider a twin and a hydro ... or a zero turn lol

 

[Retired Wrencher 5,465]

Dooley  As you can see there lots of good info hear. This should make up your mind what you can afford and what you need. Enjoy your search.

[formariz 11,987]

22 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

Just go buy two or three you will find a use for all of them.

If one uses them frequently for different tasks that is actually the way to go. This way you can keep them setup on a permanent basis with different implements. No need to take implements on and off. Some tractors are also better than others for certain tasks case and point a hydro tractor with limited slip differential for plowing.

[balconio 606]

I have a pair of 312-8s from the late 1980's and think they're great for various tasks on my 8 acres. One is a puller/mudder with ATV tires that also does snowblowing in the winter, and one is a dedicated mower with turf tires which gets pushed hard all summer mowing 2 acres plus trails and takes a break during winter. I do wish it was a side discharge deck though, rear discharge leaves a lot of long clippings instead of chopping it up fine.

 

I think gear drive is great but it's more busy work than a hydro for sure. One example is cutting really high grass or blowing really wet snow, where you have to go from a low range forward gear to high range reverse to avoid backing up at half a mile per hour. You also have to come to a complete stop before shifting. It is possible to shift between forward gears by floating, but it's difficult to do on the upshift without a foot throttle. I do it all the time on the downshift while mowing (pop it into neutral, let the ground speed decrease just so and it'll drop right into gear).

 

I think it's been said but as long as it's a Wheel Horse you can't go wrong. I really like the M12 engine. They both have over 1500hrs and run flawlessly.