The reason NO ONE buys GARDEN TRACTORS anymore!!!

[@gregzeigler3850]

Probably the biggest factor is that a lot of people don't garden anymore...

[@BuildALotAcres]

A lot of people don’t do anything themselves anymore

[@tectalabyss]

@@BuildALotAcres Amen to that. I grew up at a time where if you didn't plant a garden and can your fruits you didn't eat that winter. Plus hunting and fishing to put that on the table. We lived in a poor county and jobs were low pay, I remember My Dad being gone weeks at a time to work a bit better paying job.If something really bad does happen, people will starve . Has they will not know what to do. They kill plants that would have fed them in their yards. Also the food we get from the store are so full of very bad things, we are all sick. I subscribed, liked and shared

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@tectalabyss Thank you very much 🙏 We appreciate the support. I agree with your points. I think unfortunately it will take a hard lesson like you described to wake people up. I try to be as self sufficient as possible.

[@johncasey1020]

That's true, lack of interest, or their HOA won't allow it.

[@richardcranium3579]

@@johncasey1020laziness

[@markdanielczyk944]

I was pricing tractors a while back, a fully loaded Deere X700 series was more expensive than a Deere 1 Series. Also the compact utility tractor can run more attachments, for me it's a no-brainer.

[@_P0tat07_]

Yup. And most garden tractors just wernt suitable for doing loader work for example. Of course you do see loaders on them. Often homemade loaders, but the lift capacity was what, only 2-300 lbs if that? That’s all the tractors axles could handle. So start making them bigger and you can increase that lift capacity by double or even more. Plus having a rear PTO on the machines for homesteads was game changing. I just acquired a 1025R and it’s significant bigger than my Deere 425. And the 425 was no lightweight, and did have rear PTO, 3pt and front loader options, but the capacity just wasn’t there for doing bigger jobs.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Makes sense

[@BJ-pg8te]

My ariens gt18 rear axle is rated for almost 2,000 pounds and they have front end loaders for them and rear back hoe's for them and what usually limits lift capacity on a garden tractor is counter weight

[@BJ-pg8te]

That's why I'll choose my small 1991 garden tractor over any new crap it is capable everything a bigger tractor can do just on a different size scale

[@chucknorris277]

Got an x360 for the lawn. PS is nice. Backhoe for the heavy lifting

[@Ventrac-lc6hz]

You hit the point right on the bullseye. Garden tractors are definitely not what the once were or non-existent. I remember my grandfather had an 8 hp simplicity tractor that he used to mow, rototill the garden, and snow removal with a front blade in the winter with. Now a days, you have to have 20 plus h.p. machines just to be able to do all of this and more, compared to the 1940s to the 1980s units that used to be out, and ou last a lot of the current units of the modern day. It's a real shame everything doesn't last like it used too.

[@BuildALotAcres]

I agree. There's no money in building a lifetime machine. Everything is about the almighty buck 😠

[@straightpipec6099]

My grandpa did the same with a 1965 Simplicity Landlord. He replaced it into late 70s with another Simplicity. He also had a heavy duty dump cart made and would haul rocks, wood or ride my brother and I around. What great machines.

[@straightpipec6099]

@@BuildALotAcrescompanies used to strive for an edge by making the best quality machines and sell them based on said quality. This business model is gone. Cheaper throw away machines that business can profit from is now the way. Scrap it and buy another. Sad. I like a good old USA made machine that gets it done. But that does take extra effort to pull off. I’m going to run my 7117 as long as I can.

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@straightpipec6099 Amen to that. Most of the companies can’t even be bothered to put out ads now. I agree, the old “buy once, cry once”….”buy for a lifetime of use” is gone. I can’t stand the cheap crap China pumps out and the companies shove down our gullets like we’re damn baby birds in a nest

[@ralphmowery2898]

@@BuildALotAcres Not knowing any better when I bought a house with about 2 acers to mow I bought a John Deere lawn tractor I thought was good quality. Turned out it was a low end machine and the transaxle went bad when I had only 300 hours on the machine like many other peoples did.

[@joebalusikiii5811]

My grandparents had the Case 444 shown in your thumbnail image! It had the rear mount tiller attachment, the front snowplow and dump wagon trailer and the mower deck. I spent many hours mowing grass with that bad boy. It was finally retired about 10 years ago due to lack of spare parts.

[@BuildALotAcres]

👍

[@LanceStoddard]

People don't buy garden tractors anymore, because they don't make them any more. I sold all the 3000 series Cub Cadet Garden tractors I could get my hands on. They dropped the line. I was furious at the Cub Cadet rep. If you want a five foot deck and a snow blower, tiller, too bad. Get two machines.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Sad but true 😔

[@justincase1575]

Yep I’d buy one if they were available! But no! They want to sell you a $25,000.00 dollar compact tractor!

[@Pinion512]

There isn't a big enough demand for them to warrant serious production. Deere still makes them, but it just makes more financial sense to get a compact tractor. There are a few out there, but not many. Again, just no real demand for it.

[@LanceStoddard]

@@Pinion512 The Deere ones are Aluminum underneath, not like the old ones. You're right, they do not make sense, because they've been junkized so much. They told me about the falling demand for Garden tractors, which I knew was Bullkrap because I was selling twenty five of them a year and could have sold more if they were available. I think the Big Box stores wanted them to stop making them so they could sell more of the junk models. I think they stopped making Garden tractors so they could put the lines over to making more of the junk ones for the Big Boxes. The Big Boxes have coated the country in junk machines and ruined the business.

[@briananderson6758]

They still sell garden tractors. There just called subcompact tractors. Massey, Kubota, and JD are just a few of the huge market of subcompact’s

[@brettbuildalot5550]

You definitely did an outstanding job on the editing! When we filmed this, I knew it had the potential to be good, but this is truly outstanding, can’t wait to make more!

[@BuildALotAcres]

Thank you son 🥰

[@joecummings1260]

My uncle had a fairly big property and he bought a Cub Cadet with the hydrostatic drive brand new. If I remember right I think it was the late 1960's. It lasted the rest of his life, so about 40 years.

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

Wow imagine being able to buy something today that would last that long

[@BuildALotAcres]

I bet he enjoyed the heck out of that machine.

[@robertheinkel6225]

The IH Cub Cadet built them tough back then. Now, I pass on them. Back in the early eighties, I bought a 20 year old 70 model cadet with a broken rod. I overhauled it, and used it until 96 when I moved. I paid $25 for it and sold it for $400.

[@busterqhorse4226]

I bought my Deere 445 new in 1994 and have been diligent about maintenance. Almost 3000 hours later, it is still my weekly mowing machine for around 3 acres. Some parts can be a challenge sometimes but there are many available on Ebay. My local Deere dealer parts guy always knows he's in for a challenge when I show up. When I look at the new machines there is simply no comparison so I will keep this machine forever!

[@BuildALotAcres]

Those 400’s were great machines. A local to me nursing home had a 445 or maybe a 455 that they used for many years. Lawn is absolutely humungous. I actually drove by yesterday and a young guy was zipping around on a big Ventrac

[@austinaubinoe2195]

I bought a house on 7 acres in 2016 and was determined to buy the best and wanted diesel. Ended up with a 1200 hour 1989 430 60" deck for my lawn and occasionally blowing snow, and a larger 1993 870 4x4 with 450 hours, front end loader and 5' bush hog. Both 3cyl yanmar diesel Done repairs and lots of maintenance on both, but they are a joy to work on and use. machines worth restoring when worn out, whenever that may be.

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@austinaubinoe2195 Great couple of machines 👍

[@busterqhorse4226]

@@austinaubinoe2195 I always liked the 400 and almost went for the 455 at the time but decided on gas.

[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

For rural property owners you really need two machines, a zero turn for mowing and a compact tractor with FEL for everything else.

[@benjaminwright1807]

You don't need a zero turn for Christ sake. Just another 10k toy, a 25 HP tractor would be enough if you have a lot of acreage, just get a larger mower

[@Rebelgamer-1111]

​@@benjaminwright180710k? Dude I have a Scag Turf Tiger and I paid 5 for it

[@BuildALotAcres]

In 2024 that’s a pretty common combo for sure 👍

[@kylegilas3401]

@@benjaminwright1807 this was my thinking when I bought my tractor, I did not want another engine to maintain so figured I would just get a mower for the tractor. I could not stand it and bought a zero turn after one season. Having to take the loader and whatever other implements off, then installing the mower deck, then having to do it all over again in reverse when I was done was a lot of work to do each time I wanted to mow the grass, I tried mowing with the loader on but that was a thoroughly unpleasant experience. Plus with the amount of engine hanging over the front of the deck it's really hard to get into those tight places and I found myself having to do a lot of trimming afterwards. You really can't beat a zero turn for mowing. That being said some of the newer tractors with drive over decks and quick attach loaders and what not would make it much easier but old girls like mine really don't make very efficient lawn mowers.

[@jeffharper7579]

If you have a lot of trees then a zero turn if on trees mow rake and bale it! I can not believe the amount of people that have two to four acre yards😵😵😵

[@ebinmaine]

We have a "Herd" of 60s and 70s Wheelhorses. Very easy to build maintain and repair. Excellent machines. Very rugged. We've done 5 full frame off restorations. We use them to maintain our acreage.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Very cool 😎 I have a Wheelhorse history video coming out this coming Tuesday 👍

[@upchuckchops]

I remember my granddad having a Craftsman garden tractor in the late 80's. it almost couldn't be killed. The next several only lasted a handful of years. I have used and enjoyed some David Bradley walk behind tractors and they are fascinating and super handy to have. I did finally have to sell them, but they were great.

[@kevind3185]

I picked up a cub cadet 1250 fixed what was broken, adjusted everything to factory specs, changed the belt blades and fluids greased it and it cuts 2 acres a week trouble free. I've got less than $750 in to it.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Very cool 👍

[@bobbysnow5478]

Bought mine in 1976 with an Amex card in Virginia..55,000 square feet of bluegrass…yeah baby!

[@cayankeelord3730]

Got a used 1650 with a workhorse fel on it with a gannon "earthcavator" . Needed all new hydraulic hoses and some seals, but otherwise pretty solid. $500 for it, put about that much more into it. Tough as nails, super powerful.

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@cayankeelord3730 Nice 👍

[@DarrenMalin]

With respect Sir I believe the Phrase you were looking for is 'Import Tariff' :)

[@BuildALotAcres]

Yes it is. Thank you 🙏

[@csil2863]

Great video! I have a 40+ year old Snapper 1855 for nostalgia purposes but a sub compact tractor with FEL and other attachments for practical purposes.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Thank you 🙏

[@ronaldmangin570]

I have a 4 wheel Simplicity tractor with a lawnmower and snowblower very handy.

[@BuildALotAcres]

💯

[@joshuagonzalez10]

Great video! I was just contemplating this the other day. I think with the popularity of the ATVs and zero turn mowers these were phased out. Also our suburban lot sizes have shrunk substantially reducing to need for such heavy equipment

[@BuildALotAcres]

Yeah, all good points 👍

[@janderson8401]

If I recall correctly, in 1975 my dad bought a new Gravely 812 with a 50” mower deck, a snow thrower, wheel weights, snow chains, and a front attachment kit ( so we could use the rotary plow from our 1948 Gravely model L. It cost about the same as a well equipped new compact car.

[@BuildALotAcres]

I agree, garden tractors of the era often cost similar amounts to automobiles.

[@RIPGLIDE]

I never really got over losing my 1974 John Deere 140, with 3rd function, to a barn fire. It had the mower deck, dozer blade and rototiller attachments. It would still be here today. After the fire, our needs changed. We weren't planting a large garden anymore. I replaced it with a John Deere LA 140. I didn't expect this tractor to last, but 18 years later, it is still turn key and has required very few repairs. Electrolux did a good job with these. It was purchased at a JD dealer. You are right about the Asian stuff. I also have a Kubota BX 1850 with the front loader and a box scraper to maintain the driveway. It is a little beast. I plow snow from the comfort of my truck now days. I enjoy your content.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@jayrobert5917]

1968 John Deere 112, and a sears suburban 16, with ohv cast iron tecumseh engine, has a manual 3pt hitch, and 1 row bottom plow, fun days, I still have them both.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Nice pair 👍

[@dennislarson4960]

My family had (and still has) the original John Deere 110 garden tractors (1964 and 1966). They were great for mowing and moving snow (blade and blower). Not to mention pulling a trailer for countless tasks. Despite the small 8hp Kohler engine, that little beast just kept plugging along (albeit slowly in heavy grass) -- for years and years (and still does, but needs some valve work). I won't say much about the abuse two brothers gave those tractors in full-throttle races and attempted donuts in the winter (with full chains and weights too). 😄

[@BuildALotAcres]

Yes sir. They sure were built to last. Great memories I bet 👍

[@ricksteen935]

Guys, I just ran across your channel, liked and subscribed as I am an “old guy”. My Dad inherited a JD400 from my Grandfather and now I’ve inherited it from him. It needs rebuilt and that next winter’s project. It’s got hydrostat, tiller, pto, and a snow blade, no mower. She’s tilled a great many gardens and it’s headed to my friend’s farm where it will be our main tilling machine. The expense of new tractors vs their quality is depressing. I’ll keep my 400 until I can’t rebuild it anymore because there was quality back in the day and we didn’t throw money away!

[@BuildALotAcres]

Thank you very much 🙏 One of the original Super Garden Tractors! Very cool 👍

[@gittyupalice96]

Still mow my lawn with a Gravely G20 and plow my driveway with a Cub Cadet 104, I had a brand new 5,000 tractor but sold it with 40 hours on the clock, because it just felt like a flimsy you know what, and didn't mow as well (or as fast) as the antique tractors.

[@BuildALotAcres]

They sure don’t make them like they used to 👍

[@tixeright9120]

Tractors became as expensive or more expensive than used cars. So it actually does make sense to just pay a landscaper more often than not. You're definitely getting your money's worth. If I wanted to do a garden, I would even just hire someone to plough up or till the ground, because the economics of me buying the vehicle, storing the vehicle, and maintaining the vehicle just doesn't make sense unless I was starting my own full-time business! I have a little electric mower Ryobi, that I use for pathing cuts around the house and essential property, (the fairways), but I don't live in suburbia, I basically live in the woods, and the rough only needs to be cut a few times a year. Which may be 80 to 200 a month during the summer months, depending on how much work I want done, and how many people I need to hire to get it all done reliably. Less than the price of a modern tractor split between a handful of independent contractors who are all going to make the rest of their money from someone else. And I'm not the one putting in the effort, so when I get home from work, I actually get to rest. That's hard to beat. I suppose if I did't have a job, I would tend the land differently, but if I didn't have a job, I'm not even sure if I'd be able to pay off the mortgage and keep the place! I actually thought about getting a 4x4 with a mower hitch. A 4x4 ATV makes more sense than a tractor for the kind of terrain on I'm living on. Hilly, full of trees, country roads. Zero-turns can handle the slopes well enough, but tractors can have a rough go of it, because they aren't built or geared to tackle slopes and climb. And that means even more work getting them where-ever they need to be. Meanwhile I could use the atv for forrest trails, logging, and going to the gas station for odds and ends, and the local drinking hole when I get bored at the house. If I was going to homestead my property, I'd have to cut a glade or hallow into the woods, and not just have an acre of cleared land on the acre my house actually sits on. That would either require the really big forestry tractors which cost as much as a house, or solid 4x4 thinking. The basic almost 3wheel-like design of a traditional tractor isn't going to tackle the job. We tried a tractor on this property, it was nothing but a pain in the ass. But yeah, they all worked absolutely great on my grand-dad's property which was farming grade flat. Where they didn't work was at his cabin by the lake, or my place in the hills.

[@lcee6592]

Interesting discussion. Unfortunately the days of true garden tractors being manufactured are pretty much over. One brand that definitely belongs on the ol garden tractor list is Gravely. Yes I have one and it is a beast! Like many of the old ones it is all steel and cast iron. It's 35 years old and still runs beautifully. Great channel guys!! 👍

[@BuildALotAcres]

💯 Gravelys were built like tanks ready to go to battle. I plan on going a history video on them soon. Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@lcee6592]

@@BuildALotAcres Awesome! Can't wait to see it!

[@queenofspadz]

One reason why is people can't afford new ones. The older ones (I have my dad's old Suburban SS12) are either rusted junk heaps or bought up by collectors to sit in a shed, only to be sold for a lot of cash if they ever are. Cost is an entry barrier, as is land. More people don't have access to land to grow a garden or keep/maintain their equipment. Def more true the closer to suburban areas you get.

[@johnafagerquist8235]

Great video, guys! I love all the tractors you're showing here. Ten years ago, I bought a 12 hp Dynamark riding mower, from the early 90's or late 80's, for $150. US . I removed the deck, and set about making wheel weights, a set of chains, a hitch system on the back, for a tiller and other attachments, and a frame extension, on the front, for attachments and weights. I also put some bigger, meaner ag tires on it. I'm currently building a winch-driven bucket and a snow plow for it. It's small, but it does what I need for my five acres. I cannot afford to buy a subcompact, so I'll make my little tractor as useful as possible. For a backhoe, I opted for the Harbor Freight ride on trencher. I love it, and, at half the price of an attachable backhoe for a subcompact, it was a no brainer. Cheers!

[@BuildALotAcres]

Very cool 👍 I’ve made homemade wheel weights, accessories and attachments as well. I’ve always wondered how good the HF towable backhoe is. Glad it’s working out on your estate 🏡

[@frederickburns1739]

The stuff being built today is what I call throw away! That's like putting a backhoe attachment on a farm tractor it works on a utility tractor but on a subcompack and compact it's a JOKE! I've seen cases where the little tractors were broke in half!!! It's all about marketing and the customer not knowledgeable enough! Sales people are all about $$$$!!!!

[@BuildALotAcres]

I agree. Sad but true 👍

[@dmjink]

Not mentioned was the time saving when mowing a lawn with a zero turn mower. With a lawn tractor you are constantly changing from reverse to forward, turning around, changing forward speeds with a shift, etc. where you never have to do any of that with a zero turn mower. You can often cut your mowing time in half.

[@BuildALotAcres]

I agree a zero turn is definitely faster at mowing. The best garden tractor mowing setup I think is a foot controlled hydrostatic. My brothers Kubota G6200 is pretty fast and sweet. Late 80’s with a 3 cylinder diesel. Quite a few of the hydrostatic John Deere’s were foot controlled I believe too

[@robertc.6441]

I would love to have a smaller to mid sized tractor with a bucket, mower or brush hog, with all the rear pto accessories, but they are very expensive these days, even used! I do have a couple 30" riding lawn mowers, but that's not what I'm talking about. It's hard enough just to afford reliable transportation and maintaining properly let alone a tractor, especially when you have a home payment. Thanks for listening to my rant. Peace Everyone

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@robertc.6441 The cost of living is way too high. I agree 💯

[@traviskellogg867]

My dad had an old sears suburban when i was a kid. That thing was made to work. He sold it before we moved south. I ended up buying a late 80's ford 1210 and i do all the yard work (besides mowing) with the ford.

[@BuildALotAcres]

My last video before this was on the old Sears line 👍

[@traviskellogg867]

@@BuildALotAcres oh sweet! I'll go watch it!

[@49commander]

Interesting how Allis Chalmers revolutionized farming with the 1937 B, then the 1940 C and finally the radical 1948 G. All tractors that were large garden tractors or small tractors for small farms. By the 1970's they couldn't build their own anymore and did like everyone else and rebranded Japanese tractors! Today's speedy mows are like today's speedy harvesters. Lots of speed at the expense of quality of work done! I still like a good old garden tractor!!!

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@49commander I agree with that 👍

[@michaelvrooman5681]

I have 2 sears suburbans and several attachments for them. They do just about everything I need to do on 12 acres.

[@Ratkill9000]

Been looking to find a garden tractor over the last few years. Got a lot of heavy wet snow this past winter and trying to clear 200 feet worth of sidewalk around my house just absolutely sucked. A garden tractor with a small front loader would make it less back breaking. Good luck trying to put a front loader on a moder lawn tractor without burning out the hydro drive or snaping the stamped frame in half. For the price of a newer garden tractor, one could buy a nice used small farm tractor like a International Cub (which would hold up even better than a modern garden tractor or scut/cut.

[@BuildALotAcres]

I agree. Those old Cub type tractors require a ton of tinkering though. Most people can’t be bothered or don’t know how to. You could definitely pick one up very cheap.

[@agentleebs]

Even the 1968 Case Garden tractors were really the purchased Colt company designs. I think the Japanese tractors being imported was simply the world market awakening. Americans discovered that someone else was doing tractors better for a particular purpose and choosing that - as opposed to an “invasion”.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Lol. You’re probably right. 👍

[@clarkrowland6513]

I fixed a old IH 149 cub cadet cut grass and worked a garden with for several years with no troubles.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Very nice 👍

[@GuardianAngle93]

I haven't seen anyone sell anything resembling useful in garden tractor anymore. The attachments are now just a bagger or rear drag trailer. No modern Lowe's tractor comes with rear hydro

[@BuildALotAcres]

I agree. They’re just lawn tractors. No ground engaging ability, and the build quality is very poor

[@straightpipec6099]

I’m rocking the Simplicity 7117 with its 3rd engine. It has a 1999 Vanguard which burns some oil but still cuts great.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Right on!!! My father has three 7117’s. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpbdiJuwfclnY6ssi=y5eElSt3d3MK1F4d

[@zodszoo]

I miss my ole, 20hp Sunstar. It was an '86 with the Magnum. Tons of power.

[@BuildALotAcres]

They are true brutes 💪🏻 🚜

[@waynehigden]

I have a 90’s Sunstar I had plans to make a FEL for using the local Tech High School adult night class. The school dropped the use @ night so now I found my self buying a Kubota 1850 with low hours resulting in having the Sunstar sitting going no where. The New England area is not made up of small farms like the midwest and such. Now I have this machine that only sells based on scrap prices. Go figure the US would loose it’s edge on making things last. Great channel. Keep the vids coming.

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@waynehigden Thank you very much 🙏 Sorry to hear about the school night program closing

[@waynehigden]

Hi. You live near Massachusetts?

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@waynehigden Yes MA

[@jimciancio9005]

I own my last and forever garden tractor I mow my lawn with. I spent a winter doing a frame up restoration, after buying a farmers lawn ornament from an old chicken farm. I have a nearly mint 1972 Case that I re-powered with a briggs vanguard 20hp engine, due to the fact, trying to find and the expenses of the original Onan 16hp parts wasn't worth the effort or cost of rebuilding it unfortunately. But everything else is basically OEM and or has been replaced or rebuilt, and I went a step further to retain the original PTO clutch assembly by making my own flywheel crank snout adapter. Rather than simply using the common replacement electric PTO clutch that are sold with most of the re-power kits. The most challenging part for me was making a perfectly straight and centered hydraulic pump bracket off the other end of the engine. Due to space constraints and its placement, it was definitely the hardest part of the entire process. Otherwise I rebuilt its original 48" deck and revised it baffle wise and blade tip speed wise by changing the pulley ratios so it now cuts so much better than the factory setup. Best tractor I've ever worked on, and I've been a small engine mechanic for the better part of my life with the schooling and business to back it up. Now I no longer turn wrenches for a living, but as a hobby lol. I decided to upgrade my career about 18 years back and stopped getting my hands dirty at work. After owning nothing but Bobcat commercial mowers for my home use, it was time to sit down and relax for a change. Great Company and the amazing amounts of aftermarket and OEM parts still available for such old equipment is mind boggling.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Very cool 😎 Sounds like you got a great machine 👍 I watched a documentary on the history of the Bobcat with the two brothers and it was great. Ironically Case, originally Colt was also started by two brothers

[@justinkraynie6435]

I tried to buy a garden tractor just a few years ago and no one makes one. I grew up using a simplicity 6216 and it was a beast. To get anywhere near the same utility you have to buy a $20-30,000 subcompact. They purposely don't build any midprice machines so you have to buy something more expensive that will be harder to maintain.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Here's the interesting thing.... A John Deere 318 cost $5,100 when it came out in 1983. In 2024 money it would cost $16,400. A 1992 John Deere 430 garden tractor cost $9,500 in 1992. In todays money it would be about 22 grand. I think people forget quality built American 2wd garden tractors were never "affordable". People still expect them, to cost 5 grand like they did in the early 80's. I actually have a video i did on this topic. It will be coming out in early -mid August. 👍

[@jameswilson8430]

I own 3 WHITE GT55, Bought the first one [GT1655] in 1979 it is still going after 1 Engine change. I have 2 SNOW BOWERS and a Plush Blade that can go on them. They were built by MTD and came under many brand names.

[@BuildALotAcres]

I mention the White tractors in my biggest, baddest garden tractors video 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ml6pfqxpmbR5bpIsi=uhuyWL5jB_hC3B2r

[@earthbreaker]

I still plow snows with my 1963 953 wheel horse with the factory hydraulic lift 54" dozer blade. Now days you have tractors twice the size with 54 inch blades.

[@BuildALotAcres]

They definitely don’t build them like they used to

[@jtoaderamma]

I recently bought a CubCadet. I chose the brand for sentimental reasons because it’s the brand my grandfather sold out of his small shop back in the 1980’s. Needless to say the new CubCadets are flimsy compared to what I knew as a kid.

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@jtoaderamma 💯 agree. The acquisition from MTD in the early 80’s was the beginning of the end. I actually have a Cub Cadet history video coming out this Tuesday at 3pm EST 👍

[@coryernewein]

Papa had a sweet old Wheelhorse that he had cobbled together again, and again and again...I miss when things could be easily worked on and were capable yet affordable to the average person.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Yes sir 👍 Wheelhorse of course! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4Wke56oq6adqbcsi=2VEuz5nejAFjpkfi

[@gthree0239]

I think the walking tractor was an amazingly versatile invention. I wish a company would make a unit that could be used as a walk behind mower, then shift into being a rotor tiller, then a snow blower, then a wood chipper, and even a generator and water pump. The list of uses is endless. Heck you could even use the tractor as a pto drive for a wood splitter. These might be more popular now that lots are smaller. I would also love to see a resurgence of the small family farm. And more small tractors, combines implements etc.

[@jayrobert5917]

Look into BCS, two wheel tractors, I think they have a bunch of attachments you can get for them, I remember as a kid dad had an old David Bradley walk behind with a plow, I used to plow snow with it,

[@BuildALotAcres]

I think gardening and homesteading has and will continue to get more and more popular

[@nobodi2935]

Part of that is there isn't enough space to garden (at least not in the scale that would need a tractor). On a typical suburban home, you'll be lucky to find 1000 square feet that's unpaved. Part of which is going to be a front yard which most cities have restrictions against using as a garden. In urban centers, there's practically no space that's unpaved--they'll have to rely on balcony plants or indoor house plants. Rural places have the space, but less people. And they fix and rebuild their own machines, so the companies making them don't get to sell enough to make it worthwhile. Pretty much the closest to a tractor that's seen in suburban/urban areas are lawn mowing machines at golf courses and parks.

[@westernwashingtonhistory1889]

personally I want a garden tractor, they had gear drive, not this belt crap. Good video you two.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@mrboom4570]

I run a mower shop. I still use a IH184 to mow with and a sears SS12 to blow snow. I am the only guy in the area who works on the old stuff

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@mrboom4570 It’s definitely hard to find small engine mechanics. Hard to beat the old machines though

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

i guess it depends upon what you’re doing and what your yard looks like. zero turns have their place but they’re not for everyone and sometimes, a sub compact is too big. but as a rule, you can buy a diesel sub compact with a 3-point hitch for about the same price as a garden tractor. i like my cub cadet xt3 and john deere x530 for mowing, tilling between garden rows and bagging leaves i have too much ledge and trees to get the lawn done with a zero turn or scut.

[@hunterprowsemrereviews9141]

One thing that’s missed in this video is prices of a garden tractor vs the small Asian diesel compact tractors. Also look at the prices of the cheaper mass produced new mowers. They’ve all doubled in the last 5-6 years. And the quality sure didn’t go up, nor did the longevity. But the greed sure went up from MTD. Honestly for what they cost now, I’d expect a real metal painted hood, and a real diesel engine instead of a cheap mass produced gas engine from B&S, that blows up in a couple years.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Yeah, everything has doubled in the last 4 years. Another topic altogether 😉

[@csj9619]

I like watching the videos of folks hot-roddin' old lawn tractors. Ever go 40 or 50 on a garden tractor?

[@BuildALotAcres]

I have not. Lol. I’ve watched a few races though

[@DeanFamilyAcres]

Great recap and discussion!

[@BuildALotAcres]

Thank you 🙏

[@Ray-r5j9u]

I have a 1980 mtd garden tractor with ag tires. Last year my small hayfield got away from me. I was sick. I dont harvest the field i just keep it from going wild. The grass was a bit over 3 ft tall. I put the mtd in granny gear and turned up the revs. I just let her chew through the hay. Its about 1/3 acre. I gave the machine a few heat breaks. I believe a newer lawn tractor or garden tractor would have gotten burned up.

[@BuildALotAcres]

I think you’re right

[@jamesoquinn9168]

I just remember them going from like $895 to like $2250. And MOST of the yard tractors I've seen were broke down, and left to rot. So, super expensive and poor quality, topped by no parts.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Yes sir. That would have been around the late 70’s-very early 80’s. I noticed a significant jump in prices starting in the 80’s when I researched for the video 👍

[@hansjansen7047]

It's pretty easy to slap together a motor and a belt driven powertrain but a diesel engine and integral transmission and drive axles in cast iron is a bit harder and requires more thought and design. Live PTO is another step up. A B/S or Kohler doesn't cut it.

[@jimmytate7587]

i think the lack of space may have a large impact. when i tell folks i only have 5 acres they are stunned. i only have a 60 by 40 lot is often the answer to that. they say i have a ranch. i have an original 1961 cub cadet garden tractor and no attachments. i am building a FEL and have a towed power sprayer. i wish i had more property so i could have livestock and raise my own meats and vegetables. my property is steep and not conducive to gardens.

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@jimmytate7587 I hear you! I have 21 acres. No way I could deal with only having a 40x60 lot. I’d go crazy

[@byrnc927]

Non-gardner here, but we own two acres. After many years of using "old school" quality Sears and John Deere garden tractors, we bought a 22 hp Cub Cadet Zero Turn. It decreased our mowing time by at least 30 minutes, but we were always disappointed in the quality of the cut. Middle blade always seemed to miss some grass. Recently found a fantastic deal on an ultra low hour 33 hp Dixie Chopper Zero Turn Classic 60". $3500. My neighbor with a similar size yard uses a state of the art John Deere diesel garden tractor. $20K. He doesn't garden either. I don't see the point of a garden tractor like that either for what we both do. There is no comparison of how fast I can cut my two acres. If you don't need a garden tractor, a high-quality commercial fast zero turn is the only way to go.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Here in New England snow removal, hauling firewood and other heavy trailers, York raking are all chores I do besides mowing. I agree for mowing it’s tough to beat a zero turns speed and maneuverability

[@aspensulphate]

Commercial mowers are too loud. Ear-splitting whine from four houses away!

[@briananderson6758]

Garden tractors are still very popular! There is a huge market. They just go by a different name. They are called sub-compact tractors now.

[@got2kittys]

The fact that they're not reliable is a big part of it.

[@zakscott7700]

They're quite popular in central Portugal where i live. There are lots of small holders who own compact pieces of land tucked into right valleys. Big tractors are unsuitable for that kind of land. I really need a little tractor for my own place, it's pretty high on my list of things to acquire.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Very cool 👍

[@davidbeard1115]

I think the word you were trying to say was tariff. They had tariffs on the small tractors in place to protect the garden tractor market.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Yes sir, that was the word 🙏

[@VB-bk1lh]

garden tractors were still a big thing at least to the collectors and enthusiasts until about 15 years ago, then it started to tail off fast as the money got tight first during the recession, then even more so during 2020. Now its dead. its become a matter of there being three types of homeowners out there. those who can afford anything and those people will by what ever they want no matter what, the rest are split into two types, those who are capable of finding, fixing, and using a garden tractor because they know it can save them money and labor, and then the last type is those who couldn't be bothered, they can't afford to buy new, they can't fix things themselves and know that buying anything will mean multiple shop visits and big bills for even the simple repairs. Owning any equipment requires maintenance, and these days most people don't even maintain their car let alone their lawn mower, and the thought of having to spend several grand on a tractor that will require maintenance on top of the cost of buying it, and the cost of running it, they just hire someone to mow their grass and complain about how expensive everything is. For me, I don't use my garden tractors to mow, I don't have that much grass. One is set up with a plow for snow and a hitch on the back for tilling the garden in the spring, the other is set up with a hitch to move my boat and equipment trailer in and out of the back yard when they're not in use. I've also used it for yard work, pulling project vehicles around, and to move dirt via a small dump trailer I built for it. The biggest issue lately with those two is the cost of batteries, what used to be a $40 battery every two years is now a $150 battery every two years. I've also got a half dozen of the same model tractors which are both for parts or future restoration, but mainly because they no longer will sell for more than scrap weight here. I've watched completely, running Sunstars for sale for only a few hundred dollars, most having been bought at some estate sale and being flipped on CL or FB. I bought my AC 916 at an auction with a new motor in it, a show plow, and small box grader on the rear for $40. I drove it on the trailer right from where it sat at the auction. The only guys bidding against me were the guys who were there buying things to scrap. The fact that most tractors also have manual transmissions may also be a problem, no one can drive a truck with a stick, and having a stick shift anything is one of the best theft deterrents out there these days. Its likely why all the new machines are hydrostat models.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Great points! I was on several garden tractor forums around 2008-2010. I think you’re spot on, although some of the FB garden tractor groups seem fairly busy. It’s definitely a sad state of affairs overall in this country, but again, I think you’re 💯 spot on. Thanks 🙏

[@user-rn3rn6nl3h]

People today are more proud of paying to do something than actually doing it

[@BuildALotAcres]

A sad truth 😥

[@ryandee8543]

I have the 444 just like the ad

[@BuildALotAcres]

Very cool 👍

[@sancoffsr]

I still use my John Deere 325 , 30 year old garden tractor built very heavy runs like new.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Built to last 👍

[@frankmaze1972]

I've got a 1984 Satoh Mitsubishi 18hp 4x4 compact tractor. Twin cylinder water cooled diesel with hydraulic pump. 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse with rear differential lock. 3 point lift hitch with PTO. Antifreeze filled ag tires and weights with 2" ball on the front bumper. It powers a 4' bush hog and a 4' box blade with no trouble, and im looking for a front hydraulic bucket. This thing runs like a Timex and is extremely efficient It does everything a full size will do.

[@BuildALotAcres]

I’m debating doing a video on the Satoh animal tractors. Neat little units for sure 👍

[@frankmaze1972]

@@BuildALotAcres the only draw back is speed. The box blade will straighten out a driveway, but you gotta take little cuts with each pass. Same for the bush hog, it'll cut down anything but you can't go flying across the field, keep the rpm up and go slow and steady.

[@RinksRides]

Got a 91 Wheelhorse 520H still going on 1.6 Acres in NJ. 60"deck and 48" 2 stage blower. Looking for the tiller attachment.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Nice!

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the video!

[@BuildALotAcres]

You’re welcome 👍

[@jameskerrigan2997]

Because kabota has riding lawn mower with all garden attachment plus back hoe attachment. One stop shopping.

[@EdZirul]

Long ago people used to have big yards …. Now most yards are to small and not many people have gardens …. But most people are buying compact tractors now …

[@bellvnv2000]

'MIKE UP' ! Jesus H christ ! I had to run closed caption just to know what you were saying !!!

[@BuildALotAcres]

Can’t get the mics to work on the phone. Believe me I’ve tried.

[@stevenbrown7042]

I have a JD 240 mower. Nice mower but I can’t get it out of the shed right now. A buddy of mine gave me his IH 400 single front and ended up blocking the shed. Until I get it running I can’t get my mower out. So gives me an excuse to start the restoration.

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@stevenbrown7042 Yes sir 👍

[@jamesgarland4990]

More garden tractor videos, please!

[@BuildALotAcres]

Yes sir. Every Tuesday at 3pm EST we are doing a Tractor Talk video on garden tractors 👍

[@brianczuhai8909]

The audio sucks. If they would just have a PTO on the "Garden Tractors" that would be a plus. You could hook up a generator, air compressor, hydraulics. There's nothing in between a riding mower and farm tractor.

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

I disagree , a riding mower can’t do things a garden tractor can do, they can still have a 3 point hitch and move earth , plow, box blade , disc , tillers, sickle bar mower. Sears suburbans have 100 implements like air compressor and generator. John Deere’s garden tractors have hydraulic attachments. Riding mower just cuts grass, and only weigh 200-300 pounds garden tractors are like 800-1200. But definitely not compared to a regular tractor one of those blows it out of the water.

[@brianczuhai8909]

@@urbanitesgarage3299 That's my point. Just looking for something in between. The riding Mowers/Tractors are 26 HP.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Sorry you didn’t enjoy the video. I do the best I can with my limited equipment and budget. In a perfect world I’d have a sound room and a professional video person.

[@brianczuhai8909]

@@BuildALotAcres Just feedback on the audio. The video is fine. You're in a hollow room so you get echo. Play it back. I'm interested in that topic. Outside a Bobcat, there's nothing in between. I think there's a market for something there.

[@robertheinkel6225]

Cub cadet offered a generator for their line. Just remove the deck, install the generator on the sub frame, connect the belt and you were up and running under five minutes.

[@billyboy969]

Kind of wished i had bought the wheel horse d-250😅

[@user-ut9ln4vd5m]

can't believe I watched 10 minutes on tractor talk, and it was pretty interesting. So bottom line, people like cheap stuff, or just paying someone else to do it

[@BuildALotAcres]

Pretty much! Lol 😂

[@rispatha]

What many people do not realize is that a lot of small towns and cities outlawed having gardens and collecting rainwater. Sadly nobody really bucked the unconstituional laws and many still stand today. Then add to that many HOA's do not allow gardens. Some do not even allow you to have a fruit tree.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Really sad reality 😢

[@shemp1howard]

Incredible that people let that happen. The fact that you have to pay to keep land you already own (property taxes)- then can't use it the way you want.....

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@shemp1howard Disgusting

[@jamiemckechnie3662]

The guy with the hat sounds like one of the Kennedys and looks like Mike on Moonshiners. LOL

[@dingthefries]

I use a yanmar 1500 to cut grass on 3 acres.

[@BuildALotAcres]

That’s cool 👍

[@rhigh100]

A few years ago there was a Ford lawn tractor at the local Hustler dealer. 54 inch mower deck. 3 point hitch. Pto diesel. $2500. It got sold before i ccould scrape up the money'

[@BuildALotAcres]

Sounds like a nice machine 👍 Sorry you missed out on it

[@rickyb1980]

I am also guessing it has to do with smaller yards, they dont need a machine like these and they dont have storage for them. Also zero turns cut mowing time so much. I have a .67 acre lot, my small 32 inch zero turn will mow the yard faster than my 318.

[@BuildALotAcres]

I believe it. My yard is about 1 acre, and my zero turn is definitely faster.

[@Slane583]

Before I went full on tractor shopping at the local dealers I always liked looking at what each brand had for models on their website. After seeing the cost of what it would be to buy John Deere's top X700 model the X758 I could see why people don't buy them. At $17,000 the X758 is incredibly over priced and absolutely pointless. John Deere doesn't even consider it a garden tractor it's just an over priced lawn mower. I think a lot of the times people will go with a robust zero-turn mower for mowing grass at a third of the price and skip something like the X758 completely. The X758 is for someone who wants to keep up with the Jones's and nothing more. You can get a far more capable sub-compact tractor for less money than the X758 and it will always come stock with a loader because that's the only way dealers sell them now. My Massey Ferguson was priced a little over $15,000 new with a factory installed loader. But we paid more for ours because we got it equipped with a box blade along with the loader. Then add on state sales tax and dealers fees. Garden tractors aren't gone, they're just categorized differently now. What started off the category of yard maintenance machines with the cheapest and smallest ride-on lawn mower and ending the line with the robust and multi-capable garden tractor is now ended with an incredibly expensive ride-on mower. The robust and multi-capable "garden tractor" is now in its' own category being labeled as a sub-compact tractor which now starts as the smallest multi-capable machine and goes up to much bigger multi-capable tractors eventually hitting the utility and farm-tractor categories. :)

[@BuildALotAcres]

Good points 👍Interesting take

[@ganprottas6259]

Great information, Case and Brett! A 12 page paper on garden tractors would be the only subject that would keep my interest while writing, not controversial bologna they make you write about in school. Moving on from my rant, I certainly think that the fall of authentic garden tractors is all about the money. Manufacturing corporations want you to buy their product every few years. Back in the day, companies were proud to offer a machine that would last a lifetime. I like to call the late 1940s to early 1980s time period "the garden tractor era." What do you guys think of my coined term? Cheers!

[@BuildALotAcres]

Great term Gan. I agree, money ruins a lot of things.

[@grayrecluse7496]

Hell,20 years ago, you could buy a tractor, trailer, disc, box blade and a busch hog for 4 thousand dollars. All brand new.

[@BuildALotAcres]

At this point I even miss going into Sears circa 2004 and checking out the offerings on the showroom floor 🥹

[@grayrecluse7496]

@@BuildALotAcres You don't remember the combo tractor sales? I live in Mississippi,they where everywhere.

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@grayrecluse7496 I don’t know that they offered them here in MA.

[@American-Motors-Corporation]

Well there was planned obsolescence on tge production lines in tge 1950's too, though they didn't cheapen things as much as today so thats realky why they lasted. Even by their standars of cheaping out it's still better than today but the throw away society did start in tge 1950's.

[@BuildALotAcres]

💯 agree 👍

[@RJ1999x]

Allis Chalmers 720 was the king when it came to garden tractors

[@BuildALotAcres]

I did a video on the Powermax tractors, one on the heaviest garden tractor ever made, and one on The Biggest, Baddest garden tractors ever made! I agree, they are monsters 👹

[@RJ1999x]

@@BuildALotAcres you were correct. Nobody offered what that series of tractors had as standard features. But they were expensive

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@RJ1999x I hope to get my 9020 up and running soon 👍

[@RJ1999x]

@@BuildALotAcres you will love it. I have a 620 and 720 Allis Chalmers, one diesel, and one has a 30 HP efi twin cylinder

[@joerambo4977]

Whats the difference between a lawn tractor and a garden tractor dose the garden tractor have a pto

[@BuildALotAcres]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX-WdqCnZt-lhqssi=46y3Nm9Qie0z6Rva

[@billyboy969]

I have some simplicity sunstars . I need a new drive shaft that runs from the command 20 horse engine to the sun strand rear end ( same rear end found on john Deere early 400 series) A drive shaft ( engine group) that I received will fit the older one with the magnum engine but is too short for the cammand ( newer sunstar) if anyone knows what tractors at the bone yard I should be looking at for the correct drive shaft - please reply.

[@ryandee8543]

I looked at new ingersolls. I love them but its just not worth it anymore. You can buy a sub compact with loader that will do a lot more for not much more. Maybe if we didnt have zero turns they would be more popular.

[@BuildALotAcres]

I understand. It’s a competitive market and money isn’t easy to come by these days. 👍

[@mp-xt2rg]

You can still buy commercial grade equipment that's built to last. It's weird that people talk about yesteryear like it doesn't exist anymore. My bobcat is built like a tank and way better than anything from the 60s. Anything old that last was expensive too. The old days just didn't have the cheap serviceable stuff. They only had expensive stuff.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Not many options for commercial grade GARDEN TRACTORS. Which is what the video was about 👍

[@rocksandcows3229]

Once you mow with a zero turn youll never want to mow any other Way

[@BuildALotAcres]

I have an Ariens Ikonxd52. They are nice 👍

[@7.3PSDA2]

i have a ford lgt 145 garden tractor. love it except its for a kohler. yuck. does run but would rather have anything else.

[@user-lo6cf3df1x]

Yeah and nothing's made out of steel no more

[@will-l2g3t]

I bought 2 last year. But I am odd. I grow my own food.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Me too….me too 😁

[@mattsierp7920]

I disagree. Zero turns are ridiculous unless you have a wide open yard. I just don’t need that

[@travismeccariello]

didnt look through all the comments but would you be willing to share the paper you wrote?

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@travismeccariello I’d have to ask my son. I don’t know if he kept it

[@kingjames4886]

because they don't sell them in areas where people would want to use them, and if they do they're prohibitively expensive...

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

Good one. 👍🏻👋

[@BuildALotAcres]

🙏 Thank you sir

[@korhing1066]

Sad to Say in America today Buy it At A Big Box Store Use it for 2 to 3 Years Drag it to the Curb and go Buy a New one

[@BuildALotAcres]

So sad, yet so true 😢

[@keithwise5894]

They don’t make garden tractors anymore. Can’t buy what’s not offered. Just like small pickups, it’s the manufacturers fault.

[@BuildALotAcres]

@@keithwise5894 Agreed 👍