Only Robert Coates can answer with the most accuracy and authority...

I live in the mountains west of c-ville, so I pulled up Fredericksburg CL for garden tractor and this was the first hit.

https://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/grd/5729387541.html

I'm not pushing it, but it does bring up some points-

It doesn't look like it will run a 3 point hitch, but if you really need implements, you probably need a bigger tractor. MY JD x728 has a cat-1 hitch, and it is pushing the limits of small gt tractor size. Don't bother with a cat-0 hitch. Unless you go x728 or compact tractor of bigger, don't waste too much time worrying about rear 3 points.
It has (about) the size deck you need.
It is diesel and should run for a while.
It will accept a front blade which is all you need for warrenton. The rear tires on this will accept common chain sizes. If your front blade cannot handle Va snow, chances are everything is closed anyway, and it should all melt by tomorrow anyway.

If all I had was $1200, I would at least take a look.

The important talking point that comes up frequently on tractor sites, is that garden tractors from the "heyday" were never cheap to begin with (like p-cars). Good garden tractors were as expensive as cheap new cars or good used car territory. If you find one cheap, (just like a p-car)- it very well might have lived out it's useful life and is simply worn out (engine, deck spindles, pulleys, belts, springs, tensioners, hydrostatic, etc.) Cast iron K-series Kohler engines are great, if they haven't already given a lifetime of use, and most have (needing a rebuild) . I would go diesel if I had to do it over again on my x728.

As for materials- plastic breaks, metal rust. One area that you do want plastic is a gas tank. Metal tanks rust and leave a never ending trail of debri to clog carbs/filters.

Good luck

^^^^there ya go!

I have a 1999 JD LX255 with 42 " deck, rear bagger for leaf pick up. Bought in 2002 for $1600, it was $3200 new. Still have it. I have one acre. 15 hp Kohler engine. No issues other that a cracked hood and ethanol gas. Replace the battery and 4 tires. Still looks new too.

Get a GT of the same era. I think they are 20hp and can accommodate cup to a 54"deck.

There is one on CL now.

John Deere GT 245

That looks like a great price on the GT 245 ^^^
The 20 hp Kaw engine is one of the best.

Edited because ignorance is bliss.

Mine is an 80's 330 diesel. Has a JD build plate on it so its the real deal. Paid $2000.00
on eBay from a local guy here. The best and most indestructible tool I have ever bought.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1471868191.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1471868204.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1471868221.jpg

After much consideration - as well as great points everyone has made ( thanks!) I'll do some additional work on the crap I have for now, then keep my eyes peeled for a nice used 320- 340 series JD like the one above. I've seen a few online but pricing is all over the place.

Is there a site where honest value can be found for used stuff?

Good site to find used Garden tractors - Go to bottom of page to modify your search criteria, this is for a JD 318:

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/list/?manu=JOHN+DEERE&mdltxt=318

I had a JD 430 diesel circa 1988. Bought it for 4k, sold it 4 years later for 5500 when we moved to a smaller lot. Wonderful machine that sips diesel. Blew snow like crazy.

I had a 318 for a while. Nice tractor but be sure to check the engine. Some models had the Kohler engine with the oiling problem when on an incline.

I'd definitely go diesel.

yeah ...go diesel..tons of power. I have a 54" plow blade with H2 hydros ( i added the second port), that will push heavy snow around all day long.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1471952364.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1471952376.jpg

Honestly - I'd rather lay down some hard-earned cash for an earlier JD of the 320+ variety. I do want a twin for smoothness, possibly water cooled / diesel. I've already seen a few online that are low hours or partial restored. These are the machines that I know will last, what will hold their value.

Also - it has to be a JD as that's what we had on the farm growing up, where I started.

Pushing snow with a lawn tractor... Yah that's nice.

This is what I use...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1471994742.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1471994764.jpg

^^^Show off^^^

ahem......garden tractor ......it's really a small tractor that can cut grass rather than a riding lawn mower that can push snow....so did you take those pictures in August?

the 330 is a 3 cylinder Yanmar diesel 16 hp. mine has 460 hours on it and still going strong..

That's a very clean looking 330...nice! Does the exhaust pipe help to keep the hood clean or to direct it away from you?

Thanks, I painted the tub. The hood and side covers are original. The pipe...I put on as a ball bust for my nephew. He has an IH pulling tractor that is like a zillion HP. So I put this piece of kitchen sink waste pipe on to mess with him. I kept it on cuz it looks cool and is somewhat functional in getting that black smoke over my head. You can see it's deere build tag in this picture.