Garden tractor: Easy to operate?

 My mum is 56 going on 57 years young.  She used to be very
healthy but somewhat begin to feel her age.  She live alone
in a house surrounded by trees.  The property is about 3
acres.   She is considering buying a garden tractor, mainly
for snow removal and hauling some firewood around her
property.

I am very worried that the tractor might be a bit too much
for woman her age to handle.  Since my father died, she took
it upon herself to do everything my dad used to do.  She is
very healthy and exercises regularly.

I would like to ask your opinion if operating a garden
tractor is reasonable for woman her age.  Her property is
hilly and woody but clear of undergrowth.  Will she be able
to ride the tractor up/down a steep incline?  I know very
little about tractors but did a bit of searching in the
internet.  She has her heart set on Sear's Craftsman, Arien
or Honda.   Not sure what HP would be appropriate for her.


Thanks,
pac
 

 They come with automatic transmissions.  Just step on a pedal and go.
Steering is manual and may take some strength.  Lifting the mower deck takes
some strength.  Should be easy to check by sitting on a machine before
purchase.  If you spend more money, $10,000 you can get power steering and
power lift for the mower.

 wrote:


Absolutely. She's not driving a Formula 1 car, just a garden tractor.

Actually, I'm guessing she'd probably do fine in the F1 car...

The main thing I'd be concerned about (even if I was going to be
driving the thing) is the steepness of slope. If there's a risk of
rollover then you should consider talking to the dealership about
having someone come out and demonstrate safe technique so she
understands how to approach a slope while reducing her risk of injury.

--
Life. Nature's way of keeping meat fresh. -- Dr. Who

 
Only physical concern I would have would be osteoporosis.  Women tend to be
physical for most of their lives, and adapt to most any situation presented
to them.

 

How much snow do you get ?  If it's just a couple inches a snowplow (blade)
will do but if you expect more you will need a snowblower attachment that
costs almost as much as the tractor.  And they are a chore (and heavy) to
attach and take back off in the spring.


The regular pull behind carts come in a variety of sizes.  You'll need one
that is rated for 14 cubic feet with wide tires to haul any amount of
firewood.


Sounds like she is capable of making her own decisions.  But if she is
within 2 hours I am always up to helping a widow with mechanical problems.


Not sure what you call steep but I've had my Wheelhorse up a path so steep I
had trouble walking it.  Of course leaving the mower deck on lowers the
center of gravity and helps a lot - but I didn't have the wheel weights on.
And if she plans to blow snow on a hilly area she will probably want wheel
weights and chains.
A light weight tractor will be prone to lifting the front end off the ground
if the power is engaged to suddenly.