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Used John Deere Lawn Tractor

January 26, 2008


Are you tired of pushing that walk-behind mower? Want to sit instead of pushing, but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg? Do you have champagne tastes, but a cola budget? Or are you just a frugal person that wants the most value for your dollar? A used John Deere lawn tractor could be your answer!

John Deere is a leader in manufacturing quality lawn care mowers. They produce reliable, dependable and rugged machines that can provide a lifetime of service. Here are five reasons for purchasing a used John Deere lawn tractor.

1. Someone else has paid for the “new” and you can reap the reward of owning a quality used John Deere lawn tractor without spending the money for “new”.

2. The same quality, performance, dependability and reliability of manufacturing is available in a used John Deere lawn tractor as in a new model or a generic lawn mower.

3. Parts, maintenance and servicing are available from a licensed and trained John Deere dealer – not someone who decided to open a business in their garage and knows a little about a lot and not much about anything.

4. Your used John Deere lawn tractor will outlast the many generic models on the market that are built to look good, but are not durable enough to stand the test of time.

5. A used John Deere lawn tractor is adjusted, serviced, refurbished and placed in a “like new” condition before being placed in the hands of a purchaser.

6. Finally, it’s a “John Deere” and all who own one are just a little bit smarter than the average.

Once you’ve decided that a used John Deere lawn tractor is a wise choice and investment, you will be amazed at the assortment of attachments that are available. These are quality, rugged attachments that are specifically designed to meet the demand of years of use around your home and property. You can choose from a wide variety of front blades, rear blades, mid-mount blades, snow blowers, thatchers, aerators or spreaders. A used John Deere lawn tractor presents the user with a variety of options that will meet the particular requirements that you have. Many used John Deere tractors have hardly been used to their full potential. In fact some models of John Deere used lawn tractors are almost mini-dozers and can push, pull, haul and perform many more tasks than a ordinary riding mower.

You will also be the proud owner of a distinctive green and yellow tractor that has the John Deere logo which announces your class and intelligence. You will be further comforted by the fact that your used John Deere lawn tractor was an amazing value when compared to a newer product. It has all the features of new, but without the “new price”. Additionally, your John Deere dealer will provide you with a warranty that will provide you with the assurance that your used John Deere lawn tractor will provide you with reliable service for a long time to come.

So what are you waiting for? Buy a quality used John Deere lawn tractor.  You should really consider a John Deere Model 2305!

John Deere Model 2305

January 26, 2008

John Deere produces a variety of utility tractors for the homeowner or small farmer. These John Deere tractors are built to exacting standards and are noted for their versatility, endurance and reliability. The John Deere model that is attracting a lot of excitement from potential owners is the John Deere Model 2305. This is a 24 horsepower 4WD workhorse for people that may be engaged in mini-farming, operators or owners of a horse stable, or those with a need to maintain a few acres of residential property. Of course there are many other tasks for which this John Deere can provide an answer.

Typically John Deere has provided a number of packages that can be installed on this tractor that will enable it to meet owner expectations.

A front-end loader is a must for most tractor owners and John Deere has provided the opportunity of choice for an installed loader intended to stay on the machine or one that can be quickly removed if it hinders other operations. Of course John Deere provides the option for quick removal of the bucket and installation of other accessories or buckets with either model loader.

The three point hitch adds considerable versatility to this John Deere and a variety of tasks can be performed with the appropriate accessory.

John Deere offers several selections for the owner that will be using the tractor for grass cutting. Mid-mounting side discharge or rear mounted cutters provide a responsive John Deere solution for these tasks and make the challenge of cutting or mowing a bit more enjoyable. The tiller accessory is a great option for the mini-farm operator or anyone that wants to take advantage of their land to produce a crop.

One standard feature worth mentioning is the fact that this John Deere can run out of fuel and the operator can simply refuel, restart and keep on working without the hassle of priming the engine. Even with a John Deere product, running out of fuel is a reality that most tractor operators have encountered by trying to stretch “just a bit more” to accomplish a job or task. This feature on any tractor is worth the investment!

Of course the major reason for selecting a John Deere tractor is that it is a “John Deere”. The distinctive green and yellow color and the John Deere logo, with the white-tailed deer pictured, proudly announces that the owner is a person with the knowledge to recognize quality, reliability and endurance. A John Deere product is always the envy of neighbors and friends. It is always interesting to note the the extremely high number of John Deere tractors that were built 10,15, 25 or even 50 or more years ago that are still working machines for their owners.

In conclusion, the John Deere Model 2305 is a tractor that will provide years of service to its’ owner and return the investment in the machine ten- fold in terms of meeting the challenge of the task it was designed for. Of course if this John Deere model does not have all the features that you desire, there is “good news”. John Deere offers an extensive line of tractors that can meet the demands of anyone desiring such a machine.

John Deere Lawn Tractors – A Homeowners story

January 26, 2008


Have you noticed that one of the first impressions you get about a home is the lawn and landscaping? It makes a statement about the occupant before anyone ever visits the home. I took a walk around the neighborhood the other day looking at the flowers, shrubbery, lawns and landscaping to get some ideas on what seems to present a property in the best perspective. It was a warm day and a number of people were outside tending to their yards. I even stopped and talked to several folks about their lawns and landscaping to find out about the upkeep and survivability of some of the plantings that were the most attractive. I was particularly interested in the seed that was used on several homes that had particularly lush lawns.

My other mission on my neighborhood trek was to gather some information about lawn tractors. I’ve been through three in the last six years and I’ve decided to stop giving my money away purchasing the discount lawn tractors that look pretty, but fall apart fast and seem to require constant maintenance. I was particularly interested in John Deere lawn tractors because they have a great reputation for being rugged, dependable and survivable. I will admit that I demand a lot from a lawn tractor as I use it to haul mulch, thatch, aerate and I even mow my leaves to get rid of those pesky little critters every fall. Anyway, I was looking at the brochure about John Deere lawn tractors and fantasizing about the new LX series. Anyway, as I journeyed about I couldn’t believe my eyes. There were four John Deere lawn tractors engaged in a variety of spring mowing and cleaning tasks right in my neighborhood! I stopped and talked to two of the owners and they had nothing but praise for their John Deere lawn tractor. One John Deere lawn tractor was 12 years old and the fellow that owned it seemed to think he was going to pass it on to his children.

Well that settled it! I looked at some reviews and discovered that the John Deere lawn tractors are identified as “best in class”. The 18-horsepower engine ought to deliver plenty of power and I’m going to get the 48 inch mowing deck so I can move through my acreage quickly. Did you know that John Deere lawn tractors even have cruise control? It also can accommodate every attachment I need and I suppose the greatest advantage is that I can expect it to last. After all, John Deere lawn tractors have a reputation for providing years of service.

Of course you know there is more to this story. At least in my house, no husband that is expecting a long life is ever going to rush out and purchase one of those John Deere lawn tractors without discussing the issue with his wife. I dutifully waited until exactly the right time and provided the brochures and information along with my justification for the necessity of owning one of those magnificent John Deere lawn tractors. You won’t believe this! My wife said, “Honey, why didn’t you purchase a reliable lawn tractor in the first place?” She gave me the green light or should I say the “yellow and green light”. Twenty years of marriage and I’ll never figure it out! Anyway, I’m off to the John Deere dealer and I’ll soon join the others in my neighborhood that ride dependable John Deere lawn tractors. See you at the dealership! “John Deere Lawn Tractors Rule!”

Organic Fertilizer For Lawns

January 26, 2008


There is considerable debate that occurs as to the effectiveness of using organic fertilizers versus the chemical fertilizers that are used throughout the world. Chemical fertilizers are synthetic materials derived from man-made chemicals whereas organic fertilizers are the remains or the by product of a once living organism. Organic fertilizers generally include manure (chicken, cow, horse, pig, sheep), plant byproducts like cotton seed meal and corn meal, municipal sewer sludge, fish meal from dried and pulverized fish, blood meal which is dried blood from cattle slaughterhouses, various seaweed products and several other mixtures to include worm castings, molasses and honey.

By far the most practical organic fertilizer for lawns is one of the several types of manures that are available. In addition to adding necessary nutrients to the soil, these fertilizers add organic content to the soil which aids in the moisture retention which is essential for a healthy root system. Grass uses nitrogen in high quantities and often organic fertilizers do not have the high content of nitrogen that grass demands. Nevertheless, several years of using organic fertilizers like manure will add the organic content necessary to produce a strong root system that will not require the large doses of nitrogen that grass obtains from chemical fertilizers. The organic content of the soil will enable air to more easily reach the root system and the nitrogen is extracted from the air.

Organic chemicals on the whole are much more environmentally friendly than the synthetics, however it might be prudent to avoid the use of municipal sludge on garden crops because of the higher concentrations of heavy metals that may be present.

While organic chemical have lower levels of nitrogen available, their primary advantage lies in the soil building characteristics which make available more natural nitrogen. Synthetic fertilizers are nutrient rich, but do not add any organic content to the soil.

A review of some of the literature available indicates that there appear to be no adverse impacts on grass from the use of organic fertilizers while the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers adds pollution to water systems when it runs off of fertilized lands. Organic fertilizers should be more widely used on lawns for these very reasons.

There is only a slight cost premium involved in using organic fertilizers and they are widely available. Scotts, one of the foremost producers of synthetic fertilizers also manufactures organic fertilizers that are widely available.

What Type of Lawn Mower Should I Use?

January 26, 2008


There is a wide selection of lawn mowers to chose from for residential use. Gas powered and electric models in a wide variety of types are available. For those that wish to combine exercise with their chores there are people powered reel-type push mowers.

Determining exactly what type of lawn mower to use is dependent on a variety of circumstances. The size of the lawn, the topography of the land (flat, rolling or somewhat hilly) and the number of obstacles to cut around (trees or flower/garden beds) are some of the considerations. The physical ability of the individual mowing must also be considered. An older individual with a rather large lawn may want a self-propelled or riding lawnmower – on the other hand even an older individual who is interested in maintaining their health and vigor may look forward to a bit of a workout when mowing with a push type mower. Price is also a consideration and prices range from about $75 to several thousand dollars depending on the particular model and the attachments that can be used. Another consideration, particularly for smaller yards may be environmental friendliness. Electric models or people powered mowers are non-polluting whereas the gas models do emit green-house gases. Finally, a lawn mower needs to be stored to avoid exposure to the corrosive effects of weather. Obviously the larger the mower and the greater the number of attachments, the larger the space for storage will need to be.

Large or small wheels, with or without grass catchers, mulching blades, width of cut, reliability and dependability of a particular manufacturer and the personal desires of the individual who is actually doing the lawn mowing are among the other variables.

Perhaps the best way to determine the type of lawn mower to be used is to listen and observe what is occurring in your own neighborhood. Talk to neighbors about their particular likes and dislikes with the mower they are using. They will likely have advice about different models and manufacturers as well as information about efficiency. Once information is gathered, it might be prudent to consult a buyer or consumer guide and read about the different models being considered.

One thing is certain, lawn mowing will be among the many home owner chores that will have to accomplished at very regular intervals. Selecting the right product to meet your needs is an essential element of possessing an eye-pleasing lawn.

Best Time to Mow Your Lawn

January 26, 2008


Mowing lawns for some may be drudgery, but it is a labor of love for those that wish to maintain a healthy and well manicured lawn. Regular mowing insures healthy turf and mowing at the appropriate intervals will not only insure a beautiful lawn, but will provide sustenance for the root systems.

Most grasses should be maintained at a height of about 2 inches during the spring and fall and at 2½ -3 ½ inches during the hot summer months. The reason for the higher height during the summer insures that shade is provided for the underlying growth and higher growth enhances the retention of moisture in the soil, thereby reducing requirements for watering. Higher blades of grass also serve as a natural barrier to weed growth. The higher the grass is allowed to grow in the summer (without reaching excessive heights) the better it is.

The most critical rule for determining the best time to mow is to insure that no more than 1/3 of the grass blades are cut at any one time. Cutting more than this length will damage the grass. First, it will deposit more thatch in the form of cuttings on your lawn than is healthy and second, the root system and small shoots of growth will be quickly exposed to the harsh summer sun which causes stress on the plants.

The 1/3 rule means that grass will likely require more frequent mowing in the spring and fall when the grass has just been fertilized and is growing rapidly and less often during the hot summer months when growth is slower.

The best time of the day to mow is late in the day or during the evening. The fact is that mowing damages the plant and it will take a day or two for the grass to fully recover. Mowing in the evening provides about 12 hours of respite for the grass from the sun. Mowing in the morning means that the stressed grass will be subjected to the sun much quicker and if there is morning due on the lawn the grass will be cheated from the rejuvenating effects of the moisture because mowing will hasten evaporation.

In short, the best time to mow the grass is when it needs it – keeping in mind the 1/3 rule and one should mow in the evenings to reduce stress on the grass.

Selection Criteria for Lawn Service

January 25, 2008


5 critical points to consider when selecting a lawn service company. Read more

Total Lawn Care Service

January 25, 2008


After you’ve mowed the grass for 20 years and you’ve moved up in the world you might consider the total lawn care service. These guys will provide you with complete lawn service. Mowing, fertilizer, weed and pest control, and if you’re real lucky you may even get them to take care of your irrigation system. The extent of the total lawn care service should always be clearly stated in a written contract.

What’s great about the total lawn care service is that if something goes wrong with your grass, they’ll take care of it. New sod, planting grass seed, it’s their responsibility to make sure you lawn stays looking good all year long. Ensure that your contract spells out that the lawn is their responsibility as well as trimming and edging sidewalk and driveways. Also keeping the trees and shrubs should be included in normal service.

Don’t get us wrong. This type of lawn care service is a luxury and comes at a price. Ensure when you’re ready to commit to this service that several different companies place bids on taking care of your lawn. Ensure that each one of them know you’re shopping around to get the best price. Another great idea is to ask for a list of references of people in the area who are current customers. A quick phone call may make a break several your top choices.

Throughout the year, you may need to pay a little extra to have these guys take care of any mulching, annual flowers, planting any new trees or shrubs. Generally speaking they are more than happy to take care of these items for the loyal customers.

Partial Lawn Care Service

January 25, 2008


The most widely uses lawn care service used by homeowners is the partial service. Basically the lawn service will stop by on a routine schedule to apply any chemicals your lawn may need. This could include fertilizer, organic fertilizer, preemergent herbicide, or spray for lawn pests that may have infested your lawn. You’re still responsible for for mowing grass, watering grass, and any other lawn maintenance that needs to be performed.

Figuring out if the lawn care service you’re considering should be judged by how often and how much fertilizer is applied to your grass. A good quality lawn service will apply fertilizer three to four times per year. If you have a low maintenance lawn you should expect at least a spring and fall application.

Since the lawn service is stopping by relatively often they’ll keep an eye on your grass to ensure now lawn pests have settled in. They should only apply pesticide to your lawn when a problem become noticeable.

The last, and most important, check of your lawn care service is to talk to neighbors and friends that have used them. Finding out if the lawn service kept their grass in tip top shape speaks volumes. You should also get some kind of guarantee of results and some sort of liability in the event catastrophe strikes. It’s critical you do a quick check to ensure any lawn care service you chose has the proper business license and pesticide business license.

Techniques for Watering Grass

January 24, 2008


The obvious objective for lawn watering is to provide the maximum amount of moisture to enable the plant root system to thrive. Too little water is stressful to the grass and too much is wasting a valuable resource.

Here are a few simple lawn watering techniques. An in-ground sprinkler system if managed properly is one of the best ways to accomplish lawn watering to maximize growth and reduce water usage, however the expense of installing the system is high and most people use above ground sprinklers. This article is oriented to the use of above ground sprinklers.

There are several types of above ground sprinklers available. Basically they are the rotary type which covers a circular pattern, the oscillating type the moves back and forth or the soaker hose type that delivers water about three feet on each side of the line where the hose is laid. For a yard that is relatively square the oscillating sprinkler or soaker hose might deliver the best performance. For irregular shaped lawns the rotary type sprayer may be the most effective. In many cases a combination of the three will probably be best to insure that adequate moisture is delivered to the turf.

One has to experiment with location of sprinklers to achieve the maximum benefit. One way to insure that adequate water is being delivered is to place a few small cans (tuna fish or cat food), in different locations under the watering pattern and monitor how long it takes for the can to collect about a ½ inch of water. Grass generally requires about one inch per week of water to maintain a healthy root system and appearance. The edges of the spray pattern is where the least amount of water is generally delivered, so this is the area that requires special attention and may require some experimentation to insure effectiveness. When possible, one should insure that the water is sprayed in the lowest arc possible to minimize evaporation or the possibility of wind drift that will not benefit the area being watered. Watering in the early morning hours is best for this reason and a myriad of other reasons to promote a healthy lawn.

Taking a few minutes in the early spring to develop the best pattern for delivering adequate supplies of water to a lawn will reduce the effort involved and will reward the homeowner with a healthy and good looking lawn.

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