HOW TO CHOOSE A NEW GARDEN TRACTOR

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Gear-driven units have distinct advantages, too. A properly engineered gear train transmits the engine power with great efficiency . . . greater than either the belt or hydrostatic forms of drive. And if used properly and serviced conscientiously, a gear train-operating at the modest speeds of the garden tractor-can last for a rewarding length of time. (The better gear-driven models such as the tractors manufactured by Gravely-are also provided with slip clutches and shear pins to help protect against accidental damage. Look for such features if you decide to buy a gear-driven machine.)

[4] Is it rugged enough? Inspect the drag rods, linkages, and axles when considering any small tractor. Are the units built to stand the kind of pounding that dislodged stones and clods of broken earth can cause? Garden work strains a machine far more than does lawn care. Some machines have slim axles of 1/2 inch steel, which might last for no more than a year or two of plot preparation before wearing or bending.

Are there grease fittings for the bearings and other points of friction? Can you get at the engine for servicing? Are the wires accessible at the rear of the "control panel"? Ask yourself these-and as many other hard questions as you can possibly think of-before making your purchase.

[5] Can you store the tractors? Do you have sufficient space, out of the weather, to protect the tractor you choose to buy? Some garden machines are very difficult to start in cold weather, and a warm spot in the basement or garage can be a tremendous advantage for folks who'll want to use their tractors for winter snow removal. The wear and tear of nasty weather can really wreak havoc on an improperly housed machine, too. Good winter care will pay off handsomely when you come to trade-in time.

IS THE PURCHASE REALLY NECESSARY?

Many folks will, of course, consider a riding tractor to be an unnecessary luxury . . . especially as compared to a less-expensive walk-behind tiller. There are, however, a lot of people who-for reasons of health, strength, or lack of time really need a well-built lightweight yard machine . . . and perhaps wouldn't be able to do much gardening at all without a sit-down vehicle.

Should you find yourself in the latter group, a garden tractor could be a very rewarding purchase. If you give the choice a little extra thought before you make your purchase-and provide the vehicle with careful day-to-day maintenance afterward-you should be able to buy the right machine in the first place . . . and obtain a reasonable return on your investment over a period of five-or even as many as ten-busy and productive gardening years.

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