In article , (Wyatt Wright) wrote:
I'm in the market for a new riding mower/lawn tractor. I mow about
3/4 acre of grass in a flat yard with few obstacles. The only thing
that I will do with this mower is cut grass and pick up leaves in the
fall. I may buy an airator in the future and possible a cart, but
that's it.

I may buy a cheaper model from a box store, but prefer to go with
something a little better built from a dealer that can service and
repair the unit in the future. For me, that means Toro or John Deere
- I'm not sure if there is a Cub Cadet or Simplicity dealer in my
area. I know many people love their Deere's, but I'm not sure that I
want to spend the $$ [...]

Three-quarters of an acre will wear out one of the box-store riding mowers in
only a few years. Those things are *not* built for extensive use. So you're
right to be looking at Toro or John Deere.

But they *are* pretty pricey.

Have you considered buying a used JD model from a JD dealer? That's what I did
a few years ago when my MTD bit the dust. Paid less for a used JD than I would
have for a new MTD, and it's held up pretty well -- still has a few more years
of life left in it, I'm sure.