I thought I would throw my two centavos in here. I have 3/4 acres that I
have been cutting for about five years with a $300 MTD 12.5HP, 38" cut. I
have had to work on it quite a bit, especially at the beginning of this
grass season. It is in damn good shape now after replacing a support
bracket to the deck and rewiring it and replacing a bearing in the deck. I
think it was worth the price and I learned how the darn thing operates
rather well. So, I guess if you don't like mechanics, it would be the best
to buy new one. I am really impressed with the Cub Cadet. They are always
the winner's at the tractor pulls around here. The direct drive can't be
touched by the belt drives. For the HP, I think they are the best value.
If you can find a used one, I would jump on it in a heartbeat.

"Wyatt Wright" wrote in message
om...
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 $$ to get into the LT series and am unsure of the L
series' quality and general "Deereness". The Deere dealer told me
that the biggest issue with the L series is that the front axles need
to be greased frequently. Considering that I can get an L110 with 42"
cut and a 17.5 hp kohler for $1800, and a LT150 with a 15hp engine and
38" for $2500, greasing the front axle everytime I add gas doesn't
seem like that much of an issue. I would appreciate other's opinions.

I don't see many people posting their opinions or experiences with
Toro riders. I have worked with the dealer near me and have been
satisfied with his service. The only model that he carries in my
price range is the 16-38HXL. It is on sale for $1900 right now.

This is from the Toro website:
http://www.toro.com/home/tractors/xl/1638h.html

Please advise.

~ Wyatt