Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I realize that this question has been asked.  And I may not have read enough questions/discussions to maybe find an answer.  But I will ask anyway.(I'm new to this forum)
I have a 'slope' that is approximately 1/2 acre in size.  My Toro 21" walk behind mower can do it.  I've only 'smoked' it a couple of times so a 'splash' oil engine can work but I would rather have a full pressure.  It takes me about 1 1/2 hours to do not counting the (2) 15 minute breaks.  I'm 65 but in good shape so it's something I can handle.......at the moment.

I would like to buy a Lawn/Yard tractor to do the job.  The John Deere rep came to the house and said that the X300 series could handle the job with no problems.  The hydrostatic transmission would work nicely he says.  He did suggest that I also have them put fluid in the tires to help with the 'center of gravity' to keep it low to ground?  The cost: $3100 plus tax and delivery.  Retail is $2999 but with the fluid addition and such that brought the price up.

Consumers Reports rated the Craftsman "Yard" tractor LT4000....model #28856..... with a 24 HP B/S engine and 42" deck higher than the X300.  They gave it a Best Buy rating.  I told the Sears rep about John Deere saying I needed fluid in tires.....he responded with 'wheel weights'.  The Craftsman tractor is about 1/2 the cost of the JD.  But..........is it as 'hardy' and strong for my situation?  I don't think Consumers Reports tested on slopes? 

The John Deere describes their transmissions, kinda.  The Craftsman does not.....it only says premium hydrostatic, whatever that is suppose to mean.

Is anyone willing to go out on a limb and recommend one over the other?  The JD does comes with a 4 year warranty while the Craftsman comes with 2.  But at half the price????? I think all things considered the two choices might be close.........except for the transmission????

Thanks

If you want a serious, tough, garden tractor, go used. Forget the hydrostatic. You can pick up a nice (60's or 70's) WH, Bolens, Case, Ingersoll, Sears Suburban, or Cub Cadet with a gear transmission (or no trans at all in the Case and Ingersoll, they're hydraulic drive) for under 1,000, often under $500 if you're willing to do a bit more work. If it's not too badly rusted you can repower one with a bad engine ($1500) and it'll be good for another 20-30 years. They're all capable of ground engaging and have a solid steel frame. Won't be as pretty or have a warranty but it will be able to pull your next door neighbors brand new one to the junkyard in 10 years - and the one he buys to replace that one. Check out mytractorforum.com when you get a chance.