Hi All......I've read the forum for sometime but am a newbie to posting here. I trust your judgements and am in need of some sound advice on the purchase of a new lawn tractor. My 17 year old Snapper RER ( 33" cut with 11 hp B&S I/C) has finally died and I refuse to "revive" it again (sorry Marshall). It has served me well but in recent years I have asked it to do things it wasn't designed to do.
I have looked at a number of riders in the $2,000 range (plus the cost of a bagger since I prefer to bag my clippings and leaves). I have about 1-1 1/2 acres of ground to cut with about half of it being quite hilly. I have enough obstacles to warrant only a 42" cut. I have looked at the L118 John Deere as well as the Sears DYT 4000 (model 27568). Don't care for the Deere bagging system (very cheap), I also have some reservations about a pedal drive machine versus a fender mount drive system since I spend a far amount of time on the edge of the seat. I also worry about the reliability of the Sears model.
Are there other riders out ther that anyone recommends over these? What if I were to spend $2,500 or $3,000. Is the Deere LT series a better bang for the buck. Don't want to spend anymore than $3,000.
I need a reliable machine that will service me for years with minimal repairs. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Richard
