Since your budget is low I would suggest a Cub Cadet lawn tractor or a Sears Craftsman. But if your going to exspand your budget a little you could add the Deere LA100 series into the scope they start at $1,749 for the 1st hydrostatic model LA115. The 5speed gear model Deere the LA105 start's at $1,499. The La series is a decent entry level lawn tractor. There are even 8 Sears Craftsman lawn tractor under $1,400 and those are Hydrostatic models. If You plan on staying in your range of $1,500 then I would look at the Craftsman models there offering a full 2year warrenty plus a 5 year frame and axle warrenty.

Here is a link that might be useful: CUB CADET

I know a lot of people like to slam Sears a.k.a. Craftsman but they usually offer one of the best bangs for your buck out there. If you're just starting out and/or your budget is limited, the Craftsman line-up offers quite a few choices.

There are several lawn, yard and garden tractor models to choose from that should fit the bill for most folks. These are not heavy duty tractors by no means but they'll get the job done if not worked beyond there limitations. They can often times bridge the gap until one can afford a Heavy Duty GT or the like.

Stick to your budget ,you have a great selection in that price range.
I mow .9 acre in Mich.
I bought a new tractor , with a 46" deck, in the fall of 2003.
I kept my old tractor to do odd jobs so the new tractor just mows.
As of today I only have 120 hrs on it.
With a 500hr life expendency of the motor this tractor should do it's job for 20-25 years.
When shopping for your new tractor ,look at something that many people overlook...the deck.
This is the part of the tractor that will probebly give you your first problems.
Look for..greaseable spindles...4 adjustable gauge wheels..and a easily removable deck.
Good luck with your shopping and after you make your choice, buy your new tractor it's first gift ,an hour meter.

Dirk: What part of NC are you from? I've been checking out Craig's list from Asheville, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Eastern NC. There are lots of quality used garden tractors (lawn tractors too) well within your price limit.

I know most people want to buy new, but with the economy what it is right now, you can get a whale of a machine for less $$$$ if you know what you're looking for.

I even saw a IH Cadet 10X model with a front end loader for around $1000.00 IIRC. This is just one example.

Dang! I just went through all those ads and the Cub Cadet with the front end loader is gone! That didn't take long at all. However, there are plenty of other older Cub Cadets - the reliable ones on Craig's list. There are even some super garden tractor sized available for right around $1000.00. Too bad I don't need any of them. Sigh.

"There are even some super garden tractor sized available for right around $1000.00. Too bad I don't need any of them. Sigh."

Windcatcher, you must know this is not about "need." This is about "want," a guy thing, LOL! I have a little less than a one acre flat lot, and I am somehow justifying a 48" JD ZTR, a back-up 38-in. riding mower, a 20HP 4x4 compact tractor with rototiller, and a walk-behind tiller. It all took a lot of VERY FAST talking with the wife with plenty of complicated sounding technical terms and economic jargon, but I somehow got it done. And, I wouldn't give up any of my equipment now, and I still keep an eye out for something interesting coming along on Craig's List. A vintage Cub Cadet Super Garden Tractor would be very tempting to me at the right price.

Larso1: I do hear what you're saying. A man does need the proper toys, er, ah tools to get the job done. Such as: http://hickory.craigslist.org/grd/1053839129.html

My area for storing tractor equipment is full, so I now have to limit myself due to HOA restrictions. I would love to be able to do "I want one of those, two of those, three of those.....", but there just isn't a place for them, and I have no intention of moving. I like where I am right now.

So, just remember to change the winter air in the tires, check the flux capacitor storage, the antifreeze in the 1969 VW beetle, etc.

:D

Man does indeed need the proper tools to get things done. My 2007 Craftsman while being the bottom of the totem pole with the 6 speed manual and 18 horse Briggs has been very good. Nothing has gone wrong and it cuts well. If I want to use something different I havfe a 1986 John Deere 165 that is like having a 1986 car with maybe 30,000 miles or so. I wouldnt pick on Craftsman though. Mine is good even for a cheap model.

Thanks all. I've leveled it down to the Deere LA100 or the Ariens 1040. Their engines are different (JD - B&S and CC Kohler). Anyone have experience with either. T