If you're looking for a REALLY good deal, here it is: Scotts S2048 Look closely, it's a 1st cousin of the GT235, painted reddish-orange. For that reason, it will sell for a fraction of its actual value. This tractor will take a tiller, sleeve hitch, or any other ground-engaging attachment the GT series would use. There are only two minor differences that I know of: no zerks on the spindles, a tuff-torq K-62 vice K-71 transaxle, and rumors of a sligthly lighter weight LX style frame (not confirmed). The K-62 in on the border between ground-engaging and lawn tractor service, but it does have the upgraded 1" axles of the K-71, and as you can tell by the two holes drilled at the top of the back plate, this IS a garden tractor, intended by John Deere to be used with a sleeve hitch. Not sure where upstate your are, but this is in Connecticut, worth the drive. Here are some other links: http://www.epinions.com/review/Scotts_S2048_Yard_Tractor/content_35989524100 http://www.deere.com/en_US/scotts/pdfs/010001.pdf http://www.tufftorq.com/prodcomp.asp -Chris Here is a link that might be useful: wolf in sheep's clothing

If I read your needs correctly, you essentially want a lawn tractor which will occasionally haul a load of firewood? I didn't see anything about "ground engaging" implememnts or anything else which would require a Garden Tractor rear end and tranny. Also "occasionally" haul a load of rocks, mulch. That shuld be within the realm of a LT. What size cart do you have, one of the small ones or something like the 18 cuft AgriFab which is rated for 1500lbs? If you're worrying about hauling heavy loads and your cart will only hold 500... You mention "spinning halfway up." Traction is a function of the tire tread, not the LT/GT label and if that's a concern, you'll have to spend extra $$ for AG or the ATV tires that have become popular on small tractors. Also, depending on the severity of the grade, wheel weights may be needed, though with a load on a cart, the weight is transferred to the rear end of the tractor (if loaded right) so that shouldn't be needed. Sure, a GT would do everything you want and lots more, also "buy more than you need" is a very useful adage to keep in mind. However it's your $$ and you might want to do a realistic evaluation of the tasks you'll do. Didn't see anything about snow removal, pushing a blade or running a snow thrower that would be out of the realm (IMHO) of an LT. If you have "bumps and contusions" in your lawn, remember that the deck hangs off the tractor and if one of the tires is riding up a bump, cut will be affected. Another consideration is availability of parts and dealer service if needed. Where do you order parts for a TSC unit? Is the JD supported by a local dealer or sold at a "big box" store-all GREEN is not equal. You might look at Sears, they have good sales, parts and service are available, and their website is full of reviews for everythig they sell. Good Luck, Ev

Well here's what I think I found out; The GT225, GT235, GT245, LX280, LX289 and GX255 all use the same frame. The GT225 GT235 and GT245 use the Tuff Torq K71B transaxle. The GX255 uses the K71C with differential lock. So you should be able to exchange the K71B and K71C. The K71C is also used in the GX335 GX345 GX355 and the GX255. The K71A is used on some of these too, but that does not have differential lock apparently. So, you should be able to swap out a K71C to get differential lock. I can't find where the GX345 or GX series used the K72. The GX series used the K71 series. The K71A without diff lock and the K71C with diff lock. The new X300 and X500 series use the same frame AM137099. The X300 uses the K46 transaxle. This is also used in the L120, L130 155c LA130, LA135, LA140, LA150 LA155, LA165, LA175 X300, (X304 after 2007) LT160, LT180. The X534 and X540 use the new K72A transaxle with hydraulics and other X500 series use the K72C with all wheel steer. The earlier X304 used the K58; which is also used by the X320, X324, X340, x360. I can't find yet any connection to where a machine that fits the K71 series will also fit the K72 series. Anyone know if the K72 series is a bolt on replacement for the K71 series?

I have a 2001 GT235 with the K71 transmission, and here's what the manual says: "Use John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD (J20D) transmission oil to reduce transmission noise. This machine is equipped with an internal wet disc brake transmission. Use only Low Viscosity HY-GARD (J20D) transmission oil. Do not use type "F" automatic transmission fluid. John Deere Low Viscosity HY_GARD (J20D) transmission oil is specially formulated to provide maximum protection against mechanical wear, corrosion, and foaming. It may be used in all operating temperatures." I don't know enough about oils to say whether there is an appropriate substitute. I looked on the bottle of Hy-Gard I have, and it doesn't say anything about any standards (like you would see with motor oil such as "SJ"). If it did, then it would be easy to figure out if there was a good substitute. Sounds like JD black magic to me - a magical way to make sure you buy their high dollar tranny fluid. Under federal law, a manufacturer cannot require you to use their oil, etc. to maintain your warranty unless they provide it free of charge. Chances are if you bought some Cub Cadet or Sears low viscosity tranny fluid, it would be fine since they use TuffTorq trannies in some of their models also. But who knows. If it was me, I'd wait until I could get to the JD dealer and buy some Hy-Gard so I'd sleep better at night.