If your budget can stand it, you might even browse around in the class of tractors know as C.U.T. Those are Compact Utility Tractors. CUTs are essentially miniature versions of big ole tractors and will be robust enough to do just about anything you ask it to, just maybe not as fast as a big old tractor. The good things about being a "mini me" of a big tractor is that most CUTs will have features like individual left & right brakes when needed to help steer in conditions where the steer axle gets light or the terrain is so slippery the tractor wants to keep going straight when you want it to turn. Another very desirable feature is that you will also likely get the locking differential pedal you can step on the lock the left and right drive axles together for maximum traction. Most CUTs will also have live PTO shaft at the rear for powering implements that require it. Also, CUTs have a live 3-point hitch at the rear and most have hydraulic set-ups that can be adapted to operate an optional front end loader. One drawback to a CUT, as I already mentioned.....they are not for a small budget. A big plus to a CUT is that they can (with proper maintenance) become heirlooms, because they are akin to that pink bunny on the battery commercials. And, again.....proper maintenance.........if you ever want to sell one, you can just about get back what you paid for it (not accounting for inflation). As to the implements available for a CUT, when you start dealing in CUTs (and larger), the implements and attachments are tailored to fit "Standard Categories" of implements. The categories begin at Category 0 and run through Category III. Some large Garden Tractors may be considered Cat 0, but not all Garden Tractors are up to the task of fulfilling the horsepower requirements nor implement attaching provisions of a true CUT. Most CUTs will be in Cat 0. The beauty of picking implements by category is that they will fit almost any make of tractor in the proper category. Categories are based on pin diameter of the attaching provisions and the horse power required to operate with the implement.

All good points but No. 4 regarding the transmission is particularly important. Manufacturers are giving us more horsepower and less transmission year after year. Compare the older model JD's such as the GT 235 to today's equivalents. Were I to replace my JD, I'd have to seriously consider the Cub Cadets given their offering of really solid transmissions at reasonable pricing.

I got the LA120 also , but made a few changes like putting a angled grease zerk on front axle pivot so I could get a grease gun on it (front deck hanger in way) I'm also going to turn the left deck spindle about a quarter turn so I can grease it without taking the deck off (just remove plastic cover ,right spindle zerk no problem).... I even bought a mini grease gun w/hose & still can't get on zerk. I also changed the front wheel bushings to X300 bearings. The first time I put gas in it it had some in tank so I got 2 gals (2.1 gal tank manual says)and put it in and it didn't quite fill it , wondered about that and now I see on JD site the made a mid year change and put a 4 gal tank on the LA120. Overall for my needs it works great.

The solid reputation that Sears/Craftsman riding mowers and garden tractors proudly proclaim was earned by a company that pioneered customer service, quick parts availability, and prompt service at a modest price. Those days are gone and now Sears sells garden tractors with frames that bend and crack and service (whether warranty or pay) that takes weeks to arrive and then orders parts for a repair that will happen in a few more weeks when the parts arrive, Sadly, and not singling out Sears, the market has eliminated lots of the competitors in the GT market and we're left with Sears (AYP/Husqvarna/MTD), Cub Cadet (MTD), Simplicity, and JD with Kubota a minor player at a premium price. With less competition we have less choice and with the economy being the way it is, the most bang for the buck is more important than ever to most of us. With a Sears GT it's really a matter of how much less one is willing to accept for a lower price but... the bitterness of poor (or less) quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is gone If you're looking for a riding mower then consider a Sears but if you're looking for a GT that you'll buy once and have for a long time and be able to get parts for 20 years or so, if it needs them, look at a JD X5xx... I hate to say that because JD corporate and JD dealers can be jerks (but some dealers are great) but they make the best product and they know it. Get the right tool for the job. A hammer can drive a nail just fine... professional roofers use nail guns... roof after roof after roof after roof after roof