First of all, search past posts for Slammer's rules on buying a tractor. They are excellent and they work!!!!!!

Second, I'm a Simplicity owner - Conquest 21/44.

Both Deere and Simplicity built quality machines, so that is not the problem. Your choice will be determined by price, ride, and equipment you plan to use.

Make sure you are compairing appples to apples. For example Deere X300 series with Simplcity Regent and so on.

Go to the dealers near you and talk with them. Test drive what seems to meet your needs - ergonomics and comfort are important! If possible, have the tractor(s) of your choice brought to your property to test drive.

Since I am a Simplicity owner, I definately recommend them whether it be the Regent, Broadmoor, Conquest, Presitge or Legacy. Simplicity builts quality tractors at reasonable prices.

In fact, just finished blowing out the drive. Even in a nasty storm (nor'easter), it's always good to get seat time!

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

Thanks eal, I live in Syracuse, NY and although were not getting the brunt of that storm we did have 3 feet of snow melt in the past 5 days and flood out everywhere. I considered a snowblower, but I always see it as being to clumsy for my 2 1/4 car garage. we have a wide driveway that could park 6 cars 2wx3d nicely.

I'll check out slammers Rules.

Sorry....... I am focused on your wording "many obstacles".

If that is true, then a small ZTR should be considered. It will pull a dump cart no problem. The beauty of the Zed comes from being able to navigate around trees, shrubs, gardens, lawn ornaments and any other obstruction just as tight as you want and with precision that can't be matched by a conventional tractor.

I would look for one with a 38 to 44 inch deck max. It will cut your lawn quicker than a tractor will but it will also cut down on the amount of trimming you will have to do.

If you have all those obstacles, then the striping factor isn't as important as it would be if your lawn was one large area with no obstacles. So, I wouldn't place too high a priority on the striping aspect of the mower you end up with.

Snapper, Dixon,Toro, Country Clipper, Hustler, Ariens, Gravely, Swisher, Husquvarna, Poulan Pro and Cub Cadet are some of the brands out there with ZTR's. Baggers and mulching kits are available.

If you haven't run one, then you owe it to yourself to take a test drive before making the final decision between a tractor and a Zed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Country Clipper

sorry, obstacles isn't the word. Let me post a few pics,

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ACCURATE information is always essential. Any professor should know that.

Since you just ruled out ZTR's, then I suggest you check out the Cub Cadet I-1000 tractor that has zero turn capability. It also fits your budget.

I like the ZTR's however I doubt the wife would care for them (not that she would use it often) I sat on a JD one and like the feel. With winter still in place here, Syracuse, NY. Test driving one isn't an option yet. But I do know where the dealers are and will check in on a few Friday of the coming week.

I have to go check out the cub cadet I-1000 and get over to a John dealer. I also need to check out the Simplicity. I alot of what I learn here will make the true decision, and fit/comfort will make the final decision. Also, wouldn't mind picking up a 2006 model or'05 with extremly low hours.

If you do want stripes, then the Simplicity models with full-width rollers will do a great job. The tight turning (12" radius) of the Regent is also pretty good for negotiating the obstacles. From the picture it looks as if you would have a large enough clear area to make a striped pattern look good.

hHow is this JD 300r series tractor with the rear discharge chute? would striping work on this?
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3/4 acre?.... bagging and cart?...

sounds like a job for a "normal" riding lawn mower...

Other than you want to test ride for comfort and ergonomics, and the fact that Simplicity is the grand-master of striping....I'd recommend JD 100 series.

I have L120 (48"), for my 2.9 acres (2.25 lawn). It takes the 48" deck 1 hour per acre to mow, and believe it or not, it stripes too!.... I also use the tractor to pull a cart full of firewood, soil, mulch etc, pull a plug aerator, push a snow blade, and I use a bagger in the fall for leaves... Sure it won't last 25 years... but if I get 10 out of it, I'll be happy. The equivalent (size wise) 300 series deere would have to last 20 years to be in the same economy scale. I'm on year 3, with 250 hours on the machine right now. It's still perfect in every way.

No neeed to spend 2x on a 300 series deere for 3/4 acre - unless you want "premium" on a scale of riding lawn mowers...

Although 4ws would be nice - it only reduces your turning radius from 18" to 15". That counts, but it's not a "world" of difference (like a ZTR would be).

I have trees and obstacles too. the 18" turning radius of the L120, with the 48" deck, allows me to make a 24" uncut circle - in practical terms (JD spec. is 20"). All my trees have a 36-48" wide island of mulch, so no trimming or multiple passes are necessary.

ekoreilly,

An FYI - I have a two car garage and my conquest, with the blower on it, fits in the garage just fine. I also have a Toro 826 in the garage too! And the wife's Mustang convertible dosen't get in the way or rather, the equipment dosen't get in her way!

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

I'm leaning toward Simplicity and JD and two others, but have yet to physically see them in a dealer. however I came across this auction, item 120099602606 it's a john deere with a trailer. price seems a little high, also he lives 1 hours drive from me? any thoughts?

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Here is a link that might be useful: item that I saw link

If you use the "Buy it now" feature, you will pay more for that tractor than you would at a dealer. Those are his words, not mine. But the wonderful incentive is ownership of his rusty old utility trailer. Big deal.

Give this auction a pass and go find the tractor that lights your fuse. That guy's a jerk.

Well, I don't seem to have a SImplicity dealer within 50 miles of my place. I would almost go with it just on reccomendation and order online somewhere.

Is there a good place online to look for used equipment, besides ebay and caigslist.

1* Is there a good place online to look for used equipment, besides ebay and caigslist.
ekoreilly
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http://www.machinefinder.com

2*Cost? Not sure, I like quality & low price .
ekoreilly
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Check out the CC 2500 series.

3*

Posted by eal51
Both Deere and Simplicity built quality machines
Simplicity builts quality tractors at reasonable prices.
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So does Cub Cadet.

first off--excellent choices as to machines! I had an L100 series in Florida on 2/5 of an acre with obstacles..Didvery nice, all level, but alot of turning, backing, etc. Moved up to Georgia, slopes, hills, and obstacles, ordered an X300 with mulching kit, but changed to X304 because of {{gwi:317321}}slopes and hils mainly,( K46 vs K58 tranny). Put mulching kit on ( prefer to bagging ) and have never been happier. If you do not intend to use this other than mowing than X300 is a very good choice. If you intend to use a snow blower or blade attachment, than IMO I would upgrade to the X304. JD has on their site a check list of sorts as to what you would best suit your needs. Very easy and quite good, plus most JD dealers will deliver free within a 25 to 50 mile radius, as well as bringing out a particular model for you to try. They also do run specials, such as zero down, zero payments, and zero interest for one year.. I found my dealer here to be most helpful and more know{{gwi:317322}}src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z56/bighagrid/HPIM0237_edited.jpg"; border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket">ledgable than the box stores..Good luck in whatever you decide..