I think the overall price, the financing terms and the ergonomics (how comfortable you are on each machine) should make your decision for you - You probably can't go wrong with either machine

The Deere seems one step up from the Kubota in your case (and I own a Kubota) - Checking the Internet, it seems the Kubota is a better match for the Deere LX277

I found the following review:

The performance of the Kubota T1770 is identical to the John Deere LX277 but it comes in at a more reasonable price. In fact, it is one of the lowest priced premium tractors in the marketplace today. Packed with innovative features normally found on larger tractors, the T1770 is quick and versatile.

Like the John Deere LX277, it has a 17HP V-twin Kawasaki engine to ensure it is never under powered in any situation. Its work cycle is longer than the Deere with a third more fuel capacity. A capacious 44" deck with wide contoured blades provides a superb quality cut. From the drivers seat you can adjust the cutting height, speed, deck height and disposal type so you are in complete comfort while you are finishing the job"

Hope this helps,

Don

You've got your hierarchy backwards.

The X300 is a replacement for the LT series which was below the LX series.

The latest equivalent to the Kubota T1770 would be an X320.

When I bought my T1670 a few years ago, the only difference between it and the T1770 and the T1870 were the engines and the deck choices.

It appears you've already made up your mind for a John Deere.

I was in the same quandry as you a few years ago. I was comparing an LX to the T series. I chose the Kubota for several reasons, one being that I wanted to be different.

The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Excellent poet Frost was. They just don't write 'em like that any more. Everybody should recognize their own analogies in that poem. Sigh!

I'd recommend to take a moment and think about your phrase - "...when I retire I will probably work the machine harder." If that means you want to use something besides the mowing deck for yard work then really take a moment to figure out what that "something" is and see which machine fits the bill better. These are pretty long term investments and you want to get the right one. Either would be ok for pull behind stuff, but neither is right for ground engaging. Is cut quality important (mulch, bag or discharge)? Is being able to dismount the mower deck easily important or a once a season event? Think about what you want the tractor to do first then which color is best for you.

Thanks don21, machiem, and soccer_dad
First machiem, I love the Frost poem. I hadn't read it in thirty years and really good things never get old.
This is my thinking as of this morning. This is my first experience with this type of machine so I think it's better for me to slow down a bit. 4K plus is a lot of money any time. Machiem, you said I had made up my mind and you're probably right, but not easily. Initially, there was so much controvery over the JD brand that I was actually turned off and was looking anywhere else. It was actually making the rounds and talking with the various salespeople and establishments that started to sway me. I also feel that the JD in this area is, as lawn tractors, just getting popular. You mostly see Craftsman and Yardworks (MTD), with the occasional Toro. But, the name is still so strong that in the papers and on-line forsale/want ads, JD is very desirable regardless the reason, and resale is instant. For these reasons, I've decided to slow down, heed the advice of not only Rupe, the salesman, but also of that little guy sitting on my shoulder saying don't go overboard.
Soccer_dad, by working it harder I meant more hours. Right now I mow my neighbours as well as my own. She's 76 and can't get a teenager to do a 50 minute job for $25!! There are a few other neighbours getting on and I see a few more hours a week in the 'saddle'.
So, I'm going to start modestly with a 110 or 120 to see how things go with manoeverability on the property, abilities of the machine and me, and if I feel the need to move up in a few years, I can. Who knows what'll be out there then.
I have yet another question regarding the single versus the twin and it's not about vibration! How do these compare torque-wise? The price difference is 'only' $250, but less if you consider the mulch cover is included with the 120.
Chris

Have you thought about buying a used LT to mow with for a season, just to get some experience so you'll know more about what you really need / want in a LT? In my area, craigslist is full of used riders for cheap. You'd have to be careful, but could save a bundle and learn a lot in the process. If you're patient and buy it right, you would probably not lose any money on the machine when you sell it.

If you're thinging of going into 'semi-pro' mowing around your neighborhood in the future, I think you really, really want a small diesel. Nothing else is going to stand up to those hours and the abuse of mowing over unknown ground in the long run

After wearing out 3 or 4 lawn and garden tractors over the past 35 years, I got tired of spending $2500 on junk and bought me a 20 HP 3 cylinder, watercooled Kubota. Running it 'full speed' (which is only about 2500 RPM) for mowing, it sounds like it's just loafing along and nothing seems to make it engage the governor even . . . . it just loafs along through the heaviest grass

Another nice 'feature' is that it has a 9 MPH+ ground speed, so on smoother surfaces, you can really make up time

Heavy duty hydro, shaft driven deck (which weighs 225 pounds) with hydraulic lift - I added the hydraulic 3 point hitch for ground engaging attachments after I bought it. I got mine used with 35 hours on the clock for $4500

Take it from someone who finally moved up from stamped tin lawn tractors, this is the way you will eventually go - Now or after you've worked your way through a couple more lesser machines

Don