The rock placement should suggest something, which is another way of saying that they should have some sort of unity to them. Currently, there are very few rocks in the bed (and this may because you're just starting, so it's not a bad thing), but really be consciencious of what you're trying to acheive. A sitting rock is all well and good, but how does that tie in with everything else? Stones have a great importance in many, in not a large majority, of Japanese gardens, and their significance in the landscape is great. I suggest that you check out some books from the library and read up and, more importantly, immerse yourself in examples of classic Japanese gardens. There are some really bad examples and there are some really good examples of Japanese gardens out there, so by familiarizing yourself with them will help you distinguish the good from the bad and help you along with your goal of creating your own. -Audric

Thanks folks, I understand that all of these are great tractors, however I am looking for the best value of money and am unable to make decision here. In reference to dealers and service support; I have all three dealers/repair within 10 miles and they seem to be genuine people for service. I live in a Washington DC metro and there are multiple dealers for every brand, which should help in moving to an alternate dealer, incase one does not work for what ever reason.

I have a cub cadet 7205 22 hp compact tractor with front end loader, bush hog and finished mower. I Just don't need it anymore. I've cleaned out all the areas I want and lifted all the dirt and rock I need. I will only mow maybe 4-5 acres at the most. I have a big incline that my house sits near the top on. Then everything else is basically flat with some rough areas. I want a garden mower that can go on rough surfaces, sideways on the incline (can't do with my tractor now, only up and down) with ease of maintenance and where I can change attachments by myself for gardening. My research: The JD X500 series is to prices I think and the attachments are $$. It is not rated for ground engaging work. Turn radius 16-18, transaxel K46 kawaski engine, not owner maintenance friendly. Simplicy easier than JD for R&R, floating deck, good for lumpy lawn, turn radius 14", deck easy to take off, everything made in USA including tires. Regent 18/38 kohler engine 18HP, cuts at 3"-3 1/2", controls well, maintenance friendly pulls well, bumpy ride (lower air in tires and rides better) , craftsman28846, 26HP Kohler, cuts1.5-4", good on rough uneven surface, made in usa, harder to edge, somewhat hard to change attachments-takes muscle,hydrostatic, oil & greasing easy to do. I am looking for a 54" (if not close to it)sturdy tractor that can take rough surface and sideways on a hill for no more than $3,000 so I can buy some attachments. Comments

It depends if you're looking at an old (more than 10 years) used tractor or a newer one. If a newer one, I'd look for general signs of abuse (scratches, dents, low oil, dirty oil, etc). That would indicate the owner beat the heck out of it. If it's an older tractor, just the sheer fact that it still exists means it wasn't completely abused, but I'd start looking for things that wear out under normal abuse. Look at the deck very closely, especially under the pulley covers, where moist clippings tend to collect and corrode the deck. Look for holes in the deck where it has rusted through from the bottom up. Cracks are bad but can be welded. If the bearings sound like a metal roller skate on cement they're shot. For an old tractor, if the deck spindles didn't have grease fittings, chances are they're toast. If the transmission is belt driven (most are), check the condition of the drive belt, which is usually hidden up in the frame and a real pain in the a$$ to replace. Deck belts are easy. Check for excessive play in the steering, which is mostly just annoying. Check the condition of the oil, not too dirty or burnt-smelling. Pull out the air filter and see if it's even there, or how clean it's been kept. When you start it up (hopefully it's cold when you check it out), it should not blow out black smoke or the piston rings are bad. But if the gas is old, it might be overly smokey (and stink a little) as well. If it knocks (you'll know what I mean) the motor is worn out. If you see OHV on the head, it's a newer engine and easier to replace. If it's an older L-head engine, finding a replacement may be difficult. If it's a hydrostatic, drive it around the yard for at least 5 minutes (offer to cut some grass) and make sure it doesn't get sluggish as it warms up. Check the operation of the PTO. I wouldn't be overly concerned about blades or deck belts, as these are easy to replace. Tires are also easy to replace, but can be expensive. A single back tire for my John Deere GT225 just cost me $90.00 to replace when I slashed the sidewall. Good luck. eBay and craigslist are great places to shop for used tractors.