Heather,
With $3000 as your budget you should be able to get a good quality product, in fact if all you want is a riding mower you shouldn't have to spend over $1500. Are you planning on using it for pulling an aerator or a dethatcher? If you don't know what these are, just ask. These take more power. Thanks for your family's sacrifice to our nation.

Lakeguy

Heather,

I would check out the Simplicity line of Regent ($2,100 to $3,000), Broadmoor ($4,200 to $4,900) or Conquest ($4,900 to $5,800). All will take a single stage snow thrower.

I have a Conquest 06 model with 21 HP B & S Vanguard engine, 44" deck with a 42" single stage snow thrower. The snow thrower was another $1,200.00 I think. Can't find the bill!

We get enough snow in western Connecticut and the thrower does a fine job of clearing the drive which is 1,200 feet long. Takes me about 45 minutes. As far a driving and cutting around obstacles, no problem at all. In fact, my son's mother-in-law uses a Conquest to clear out the snow in the winter!

I also have no problem recommending John Deere. I know enough people who use them and love them. Their reliability is great, as is Simplicity. The Simplicity was a better choice for me.

Your hubby is correct in looking at a model that will be able to handle a larger parcel of land in the future. This is why I listed the Broadmoor and Conquest.

If you can expand your budget, great. If not, check with your local dealers to see if a good condition used model is available to meet your needs.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

Thanks so much for the replies! I'll be sure to further check out the Simplicity line. I think I've located a dealer that's only 10 minutes up the road so I'll go and take a peek.

As far as the snowblower issue.....our driveway now is only about 75ft long but the new house could potentially have a very long driveway. (we are looking at a parcel that's 1.5 acres but skinny and long) I'd love to be able to SIT and clear my driveway, but I wasn't sure if there are benefits to a dedicated machine.

As far as attachments for the tractor....I think hubby will eventually want a little cart for hauling stuff and definately a dethatcher. We borrowed our neighbors snapper RER with dethatcher and it worked great for the lawn.

Also with the simplicity tractors.....are they decent at leaf pickup. Living in MI we get hammered with fall leaf clean-up from about mid september till the first snowfall. Our neighbors snapper RER is a hi-vac and that little mower is great at sucking up the leaves....is the simplicity as good or should we look into getting one of those tow behind lawn vacuum's??

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions!!

Heather

Heather,
I have a Craftsman DSG 6500 garden tractor that I really like. This is a garden tractor as apposed to a lawn tractor so it is able to use "ground engaging" equipment. It has a 54" cutting deck. I put a Johnny Bucket attachment on the front of it which acts like a front end loader so that you can use it to plow, move dirt, compost, etc. I have the manual transmission but the auto is easier to use. I use it to haul either with the Johnny bucket on the front or I have a dumpable cart that I haul around. You mentioned that you'd like it for a bigger place some day so this tractor would do everything you want and more. The tractor is right around $2200.00 give or take and for another $1000.00 you can get a 2-stage snow blower for the front which should help with your weather. I purchased the 3 yr. at home service agreement that covers pretty well everything for about $300.00 but I've never had to use it. This tractor is made by Husquvarna. My only concern is that if you have a dealer right in your neighborhood, that may be the better way to go.
Craftsman 26 hp 54 in. Deck, DGS 6500 Garden Tractor
Sears item# 07128750000 Mfr. model# 28750

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Overview Specifications Options Reviews(14)
This is a Garden Tractor capable of using ground engaging attachments. Powered by a Briggs & Stratton 26 hp ELS (Extened Life series) V-Twin engine (includes oil filter) with overhead valves for cooler running and longer life. Match the speed with the job that needs to be done with our Extra Heavy Duty EZ Drive hydrostatic/automatic transmission . A 54" Precision Cut Plus deck system with four gauge wheels and more air flow for better cutting and bagging.

Capable Of Using Ground Engaging Attachments
Powerful 26 hp B/S Els (Extened Life Series) V-Twin Engine
Exclusive 54" Precision Cut Plus Deck System W/ 4 Adj. Gauge Wheels
Spring Loaded Deck Lift System
Extra Heavy Duty Ez Drive Hydrostatic / Automatic Transmission
Foot Pedal Drive For Added Convenience
Large 23" Rear Tires
Handy Cup Holder
Wider Step Thru Area
Automotive Type Slide Seat System
2 Year Limited Warranty

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Overall Rating 4.7 5
13 of 14 (93%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
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Number of reviews with ratings & comments:12
Number of reviews with ratings-only:2
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Product Reviews Review This Product Choose a sort order Featured Reviews First Buyer's Reviews First Staff Reviews First Top Reviewers First Date - Newest First Date - Oldest First Rating - High to Low Rating - Low to High Helpfulness - High to Low Helpfulness - Low to High Length - Long to Short Length - Short to Long
FEATURED REVIEW

Overall Rating: 5 5

April 28, 2007
By ChasfromBenld from Benld,Illinois

Performance: 5 5
Value: 5 5
Features: 5 5
Reliability: 5 5

"I give this Tractor a 10 on scale of 1-10.

The 26 HP Briggs and Stratton has plenty of power and very smooth operation, I love the hydrostatic drive. It is very convenient and simple to use.

I have been mowing my property with a old mower and decided it was time to upgrade, This is my first experience with a Craftsman Garden Tractor.

I can honestly say this is the best garden tractor I have ever owned.
The price was right and the sales and delivery experience from Sears was outstanding.

Prior to using this Tractor, I read and studied the owners manual, I work in the Heavy Duty Truck Industry and can honestly say this Tractor is put together really well. And you can get any part you need very easily from Sears.

The Tractor came with an illustrated parts manual and every part used on the tractor can be ordered which impressed me greatly.

I will be ordering both summer and winter accessories as this tractor can be used year round. I would expect this Tractor to last 20 years.

Now I need to convince my wife to let me buy her one so we can have a his and hers tractor. :)"

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Overall Rating: 5 5

Upgrade from LT1000, August 21, 2007
By AFChief from Crestview, FL

Performance: 4 5
Value: 5 5
Features: 5 5
Reliability: 5 5

"Had a great Craftsman LT1000 for 4 years without a problem, but needed something bigger that would take attachments. Researched different options and the DGS6500 met all the needs for a 1.5 acre yard, there is no greater capability for the price. Bought the scoop attachment for scraping and hauling, works great on flat surface but the mower deck can cause some drag on uneven ground. Starts easy, runs great, but I wish the reverse had better response, it's rather slow for going back and forth with a scoop. To get the full engagement you need to pull up on the accelerator pedal rather than press down on the reverse pedal--no reasonable adjustment option available. Relatively quiet for a 26 HP tractor with impressive power. Multiple attachment options avaialble--gets the job done, it's a keeper!"

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Overall Rating: 5 5

Little Workhorse, June 6, 2007
By Atliberty from Petaluma, CA

Performance: 4 5
Value: 5 5
Features: 5 5
Reliability: 5 5

"This garden tractor is being used for mowing grass, lawn and field. It does well at all jobs. The only difficulty is if the terrain gets uneven and then I may need to push it by hand, I'm learning to use the reverse feature to get me out of certain situations. It seems to be very safe, easy to start, reliable and a little workhorse. I didn't buy the mulcher and don't think that my needs indicate it."

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Overall Rating: 2 5

WAS GREAT....AT FIRST, June 6, 2007
By thunderbolt from Virginia

Performance: 5 5
Value: 2 5
Features: 5 5
Reliability: 1 5

"For the first 4 hours i loved this machine.at 4 hours the main drive belt came off front pulley.I called the service center,June 11th was as soon as someone could look at it,This was may 28th.The guy on the phone talked me through getting the belt back on track.Everything was fine untill it had 7 hours on it,the belt broke.I had to tow it to my shed.I went to the store Monday June 4th they got a guy to come out today the 6th to "fix it".He didn't have the belt with him.I have to wait 2 days for the belt to arrive then call them again.He said it was "to new" for him to have it,called the store 5 miles away they have it in stock,but can't have service people have it.
I believe the belt broke because it wasn't properly set up at the store or the factory.Be sure if yout tractor has any problems go to store and make sure the service guy has the part .My problem is probly not the norm for this machine,I'm writting this to warn others incase it happens to them."

If you've got a Simplicity dealer 10 minutes away from you, there's your answer. Go talk to the guy, see if you and he get along OK. A good dealer makes a world of difference in any product, and it's even worth a little extra money up front to have a dealer that will help when there's a problem(hope you don't have any--but). Simplicity has a full line of attachments for what ever you need to do also. John Deere is also a good product, I'm a Massey Ferguson fan(older garden tractors) but I did just buy a John Deere 445, kinda anxious to go get it and try it out. If this is something you plan to keep and use for a number of years I'd steer clear of Craftsman, I'm not brand bashing here, got neighbors and friends who own them, all have had major problems except for one. Usually Sears has some kid working as a salesman that will tell you what ever you want to hear and has little to no knowledge of the machine itself. Stick to a good dealer that will be there for you when you need him.

I have the same preference for snowblowers that my local JD guy has and will stay with a dedicated snowblower keeping the tractor for grass cuttin' leaf pickin, spreader haulin' aeratin'.

I also recommend a dealer over big box or sears. Being able to talk to someone who actually knows what he is doing makes a huge difference or will come and take it away and fix it.

Price with this approach you are well within your budget. Attachments can be bought over time but leaf bagger is a must immediately. 38/42 inch deck minimum 48 inch deck is quicker for all jobs but think to about where you will store it.

And don't forget the 2.5 gallon gas container. You'll need one of those too.

Note that simplicity has rebates at the moment as follows: (see link below)

$400 Instant Customer Rebate on Javelin Zero Turn Mowers and Broadmoor Tractors (new & prior year models)

Applies to new Simplicity products. Must be sold from August 1, 2007 to October 31, 2007-no exceptions. Must be delivered by November 9, 2007. NOTE: Retail Finance offers can be combined with this rebate.

$100 Instant Customer Rebate on Single Stage Snowthrowers (319M, 319E, 520M, 520E, 5022E) (new & prior year models)

Applies to new Simplicity products listed above. Must be sold from September 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007-no exceptions. Must be delivered by January 9, 2008. NOTE: Retail Finance offers can be combined with this rebate.

Here is a link that might be useful: simplicity rebates

WOW! Thanks so much for all of the great information! You guys are the best! I'm really leaning towards the simplicity since we have a local dealer and it would really be useful for a larger lot. I know simplicity makes the dedicated snowblower so I'll peek at that too.

I did notice a guy on ebay selling a JD 445 with only 615 hours on it. He's only 10 miles from me and will deliver. Has a bunch of attachments included (54" mower deck, bagger, snowthrower, tiller, plow blade, wheel weights, etc). Somewhat out of our price range...but who knows how many will bid. Here's the ebay link :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140153787458&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=004

What do you tractor guys think about this one.....I don't know what these normally sell for and maybe the price will get lots more expensive?

Thanks again for all of your help!

Heather

Heather,
My wife has been in your shoes. I would recommend you hire out the mowing, leaf pickup and snow clearing, and defer a tractor decision until you actually move. There is a big difference between what tractor works well for a half acre and one that works for 2 acres. However, if yard work is "your time" then a Simplicity Broadmoor with a 44" deck is about the best compromise I can think of. Good Luck!

Heather,
I think Soccer_dad has given you the best advice in this thread. The thought of a new tractor really gets the heart beating, but given your situtation, I would also suggest hiring the work out, at least through the winter. That said, however, maybe running the machine would be a pleasant break from your grind as it is for most of the posters on this board. If that's the case, I can say I am very happy with my Broadmoor (purchased in March, 2044 for about $3500 after taxes and rebate). In your case, I thnk new would be best and insist on free delivery and serivce pick up for the next few years so you don't have to deal with that issue.

Thanks guys!
I think I'll take your advice about the lawn tractor issue right now. Instead of hiring out though, I may just look for a used snapper RER for $500 or less and use that for the next few years until we move to the property. Then hubby can be fully involved in picking out his new toy! He's a true farm boy (wheat farm) from eastern washington and I know he would love to be involved in the selection process. I also think I'll just try and find a used dedicated snow blower that will work for the drifts and sell our little single stage. I actually don't mind doing the lawn and snowblowing. Gets me time away from the 3 little turkeys :) Thanks again for all of your wonderful suggestions and for taking the time to help me out!!

Heather