all models are $1200 - $1500 and include Troy Built, Cub Cadet, Husvarna(I think thats still around), Ariens, John Deer and Craftsman. ok, Deere makes the Deere models. AYP makes Craftsman, Husq, Cub Cadet(as of this year's models), and Ariens. MTD makes Troy Bilt. for the most part, in that price range you get the same basic quality no matter which on eyou choose. honestly to me the Deeres in that range are overpriced when compared to comparable models from MTD or AYP. my advice is to find the one that fits you and your property best and buy it. keep the fliters/oil changed, keep it greased, and any of them will last many years(at least as long as what you have) on your lot. 15k sq ft is not much over 1/4 acre. when you subtract out the house, drive, beds, and etc, do you REALLY need a rider? a good self propelled walk behidn is much less and may get you longer service for less money. but hey, i used a L130 with a 48" deck to cut a 50x90 lot in the old rental we lived in!

UPDATE: After talking to this contractor and knowing others who used him and sung his praises, we did end up doing both bathrooms at the same time! This guy was AMAZING. Organized and neat, showed up when he said he would, his subs were great... there was someone on the job Monday-Saturday. He was like the unicorn of contractors, lol. He estimated 3-4 weeks and was 99% done in 3 1/2 weeks. The only time in my life I have ever gotten an accurate time estimate from a contractor! Both baths ripped down to the studs on a Monday, rough electrical and plumbing done and inspected, wallboard up by Friday and plastered on Saturday. 3 weeks exactly from demo to 90% done and functional! Only a few minor blips in the process, nothing earth shattering. All in all, it was an ENTIRELY different experience than our last renovation. We are already getting an estimate to get some odds and ends done around the house, we would love to hire him again. We actually did really well sharing the 1/2 bath for 3 weeks. I bought clear shoeboxes at Target and gave one to each family member for their toiletries, since our half bath is smaller. We showered at the gym and at relatives nearby. Not warm enough in Boston yet to have to worry about a really smelly teenage boy so we were ok there, lol. Will share pics in another thread, but needless to say we are very happy with how they came out. And with that, I should go buy a lottery ticket! :D Lisa B.

How about this?

If your tree is loaded then eventually several will ripen at one time. You might need to freeze each as it becomes available. (Mine never last long enough to make it to the freezer.)