To all who tried to help: My thanks go out to all of you. You've offered many good suggestions but, for various reasons, I've struck out with my attempts to find a satisfactory solution for this guy and the cemetery association. I HAVE passed along to him the suggestion to contact Snapper Customer Relations, and gave him the telephone number "rdaystrom" provided. (thanks, guy!) Perhaps they can arrange with another dealer/dealers with leftover 19" push machines (if any) to send 2 or 3 of them to our local dealer. BTW, for those who noticed and maybe got a chuckle or two, I really wasn't looking for a 19 foot-wide push mower (initial post subject). ~grin~ I must remember in the future that, when posting a new subject line, this site converts " to ' .... everytime. I gotta say "inch"! Again, thanks to all for trying to help. All your suggestions were much appreciated. If you're interested, I'll let you know if and how the Snapper people respond to this special request. To all, take care. Hal (in beautiful So. Cent. PA, with the fall leaves just beginning to turn to their flashy brilliance)

If your driveway is paved, get a Toro 621 single-stage machine - it will handle up to ten inches of snow pretty easily, clean to the pavement, and won't take up too much storage space. If it is a gravel driveway, then you will need a two-stage machine or a plow. The tractor-mounted two-stage machines work, but will take up quite a big of storage space when attached to the tractor. As mentioned earlier, look for a good used garden tractor (not lawn tractor). IMHO, a ten-year-old GT that was $4-5k new and will cost you $2k now will be a better deal than a brand new $2k LT. I have some MTD equipment. It can be a good deal if you are handy and don't mind doing repairs yourself. But I certainly wouldn't consider it quality or long-term equipment. You can find other makes in the big box stores that are better (Husqvarna, AYP (Briggs & Stratton), JD), but if you want quality, you need to think commercial equipment or garden tractor. You will find that stuff at stand-alone dealers or possibly farm supply stores.

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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Availability of home delivery for this product varies by location Eligible For Store Pick Up Other colors available: Protect this purchase with a Protection Agreement see options Price Match Policy No Interest, No Payments until September, 2008, with your Sears Card. Sears Card. Add a Tractor Bumper (07124598) for Free. Offer ends 05-Sep-2007 See Details 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 __USERID__ Overall Rating 4.7 5 13 of 14 (93%) customers would recommend this product to a friend. Read all reviews Write a review Number of reviews: Number of reviews with ratings & comments:12 Number of reviews with ratings-only:2 Write an online review Product Reviews 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. :)" Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report Inappropriate Review) 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!" Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report Inappropriate Review) 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." Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report Inappropriate Review) 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."

Several points, all of which are just one old guys opinion: 1. grass and gdj are right; the problem, if any, would be the transaxle and not horsepower. My 12-hp Deere STX (5-speed) will do what you need - I know because it does the job for me. 2. Slammer's rules aren't completely valid, although they are frequently dragged out and posted: Rule #1. If you determine that you need a 42" deck in order to mow between your trees and get through your back gate, slammer's rule would have you buy a 46" or 48" deck, which really wouldn't serve you for s___. Virtually every lawn tractor manufactured today has more than enough horsepower for your needs, so there's no reason to buy bigger just for the sake of bigger. Rule #2 states that "ergonomics are just as important as performance and capability." Say what? Would you actually want a machine that felt good to your butt, even though it was not capable of performing the job? Performance and capability, along with reliability are necessary; comfort is nice to have. Rule #3 makes some good points, but doesn't take into account that many of us have to compromise over the dollar amount. Sometimes slammer's rule no. 3 is used to justify spending more money. If you've got $1500 to spend, don't let somebody talk you in to going into debt for a $8,000 tractor. Instead, try to determine which $1500 machine will do the job for you. Failing to consider slammer's rules does not mean that you will be "stuck with a piece of junk," or even something that is "inadequate for the task at hand." Nor does it mean that you'll be shopping for a new tractor in a few months. There are some pretty good lawn tractors available for that amount, including units by John Deere and Husqvarna (which also makes Ariens and many Craftsman units.) NOTE: The fellow who claims to have written "slammer's rules" operates a commercial lawn care service. The equipment that he buys will see as much use in one month as a typical homeowner's machine gets in 5 years. His rules might very well apply to a commercial operation, but few (if any) commercial operators come to this forum for advice on buying equipment. As to your specific question about Deere vs Husqvarna. I own both brands. The under $2000 Deeres and similarly priced Husqvarnas are (in my opinion) very close in initial quality. Deere is well known for providing parts support for their equipment for years after a model has been discontinued. Husqvarna is the current owner of the company that has been known as Roper, American Yard Products, and Electrolux; they have been in business for many years, and seem to support their products pretty well, too. John Deere dealers usually sell the small lawn tractors for the same price as the box stores, as do Husqvarna dealers. I recommend buying from your local dealer, if you have one. Finally, I pull an AgriFab core aerator, weighted down with concrete blocks and 50 lbs of bagged fertilizer with my gear-drive John Deere and also with a Husqvarna that has a Tuff Torq K46 hydrostatic transmission. I'm a homeowner, so my total aerating time is about 3 hours a YEAR. Both of these machines are LAWN tractors, not GARDEN tractors; as such, they are primarily for mowing, but I do pull the aerator and, at times, a small garden cart. Whatever you buy, it is very important that you perform the maintenance recommended in your owner's manual, particularly cleaning/changing the air filter, changing oil & filter, greasing, removing clippings from the engine and transmission, and maintaining tire air pressure.