Best ride on mower?

[tink_n_pooh]

DH & I are trying to figure out our best option of a ride on mower for our new house. We own 2.6 acres, of that I would say that about half of it is wooded and obviously doesn't need to be mowed. The rest that is actual grass is a little uneven and down right hilly in other areas, we def do not have a "landscaped" lawn.

We were looking at different tractors and we just aren't sure which one to buy. We looked at Craftsmen, John Deere, Ariens, and I can't even remember the others. We are thinking we will go with one of the models above the base, like the 300 series JD mowers. I don't think the 100 series would quite cut it but who am I to say

Any lawn experts out there? Any advise or words of wisdom are much appreciated

We probably want a ride on that we could also pull a small wagon with and maybe even use for plowing occassionally.

Thanks

 

[mtdevine615]

Love my John Deere, my Brother-in-law has a Craftsman and while it's been pretty good for him it can't compare to me Deere execept on one thing....price. Craftsman is most always going to be cheaper. By the way I've had my Deere for 6 years now.

 

[Meriweather]

We have a JD.....it's our second one since being in this house......23 years.
We mow about 3 1/2 acres.
DH wouldn't have anything else.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Thanks mtdevine615 and meriweather

Can I ask which model JD do you have?

The Craftsmen do seem cheaper and we are trying to figure out the point at which its better to buy something for more $$ and get a better product or is the difference in quality not enough to make up for the $$ difference

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Another more input

 

[Meriweather]

LX255.....it was pricy, but worth paying more for it.
We are rough on it with mowing branches and stuff
I am one that usually goes for the better product if planning on using it for any length of time.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

We are looking at the X320 or the X500 - our big thing is that we really want at least a 46-48" deck, we don't like how some of the tractors have a deck smaller or the same size as the wheel span, it doesn't help when you are trying to get close to the edge of the fence and things like that

Right now we are tying to decide if it's worth it to go up to the 500 series or if we should just pay less and get the X320?