[asphaltgambler]

So shopping for quality lawn tractor for my new place. I want @20 HP, hydro drive, 48" deck - with the ability to add plow in front, possibly other attachments. I'm shocked at what prices are for the big box CD/JD fake stuff in this range ( $2600 to $3100) with mostly bad reviews. JD dealer will sell their "X" series which is supposed to be the quality units. Pricing for these units with what I'm looking for START @$4500.00!

What's even more astonishing is prices for used ' real' JD lawn tractors in this same category run as much as $3000.00 + for a 10 year old machine......ridiculous.........

Hard for me to justify either of those options. I've never bought a new quality machine as I've always had junk to mow the lawn. I'm tired of junk, I'd like to get something that will really last with good maintenance.

I started my career @15 working at local agricultural dealers on this stuff. I remember drive- shafts, cast iron gear boxes, real crafted metal mower decks, etc. In other words, craftsmanship.

I'm now considering an older, restored unit - possibly something CD/JD of a slightly earlier era where I can fix then use for 20 years..............anyone here have experience with this?