[LakeCleElum]

You don't "NEED" one, you could rent a few times per year and do your lawn with a nice riding mower.......However, If you buy right, it will last a lifetime and you can always get your money back when you sell.....Don't buy too small; better a lightly used larger one than an new that is 20 HP or less.....

Last years I bought a JD 2240 (27 HP) with bucket and back blade for $10,500.....975 hours and well taken care of.......I bought it mainly for snow removal in our neighborbhood, but use all the time for hauling dirt, grading, clearing brush, etc......A chain on the bucket makes for a very handy lift. JD Diesel just sips fuel.

If you can afford it and have a place to store it, do it.....