Last summer our trusty lawn tractor bit the dust.  It held up reliably for over 10 years which is rather a long time based on the research I was doing for a new one.  We debated on how large of a tractor we really needed.  We are on 104 acres, but we let our neighbor’s cattle graze and he maintains for us almost 80 of our acres.  We have 20 acres we are shaping up into a hay growing pasture.  The balance we maintain around the house and the alpaca/poultry pastures.  We considered a step up from a lawn tractor to a  small tractor with a front loader.  Then we looked at the horsepower and found the tractors in our price range didn’t have much more horsepower than our lawn tractor and were not really recommended for using with loaders, not enough horsepower, even though companies were selling them as a package. 

Then we looked at what we really needed one for or how often we might need it for other uses.  We decided just to step up to a larger lawn tractor, with a wider deck and a little more horsepower.  You can also buy implements that attach for an occasional need to plow a small garden plot or grade down some gravel or sand.  We decided on the Husqvarna brand and have been so pleased with it.  It is so easy to access all the parts for servicing and maintaining by us which is a BIG plus.   It is easy to fill with fuel and the tank is visible under the seat and has a slot to view the fuel level.  It is somewhat quieter and has a well cushioned seat and larger tires for a smoother ride.  The headlights really do a great job when you are almost done but the day has already turned late dusk.  I like the sleek looking design and the cool orange  and grey color combination.  It even has cruise control!

The deck is easy to clean up.  We try not to mow when it is wet, but sometimes you just have to, or the grass is deep enough it is holding moisture.  The deck also has more height adjustments.  I did a lot of research before deciding on this brand.  From a lot of comments I read, the green Deere brand of mowers are overpriced; you are paying for the name.  For others, their reliability and life span are short.  I did have a couple of other brands I would have considered also.  But this one and it’s price at Tractor Supply was the key.  http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_106134_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1

Once I got over my fear of what button to push or  turn and how to stop and start the mow deck  you couldn’t keep me from using it for something.  I do mow, and we have a great poly cart that can hook to the tractor and haul anything, like sand or manure buckets.   I have to be careful not to mow too much and leave something for my husband to do on the weekends since he thinks this is “his” toy.  We plan to purchase another implement or two to make this a really valuable piece of equipment for us with a long useable life.