Based on what you describe, go buy the Deere. It will cut almost all of your grass and whatever part it won't cut, you can use your push mower.

No need to overthink this one.

Thanks, got the overthink part but I do like to research my purchases. After some more of this I found this model, Husqvarna 28756 at Sears. Seems to have a bit more features than the JD, similar engine, 4 gauge wheels (does the JD have two? Can't find this info and don't recall from my in-person sighting). The JD is 'mulch-ready' but I think that is just the cover, whereas for $50 (thus equalizing the price) you can buy from Sears the mulch kit with specific blades and some other part, no idea what it does.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=07124148000&vertical=Sears&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

Opinions between these two? Will the 3-blade of the Husq be a disadvantage on the hill (which is quite even in an up-to-down direction, without too much sideways 'berming' for lack of a better word.

Here is a link that might be useful: Husq @ sears

Herus,

Working under pretty much the same priorities as you, I bought the Husqvarna tractor you're linking to at Sears (with the mulch kit) about 6 weeks ago. I put a lot of research into the decision and decided this tractor offered the best feature set, reliability, and value for the money. Tell Sears you have a 10% off coupon you could use at to buy this tractor at Lowes and they'll at least match the price by knocking 10% off (making it ~ $1620). You can probably get them to throw the mulch kit in free as well (I did).

So far it's performed flawlessly on my relatively flat lot and I expect years of trouble free service going forward. The mulching kit works ok, although I think a set of Gator mulching blades will make it better.

The Husqvarna has several advantages to the Deere aside from a lower price. These include being easily able to mow in reverse, electric clutch for the blade (called electric PTO, safer if you have kids and easier to use), a wider deck (mow more grass in less time), and a front bumper. Both models have B&S Intek based V-Twin engines (although the JD supposedly has an updated crank and bearings). Both models have the same Tuff-Torque K46 hydro tranny, which seems to be sufficient for a lawn tractor. The Deere has green and yellow paint though. Either will probably work well for you, one will just cost you more.

thanks needstractor. I called the local store and got to chatting with the salesman. he pointed me at the 28738 (no hits on this forum?!), which is their anniversary edition in a different color scheme. It is over $400 off thru tomorrow and is a 42", which I feel might work better (but I don't have concrete reason to feel this way). I don't mean to disregard advice but am discovering new options every hour it seems!

This tractor has a boatload of ratings, mostly positive. Any users of this machine on the forum?

BTW color makes no difference to me as long as it isn't hideous, but if I had to choose on that criterion alone I might go against popular opinion and choose Husky orange over JD green.

Link below

Here is a link that might be useful: anniversary edition

That looks like a good price for the Craftsman. Be aware that the Craftsmans's fender mounted controls for the hydrostatic transmission means its speed and direction are controlled with a lever instead of the more car like foot pedals on the Husqvarna. Some people prefer the fender controls though. Other than that, a smaller deck, and manual PTO clutch, this is probably the same tractor as the Husqvarna. They're both made by the same company.

I'd say that between the John Deere L series and Husqvarna series that they are pretty close in overall buld and quality, so it wouldn't hurt to buy on price. The sears is the same as the Husqvarna except for cosmetics and a few features like the fender vs foot controls.

Another option would be to buy a used machine. You could get a couple year old low hour and in great shape higher end tractor for about the same money as one of these new. It will take some shopping and more research to know what you are looking at, but you could really find a great 20 year machine if you look.

At the risk of stirring up a hornet's nest referring to a Consumer Reports (Distorts, etc. etc.) test, the Craftsman YS 4500 rated a "Best Buy" has the foot controlled hydro, 21-HP B&S Intek single, and the new 46" two blade deck. I mention this because you indicated mulching and even cut are important. This is one of the few that they rate excellent for mulching and even cut, as well as bagging. Has to do with the new two blade 46-in deck, whereas before their 46-in deck was a three blade setup and didn't perform as well. Nor do the 42", 48" and 54" Craftsman decks for mulching, according to their tests. And, it's under $2K with a tight 18-in turning radius. Just thought I'd throw that one out there.

Bill

I'll offer a different option all together so you can get fully informed. I'd recommend the Sears 33" commercial mower (Sears item #07188933000 Mfr. model #247-1) for $1000. You'll cut nearly as fast as a rider, and be able to purchase a good blower, string trimmer, and take the DW to dinner and still have money left over for seed and fertilizer. If all you want is a good cutting mower, I think you will waste more time on a rider on 2/3 acre than with a good commercial size walk behind.