They sell a real J Deere mower at the big box stores, but it's a different model number. They will start with an "L" i believe if it's at the big box store. The better models are a couple of grand more.

ZTRs are dangerous to run up and down slopes because of the potential to back-flip. This is not an issue for tractors.

Also, ZTRs are dangerous when driving downslope and turning, the steering often gets away from the operator, causing them to overcorrect and flip or continue straight into obstacles. This is also not a major issue on a tractor.

There are D series and X series. The Dealers all carry the X series, many also carry the D series. The D series are identical from big box or dealer.

The Z-force zero turn series from Cub Cadet is awesome. I cut my mowing time in half!!

http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cu...ers/z-force-54

My research proved out that JD actually makes the ones the dealers stock with the exception of maybe the lowest priced entry level unit. I talked to several of them and thought they seemed pretty honest.

I agree for the most part, and probably the only one of these that may be the same as a HD model, would be the D105, and everyone including the dealers need a price leader entry model. Most of us can't justify a few thousand on a mower.

D series is a wimped out version of the X series. X is more expensive.

How much are you willing to spend. I cut, areate, de-thatch, lawn roller 2 acres. I live on a small farm (10 acres with horses) and use the mower a bunch. A MUST have is a wagon. And as the same with mowers, get a good one (big knobble tires kind).

I've had 3 mowers. The first one was a craftsman piece of crap. I bought it brand new and it lasted 2 yrs. Then traded it in for a 1974 Ford. It was a tank. I loved it, but the wife, who has a bad back, hated it. There was no suspension and beat her to death. It had all the attachments: plow, snowblade, aereator etc.

Finally, I figured to invest in a nice mower. I bought a large lawn tractor 1998 new Cub Cadet built pre-MTD for $5000. It lasted 13 yrs which figures out to be $348 per year. Not too bad for the amount of work I did with it. I traded that in (got $1000 outta it:) for a Land Pride ZTR for $4000. They are built in Saline, Ks.

The story behind them is that 2 engineers from Gravely got pissed off and started their own company. The Land Pride are almost exactly built the same as the Gravely's and a bit cheaper.

I, too, would recommend a ZTR mower. It makes mowing fun and shaved 25% time off. Get a mid-mount not a true front mower like the grasshoppers. Those things have a tricyle wheel behind that you whack into things like new trees when you turn.

If you plan on living there awhile, and want quality, you can finance a nice one for $100-200 bucks a month. They ARE an investment. Heck, I got a $1000 bucks in trade in on my beat up Cub. I would recommend Land Pride, Gravely, Kubota.

As to flipping, as mentioned before with the lower center of gravity, they slide instead. I mow a steep bank and slide all the time.

oh, btw, the Land Pride has a patented "Air" ride system. Feels like riding in a Caddy. It took a bit to learn to steer, but now after I set up the handles correctly, I steer with my finger tips:)

You know its spring when you hear that NASTY, GROWLY, NOISY sound down the street. You cuss, bow your head, do the walk, to the garage. You know what you gotta do. You just heard the first lawnmower of the season.

Well I'm the dude that started mowing as soon as possible. I can't wait to "fly" that sucker around the lawn.

Forgot to add. Make sure it has a cup holder!!

Of course the Lowes guy is going to say that, and he is right, they are carrying the cheaper line of JDs that I believe are made by MTD, at least the one I had was.

HD is a big hitter for JD and of course causes them a lot of grief with their dealer network, as I got in the middle of that deal when my shafts/sieves went out.

If you have 4 to 5k to spend get the good one, if not, it is what it is.

When we first got our place, it was chest high from not being mowed all year, and the MTD/Craftsman whacked it all down fine. But I don't think that mower is built for the long term like the good ones. My neighbor has a 15 year old Craftsman that is twice the mower mine is.

Funny you should bring that up. The impliment dealer got me one of those and had the Land Pride as well. I really wanted the cub but when driving them side by side, the Land Pride won out hands down. It was so much more comfortable and didn't feel like a tank.

http://www.landpride.com/products/13...ro-turn-mowers

I have the commercial series with the steering wheel so it is easier to drive and less likely to turn-over on inclines and declines. I couldn't be happier with this mower. It was a bit pricey but I received an $800 rebate at the time that put the price more in line with the non-commercial series. I wanted the heavier deck.

You're dramatically overstating the potential to back-flip and your second paragraph is pure nonsense. This is some of the worst advice I've ever seen on this message board that doesn't have to do with dating.

If your lawn is on the side of a mountain and you drive like an 8 year old, ZTR might not be for you. But then in that case, you'd probably be better off getting a billy goat than any kind of riding mower.

Great, thanks for reminding me. Last year my 14 year old Craftsman lost power during the season. I was going to tear the motor down before this spring.

Whatever you do, don't buy a mulching deck. They suck.

Just put a mower deck on this....then you are set. JD mowers have always been good to me, and we used to mow a pretty big route for money.

http://www.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US/...tytractor.page

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I will never be without a zero turn again.