Lawn Tractor Update - Down to 3 Choices

[big bend gyrene]

Beat the bushes pretty hard the last week looking at options... narrowed it down to three options heavily considering at the moment.

1) Used (under 100 hrs) 2005 Kubota RX2230 Light Diesel Tractor w/ 60" belly mower -- takes FEL, box scraper, & rotary tiller if I find the need later
2) Used (under 100 hrs) John Deere Z820 60" zero turn mower
3) New Snapper Pro series 52" zero turn mower.

Both the John Deere and Snapper Pro use Kawasaki engines and have 7 gauge decks.

Though new, the Snapper is about $2000 under the price I've found on the used Kubota and John Deere... granted the deck is 8" smaller, no small giveaway, but will say this for it; all the reviews I could find online had folks saying the Snapper Pro gave a great cut, and one they were surprised to find better than competing suppliers. Few commercial guys using them seem really pleased.

All the above said, know several folks gave me advice not to underestimate the support John Deere offers locally and I'm not taking that advice lightly.

Likely will pull the trigger this weekend on one of these options... any last minute thoughts from those of you out there familiar with one or more of these models? Any info will be GREATLY appreciated!
BBG

[MudDucker]

Beat the bushes pretty hard the last week looking at options... narrowed it down to three options heavily considering at the moment.

1) Used (under 100 hrs) 2005 Kubota RX2230 Light Diesel Tractor w/ 60" belly mower -- takes FEL, box scraper, & rotary tiller if I find the need later
2) Used (under 100 hrs) John Deere Z820 60" zero turn mower
3) New Snapper Pro series 52" zero turn mower.

Both the John Deere and Snapper Pro use Kawasaki engines and have 7 gauge decks.

Though new, the Snapper is about $2000 under the price I've found on the used Kubota and John Deere... granted the deck is 8" smaller, no small giveaway, but will say this for it; all the reviews I could find online had folks saying the Snapper Pro gave a great cut, and one they were surprised to find better than competing suppliers. Few commercial guys using them seem really pleased.

All the above said, know several folks gave me advice not to underestimate the support John Deere offers locally and I'm not taking that advice lightly.

Likely will pull the trigger this weekend on one of these options... any last minute thoughts from those of you out there familiar with one or more of these models? Any info will be GREATLY appreciated!
BBG

A tractor is just more versatile than a dedicated lawn mower. If you don't buy that Kubota, send me an email with the details, I might be interested.

[Flint River Pirate]

I agree with MudDucker, I would pick the Kubota. Simply because of all you can do with it. Also when and if you go to sell it, you will have a much bigger interest group.

[Reel Cowboy]

Get the tractor. If you don't, you'll regret it later.

[Charles]

I would choose Door #1 for the versatility.

And my Tim Taylor side thinks, "I'll be doing tractor work." sounds more manly than, "I have to mow the yard."