Not all that long ago, I was really looking at the lower end units. My first post on here only got a couple replies - but quality ones that made me question my intended route. I was originally looking at a Cub Cadet XT1 or XT2 (likely the XT2 at the time) - but now we've decided that maybe we should upgrade the budget a little bit and get a better unit.
Now I'm looking primarily at the John Deere X380 or x384 (worth the upgrade to 4-wheel steer? maybe not.... ) - and a Simplicity Broadmoor..... and/or any other suggestions you can throw my way??
I'd rather stay in the $<5K range which the JD falls within. The Simplicity Broadmoor MSRP is above that, but not sure what the sell price on these are (havent called). Both units appear to have upgraded transmissions which is really the reason for my increased budget. Upon my research I'm thinking the K46 isn't the way to go on my lot for longevity, and I can't say that the next house would have a flatter lot or not (I live in a glacial path. It's hilly and rocky)
Talking to the John Deere dealer - the Kawasaki engine is said to be a huge plus over their other models - a lot quieter, smoother. Simplicity has a Briggs - any thoughts between the two powerplants?
The other plus is that the simplicity has the built in stripping kit (rollers), where I would consider the $110 upgrade on the JD in the future. Certainly not necessary - my lawn needs more work before stripping would be fully worth it. I hope to have it whipped into shape by fall (it's already much much better than how I purchased it - a lot of hard work)
I'm really debating on the bagging systems, mulching, or just side discharge. My push mower now is a mulcher/bagger - but now with a young kid to play in the yard (and dogs) I'm really liking the idea of bagging more. It's just a PITA to deal with the clippings afterwards (and now our township stopped collecting yardwaste) - but I do have an area on the back of the lot I could dispose of clippings in. Thoughts here?
Now I'm looking primarily at the John Deere X380 or x384 (worth the upgrade to 4-wheel steer? maybe not.... ) - and a Simplicity Broadmoor..... and/or any other suggestions you can throw my way??
I'd rather stay in the $<5K range which the JD falls within. The Simplicity Broadmoor MSRP is above that, but not sure what the sell price on these are (havent called). Both units appear to have upgraded transmissions which is really the reason for my increased budget. Upon my research I'm thinking the K46 isn't the way to go on my lot for longevity, and I can't say that the next house would have a flatter lot or not (I live in a glacial path. It's hilly and rocky)
Talking to the John Deere dealer - the Kawasaki engine is said to be a huge plus over their other models - a lot quieter, smoother. Simplicity has a Briggs - any thoughts between the two powerplants?
The other plus is that the simplicity has the built in stripping kit (rollers), where I would consider the $110 upgrade on the JD in the future. Certainly not necessary - my lawn needs more work before stripping would be fully worth it. I hope to have it whipped into shape by fall (it's already much much better than how I purchased it - a lot of hard work)
I'm really debating on the bagging systems, mulching, or just side discharge. My push mower now is a mulcher/bagger - but now with a young kid to play in the yard (and dogs) I'm really liking the idea of bagging more. It's just a PITA to deal with the clippings afterwards (and now our township stopped collecting yardwaste) - but I do have an area on the back of the lot I could dispose of clippings in. Thoughts here?