The JD's a HD are not the same quality as the ones over at the JD store. the difference between plastic and metal. Take that beat up old Craftsman any day. MOre tractor for the $. And if you really want a tractor that is both good and cheap, look at Kubota. And if you have money to burn, look at Bobcats. I can see it now - Frank into lawn mower racing. Mary Thanks Brian, yeah, so far it's been all pleasant surprises. PS: walked around a home depot to get out, saw a few john deer tractors, 1200.oo - 2500.oo Hmmmmmmm???? \