16xx and up...

 

I know you know this but you get what you pay for...my father has had the his JD 212 since '88 and we've only changed the electric clutch, blades, belts and tune up stuff on it...I have worked at two different John Deere dealers and there are some pieces of **** like u can get at home depot, or buy a decent one and expect to have it for a while...if there is a dealer near you go visit them and see where they steer you...I havnt worked at a dealership since 07 so I dont know any of the new models...

 

Not much has changed, "La" series in now just "L", both of which came form the sabre line, the "X" series now feel the "LT, LX" on up class. if you can afford a "X", it is designed much stronger the the "L" series. but the "L"'s are a little smaller and would fit your needs better.

 

you work at a deere dealer right?

 

I "was" a service manager at a Deere (c/ce)/Honda/Crestliner/Kubota dealer, I now just take care of warrantys and other crap a few days a week...

 

what do you think would be good for me , looking to spend say 2k tops. would love to have a trim bag. i have a decent size front yard but not to big and a big *** back yard totalling a 1/2 acre. the back yard i plan to build a pool and a garage and hopefully put astroturf back there. so the front will be the only thing that needs mowing but for now the back is grass and it needs a good hack job.

i want a jd just so i can put a radio on it and play the jd song as loud as possible drinking a natty light , lol.

 

honestly any of the "LA" series would fit the bill, the higher the number the the higher the hp and deck size options. My only advice is to stay away from the single cylinder B&S, They have a horrible rod knock from day one. the twin B&S are good engines for the money, but one tank of bad fuel will bent the push rods...
So a LA 135 or 145, but those are right at you budged limit.

 

My Dad has a Craftsman Bob Villa Edition its pretty cool looking. It can also do wheelies aswell lol.....

 

How are the Kubota's versus the Deere's? I've got a Kubota dealer real close to me and have been wanting to look at them?

 

Ive heard the kubotas are pretty nice... so are the husqavarna or w/e

Cant go wrong with a deer IMO but man are they pricey!!

I have an acre lot and i went to sears and bought a craftsmen with a 16v vtwin honda motor! Thing runs like a champ 6yrs and still like new. ive replaced the blades and oil changes thats about it! Easy on the clutch at full throttle in 6th lol because like silverbirch said... it will get the front tires off the ground!!