Any recommendations for a lawn tractor?

[Bonita]

We are looking to get one here soon, but are really torn on which brand.

We've been looking at:

Husqvarna
Cub Cadet
John Deere

Any experiences (good/bad), or know anyone who would highly recommend one over another?

TIA!

[auntie]

I've had my John Deere for about 12 years. It's been awesome. I have a Husqvarna sewing machine I love, so I would also consider that brand.

My caveat is to purchase from a local dealer, not a big box store. For most tractors, the price will be MSRP regardless.

Tractors require care much as your car does. It can be difficult in some places to get an appointment if you didn't establish a relationship with a local dealer. My dealer lost his franchise because he didn't sell enough and closed. Finding another shop was surprisingly challenging where I live. My battery needed replacing and I called 4 places before I found one that would pick it up in less than a month. When I called, each place was like "Well, where did you buy it? Why don't you take it there for service?". I was like WTF? with the attitude until one of the guys explained it to me- these small guys are getting killed by HD and Lowes.

[who22]

Kubota is also another good brand. I second the notion of buying from a local dealer. The riding mowers at big box stores are all made by the same company (more or less) and then packaged with the different names. The quality of a small lawn tractor from a local dealer is much higher.

[Bonita]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback!

I definitely need to do some more research, and we will definitely purchase from a local dealer