When the prices fell so close together on 3 of the 4 different brands I was considering this Spring, the smaller things came under scrutiny. One of the more important was ease of loader removal / reinstallation. I never mow with the FEL attached and I mow at least once a week under normal conditions. I use the loader a lot. With the hydraulic disconnects near the joystick I can pull up to the loader, pop the 4 lines on and back out of the shed in less than a minute. No getting off and crawling around under the tractor to fiddle with the hoses.
Everyone has different things that are important to them. One thing I don't care about is a QD bucket or forks. Some people can't live without them. We have a tractor for odd jobs where I work (snow removal, cleanup, occasional bush hogging, spraying, etc) and it has a QD bucket and forks. We used the forks one time to see how they would work. Haven't been on the tractor since.
I have never had anything that needed a front PTO or rear remotes and after 22 years on this property know I won't in the future. My needs (OK desires) were to get something similar to my B7500 but with more HP, weight and elbow room. The comfy seat on the L3200 was an appreciated bonus.
I recently took what I considered a big chance and bought a rear discharge finish mower. "Big chance" is because I have been happy with side discharge finish mowers for the last 22 years and had no experience with the RD decks. Fortunately it works very well. The only real downside to having a rear discharge is not being able to blow the leaves in the Fall. Next project is to complete the 3PH leaf blower.
