Considering other machines? Nothing wrong with that [and you did post in "comparisons" instead of "JD", so it seems quite appropriate to have a few brands contending]! But it does bring to mind several questions [some you may have answered earlier or now have in your profile, but I overlooked them]:
Why was JD your first choice: You like the dealer? Husband has nostaligia to JD? Other?
Why lawn tractor? The variety of tasks? Completing the nostaligia effects of the JD [if he used to farm or otherwise have a JD]? Personal preference of yours or his?
What tasks [mowing, tilling, etc] and how many sq ft, acres, or hours are slated for each?
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Do you want to spend more or less time with your husband?
i.e. If you have obstacles, the ZTR will almost definitely cut his mowing time. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif If he has other tasks in mind, the tractor style will probably win, but it will take him longer to mow and you'll see less & less of him as he finds excuses to play with attachments. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Oh and he'll be spending more time checking out all the attachments on-line or at the local dealer. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
On tractor style, if you go with a GT instead of a LT, both effects will be further exagerated [larger turning radius, but "heavy duty" for garden work]. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Anyway, if you have perfect conditions and not much area he may be happy with the cheaper machines, but I really think [in the choices you listed and not knowing the answers to the "important" questions] you'd want at least the LT in the JD tractors or the ZForce in the CC zero turns. As Gatorboy mentioned earlier, you'll likely get more lawn tractor for the same money on a ZTR. However, the $4-$5K area has many really interesting ZTRs [not quite commerical, but heavier than "entry level consumer"]
I have read a couple "success stories" here where people found more helpful advice and assistance at a big store than this or that dealer, but [in general] the dealers will have the full line or the higher quality models and will be more knowledgable. The dealer choice may be even more important since your situation may require the ability to trade for a different machine. Don't forget having a friendly face for warrenty work [if ever needed] as well.
Good Luck! That is a very nice gift, regardless of your choice [of course, if you can get him to inadvertantly tell a friend his preference that would still be perfect]. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
