Well, I spent a few weeks looking and contemplating, and I think I'm going to get the JD 3720 (which replaces the 4410) if the dealers price seems right. I decided on the extra power of the 3720 over (say) the 3120 because it adds 20% to my spending for a nearly 50% increase in power, and some of the attachments I'm considering recomend a minimum 30HP at the PTO which only the 3520 and 3720 have.
I have a few remaining questions I hope the group can help with ...
1. I'm getting the 61" bucket on the FEL which can take a replacable cutting edge ($100) - buying the heavy duty bucket is only $100 more, so there doesn't seem a reason not to, unless it is a complete waste - any opinions on whether the regular bucket is adequate, especially given I plan to use the replacable edges?
2. I'm debating whether to get the 72" mower deck - for about the same price I can buy a separate L120 garden tractor which will be dedicated to grass cutting - I only get a 48" deck on the L120 instead of 72" on the 3720, but the mower will be much lighter (less compaction) and I won't ever have to take it on/off - for a bit more money I might buy a zero turn type mower instead, and have both a bigger deck and lighter weight, so that is another option. Opinions?
3. I'm considering a 44 bushel Trac-Vac to pick up grass and (especially) leaves, but I've heard from one landscapper that they can clog a lot and are not worth it - one friend recomended I buy a $250 Lawn Sweeper instead, which won't re-mulch it but will pick up debris - any opinions on how lawn vacuems work and the best way to deal with large amounts of leaves and grass?
4. Lastly, I think I may get the turf tires and then add chains for traction when I need them, instead of R4's - I'm thinking this gives me the best of both without having to swap tires - opinions?
Many many thanks - you all have been /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif