Once I trade up from my sub-compact tractor to a compact tractor, I will need to purchase a lawn/garden tractor to mow trim, around trees, and hard-to-reach areas of my fairly hilly 1.5 acre lawn. I also would like to collect leaves along the 300 ft drive way in the fall. I currently have a 2002 Sears 27 horse, 48" Garden Tractor with bagger but, frankly, I have not been happy with the responsiveness of their service. (It took 6 weeks for them to come out and repair a drive belt pulley that snapped off this past June).
I've always had Sears tractors, but I'm so happy with my Kubota BX 24 that I feel that (when shopping for a garden tractor) I should explore brands like kubota, cc, hv, agco, etc. I also am intrigued by the thought of having a diesel garden tractor as I've been very happy with the diesel engines I've had.
I'm wiling to spend in the neighborhood of $3000 to $4000 or so. Would love to hear thoughts on the above.