JD LX277 vs. Cub Cadet 2186

[frisbeguy4]

Help! I am trying to choose between the JD LX277 vs. Cub Cadet 2186 for basic mowing and yard work on about 3/4 acre lawn, 5 acre lot. I like the shaft drive of the Cub versus the belt, but the JD seems to hae a little better fit & finish. I also need the show-thrower and the JD single-stage snow-thrower makes me a little nervous. Cub's is a two-stage. Resale is also something to consider. Here in New England Cub Cadet doesn't seem to be very popular. The machines including the complete snow-thrower packages are $4600 for the JD ad $4500 for the Cub. I've always said I wanted a John Deere, but there seems to be more value in the Cub.

Any thoughts, comments, or sugestions?

After you have purchased the Cub Cadet 2186, have you had any problems with the tractor not steering straight? I purchased the same model number about the same time. As the time has gone by it does not steer straight. I have troubleshooted the tractor. I have greased the steering, replaced the steering gears, tightened up the bolts on the steering arms, replaced bearings both on the wheels and steering. My next attempt will be to replace the ball joints.