3 of the other guys in my cul de sac and I are going in on a communal lawn tractor/ cyclone rake:

http://www.cyclonerake.com/index.htm

While I have some opinions about the tractor, the guys have initially thought about a price of $1500 for the tractor.

I'd rather spend a bit more and get a good one that is going to last, especially since we are splitting the cost 4x.

We each have about .5-.6 acres in the back.

So, what is the hive mind on Deere, Cub Cadet?

Models?

Thanks gents.

John Deere sucks.  Mine had 14 hours on it when a relay went out and killed the ignition system, before 20 hours I had it back to the dealer three more times with deck belt problems. It would throw the belt randomly. Found out they had a pulley upside  down that kept the tension fucked so the belt would slide off when it heated up and stretched. Is been alright since then but my expectations are low. Its a X500 series. I got it as a gift. Damn sure would not have bought it myself. When I picked mine up there were about fifteen of them lined up for repairs. Mechanic said they make a good living for him.

What are your needs? Tight turning radius, attachment options, fit through narrow gates, just able to cut grass? Your answering your needs will do more for choosing your tractor than anything else.

.5ac??



Push mower.  Make sure it's a color your wife will like when she uses it.


 

If you buy a Deere or Cub get it from a real dealer, not one of the big box stores.  They sell different models that have been built to sell at a lower price.

Lawn mower partnerships never end well

This.  Add:  Hilly or flat terrain?

As for JD, it depends on model.  I have a box store L118 that is going strong after 6 years, but now we moved to a place with hills, it's not designed to handle it as well.

Tight turning radius, we have some hills, mainly grass cutting, adjustable on the fly deck height.

I have no qualms about sharing the garden equipment with any of these guys.

Figure out who/when/how things like cleaning and maintenance are going to happen before you buy.

Also what will happen if someone in the partnership should move.





 

I bought a 24hp Husqvarna this year from a tractor dealer, it has the heavier welded deck.   Its OK, but I only have 12 hrs on it.   Since it is three of you, I would suggest you get a small diesel tractor. You will get far better use from it.

I don't know where these rumors come from but last year I was buying an Ariens snowblower, I went to an Ariens dealer and asked him if the models at Home Depot were cheap models he told me they're the same exact model that he has at his shop, they were even priced the same.

Well said.  THings like this rarely end well.



 

Dixie choppers are well built .
 

this is your answer.
exercise is good.

THIS

.5 acre and getting a rider.  You are going to need a push mower to trim around and by the time you are done with that you may as well mow the whole damn thing.

If you are dead set on a rider, buy a quality mower from an actual dealer.
Cub Cadet and JD from box stores are junk.
Go to a tractor dealer and buy the lawn tractor.  Yes, you will pay more.
Another option, is Sears - I can only relate personal experience.  Had a Craftsman rider for 15 years - no major break downs only change oil, belts, and sharpen blades.  It was used to mow 3-4 acre lot and push some snow in the winter.

Put the entire agreement with your neighbors on paper.
Include who uses when, who pays for maintenance, who stores it and how do the others get access, what happens when someone moves, how are major repairs paid for, what happens if you sell it, etc.

Really, thoug, a half acre isn't worth the hassle