George Leppla wrote:
>
>Right now, we are mowing about 3 acres with
>a 22 inch self-propelled push mower. We are
>going to buy a tractor shortly. I figure something
>with a 48 inch deck.

I don't think they make a 48" deck, they are 42" and the next size is
54", and then 60". I'd suggest at least the 54" for someone your
weight... the 60" is better for you because the wider the cut the
greater the HP... you'll need the extra HP to haul you around. The
thing is all those low end garden tractors are built on the same
chassis with the same small diameter narrow tread tires... at your
weight you'll always be climbing out of a rut, always running uphill,
a low HP motor won't last long. And if you're as large as you look in
your picture you probably won't fit on those cheapo garden tractors,
the seats don't travel back far enough for you to fit behind the
steering wheel, the steering wheels on those low end machines aren't
adjustable either. Those low end (toys r us) garden tractors are
designed to accomodate folks no more than 175 lbs... and even then
when well maintained they typically last no longer than 3-4 years.
Their thin pressed sheet metal construction is simply not designed to
carry your weight... first thing the sheet metal rusts out and
collapses. Doesn't much matter which brand but for you I'd recommend
a real tractor and definitely diesel. I would strongly suggest buying
from an authorized dealer rather than a big box store. Cub Cadet
makes a decent product: http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet
This is a good product too:
http://www.simplicitymfg.com/us/en/tractors