I am in need of purchasing a new Tractor as my 8 year old Craftsman LT 1000 is becoming too problematic (as soon as I finish fixing one thing something new happens). I suppose in all fairness this tractor has been worked hard over the years, but I thought it would last a little longer.

Now it is time for a new one and I have narrowed down to a John Deere x304 ($3,600) and a Snapper LT 130 (on sale for $2,300). Both have AWS and the Snapper comes with a larger engine 23hp vs 17hp for the JD and it has a larger deck at 46 inches. Both are good brands but which will last longer? I mean significantly longer than my old Sears tractor.

I live on a 1.3 acre lot that does have small hills as the house is built up on the lot (West Palm Beach, FL). Therefore I do have standing water during the rainy season and need to cut in and arround water constantly. I guess I could just get a Home Depot JD tractor but I don't want to "cheap out" like I did last time and be sorry in the end.

So, which of these choices will go the distance and why?