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In Reply to: Advice on buying a lawn tractor posted by Julie B on Wednesday, May 08, 2002:
Your posting caught my eye because I too live in rural Ontario and have about the same amount of property. I've owned a couple of used lawn tractors with poor results, so I finally just shelled out for a new one (you're right -- they're not cheap).
I think you're on the right track with wanting the cast iron axle, and the heavier the overall construction, the better (as a matter of fact, I believe weight is a very useful spec to compare). I'm not familiar with the Poulan Pro, but I just purchased a Sabre. I was drawn to it because of its welded frame and general sturdiness. Plus it's designed and built by John Deere rather than MTD or another "generic" manufacturer. In this model year, you'd probably want to look at the 17.542: 17.5HP Kohler (reputedly a good engine, but not a twin), 42" deck, around $2530.
I got a good price on last year's 15.542 with a B&S engine and have very few hours on it, but so far it performs like no other I've owned. 15.5HP is plenty when the cutting deck is as well-designed as this. Ask me again in 5 or 10 years, but so far I'm a happy camper.
Good luck!