Thanks for the great feedback folks. As for wanting a JD, I recall something that someone told me years ago when I was shopping for golf clubs. I asked, "what were the best clubs on the market?" Someone told me to go to a golf shop, look at the "used" clubs, and buy the brand that no one is trading in. When it comes to riding mowers, at least in south Texas, you rarely see a used JD for sale. And, I have never seen a used "Select Series " for sale. Yet, everywhere I look, where people are mowing large lots, I mainly see them on JD's.
I looked at Consumer Reports and the top three brands as you might expect they are JD, Craftsman, and Husqvarna, with JD edging the other two out in performance and reliability. I know I could get a lot more lawn tractor for a lot less money going with Craftsman or Husqvarna, guess I just want the green-n-yellow!