The better choice would be the Husq, due to the low hours for the money but you've already ruled it out because you need a smaller deck. The LT is a highly regarded tractor but it is ten years old so it's really hard to say how many hours are already on this machine. Base on the rule of thumb being 50 hours per year, it should have around 500 hours on it. That's not bad. It should go twice that much without any serious repairs. LT155's came with 38" or 44" decks and I presume that this one has one of those, so it is apparently better suited for your yard. You aren't paying anything for the Deere name. Deere builds tractors to compete against similar models made by other manufacturers. Buying from a dealer isn't a con, it's a Pro. That dealer put that tractor through his shop and made sure that it has been fully serviced and in good repair unless he just took it in on trade and is selling it to you "as is, where is". If so, then give it a pass but if it did go through his shop, then he will stand behind it. Rusty makes some good points. Used equipment isn't the best choice for everyone. Even new products need maintenance and service so the question here is whether you have the tools and the smarts to carry out this work? If not, then no matter what you buy, you have a big problem. You best be buying a small trailer and put a hitch on whatever it is you are driving so you can move your tractor to the dealer whenever you need to. If you buy a Craftsman, you can also buy an extended warranty but somehow I think that this is beyond your financial reach at the moment and used is your best choice. I'd go see the Deere dealer again and ask him what he knows about the history of this LT. That may help you make up your mind. If what he tells you sounds good and the deck size is right, then buy it.

Go to Craigslist.com and in the Free Stuff you will find posted for March wood chips, manure, etc. Good luck. I like using wood chips. Hay or straw will blow away. El

Everyone, I am really NOT attacking Glenda...just what she did. I know she's a great person and grandmother and I loved reading her posts and seeing her pictures of her cruise with her grandson. Maybe I went overboard, but as I stated, I was in an accident three yrs ago with a brand new driver. He was with his mom and they were practicing in a residential area. The speed limit was 25 mpr. I saw his car stopped at the stop sign. I had the right of way. Just as I was about to pass his car, he pulled out in front of me. For some unknown reason, he didn't see my car. He was a very sweet child with an equally sweet mom. They wanted to pay for the damages to car without us calling the police or reporting it to the insurance company because the boy would not be able to have a permit until he was 18 plus his insurance rates and his parents rates would go up so high. However, it became evident that I needed to get to the hospital, so an ambulance was called. My 3 yr. granddaughter was in her car seat in the back and Thank God wasn't hurt. When I got to the hospital, they had to do an emergency hysterectomy because I was bleeding so rapidly. (the lap part of the seat belt hit me in a way that caused a rupture to a small ovarian cyst I'd had for a while. Because of all the blood, a total hysterectomy had to be done. Now, all this and both cars were going the speed limit of 25 mpr. No one "expects" an accident. It just happens and there is NO WAY we can control it. I don't mean to squash anyone's fun, but let's do fun within the law and remembering that other people are on the same roads that you are on and you could possibly be putting others in danger. I guess I also don't think that this is the same as eating a grape in the grocery store. I almost lost my life due to the the rupture and I also had a treasured grandchild in my car. Sorry if I offended anyone..that wasn't what I intened to do, however, it makes me see red when I hear someone say that they took all precautions and no accident could possibly have happened. That's just no being realistic.

Enjoy the movies indoors :o)