OK, I'll be the first to acknowledge that I'm obsessing on this but I'd really like to hear the opinion of others. I'm looking to buy a new John Deere mower, either an L130 with 48" deck or the LX280 with a 42" deck. Home Depot recently advertised the L130 (23 hp Kohler) on sale for $2,500 + tax with a $200 rebate. The John Deere distributor has quoted me a price of $3,949 + tax for the LX280 (18 hp Kawasaki). According to the spec sheets both decks are .105 in (12 ga). The LX280 has a heavier frame but gives up 5 hp.
So, I guess I'm trying to figure out why the smaller engine on a heavier, more expensive mower and is it worth the extra $1,500?
TIA