I think the E130 will do the job, but I'm sure you've figured out that the 100-series is an entry-level tractor which means some compromises were made to reduce the price. The X300 series gets you one step up with the Kawasaki engine (X350 and higher) and an improved line of mower decks. X300's also have a little more substance to the frame, along with bearings in places where the 100-series has bushings; in other words, it's build for more longevity. You may notice that the X300's are easier to steer, even on the models without power steering.

The transmission is key to how much work the tractor can actually do - pulling, hauling, or moving up/down inclines. The X350 has a K46 trans, which isn't a whole lot different than the TL200 in the E130; it's a very small step up, as the K46 is still best suited for flat (or nearly flat) areas.

You mention that you're concerned about scalping. In that case, I'd strongly suggest looking at the 48" decks as they have more anti-scalp wheels on them. In the case of the X300-series, the 48" decks are a lot easier to move with wheels on all four corners that also pivot 90 degrees.

I've always been very satisfied with the cut on both my LA140 (a 2007 version of today's E170) and my X394. I'd never push mow 3/4-acre for a supposedly better cut, though, so my standards may not be as high as yours. One thing I will say is that tractors certainly won't leave the same wheel ruts all over the grass as the push mowers do. You want to be mindful of the total weight of the tractor, though; my X394 is a lot heavier than the LA140, and it does leave more noticeable tracks behind than the LA140.

I've got a typical flat suburban lawn about 1/3 of an acre in size. The LA140 served me very will for 10 years with no problems, and it's still in service in the family. Many will bash the 100-series just because it's a less-expensive, "box store" tractor. If you use it for what it's designed for (that flat lawn for up to 1-2 acres), they work very well at an affordable price. Too many people buy it and then overwork it because they don't understand that there are various levels of tractors and capabilities, and that's how the 100's get a bad reputation. I upgraded to an X394 because I wanted power steering and 4-wheel steering, not because there was anything wrong with the LA140. That said, you can never buy enough tractor! If you want to spend more to get more tractor, there's nothing wrong with that either. For example, power steering sounds like something totally unnecessary, but once you try it you must have it! Another pleasant surprise in the X394 was the increase in forward speed over the LA140. When I get going straight, the X394 will move faster and still cut well.

 

Bermuda grass is cut much lower than other types of grasses (3/4th inch to 1 1/2 inches). So when you lower the deck to such low cutting heights, some scalping should be expected. This was probably not noticeable when using the Honda push mower because the push mower cutting swath is only 21 inches wide whereas riding lawn mover cuts a 38", 42" or 48" swath in one pass. You will have to do some "leveling" done to your Bermuda grass area to obtain that perfect look. Most people who tend their Bermuda lawn use special reel mowers to achieve that professional manicured look. So do some reading on Bermuda cut heights vs other grasses before the window closes for returning the E130 or planning for an X350. Also do some research on reel mowers as well.

 

Thanks for all the great info!

 

There are too many things to mention that I look for in a mowing machine. What's important to one person is not necessarily to another. If I was only going to have one (and I'm a firm believer in back-ups in case of down time), I'd get a garden tractor. Everything should be heavier duty on one. I look for bolt on rear tires, a quality deck with lube-able spindles, and a filter on the hydro-stat. I'm not enamored by plastic hoods or seats that crack. I lean toward an older model that's in great condition. As I've gotten older (and that's inevitable), I've gotten pleasure from hydraulic deck lift, power steering and differential lock. Don't be in a hurry and get the one you really want. That way you'll be content.

 

I agree with nearly everything said to you already. The wider the deck the better your chances to scalp and that can be filled and worked on over time so a larger deck can do nearly the same job. An X350 has the same frame as the X5 series tractors and that is stronger. Kawasaki engines are great and will last longer. I forget what the E series has for adjustments on the anti-scalp wheels, but if you hit a high spot near the center of the deck..the wheels aren't helping. They are mainly for bigger changes in the landscape.

For the extra $1K I would go X350, and now that you have an idea of what you might want...and you don't mind spending the time to use the Honda. I'd take an extra week or so to contemplate what I really want. Time savings from a rider is fantastic. I'm more of a get it done and have it look better than the neighbors kinda guy. I spend the time I save mowing to do edging of the sidewalk and trimming etc.

 

I was in a similar position as you... All Bermuda yard, very picky, etc. I started with a 350 with the 42" cut. It was great. But I went one step (maybe a large step) farther and bought a 570 because of how much I use it. I can't tell you how much better the cut is. It is amazing. I think it mostly stems from the 48" cut vs the 42 I had on the 350 because of the scalp wheels which have been mentioned. If you can swing it, the 350 is better than the Lowe's models. With what I do, the 570 was a much better choice. My mower does way more than mow. Have you looked at the higher end 3 series models with the k58? X380 I believe. Also, from experience, in June and July if you don't mow that Bermuda twice a week, that 18.5 hp engine will bog down a bit. I keep mine about 2.25 and when I came back from vacation it was brutal.

 

Money wise, it costs so much initially for a Home Depot or Lowes rider .... around 2K$. A little more gets you what you want. My view would say that the best these two retailers have will not satisfy a discriminating buyer.
I've had two new cars in my life (and I'm now 71. I've looked at my daughter's cars (she buys used also) and compared them to what I drive (I spend 2 - 5K$ more than she does. My cars are a LOT nicer. She has had newer cars than I occasionally, but mine are still nicer. I get rid of mine before they're unreliable but she waits 'til they die. People get rid of items for a lot of different reasons. If looking at used equipment, such as mowers, try not to buy someone's problematic tractor. Buy one that's not been abused but the owner has upgraded because his needs have changed, he inherited something better, or he's selling his acreage and moving into an apartment. Look at the age and look at the hours. Look for something that is obviously wrong that you can fix. Buy as heavy-duty as you can afford.......even good stuff wears and breaks. Talk to a lot of people and do a lot of reading. Your computer will help you find what you need and want.