WES - I have the same idea, The smaller tires really ride rough, and the wider & longer tractors ride increasingly better. There's a couple places the 50" deck on My 982 won't fit, and the 44" on the 129 sneeks right thru. I don't fly over the yard but I can mow in 3 hrs +/- with the 129 & 44" and 2 hr. 45 Min. with the 982. If I mow in 1st with the 72 it's 5-6 hours. If I sneek into 2nd it's 3-1/2 to 4 hrs. The 129 is the most fuel efficient combo, Less than 2 gal. 72 about 2-1/2, 982 about 3.
But when it comes to plowing..... I'll take the gear drive and fast 2nd is just about right.
But when it comes to plowing..... I'll take the gear drive and fast 2nd is just about right.