which one?

1. 8N's and small older Fords in general are way, WAY overpriced. They're not ideal mowing tractors either. I'm not saying they won't do the job, I'm saying they're not the best choice.

2. No way on the PLANET would I try to maintain 10+ acres with a walk behind. Never mind the work, who's got the TIME? I have 4 acres, and wouldn't dream of trying to do it with a walk behind. Besides, for the price of an industrial sized walk behind, you can get a pretty nice tractor.

One point I DO agree with is that if you're not mechanically inclined, or at least interested in learning AND spending the time to maintain stuff, then old equipment isn't for you.

My advice: Find a 10 year old (or thereabouts) Compact Utility Tractor by any of the big names: Kubota, John Deere, Massey Furgeson, or Ford, even Yanmar (who built most of the older JD CUTs) if there's a dealer handy. You'll spend a bit more, but you'll get a LOT more tractor.

LIVE PTO is nice but not essential for mowing, PS is the same. While it'd be nice to have, it wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me if the tractor is otherwise in good shape.

Hydraulics and a 3 point hitch ARE essential, and a diesel engine is way up on the list. The only advantage to a gasser is that it's easier to work on, but if you're not going to do your own work, go for the diesel. Cheaper to run, and they'll last forever with a little TLC like regular oil changes and keeping the air and fuel filters changed.

My 2¢, your decision.

I live in Middle Tennessee on 150 acres of very hilly land. I have old equipment and I operate on a shoe string. I spend a great deal of time performing routine and corrective maintenance on all of my equipment. If you truly are not mechanically inclined, my advice to you would be not to buy any inexpensive, used equipment. Maintenance is a constant need on old equipment.

Having said that, I think that you are going to have to juggle your finances, your available time, and your mechanical abilities to select whatever will accomplish your goals. Honestly, on 10 - 12 acres, I'm not even sure that you need a tractor. You could probably get by with a large, walk-behind mower similar to ones made by Graveley or DR Mower.

Good luck on your decision.

Tom in TN