Personally, I would suggest the honda, in my own experience, parts are easier to get, and they just tend to being robust, able to handle a lot more than many competitors. In general, maintinence tends to be easier, and even major repairs tend to be less complicated, mainly due to less going wrong overall.
Although I must add that my experience with JD is limited, especially outside of ride on mowers.
In general, i highly reccomend Honda though, only placing Husqvarna above them, however in this case I beleive Husqvarna would exceed budget.
