In in the market for a zero turn and im not sure which one to go with. I assume that the ZT-2200s would be fine for my use than. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, 2022 The Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers Why Is, This article covers the EGO POWER+ 42 Z6, Ryobi Ryobi, Cub Cadet Lawn Tractors and Garden Tractors Good lawn tractors, Latest Deals at Cub Cadet Take 15% Off All PRO. The flip=up mid-mount deck is unique and works well. Just not sure if I should look for a ZTR that is heavy, one that has wide tires, etc. Spray Foam Equipment and Chemicals. Check it out here: https://homedepot.sjv.io/P00q4N. They have not been around long enough to know for sure. Remember the 2018 will have the full warranty the used 2016 will not have the same warranty, if any. Hi Tommy, The 2200 is not as weak as everyone wants you to believe. To change cut height on the Cub, use the dial thats on the left side of the chair in conjunction with the lift pedal. (Im assuming your lawn is rough). I went and looked at it last Saturday and got to drive it around the parking lot. The MX series is in between the TimeCutter and the Timecutter HD. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Hi paul, Great review!!! All the best to you and your granddaughter. Hi Jon, You wont over-stress your mower unless the grass is building up to the point where its stopping the deck. I used to cut it with a Bobcat 48 W/B but would like a rider now. The deck also sits out front so you can trim under stuff and with the 48-inch deck, it will trim right around fence post and landscaping without leaving anything to trim. Hi Adam, The Apex is comparable to the Cub Cadet Z-Force in price and features. My craftsman mower that recently died on me did a far superior job with the mulching. There are a lot of parts to install and youll need a helper to get all the bolts installed and tightened. A secret mowing steeper slopes. Which One Is Best For You?. They are designed for nice lawns so the deck height is a little harder to adjust. You may find the following posts helpful: John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com. That Cub did have the same exact engine. Finally, I am a little concerned that your local dealer cant get a CA compliant mower. Hi Daron, There is no difference in the mower just the service after the sale. Doesnt the Toro have limits on towing to 85 lbs? I too am a stand-on guy so I really like your list. 22.5 HP Time Cutter V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed Model# 75742 Available at The Home Depot Also available at Tractor Supply, ACME Tools and your local Toro Dealer. A tractor mower on the other hand has the ability to collect grass, not a feature traditionally associated with a Zero turn. Im moving into a just less than 3 acre lot/home. Hi Kirk, if you want the best cut possible get the Deere. My yard is just over an acre, 95% flat with a small ditch in the front. Property: 4.5 mowable acres relatively flat, improved grassy land with new home build on pacific coastal high bluff in northern Cal. He has 5 acres of farm lawn with a few steeper slopes. The yard is not what Id call perfectly evenprobably typical for the countrybut the man who mows says its not bad. Thanks. Hi Paul, I was looking at this one from Home Depot: These mowers will give you a much longer life. And to make your mowing experience even better, consider the tips in this, link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. I own a 48 Bad boy MZ 2011 now Looking to upgrade with suspension. But Ariens, Husqvarna (254) are coming into view. I normally keep a zero-turn about 3 years. Not everyone wants to show off at all times, you know? Thanks for your time. The second brand is Country Clipper. Im also not a big fan of mowers where the whole mower uses the suspension (like your car) because the deck can bounce up and down. Very comfortable to mow with The cut is even no lines. 1. The Bad boy MZ MAGNUM is much lighter-duty mower than the Ariens/Gravely. It cuts so well I use it as my reference mower when comparing all the rest. Hi JD, You will be a lot happier with the cut of the Toro than the Simplicity. Kawasaki has a lot of name brand recognition with the small owner/operators. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. Lowes in particular has a habit of just taking the mower out of the crate and NOT doing any of the adjustments for example moving the seat on the Ariens mowers. Cub Cadet has put a lot of time into designing a deck that cuts just as well and from what Ive seen so far (on YouTube) it cuts very, very well. I am not reading about anyone having the EZT hydros die early on. p.s. Ok, thank you for the clarification. 3. If the cutting performance isnt the highlight of a good zero-turn mower, I cannot figure out what is. My second choice is the Gravely ZT XL 52 inch. RYOBI. You are right that the dealer can often make the difference, and the one I got mine from is awesome! Arent the Toro engines made in China? The deck sticks out farther to the left on this one and with the larger 20-inch rear tires its great for trimming. I think thats unfair. I hope you find a good dealer to work with and enjoy the mower you decide on. I am considering a 60 inch deck Ariens Ikon XD 23 HP. We have about an acre of lawn with a lot of pine trees, Great machine! Ill give you links at Amazon for two sizes. The 42 inch Model 75746 is also a good choice since you have less than 1.5 acres. Ive been looking at a couple different options and would like your advice on which one to go with. Here are some of the frequently asked ones. They make small batches and keep the price very affordable. You can get it with the two lap bars but they also offer their Joystick Steering System. While both mowers will cut grass a Zero turn is associated as you know with larger law areas. I am enjoying your site. If would you like to buy from your local dealer or store but still want to support TodaysMower just click on this link and buy anything you need. Please excuse my novice level lol. A Walker mower has a lot less stress on the transmission than the mid-mount ZTRs. Although stepping or climbing on your cutting deck might seem natural, in the long term it will shorten the lifespan of the deck leading to even bigger problems. The Toro Titan with MyRide is the best riding residential mower on the market. If you have curbs/islands without handicap cutouts you will have to make a set of ramps to get over the curbs. It is well worth the extra $600. Thanks! The man who mows for me would like for the mowing to take less time and the mower to require less repair. Ive noticed that they offer two different engines though. 2. Are Spartans dependable and here to stay? BTW If you look at the photos of both standers, the Bobcat frame / deck does look nearly identical (look at the caster arms, deck, deck suspensions). Possible candidates would be a Toro TimeCutter HD or Titan, a Cub Cadet ZT2, or possibly a John Deere or some sort. Click on each item to see them at The Home Depot. Dont worry about the commission. Browse a wide selection of new and used Heavy Duty Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Outdoor Power for sale near you at TractorHouse.com. I dont necessarily want to mow the whole thing, but at least half of it. Many features define a potential zero-turn, but the most important and commonly considered traits are power, durability, convenience, effectiveness, and a way to look dapper as possible whilst hanging out on the grass under the scorching sun. Good to know. Hi Frank, I wrote an article comparing it to the Ryobi and Cub Cadet here: 42-inch Electric Zero Turn Mowers Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? Someone who mows more than once a week is better off with a twin-cylinder engine, as they are more fuel-efficient and durable than their single cylinder counterparts. Have they had problems? Added to that if I ever move to a bigger lawn I wont have to buy a new mower. The Cub Cadet mower offers you a dual battery bay, meaning you can store another fully charged battery within the power bay. Your options for the best walk-behind or riding lawn mower range from $170 gas push models to lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers that can cost upward of $5,000. Want the best bang for the buck, if I am going to spend 12 to 17 grand for a mower. Im looking to buy my first zero turn. Starting with the most important facts and how the brands compare. Its made for lawns like yours. Thanks Paul. This in comparison with the ZT1s EZT-2200. Have used it less than 6 times since. Ill look then up. Think you figured that out. solid! Fabricated Deck 24-HP Kohler Pro, It is a hard one. On the Toro, however, height is controlled using a lever thats beside the speed control. If thats way out of your budget comfort zone an alternative is the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 in. Its a nice heavy ZTR and with the smaller deck, it should have plenty of traction for the ditch. Hi Brad, All three have transmissions capable of mowing slopes. I wanted to have beefier Transaxles. Plastic breaks and metal bends, so the inclusion of plastic isnt the end of the world. For example, if they have 2 Husqvarna dealers in a town and someone else wants to sell their products theyll let them sell the Poulan Pro or Jonsered brand. However, based on some of your previous reviews, it seems that I would probably need to be looking at a higher end garden tractor with a robust transmission and motor. I was also able to drive a zt1 50 at a cub dealer but he told me I could not engage the pto as then it would be considered used. The seat is easy to move with just two knobs under the seat. 679 cc Fuel Injected (EFI) V-Twin Engine Dual Hydro Gas ZeroTurn Riding Mower with Steering Wheel Control, https://service.webec.husqvarna.net/documents/HUSO/HUSO2020_NAen/HUSO2020_NAen__1141841-95.pdf, https://service.webec.husqvarna.net/documents/HUSO/HUSO2020_NAenNAesNAfrLApt/HUSO2020_NAenNAesNAfrLApt__1140537-38.pdf, Toro Timecutter HD 48 inch at the Home Depot, Toro TimeCutter MX5075 with MyRIDE Suspension, Toro TimeCutter MX5075 with MyRIDE Suspension System 50 in. The 48 48SC-BS24 is on sale for $4207 at sleequipment.com which seems to make it the best value of the 4 Bradley Stand on options. I just visited the local Gravely dealer and looked at the ZT XL 52. Ariens Ikon X 52 is my mower than! Also deciding between the deck size 54 ( 52 Exmark ) and both have a 60. Just increase the engine rpm to mowing speed and the vibration disappears. The two best are Stihl and Husqvarna for the U.S. market. Toro TimeCutter MX Series MX5050 Zero Turn Rider 74774 (50): $3200 Mowing about 1.2 acres. The bolt-in mulch kit is easy to take in and out for fall cleanup. HD clutch,HD motors and hydraulics, and 30 to 37 HP engines. Im leaning towards the Toro and more of the 50 inch model with the Kawasaki engine. The Walker will also give you the best cut out of all the mowers and stripes as well as the best commercial decks. The rest of the mowers are all great choices but if you have the Walker Model R on your list and your budget can handle it the Model R is the way to go. A homeowner doesnt need a commercial-grade zero-turn mower, as these are intended for very large areas. I have 15 acres of grass with voles holes/tunnels, berms, bumpy grass and fences. If you were only mowing 3 acres Id say go for it. Your site here and responsiveness is some of the best I have seen in my researching journey. The zero-turn mower market has grown quite competitive. Either way, you have the Toro TimeCutter and Cub Cadet zt1 to the test with a spot for the best combatant. I currently either mulch or side-discharge my clippings and will likely continue to do so. Is Your Yard Suitable For a Zero-Turn Mower? Hi James, I made a comparison list of the two here: Product comparison. Arm Rest Kit for Cub Cadet XT1 and XT2. There a many good brands but Ive used SeaFoam for years and its always worked well. The name is an old, well-respected name in the industry. It seems to me that you appreciate the Ariens mowers as the better built and maybe longer lasting. If it were me I would go for the Toro as well. My current seat does not have (that I can find) any electrical connections and a seated person is required to start the mower. They finally realized that their real mission was to make the best mowers for fewer people instead of making mowers for the masses. The Cub Cadet is manufactured by MTD, who produces equipment for many brands, just paints them a different color. It gives you a slightly more even cut. I have narrowed the choices down to two, the Toro 74630 TimeCutter SS5000 (50 Edge, I like the Kohler. If you are used to a mid-mount ZTR and then use the Walker for an hour youll never go back to the mid-mount. Flat-out, straight-line mowing its faster than the Walker. Im looking for a residential and will be cutting about 3.5 acres. Here's why I wouldn't 24 HP 725cc KOHLER 7000 series V-twin automatic OHV engine. While this feature makes operation a little more demanding, it helps ensure a smooth mowing process. With that being said, treat whichever machine you get with respect and be meticulous about maintenance. Reason Im looking at this style of zero turn is stability on hills. The deck is tough but mows best on normal lawn. 3. If you want a one and done mower the Vanguard is definitely the engine to buy. Available at CubCadet.com, The Home Depot, Local Dealer Best All-Around: Toro 42 in. Single-cylinder engines are less efficient and typically very loud. With the Toro in smart speed you can pull 450 lbs whenever you want but all the other residential ZTRs you are limited to 260 lbs. Hi Brian, Talk to your dealer and the two of you can decide if the ExMark or Toro is a better choice for you. Will the toro be underpowered? Ive compared the MZ Magnum and the ZT Elite to the Raptor SD and SDX and read many positive and negative reviews. The easiest way to explain the cost difference is: If the Cub Cadet Ultima lasts 5 years without any major issues mowing 10 acres the Toro will go 7 years and the Ariens 10 years. DO NOT buy the Dash. My machine will be for personal suburban residential use. The B&S Vanguard engine option is about $450 more than the B&S Commercial Turf. Both Gravely and Toro will be around for parts and service for years to come. Fab 22.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed, Agri-Fab 44 in. It just would not move. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-42-in-22-5-HP-TimeCutter-Commercial-V-Twin-Gas-Dual-Hydrostatic-Zero-Turn-Riding-Mower-with-Smart-Speed-75742/310836498 Small ZTRS like the Ariens compact should NEVER be operated on any kind of slope. I enjoy mowing the yard and do so often. All around homeowner use, what would you buy? Many thanks to you and for your website! free pickup and delivery or a discount on the turn-up) 4. (Im in Arkansas, and I think the closest place for Toro service is 50 miles away.) On 2.5 acres you may only need to replace the blades every 3-4 years. option as I could buy two of those for the price of the Walker or Clipper, Decisions, decisions.. Hi Wilson, Yes, Bradley is a hard sell to many people because he has never set up a larger dealer network. Home Depot has both the MX5075 and MX6050 available in CA compliant models. 6. DO NOT use the Atomic blades on this deck for mulching (atomic blades have teeth/notches on the back of the blade). The Ariens IKON XL is one of the best at cutting taller grass. Ill list them in my opinion the best choices. I suggest mulching your leaves in the fall. Its built heavier than the Timecutters but does not have the heavy-duty transmissions of the HD line. Both have dealer support and both have the same sticker price. So I am looking at potentially free delivery of the machine to my home. The kids who stayed in the business got used to the Kaws so they continued to put them on their next mower and so on. I then considered a Hustler Raptor SDX (cost too high) and the MZ54 Husqvarna (user reviews pretty negative). Hence, Cub Cadet 60 Volt Max 21 Signature Cut Push Walk-Behind Mower emerges as the clear winner in this segment. The John Deere mulches, bags and side discharges the best of all the 42-inch ZTRs on the market. It built better than the commercial mowers we used 20 years ago. You will find it on entry level commercial mowers where the price is the most important feature. That said, I dont recommend it for rough bumpy lawns and especially not areas like your 1 1/2 acres that you dont mow every week. Thanks for the feedback! I actually would prefer the Exmark or Toro. The second choice is the Toro Titan with MyRide. Im not sure what Sears is up to so Im not recommending their mowers until I know where the company is headed. ft. Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper. Are you kidding me? Toro: The Toro utilizes a patented Toro 452cc gasoline engine and a duel hydrostatic transmission. Wanted to get your thoughts on both. Thank you sir, the 75746 it is!! It even has a heavy deck and a very good motor. While the side pockets and cup holders are fun, the cuppy space would do a better job at keeping items secure from flying out of the mower with all the plentiful vibrations. The cut of my cub cadet is pretty good so I assume the ultima would be as well. If you are going ANYWHERE near a ditch you need a 60 inch or larger ZTR and the angle should be less than 15 degrees. Thanks for your time If you dive into the specs, there are a few small differences but none of which will make a difference in your cut. In addition, some companies want their own exclusive brand so they dont have to price match another retailer. Its only $300 more than the MX5075 but you get a whole lot more mower. Ariens IKON XD with Kaw engine $3299. Ariens IKON XD 52 inch 23 HP (Kawasaki) Mower. which is more solid and reliable unit? Here are my questions: if i am willing to spend between 6-7k.. what would you say is the best mower i can get (residential/commercial). . Mulching capability is also a consideration, since I would like to mulch the grass clippings and definitely want to avoid raking leaves. Since Cub Cadet is the newest and they tried to hit all the consumer pain points which includes noise, Ill have to guess the Cub Cadet is quieter. I will be cutting about 3.5 acres with a few rolling hills. Sure would appreciate any input (Brain muscle tired).. Hi Mark, Its very easy to get analysis paralysis when there are about 40 mowers that really could do the job well for you. Both mowers are good residential machines but I will have to say the Bobcat is a little more heavy-duty and it also will ride over rougher lawns better. Take care. Whats your thought on the John Deere Z355E? Please tell me what front deck zero turn commercial or semi commercial mower you recommend. If hill is wet I can walk behind to have more control This is possible because of lever control mechanics. Looking for a workhorse that will last, not difficult to maintain, power through high grass, good cut and smooth ride. While electric mowers are becoming more popular, in large part because they dont emit exhaust, there isnt one electric mower on the market today that can match the power and efficiency that gas-powered mowers are known for. As time goes by and my father in law and neighbor get older Ill be cutting probably in the 10 acre range. I also have a tow behind cart I use for hauling dirt, rock and mulch. 3400 pumps, 23 tires, 7 gauge deck, 10mph, B&S Vanguard for $4200? The company has a commercial implement office here in Ft Worth, but they dont stock any mowers at all. To steer right, pull back the right bar while keeping the left bar pressed forward. Hi Rob, All of the current name-brand zero-turns are a lot easier to drive than the models made 20 years ago. This will be fairly detailed, since I read in another comment that details help you. Is it just a matter of finding which dealer is right for me? Thanks for your help! It shows ZT-2200 on the MX5000 (both new and old versions) DO not know enough about the hydraulic drive motors to know what is the best of the HD motors. The Deere you are looking at uses the Intek. Freshly cut lawns are not only visually appealing, as they feel and smell great too. Cub Cadet ZTS (steering wheel ZTR) 50 inch and larger can handle 20-degree slopes because the front steering wheels help to hold the mower on the slope. Its worth the $5100 but the question is do you need that much mower? It gives a nice cut, and with the maneuverable front mounted mowing deck, he is able to follow the bed lines nicely. Do you have a suggestion for the engine choice, Toro twin 24.5 hp or Kohler 22hp? Red dirt sandy soil. This mower is self-propelled and can hang on any hill. No, it doesnt ride quite as smooth as the Toro MX5075 but rides well and is built stronger than that Toro. Hi Charles, No, They did not have any problems with the steering and transmissions. But was is really important to me is finding a mower that will last as long as my JD LX280 has, one that is as safe as possible on my slopes, and one that has an awesome cut. I know you said, walking is a pain but there is the Toro TimeMaster 30 in. The mower has a stamped deck (like your Husqvarna) and the Toro engine. Problem is nobody makes a blower for a bagger anymore in a 42 in size except gravely. The Cub Cadet is the clear winner right now but we need to give the EGO a chance this year to prove itself. Id like to stay cost conscious but I am willing to pay more for an exquisite end result. Others suggest Hustler, Bad Boy, and Husqvarna. All three cut very well. With the mulch kit installed on the 48-inch deck its really only 6 inches wider than the 42-inch and will go through a 54-inch gate. Look at this way, your paying the same amount as the Cub, and then making only a few additional payments to get a superior machine. There should be almost no sound. RYOBI 42 in. The decks are manufactured to incorporate aerodynamic force for a much more intentional distribution of clippings; to avoid clumping, stragglers, trailing, and improve the overall cutting quality of the deck. If you want the mower and need armrests here are the right ones: Cub Cadet Arm Rests. A cheaper belt is a cheaper belt. I believe youre right though on the 50 in for both. I have around two acres to mow, with a lot of flower beds, a large flower/vegetable garden, two out buildings, two houses, two driveways, quite a few trees, fencing along a cow pasture, and a ditch along the highway. The Toro commercial engine also has a great reputation. I was looking at the exmark radius 48 but they dont offer the kawasaki engine with them, do you know anything about those engines that exmark is using in their radius mowers. Hello Paul. I say all that to ask your thoughts on the Toro MyRide and whether its worth the money? Then if you still need help deciding which mower to buy feel free to come back and ask more questions here. I have a small lawn that is only about 1/3 of an acre mowable and it has a gentle slope in the entire backyard of about 6-8., However, I have 22, 60+ year old (mostly) oak tree in my yard that makes fall cleanup by hand impossible for someone with a full-time job and two young kids at home. PLEASE ADVISE. 5. If you want the Cub Cadet I suggest looking seriously at the ZT2. If you have a problem they take care of it or get you to a local dealer for the repairs. Yes, the biggest difference is the fabricated deck. You should not use Gator Blades for SIDE-DISCHARGE. I purposely did not expand on my Toro dealer experience. Hi Rob, Yes, there is a substantial difference between the Timecutter and HD models. Hi Pete, The Toro is very easy to work on. One of my local dealers does have some 2018 Gravely ZT HD 48 & 52 models in stock, and Im tempted. My suggestion is to see what dealers are in your area. The Deere probably looks a little better to me too, but my mower doesnt need to be pretty, as long as its not ugly and it mows well and has adequate service support if needed. The JD dealers seems good and I looked at the Z700 series. Hi Larry, There is nothing wrong with the Toro or ExMark except the sales didnt meet Toros expectations. The Liberty Z Scag is a residential mower and is the cheapest in the Scag line. The new model #991145 Gravely Compact Pro 44 Commercial mower is having many problems. I prefer the Walker. Keith, If you feel comfortable doing this: Please wear safety glasses, a face shield or a motorcycle helmet and shield. Appears to be a heavy duty estate class machine, has 2800 hydros, Kohler 7000 engine, and even larger tires. If you own a large patch of land, the Cub Cadet will serve you well for a long time. Ive driven the mower and I like it a lot. On the other hand, cub cadet zero turn mowers are slightly smaller in size than Husqvarna so you can't expect them to meet your large mowing needs. The 54 deck would be welcome as I do have some wide open mowing spaces. 1. I like the Ariens IKON X 42, the Troy Bilt Mustang Z42 670 cc V-TWIN as it seems like it has been built to last and supposedly has a smooth ride. The Vanguard is B&S true commercial engine. Hi Paul, In addition, ANY ZTR under 48 inches will have traction issues like sliding even on dry ground. For about $500 more you can get the MX4200. Paul, great article. Which One Is This? The choice seems tough here. You can also check out these videos: You will like the cut of the John Deere a lot. Theres no winner in terms of durability and maneuverability. Its very easy to work on and has an accessory front step and handrail so its very easy to get on and off of. Q: How hot do these transmissions get? (Some other retailers want you go find the solution yourself or they want to send it out to some far away repair center. Its a heavy-duty mower but the Deere will have more options available like baggers and mulch kits. The MX5050 is an old model. 10 years ago they were one of the best ZTRs on the market but today almost everyone else has passed them up for cut quality, service, etc. I think I would prefer the new one. Appreciate all the help! Watch this video: Paul hope all is well. Going to demo the Walker very soon and if I can manage to escape the seduction, Ill head down the road and pick up the Clipper saving a few bucks. I really have to say if you dont buy from The Home Depot go to a dealer you trust in your area. (Most commercial decks depth are 5-6 inches) Thanks! They are rated for over 500 hours which for most people equals 2 hours a week for over 10 years. That Craftsman Pro is made by MTD. I am looking to purchase a 60 ztr to mow 3 acres of mostly flat yard. Can a person get by with just buying the mulching blades as opposed to the entire mulching kit? By the way, is that cub cadet engine in a ZT1 it must be a previous year because this years model has the Kohler 7000 series (also a good engine) Personally if I have a choice Ill pick the Kaw first and then the Toro engine. When checking online pricing for the Z930M I found many of them with over 2000 hours still being sold. I had a Toro time cutter Z5035 model 74376 that lasted 10 years. ), since Im hoping to do a bunch of that myself. Hi Robert, On paper, the Liberty Z meets all the criteria for a good $4500 ZTR. Both are a lot more agile so you can go around obstacles faster. I am very new into this arena and have always cut with a walk behind. Great website and resource. Ive seen it cut roadside grass two feet tall cleanly on the first pass. JavaScript is disabled. Many smaller commercial owners are using the Patriot and it holds up to 10 acres a day every day use. Sorry for the long post but I have NO EXPERIENCE at all with any of this. A 22 HP/725cc Kohler 7000 series V-twin OHV engine delivers high-performance power and exceptionally smooth, quiet operation. So here is where Im at: my father in law suggested to go ahead and get something that will last instead of going with a steering wheel option i was originally thinking about. Buy at Amazon. The brands are both built for heavy-duty and do not deliver any less than that. Its not a bad idea for the first year. Thank you for your diligence. The dealer will be glad to sharpen and balance them while its in for the tune-up. I did check out your videos last week, very informative! The large 30-inch deck will get your lawn mowed in half the time of a 22-inch machine. Im neutral about the Liberty Z. I wish they didnt have so many mowers to choose from because it makes deciding that much harder. For years they sold a contractor grade engine that was $300 cheaper than the rest and it held up well so even though theyve raised their prices many small owner/operators still want the name. I appreciate any suggestions that you can offer. It all seems easy enough for me to do it, but its got a 3 yr warranty so what is the best practice?