on 3/29/2008 6:01 PM Jim said the following:
Looking to purchase a consumer grade lawn tractor. My 18 year old Sears
(Murry) riding mower has manually selected gears. Many of the new
machines boast hydrostatic transmissions. Are these really any better?
Are they as durable as regular gears?

Mine ( a Murray Garden Tractor) has been running 12 months a year for
more than 15 years without any problems. I mow with it in the summer,
and snow blow with it in the winter. The tranny has never had any
problems and hasn't required any maintenance, or even an oil change, if
it contains oil at all.

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
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