"Harry K" wrote in message
...
On Mar 29, 4:44 pm, Blattus Slafaly ? ? ? ?
wrote:
Jim wrote:
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?

Of course they are better, that's why they invented them. Instead of a
set number of gears there is an unlimited range between the slowest and
fastest ratio. Usually the more you press the faster you go. The reverse
pedal usually does the same thing only in reverse. But you do have to
keep your foot on it unless you have one on the column. With real gears
you can move your feet around because they are not busy. It could be a
cost issue. They still make gear shifts on low end models.

--
Blattus Slafaly ? ? ?

The higher cost ones in the company line will probably have "cruise
control" option. John Deere does. I didn't go for it but I find no
problem mowing my 2 acre area without it.

Harry K

I don't know about Sears's yard tractors but their garden tractors do have a
cruise control. You hold the pedal where you want it and pull up on the
cruise control lever, remove your foot from the pedal and that's it.
There's a little fall back in speed but only a small amount. I did have
trouble getting used to the hydro but it has been flawless for the past two
years. Longevity is another issue and that will be a variable factor for
anyone. There is an oil change interval in the hydro but it's quite long -
I just don't know what it is as I write this. Best of luck on your
decision.