"Jim" wrote in message
...
My aging riding mower is nearing replacement. Although it has served
its purpose I think this time I'll go for a lawn tractor that better
fits my 6'4" frame.

For my needs most of the advertised models in the $1,000 - $1,500 range
seem sufficient. Question is the relative value of the automatic
transmission over the regular.

My rider has the manual and has served well without any tranny work.
Other than laziness is there any other advantage warranting the extra
cost to go automatic?

Main thing to me is that the blades can be ran at full speed all the time
and you varry the speed you go over the yard to suit your need.
I had a 3 speed and to get the blades fast enough I had to travel too slow
to suit me. If I went to the next gear I could go the speed I wanted but
the blades were not going fast enough. Also if you need to backup a few
feet and then go forward again, all you do is move your foot on the one I
have ( John Deer LT 120).