I got tired of nursing along my old rider and gave it away. I was
sure I wanted a Kohler engine this time out but I see Briggs now has a
fully pressurized lube model which seems popular and now I am not so
sure.
Zero turn is out of the picture. I can't bring myself to pay $1000
more ($2600) than I would pay for a decent tractor type ($1600),
especially for my small lawn. The lawn is just large enough to demand
a rider and takes about an hour to cut. The 42" deck I had was just
about right so I want to stick with that. I mulch so power can be and
issue (it takes a lot more power to mulch).
I have looked around a bit and three machines have caught my eye.
Of the MTD bunch, I like Cub Cadet LT1042. I also saw a nice
Husqvarna and a John Deere. All are in the $1600-$1700 range.
I would appreciate recommendations on engine type/brand/HP and
especially comments on lawn tractor brands.

On Sun, 26 Mar 2006 16:32:26 -0600, wrote:

I would appreciate recommendations on engine type/brand/HP and
especially comments on lawn tractor brands.

Consumer Reports recommends the John Deere over the Cub Cadet and
Husqvarna. They rate the JD L111 best and the JD L108 right behind. The
L111 has more power and a cruise control over the L108.

I have the JD LT155 also (38" cut). I love it. I put Gator blades on
it and it has been working flawlessly for 5 years. Good luck!