Your are most probably looking at a variation of the 'Intek' which is simply a very entry level engine, this morphed into the Intek 'ELS' which morphed into the Intek 'Professional' bottom line ; the 'ELS' and 'Professional' variations are the Intek, nothing more: get the manual and it will be listed as such.
Some of the best advice with regard to mower buying was posted here recently-if you can't get the full Monty skimp on the deck-go stamped rather than fab and get the best drives-minimum ZT2800, and a Kawasaki.
Beware ANY completely sealed, ie Tufftorque K46- drive but its going to be hard with lawn tractors and alot of 'garden' tractors-they are everywhere.
To date the best bargin, by far, that I have seen is the Gravely ZTXL combo deck, ZT2800, powder gears but with filters, and a Kawasaki-yes its the FR, but even the most basic Kaw is alot better than any 'professional' Briggs.
And of course you need to buy from a source that will take it back if you are not happy-ONLY Deere as a manufacturer, will do this with its tractors and of course Sears, the Depot and Lowes will also.
Robert, Kubota will take back any unit if the buyer is not satisfied.
As for ZTRs, I like John Deere, Exmark and diesel Kubota. All are expensive, professional, and all will make money.
For safety I prefer Kubota. In Oregon Exmark is probably the most popular, but municipals and golf courses use Walker and John Deere.
For engines I have never had a problem with Kawaski. Plenty of problems with Briggs. Deere and Exmark use commercial Kaws, Kubota uses their own engines-and they are very good.
