ZTRs are fun to mow with. I have 2.9 acres of which I mow about 1.5 acres. I have a 42" Craftsman rider, it takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours to mow. I'm 63, retired, live on SS and mower repair jobs. If I had money 2 burn, which I don't, I might get a ZTR but only for the fun of it. My 42" Craftsman is going into its 12th season, have changed blades a couple times, belts once. but, I do take good care and keep it up.
If I had a suggestion for a purchase I would look seriously at Xmark, Scagg, and Toro. The Kawasaki motor on the Xmark is a great motor. As far as comfort goes, take a look at someone mowing with a ZTR.... the faster you go, the more you bounce. So, comfort is mowing at a moderate speed whether its a rider or a ZTR. As for one that will last many years, its all dependent on the TLC provided. :thumbsup:
I agree about TLC, I have a 2 Crafstmen, 42 and 46. The 46 is hydrostatic 20hp 1995 model and the 42 is a 1998 model both have kholer engines and have never had any motor issues at all. Oil changes all the time, blades,batteries, filters and belts keep them going. Kenny mentioned things about these throw away type mowers but I'm not sure I agree with that if you take care of them, heck these decks on mine are not top of the line decks and they still do the job. If I can't get a good decent ride with a top rated res ztr I would not be happy.