To get back to the OP question,How big of yard do you have? How much do you know about riding mowers? Are you looking for a garden tractor, lawn tractor? What do you plan to use it for, just cutting grass? Will you be pulling a cart or trailer? As said earlier about deck cleanout ports, Some people like them, some don't. I have not had any luck, seems to me like more work then cleaning the with the old way. You can buy mulcher blades for any deck. Give us more infr on what you plan on doing with it to better match mower to job.