I really don't see the reluctance of posters to answer my specific. question. You can go online & see reviews of different cars, appliances, computers, etc., etc., everywhere. I can't see lawyers lurking in the background wanting to sue someone who states their experiences with different brands of mowers.
A lady friend, who is on a budget, is looking at mowers & is totally confused. I offered to help check the MTD line out for her.
Well you are going about it in the absolute wrong way.
There is no such thing as the "BEST " or "WORST" mower from any brand .
And if there was it would make no difference because if you were a real friend then you would looking for the "RIGHT" mower for her.
And the RIGHT mower is the one she can drive comfortably, is a size suitable for her yard with a blade system suitable for the type of grass she has growing in her lawn . Then there is the question of what else is she likely to use the mower for .
So if you really want to help her then provide the information that would allow the people on here to make a sound suggestion as what would be suitable.
And don't forget the actual budget.
In reality if she is spending less than $ 3000 the just choose the colour she likes best as the difference between any of them regardless of the maker is minimal.
They are all build down to a price with a service life of around 5 years depending upon the amount of maintenance done ,