I think there was a time that everything made with the John Deere name was of the highest quality possible...
BUT with closer margins in the very competitive field of lawn mowers. You are going to find various quality within everyone of the major brands.
The most important consideration when you look at a mower should be...
How much area do you have to mow AND
How long can I reasonably figure it will be, before I have to replace the machine I am now looking at?...
If you are looking at something that will get you by for 3 to 5 years, there are a lot of lower end riders and ZTRs that will fit that market. In 3 to 5 years you will be spending the same amount again for the same type mower, and again, and again... with each replacement costing around 25% more for each replacement.
If you have already gone through 1 or more of those type mowers... and are looking to find a mower that is going to last the rest of your life ... You should be looking at a completely different type mower...
I am not saying you need an actual commercial grade mower to mow an average size lot.
But buy a mower that could last for as long as you want to maintain it...:smile:
KennyV