I have owned the Z425 for a full season and it is more than fine. OK, it isn't a $5,000.00 mower, get over it. For the price, it is by far the most solid feeling mower over all that I looked at from Husky, Toro, LawnBoy, CubCadet ETC. I selected the 48" model based on storing it in the garage, and maneuverability. The seating position and comfort are markedly better than the competition except maybe the Husky was equal. I also needed the bigger wheels for better traction on slopes. The V-twin is a nice addition for smooth power and longevity over the Z225 one-lunger. The controls are superb, and smooth, with ample adjustments. The cut is fantastic and even. I only use the highest setting to let the grass have a chance to support the root system. Most people cut their grass way too short. But even with a maxed out cut setting, it is smooth and even. The engine? The ELS series engine is about $100.00 more than the Intek series when bought separate. I really don't think that the Intek will be an issue at all based on it's construction (oil filter and high pressure oil system). Throw some synthetic Mobile 1 in there after the first 50 hours to break the rings in and go. Could Deere have used the ELS? Yes, but they didn't. This isn't a deal breaker for me at all. The CubCadet has a Kawasaki, and it is not as nice to use. The controls are too loose and imprecise and the overall build is not as finished as the Z425 Deere. Is the CubCadet a "bad" mower? No, it just isn't as satisfying to use as the Deere, so the engine isn't all there is to it. Not to mention local Deere dealers to properly get parts or fix any nasty issues that might arise (machines do break eventually). Oh, the 3.5 gallon tank? I can mow six acres on a tank (my 2 acre yard three times) before I run out of fuel. If you can stay on it long enough to run it dry, stopping for gas will be a relief. My biggest nit is that the controls do not have a center point adjust and are slightly forward and back from one another in the straight ahead position at less than full speed, maybe an inch or so. I got over it and don't notice it much any more at all. So once you adjust the mower for even full speed tracking with the adjuster bolts, the less than full speed tracking is off some. So, for the 3700.00 bucks, the Deere got my cash and I was glad to part with it. In ten years or so I will probably change mowers just to do something! My only concern in their choice is a full 5 acres could have used the wider Z445, not so much any worry about the engine.

Herus, Working under pretty much the same priorities as you, I bought the Husqvarna tractor you're linking to at Sears (with the mulch kit) about 6 weeks ago. I put a lot of research into the decision and decided this tractor offered the best feature set, reliability, and value for the money. Tell Sears you have a 10% off coupon you could use at to buy this tractor at Lowes and they'll at least match the price by knocking 10% off (making it ~ $1620). You can probably get them to throw the mulch kit in free as well (I did). So far it's performed flawlessly on my relatively flat lot and I expect years of trouble free service going forward. The mulching kit works ok, although I think a set of Gator mulching blades will make it better. The Husqvarna has several advantages to the Deere aside from a lower price. These include being easily able to mow in reverse, electric clutch for the blade (called electric PTO, safer if you have kids and easier to use), a wider deck (mow more grass in less time), and a front bumper. Both models have B&S Intek based V-Twin engines (although the JD supposedly has an updated crank and bearings). Both models have the same Tuff-Torque K46 hydro tranny, which seems to be sufficient for a lawn tractor. The Deere has green and yellow paint though. Either will probably work well for you, one will just cost you more.

I have had a Lawnboy Precision, with the Honda GXV 390, since 2004. Love it... it cuts our 2.5 acres in 1/4 the time of our traditional rideon lawn tractor. It is a little less stable on the banks but if you mow across and then turn uphill for the next swath it works fine. There is a lot less traction with this unit as it is lighter in overall weight. It therefore get stuck on boggy ground or wet grass a little more easily. Only mechanical issues I have had is, it has been through 2 starter motors.. and this time once I got it up and started again it would not shut off... I little checking around.,. Ground fault at the main ground at the base of the engine. It was slightly loose.

If you have a slope your better off to stick with a geared transmission. However if you have to have a hydro make SURE that it is a K66 or better. The light duty K46 units aren't durable enough for anything but flat ground. Designations tell you a lot. LT=Lawn Tractor GT=Garden Tractor. Garden tractors are rated to pull ground engaging implements and lawn mowing is child's play for them. When you get into decks over 42" inches in a Big Box LT your looking at an over powered unit on a light frame that IMHO is NOT the best way to go on anything but a flat "not to big" yard. I just sold an old Craftsman GT 6000 that I'm sure will still be running 10 years from now. Unless you get into commercial duty, zero turn units are the repair centers best friend. Children's college educations are being paid for by the fathers repairing these machines. Craftsman mowers have been recommended. I second that. I have not been skunked yet on parts availability from Sears. Ebay is also a great place for Craftsman parts as well as others. If your going to keep the machine for years and want a large deck figure on an up scale model that has the heavier components. It will cost you $3500+ If price is a big consideration buy an inexpensive 38 or 42 geared transmission model built By MTD. $999. These units mow just as good as the $1300/$1400 JD's and Cub Cadets and give less problems. You don't need 20 HP for a 42" deck. My 2 cents. What say you?