Ok, the Honda GCV1600 started easily... I can't say I notice any difference over my older B&S, but I was surprised because it started on the first pull (well maybe I gave it a couple of short soft pulls to recheck the oil..another point, later). The choke is interesting, it is a manual pull to set, then when one closes the autokill bail the choke start to move to off, thus one needs to be ready to pull the rope as soon as they close the bail. The engine is also rated at "2", on a scale of 10 (10 is bad) cleanliness. So I can feel better about producing less pollution when mowing with it. Something to "feel" good about. On the oil, the manual is silent on the capacity, but the machine came with the usual short quart, I think it maybe be 1.5 pints. The suggestion is put it all in, and I'm sure many/most do. However, on putting about 3/4th of it in and checking the dip stick, I see it is full. Remains at the full mark after running for a few minutes. Of course, one is cautioned not to overfill, it is a splash lub engine. It seems like a serious error on my part or theirs, when they ship a special size oil container it should be the size needed to fill the oil tank, this protects the consumer from overfilling while guaranteeing, at least this one time, that the oil tank is full. Admittedly, it is hard to see clean oil on the plastic narrow cone shaped dip stick, but I can see it is wet to the full mark with less than the full container put in the tank. If the Honda is as good as my past B&S engines it will last until I don't need a mower any more. At my age I figure within the next 5-10 years I'm going to have to move off of the big property and take up a easier life stile in a Condo of other everything is done for you environment.

MDob - I'm in a similar situation as yours in the 1.5 acres of lawn...but I only have 1 acre of "extra". My 1.5 acres of lawn is pretty much all grass (thanks to WeedBGone Max), but an unknown mixture of various grasses depending on where you are in the yard. The original owner who built our now 5 yr old house obviously went the cheapest route he could go to have 1.5 acres of "green". I also have my yearly battle with European Chafer beetles which is a costly battle. One question not asked here is what is your soil composition? Sandy? Clay? I ask because ours is so sandy that I can't keep the 1.5 acres properly watered...don't have a sprinkler system. There is NO WAY I could start my whole lawn from scratch and keep a newly seeded lawn from dying. Just too big. I guess what I'm saying is that "might" it be better if you WeedBeGone Max the lawn now, then slit seed it after the appropriate wait time? It's a chemical yes but you can't have your cake and eat it to can you? What do the experts here say? Between Mo Nature and me I think I could keep enough moisture on the seed to get it established before winter. Or maybe just do 3/4 acre now then 3/4 next fall. I'm confused and I hope I haven't confused you more!!!

How about a another Wheel Horse? I just bought a 1988 414-8, 42" deck WH for $500. It was from the Orig. owner and ready to go. It should be the last garden tractor I "need" to buy. Just might buy another if the price is right! A rear engine Snapper is a simple, easy to work on mower. I like the lift the front end until it sits on it's arse, to clean and change belt/ blades, etc. If you buy a used WH and keep it maintained, you should be able to sell it for what you paid for it. Or your children's, children, will be able to pass it on to their children! Can you tell, I think these machines are built to last? Good luck, don't buy a piece of junk, like I did 5 years ago, when my old mower died. I bought a new Lawn Machine (MTD) for $1000. I was thrilled to sell it for $550 after I got the WH. Here is a link that might be useful:

AGCO is a Simplicity with a different paint job. I believe the 524H is equivalent to a higher-end Regent. Simplicity mowers provide one of the best cuts in the business. Don't be afraid of that larger 50" deck. Because it is larger, it is wider than the tractor making it easier to trim close to borders, etc., particularly with the tight turning radius. I have a Simplicity with the 50" deck, and I can trim closer and easier with it than my old 42" deck mower. The only bad thing about the 50" deck is bagging options are generally more expensive (if a powered bagger is required). I can't tell you much about the Husqvarna except that it is a Sears Craftsman with a different paint job. Both are AYP machines. I used a Craftsman for 13 yrs. before replacing it with a Simplicity. The Simplicity (Landlord DLX) is by far a better machine than my old Craftsman, but I got good service out of it. IMHO, the AGCO is the better long-term buy (better cut and overall machine quality). t