The motor does have two plugs if that refers to twins. As far as removing the bowl drain,what is (lh side). When you refer to pop the top and clean , do you meam remove the air filter and clean with carb cleaner from the top.Will pick up carb cleaner today and get back with results. Thanks

the 1998 design may have continued into 2001. I don't know for sure if this is the case. To further help in determining the year built, look at the engine numbers that are on top of the engine. The code identifies the date the engine was built (year/month/day/details).

I can give you some input based upon my experience with the engine (16 hp Kohler single) and tranny (K51) that is in my 2000 Scotts 1642. These are the same engines and transmissions used in the LT155 and LT160s that year. I have approx. 300 hours on my tractor. The enging and tranny have been flawless. My tractor has a 42" deck, but again, comparing it to the 42" deck available on the LT155 and LT160 that year, they are nearly identical. My unit has not lead a particularly easy life. I pull a 40" Brinly core aerator around behind it with 125 lbs of extra weight twice a year. I mow approx 3/4 of an acre with some hills. If the tranny and engine on the LT150 feel strong I wouldn't worry about them failing or being the weak points in those tractors. BUT, without knowing the hours or how they were used (or abused) by the previous owners, I would buy the new one. You get a warranty and from the description of how you plan to use it, it should last for the rest of your life. The Deere LT's were good machines. I wanted one but they were about a $1000 more than the Scotts units at the time and I couldn't afford the jump. It turns out these early JD Scotts units were pretty good machines and based on how it has performed up to this point, I would expect another 7 years out of it without any major problems. Good luck in your decision.

Colorblind - If your husband owned a lawn service, he must know that a residential unit cannot compete with commercial. Residential units have lower blade speed for safety reasons. I have a Massey Ferguson (aka Simplicity) with a 50" deck and a turbo bagger. It also has a 20HP mower. It has plenty of power and cuts well, but the commercial units cut better. I used to have a Deere LT150 with a bagger that cut very well. My neighbors' landscaper uses an Exmark with a 60" deck. He does bag it and it looks AWESOME when he is done. Much better than mine :(. My other neighbor has a Toro spin steer (possibly residential cost about 3 grand). Cuts very well and he mows once a week with NO BAGGING. That appears to be a great model. I drove it once and did not feel comfortable, so I bought another tractor. Even a used commercial unit might be a good option. I swear the higher blade speed makes even a crappy lawn look better. My next unit will be a commercial or I will pay a service.