IMO Kolher courage is no Kohler Command Engine which Kohler has built good name. IMO they are low budget engines to complete with Low budget Briggs Inlek. Nothing wrong with that as long as you service it regularly (regularly IMO wouldn't be the 50 hours schedule but the schedule for the conditions you operate in. in extreme conditions it could be 20 or 25 hours or less (read the manual under operating in extreme conditions)) As for which one I would go test drive them see which one you like with the features you want. Dealer support and convienence could be desiding factor if he's rated highly .

These are questions to consider: Will this mower be used for other than personal mowing? - Is your flat acreage smooth and rock-free? - are there many (or will there be) shrubs/bushes/trees/obstacles? - available storage room for unit (they do not do very well if left out in the weather espesialy in extreme hot or cold) - does the dealer offer full support (important for those breakdowns/repairs if you dont know how to repair Anyhow - post of my Rules for buying new equipment... 1. Carefully evaluate the size mower you need and buy at least one size larger (For Example if you think you need a 28Hp get a 30Hp instead). 2. NEVER buy a mower from ANYPLACE that will not let you test drive it or at least a similar model. Ergonomics are just as important as performance and capability. (Vitally important!) 3. DO NOT base your purchase on price or brand name alone! Do proper research and find all of the available models that fit your criteria and haggle,save,or trade to get the right equipment for the job. Pick up a couple of extra residential yards to earn extra bucks. It is absolutely important that you do not compromise because of the price of your mower!!!! If you follow these three tips you will end up a happy camper with just the right mower for the job. If you disregard this advice your gonna end up with One or the other of the following 2 problems: A. Buyers remorse. Stuck with a piece of junk that is overpriced or simply a unit inadequate for the task at hand. Or.. B. A pissed off spouse when you start shopping for another tractor just 3 - 6 months down the road because you didn't buy the right unit in the first place. (In my experience 2 or more acres a diesel model is best they are very tough and low maintenence). Good Luck With The Choice You Make And May It Last Many Seasons.. Yes you will see this post alot it was copied from www.lawncaremillionaire.com a company I am partnered with visit this site for more info..

This is my first posting and thank all for their comments. I have 6-7 acres to mow with lots of trees. No hills with some slopes near creek which runs through property. My friend has dealership and has convinced me to buy commercial Hustler fast track 54" but he is 300 miles away. I live in north Texas area and there are no dealers within 40 miles of my place. What happens when there is a problem? I could buy cheaper machine from local Depot but like what I read of the Hustler.. But concerned over buying from store 300 miles away. Any suggestions?

I did finally wind up taking the advice from rdaystrom, and purchased a Gizmow 61" mower in March. They are no longer manufactured, but I found a dealer with access to them. Compared to the old tractor mower I have been using, it is fast as blazes. But most important, it handles the slopes like a dream. On slopes as much as about 15 degrees, I can just mow across the slope. I could probably go steeper, but that makes me nervous. On the dam, with a slope of about 30 degrees, I mow straight down the slope, back back up the slope, and make another pass. I would not feel safe mowing up the slope. Cub Cadet makes several similar mowers, including a residential version, a commercial version, and one they call "The Tank." The Tank is probably comparable to the Gizmow.