My wife bought me a Craftsman lawn series tractor for Father's Day, 20 hp, 42" cut. It broke after just a few uses and I realized it was going to be an ongoing issue so I took it back to Sears. The deck is plastic and the blades are very weak. Sears was pretty good about the return. At first I was threatened with a 15% restocking fee but they eventually gave me a full refund. With my lawn half mowed and fall approaching (we have lots of leaves to contend with) I was on a mission to find a replacement for around $1,500. I went and looked at models at every big box and mom and pop shop and scrounged around on the internet reading loads of reviews. I concluded the entry level JD, and Cub Cadets are all junk and the companies should be ashamed for selling this stuff. They both make good machines but you need to spend about $2,500 or more to get into something quality that will stand the test of time. My search came down to two models, the Husqvarna 2246LS (22 hp and 46") for $2,000 and the Snapper LT-100 (23 hp and 46")for $1,800. I ended up going with the Snapper because Sears sells it and they will do 0% financing for 12 months. Plus they did me right on the return of the other one. I also got $100 off as the tractor had a small split on the seat. Husq. has a financing program, but it is kind of a scam, the paperwork for the financing ends up costing you about $100 and you have to pay 5.9% interest (I think that was the rate). Granted I just brought it home and have only used it once, but so far I am thrilled with it. The deck is 12 ga. steel and very sturdy. The twin motor is much quieter than the other one was. The cut is very smooth and the machine has all kinds of power. I am sure it will have no problem pulling a lawn sweeper, aerator, or dethatcher. I know there is a lot of talk about this not really being a Snapper, recent changes at the company, new ownership, it is a low end knock off unit, blah-blah, but for the price, this in my opinion is the best thing out there. For a few hundred more you can go from a machine that may last you a handful of years to one that should very well last many years with little maintenance.

Some posts don't age, they just get more validated with time, and Charlie2's is that kind of post. My Wife and I got a great laugh at your writing style, very well written. I've wrote several articles about the quality issues and lack of warranty now days, it didn't get better, it got worse. Buying the upper end of Husqvarna might have just been bigger bills. This old post should get some new life, I wish the best. My latest on Husqvarna is here, I show the problems through the years with pictures and other peoples trouble, https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6144293/ceo-of-husqvarna-calls-it-quits-on-lawn-and-garden-tractors-petrol My story with Husqvarna, https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5361478/beware-of-husqvarna-garden-tractors My attempt to fix a sloppy steering system, (I have the upper end and same steering issues all these years later) https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6074618/husqvarna-craftsman-and-related-models-steering-sloppy-at-the-top GT

Hello Marco, I hope your project is coming along well. I have had two Wheel Horse tractors with Sundstrand transaxels. The first was 14 years old when I got it. My Current tractor is a Wheel Horse Charger made in 1969. Both are 100% reliable. These tractors use a single forward/reverse lever control located just to the right of the steering wheel. No "cruise control" is required as the lever will stay where you put it. The tractor can be stopped by returning the lever to the middle position. There is a foot pedal that can do this. I find this very handy. The foot pedal on these tractors is on the left, Familar to me since I grew up driving a WH suburban manual with the combined clutch/brake on the left. But probably this should be on the right for optimal ergonomics. I agree with others who say that hydro is the way to go 100%. When mowing not only is it good when you need to back up or manuver, it is also very good for when you hit a thick patch of grass or have to slow down to negotiate a slope. I also use a dozer balde/snow plow and having the ability to go from forward to reverse to forward is really nice. The only real disadvantages I am aware of is the fact that hydros use more gas, and cost more. So, if you can improve the efficiency that would be good. Or maybe reduce complexity or weight. The other thing I like with the Sundstrand is they have ports for other hydraulic attachements. I wish the were brought out to some sort of common fitting (or quick fit) so that adding accessories would be a matter of modular connections versus having to remove plugs, add shimes, etc to use this feature.

Let us know how it goes john. Wish I had Marvel Mystery Oil tip before I changed mine. I have always poured the mystery in engines, down the throat, in the oil, and in the gas. Good stuff. I have a 1986 MTD mower, that I got new from Hechinger with variable speed pulley system.It is on its 2rd used engine. The last engine is a 15hp kholer off a worn out craftsman mower sitting in my Dad's shelter for 10 yrs. Poured in fresh gas with sea foam. Fired right up. Gave Mtd another Life. I have cut 1/2 acre or more grass all these years with it. I have purchased 2 other new mowers over the years when the mtd was having engine or other problems. Used for a while, did not like the slow speeds, then sold when I revived the MTD speed demon. First was new craftsman 22hp hydro lawn tractor,in the 90's . Second was 15hp home depot. They were just too slow. Any way why did I buy a 2006 Deere 155c? It was my wife of 35 yrs who purchased it. She did not like me mowing with an antique mower. I am bitten by shiney green cutter. I miss using my Mtd. Needs electrical adjustments, seat mounting, Blade bearings {never changed them), and other improvements. But it still cuts. Not done with it, just letting it rest.