I bought a Huskee lawn tractor about 2003. But They came with 46 inch deck and a single speed transmission to select forward or reverse. It was $1300. Not cheap, but the belt/gear drive pulls my hills without overheating or whineing. At the same time, TSC had a garden tractor with a 50 (or 54) inch mower and a tranny with 2 speeds forward and reverse. While the tranny had 1 inch axles compared to the 3/4 inch axles on the lawn tractor, it used the same double belt drive (same parts). As I remember, LO range was 1/2 the speed of HI on this tractor. Price varied with one that was marked $2,000 and another better model marked $3,000. But the bottom line is do you want a varible speed belt drive (shifting is required between forward and reverse, unlike a hydro), and is the unit in excellent shape. These are MTD's and not the most desired tractors. JerryO

OK... After looking at every new and used riding mower at $1000 or less in the Orlando FL area, I think I have found my first and last riding mower. It is $999.00 (which is $200 more then I have, until my disability checks kick in) for the Huskee® 42 in. 18.5 HP* LT 42 Tractor and I may be able to get a 10% military discount as well! Please let me know what you think as my little brain is fried after a 2 day exhausting research and seek mission. I thought about a walk behind to save money, but since my back surgery I can't walk for more the 20 min straight and we have .43 acre to mow in this killer heat. Thanks

Horse power is the least of your concerns (please dont get caught up in the HP wars - you will not win) I have an 8 and 10 HP riders that i would not swap for anything. Dont be too concerned about Briggs vs Vanguard - thats another loosing battle (some may dispute this)... Make sure you get a motor which has a pressure fed lubrication system (oil pump and oil filter). FYI - most of these newer motors will have over head valves. Most will agree that a Kawasaki engine will deliver the reliability you are really seeking (at a higher cost of course)... I am a firm believer that the smaller motors sip fuel (compared to twin cylinder motors), while others will mention the twin cylinders are smoother (sometimes quieter)... My response to this is that if I wanted smoother and quieter - I would buy a Cadillac ... Also be aware that large mowing decks do NOT lend themselves to bagging leaves in the fall - if this is not a problem for you then you dont have to factor it in. I have a 46 inch deck on my larger unit and it will not bag leaves unless it has a VERY expensive bagging system which has a unit which is mounted to my deck and blows the leaves up the chute into the bags... Smaller decks do not have these problems (i would say 42 inch or less will work reasonably well with bag systems.) Dont rely on opinions of sales clerks in Home Depot or Lowes... If they knew anything about these machines - they'd be working at a local tractor Dealer (Ie ... J.Deere or otherwise). Also - if you have several months to look - you *MIGHT* want to buy used equipment ... if you look at enough mowers in the next few months - you will recognize a good deal when you find it (hopefully). Im perfectly comfortable buying used (and abused ) equipment ... Im comfortable fixing my stuff - and the equipment that requires work - will always be cheapest. If your not handy - then you might try to find someone how can check the used stuff out for you... HOWEVER there are PLENTY of machines out there which are running fine at the sellers house ... but once you get them home you start to get that sinking feeling in your stomach. For example you discover that the motor burns a LOT of oil - this could be a real nightmare if youve purchased a mower assuming all is well with it. With regards to the brake pedal - my larger mower has a hand operated lever which is used to very granularly adjust the forward speed of the mower. Others have this control built into the break pedal which also doubles as the transmission speed adjustment. I'm told they are not as nearly granular as the hand levers. I love my hand control tranny - but admittedly it gets tricky when your dealing with all the obstacles and trees, etc... Ive gotten use to it, Ive heard other comment they love the foot control - as it keeps your hands free for steering, throttle, and deck control. Dont forget to factor in - the possibility of pulling carts of stone, debris, fire wood, snow plowing, etc. These tasks require a more stout machine than you might normally purchase just for doing your lawn. Finally - please understand that all units (new and old) - regardless of brand require service and maintenance. They work in dirty, hot, and unforgiving conditions. They can last a few years - or taken care of you can get 8-15+ years from them (another arguable point - depending on who you speak with). Best of luck to you in your shopping and decision making.

My experience with this MTD variable speed drive is that the drives don't slip until the belts are real bad or you have a loose mount. It is best to replace both belts at once, but as the rear belt wears much more quickly, you typically can just change that belt. If the front belt is noticeably worn or is chunking, then it gets replaced obviously. If the front belt gets replaced, for sure do the rear or you may have a low speed issue. You absolutely have to use the OEM belts. The linkage was set up properly when it was new and should not typically need adjustment unless it has been fiddled with or damage occurred. The adjustment is an adjustable end like a tie rod where you pull the pin, unlock the jam nut to make the adjustment. Look for binding linkages and that the transaxle mounts front and rear are secure. The VS pulley should both turn freely and the center sheave should move up and down freely as well.