Strengths 0 % for one year! Price - seemed to have more features than competing mowers in same price class - (cruise, deckwash system, 19 hp Kohler, Hydrostat tranny, indicator lights).

Weaknesses After one year's use total (80 hours), I've had many minor problems. The 1042 seems to be built with cheap parts. Hydro tranny has had problems, seat springs have broken (I'm only 150 lbs), Gasket in front of engine leaks, and a bar located under the engine came undone just yesterday which broke some wires apart???

Overall If you buy this mower, be prepared to have a truck to haul it to the repair shop for work frequently. If you don't mind this, this is a good mower.

Strengths Powerful,dependable Kohler engine. Construction seems better than most other MTD tractors. Side by side comparison with Troy-Bilt made Cub Cadet LT-1042 appear to be the best buy for only $100 - $200 more.

Weaknesses Very tricky Reverse Lever- push straight down making starting in reverse jumpy. Grease fittings nice, but could be better located. If used in dusty location, dirt will accumulate inside headlights which can not be turned off. (I put a switch on mine) Vibration is wearing notches into the plastic hood where it lays down onto dash. Cub Cadet will not allow oil filter cross reference and Lowes does not stock the overpriced OEM filter. Suggest supply ENGINE spec number and order from M&D in Ohio. You will receive genuine Kohler OEM filters cheaper. Deck wash is nice, but slow to clean out accumulation. Deck could be easier to R&R. Belt not easily removed. Engine is quite noisy.

Overall I believe the strengths outweigh the weaknesses and feel the purchase was well worth the extra money. I would buy another one based on what I have discovered using this for mowing & hauling.

Strengths Excellent engine (Kohler Courage 19 HP), comfortable adjustable seat and driving position, smooth hydrostatic transmission, electric blade PTO, excellent even cut, starts easily and sips gas, reverse with blade engaged is nice, sight window on fuel tank is easy to see, overall much better engineered than equivalent model from John Deere for less money.

Weaknesses Turning radius could be tighter, reverse gear is tricky to work smoothly. Not much to complain about at all!

Overall Excellent mower for the money. Mows just as well and as comfortable as others that are twice the price. I looked at a bunch of them from other manufacturers in detail before deciding on this unit. Tractor Supply Co. let me try one out before I bought it, that cinched the deal and they delivered it at no extra charge.