Strengths Strong Engine (Kohler 18hp), Reasonable Price, Been Very Dependable

Weaknesses No Clutch/Brake - 2010 model has one, Adjustable seat unsecure for operation

Overall Great buy if you ask me. Worked it hard all last year and never let me down. 2010 model looks to have improved with the clutch/brake, more hp and larger rear tires. Sorry everyone else having issues, hope mine keeps going.

Strengths I have to say that this unit lasted for 5 years. I kept the3 oil changes 2x each season, filters as well. The tractor was a decent product and I really had few issues with it for the first 3 years. Belts lasted 4 years.

Weaknesses Blades constantly had to be sharpened, uneven cutting - even after adjustments "by the book," and engine performance was substandard after 3 years - even with regular maintenance and tuneup. Tires were constantly flat from year 1 and had to refill them every time I used the unit. Refused to pay $60 for a tire. Changed belts after year 4 and then blew the head gasket. Not worth the rebuild time. Briggs & Stratton 17.5 Hp engine should have performed much better. Dissapointed.

Overall Decent product, but the price does not reflect equally with its performance and lack of longevity. It should be a minimum of $300 less. I certainly expected more from a Briggs & Stratton. I will not buy another. I will look for a unit with a Honda engine - better performance with a lower RPM. Unfortunate an American company builds a less than strong product.

Strengths Nice control and power.

Weaknesses It's a pain using the leaf bags with that long tube that comes undone constantly, but most of all!!! Isn't fitted to hold a snow blade!!!!!

Overall Buy one that can fit a snow blade!

Strengths starts easily, runs good

Weaknesses blades are terrible. had to replace drive train after 2 years. will not mow in reverse.

Overall so-so

Strengths good mower has alot of power

Weaknesses The only thing that i dont like is the small seat with the low back needs to have a better more comfortable seat

Overall

Strengths Starts easy, Engine seems strong

Weaknesses I believe the deck belt is too long, I have replaced it 3 times with belts from Troy-bilt (MTD). Every belt is the same all seem to be too long and slip off every mowing. I have replaced all the pullys 3 times in 2 years. Belt system is a very poor design! Blades are junk, bend very easily. Unlevel cutting. Cuts great with deck all the way up, but drop it to mid position and blade slows to a crawl.

Overall Cheaply built, poorly designed equipment. I only bought it because Consumer Reports called it a best buy. Will never buy a Troy-bilt again. Mower shop informed me that it is built by MTD.

Strengths paint job

Weaknesses deck,and from what i'm reading everything else

Overall did not read comsumer warranty before buying,first 5 minutes,deck dropped down,my lawn looks like a ufo landed in my yard. now waiting 15 days for check to clear,lowes will refund,i'm thing about an ariens mower. any suggestions for under $1300.00?

Strengths None that I've seen so far

Weaknesses we've had mower for about 2 years and had 3 repairs, each of which cost almost what we paid for it. replaced 3 belts, geaar shift jams and engine sounds like a thrashing machine

Overall very poor product. I'll never buy another

Strengths Kohler engine, basic mower just like all the other brands of this age.

Weaknesses Used it once so far, the transmission gets stuck in gear when resting on a grade, after 1/4 acre the blades look like they're not going to last long, wear and chips. The deck bracket welds were rusting already, I applied a coating to the topside of the deck before use.

Overall My family owned a small engine repair/mower sales/equipment rental store in the 70's to early 90's. Like everything else, none of the brands today are built like they used to be. This looks like bottom of the line if it were 1985, but sadly it's average to high these days.

Strengths Good strong engine

Weaknesses dr. Hard to get toive belts and pully

Overall Lowes need to stovk more parts if they want me to continue to buy from them