At this price range there is little difference in tractors. I have a Sears 22 HP, hydrostatic, have had for the past 8 years. Pressurized oil system, change the oil and filter every year, sharpen or replace the blades as required.
When I bought it most other ride-ons in the price range ($1800) had stamped steel front axles and a mower deck stamped from body metal. The axles on the sears are cast iron and although I've never measured the guage of steel on the deck, it's substantial enough.
Never had a single problem with it. Bought it thinking that within 3-5 years I'd be doing some serious maintenance or looking to replace it. Truth is my wife hauls around our polymer trailer loaded full of composted soil for her gardens, I've had the same trailer loaded with Class A to repair access roads on our property, have hauled the guts out of the little thing, can't seem to hurt it.
I mow approximately 2 acres with it once a week from April to Oct, despite all the negative reviews I can't agree, hasn't been my experience at all......