I picked up a pristine 1997 Honda riding mower at a farm auction a few years ago. I wanted a used riding mower to keep some tight spots between fence lines in my pastures mowed, where even my little Ferguson TO-20 wouldn't fit. I wasn't willing to use my "good" riding mower in those areas, so I wanted to pick something up at an auction real cheap. I was amazed that few people were interested in this mower, and I got it for $400. It had tire chains on it's rear wheels, and I asked the farmer who was retiring and selling all his equipment about it. He used it for his lawn, and for the tight spots in his pastures just like I wanted to. It's only 12 horsepower, so the chains help it's traction. Well, this little "beater" mower has outlived my "good" mower, and I use it on my lawn areas, too. The chains have never made a mark on the lawn, and I wouldn't hesitate to put tire chains on another riding mower.