First time to post on this site. I have been reading with interest on the various sites regarding the “economical” vs. the “you get what you pay for” points of view. My own story: I am looking at these sites because I want to buy a rider because my push mower is nearing the end of its life cycle. That PUSH (I mean PUSH) mower is a 14 year old Murray 3.75 hp Briggs Sprint that cost $90 new at Wal Mart. I change oil at least once per year, change the filter, keep the blades sharp, avoid mowing bricks and stumps. It still starts on the first or second pull. I mow approximately a .5 acre lot with it, probably 25-30 times per year. Point is, some folks would have me replace it with an $8000 top of the line tractor, while others would have me purchase a $750 job at Wal Mart. I prefer to use a little common sense over both points of view. After all, I think I’ve gotten good service out of this little piece of ..well, at least it didn’t cost me $1,100 like some Honda push mowers do. I think if all you have is a residential lot that you want to cut grass on, a moderately priced lawn tractor or riding mower, say in the $1500 range, give or take is going to serve most people just fine ….As long as they take care of it. Try not changing the oil or otherwise not servicing it regularly and you’ll be back on forums like this one yelling about how bad this or that brand is. However, you do get what you pay for. Its just a matter if you have the money or if you really need that much machine. Can you really afford what you just paid for seems like a better question.
