Yes, I'm still in NC. Can't afford to move to the desert with sand and cactus and no grass. I think the warranty is about 90% of it all because most any mower will probably start and run when you first get home with it. I just want to get it straight from the horses mouth, so to speak, instead of a dealer who is trying to make a sale. Don't take the horses mouth as an insult. I love horses and I think they are beautiful. Oh, by the way, not everyone owns a camera (poor things don't know what they are missing) but most people have a yard to mow.

I had to get a new mower last spring. I use a 42 also because I have some long areas near ditches and rock walls needing that smaller width. Prices were higher than hell and inventory short.
What I found was the new Craftsman is a Cub Cadet. They get made by the same plant/manufacturer.
I was looking at both brands. No Cubs of the model I wanted in stock anywhere. But for $300 less you can get a Cub Cadet painted red with a Craftsman label on it. Go figure.
Best riding mower I have ever owned. Gives a great cut, powerful smooth transmission. Highly recommended.
Picked it up at Lowes.

Did some research a couple of years ago and decided that the Hustler Raptor with the 42 inch deck fit my needs very well. I’ve got a 48 inch gate that I need to get thru, and the 52 inch deck was too big. Have to pull off the chute on the side that takes the grass from the deck and sends it to the rear bags, but other than that it’s been a workhorse. I bought mine from Home Depot, but if I had to do it all over again, I would get it from an authorized local dealer just in case any warranty work is required.
Andy
Just be careful when using a zero turn, cause they can really tear up the turf, especially when it’s wet.