For what it may be worth to you, last year we bought 2 Cub Cadet Lt1 Enduro mowers with 46" deck and powered by a 23-hp Kohler V-twin gasoline engine that will use either regular gasoline or ethanol-free gasoline. One mower has been used a lot more than the other. Two were shipped to us and the trucker's waybill said there were two; but, there was only one delivered. One got lost somewhere. How a shipping crate that is about 3' wide and over 3' high, almost 6' long and weighs almost 500 pounds gets lost is up to one's imagination. But, Home Depot had another one shipped from the factory in Tennessee and it was finally delivered. Both mowers have performed well. They are well-designed and easy to operate and maintain. Oil changes use a really clever method that is quick and easy. Air filters, which get really dirty in dusty conditions are easy to remove and clean or replace. Oil filters are readily available from Home Depot. I have not removed the deck to sharpen the blades; but, it seems to be a fairly easy process. After my veteran's discount at Home Depot, the cost was about $2,500 each, again last year's prices.

Lowe's has a John Deere that seems to meet the exact specifications. Since John Deere advertises that their mowers are proudly made in America, in Tennessee, I suspect that they really do come from the same factory and Lowe's has some agreement to have Craftsman tractors made there, too. But, that's just guessing.

Since we have had no problems with either unit, warranty repairs has not been an issue. I hope it does not come up.

Good luck with your selection and purchase. I would strongly suggest that if you can find what you want, buy it! As the season advances, all of them will likely be difficult to obtain. It took over a month for the one to be shipped from Tennessee to Washington State.

My husband stopped doing the lawn and the neighborhood kid went to college and got a summer job. I bought a Simplicity zero turn, 38" mower. It has a Kawasaki engine (plenty of power). The deck where you put your feet is plenty big. The turn is truly great. (I threw down a dime and turned on it) Since it is hydraulically controlled, no grinding of gears. I love this thing.

To clean under the deck, there is a connector that you hook a hose to and run the engine . It cleans the interior of the deck and the blade. I don't even have to do this twice a summer. The mulching mechanism works fabulously. It cost just a bit over $2200. Worth it. Can't wait to have to mow the lawn again this summer. (I'm 74 and having fun!)