Lawn Tractor - Mower

[TheProfessor]

It's time for the purchase of a new lawn tractor/mower.

Although my current John Deere still runs fine, it is 15 years old and showing some signs of age.

So off to seek a replacement. I do not need any expensive mower with bags and such. Just a simple riding lawn tractor that cuts grass.

I am only seeking a manual transmission riding mower. I do not want any automatic nor hydrostatic. Yes, they are great and many love them. I do not want any automatic. End of that discussion.

Now to seek a lawn tractor that has an engine made in USA. That is much more difficult. Tecumseh seems to be gone. That leaves Briggs & Stratton and Kohler. Both Briggs & Stratton and Kohler now manufacture some engines in China. I don't want any China junk.

Seems to be a tad difficult to find on any web site for lawn tractors where the engine is manufactured. And a tad difficult to find a manual transmission one.

So off to the local area dealers to ask. And most themselves don't know where engine is manufactured - as manufacturers make it somewhat difficult to find and read the label. I found one locally that state that the engine is "Crafted in China". Nice marketing. Some state Made in PRC - just to confuse the potential buyer.

I did find this on one web site which might be interesting. The difference between a dealer purchased model and a big box model.
Below is one persons take or opinion on the difference. May or may not be accurate.

" The difference between a true Huskvarna from a dealer and one from a big box store is complete. Most parts are not interchangable,and some dealers don't carry parts for them. The 46 inch JD and the 46 in Huskvarna from Lowes use almost all the same parts. The dealer model with routine maintence will last many years past the store model. It will also cost about twice the box store one. The big box stores licence the brand name to sell a cheaper version of a name brand mower and the average buyer will never know the difference."