We recently bought a house with a lot that is just big enough for a rider. I don't need a large deck or a zero turn. The terrain is flat for the most part with only a couple of small trees that I just planted this spring. Before you recommend one keep in mind that I just want a basic mower that will last say 10 years. I don't need bells and whistles. I have been looking at the Troy Bilt Pony http://www.troybilt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_14102_89545_17662_-1 and a couple of inexpensive Craftsman mowers. So what inexpensive rider won't constantly throw belts and last for 10 years?
Anyway, my point: Cheapest may not always be the best road to take when you consider repairs. My sister bought one of those el-cheapo orange riding mowers at Lowes, and never did get her lawn completely mowed with it before returning it for a refund - after 2 return trips in hope of a fix. She plunked down the cash for a John Deere 5 years ago, does her yearly maintenance and has had zero issues.
