Joe Canuck wrote:
Consider your mower a long term investment and purchase the best you can
afford at the moment.

Craftsman also make mowers that are Honda powered. Honda power is
definitely better that B&S.

I would look at mowers for long term use in this order:

all honda (fairly expensive, but worth it)
John Deere
Cheaper model with a honda engine.

Going any cheaper might give you grief later, but most people have not
used a good mower to know how much better they are new not to mention 5
years later.

You get what you pay for.

Kirb