Andy replies:

I have had two Murrays. The work OK, and I am able to
make repairs to them as needed. Each lasted me about
15 years.
I presently have a Sears Craftsman which cost $900.
It is made better than the Murray, but will also be harder
if I have to repair it....
My neighbor has a John Deer, which cost about $2000.
It is like driving a Cadillac compared to the Murray or even
the Craftsman, and is well constructed. However, it mows
the grass just the same as the Murray, and requires
essentially the same maintenance. I expect repairs and
parts will be very costly for him.....

If you can maintain it yourself, there's no sense buying
an expensive model, as it will work about the same.
if your land has a lot of ruts and hills, and sticks, and
all manner of stuff that is hard to mow, it will be very hard
on the blade assembly housing. If you are mowing a golf
course, I wouldn't spend the extra money.....

Those are just my opinions. I am a frugalista, and don't
see any point in paying a lot of extra money for a name
recognition brand, if my needs are such that something like
a Murray will do the job just as well...

Andy in Eureka, Texas