Red wrote:
I've got a flat 1 acre lot and am considering getting a smaller ztr
mower. I just compared the cub cadet and troy bilt 42" mowers and
found that they are made by the same company (MTD) and virtually
identical except for 1hp difference in the Kohler engine. Even most
parts are interchangeable. Well, maybe the cub cadet has a few minor
niceities. So my question is: is the cub cadets 1 extra hp (20 vs 19)
and a few minor features worth the $300 price difference or is it
paying for name recognition only?
Yeah, I know the Kawasaki engine is better but they only come on the
larger size mowers.

Red
So far the best constructed and dependable ztr is commercial John Deere.
It is a real Deere and not a rebadged MTD. They are pricey at around 7
grand. You get a good ride and with Gator blades you don't have to rake
up the grass.
Your Grand kids may wear it out but you probably won't live that long.
Mowing the lawn is not just a chore when you have the right equipment.