I'm so glad I found this forum. I need help, and from people who understand. I have been reading and can't quite find my situation in other's posts. I am looking for a new mower as a new homeowner. My lawn now is small, with lots of odd corners etc. but would like a mower that will last to possibly a larger lawn in the future. I also do cut another piece of property that is much larger and is filled with hills and slopes that I will be cutting across. Important to me is quality, durability, good engineering and an easy to use bagging system that is quick. Mulching on occasion is ok too. I'd like to keep the mower a long time and don't like compromises.

I began cutting 28 years ago on my father's Lawn-Boy when he brought it home. He still uses it today. I also use his Gold Series Lawn-boy that he bought in 1993 as a backup to his other one, which he rarely uses. I really like the aluminum deck and its agility. So I can buy my father a new run of the mill(mid-line Toro) mower as a backup and take the Gold Series or get something new for myself (I like this idea too) but haven't found it yet. I want parts to be available for years to come. One more thing, it can't be Honda powered, long story but I have a long history of bad luck with Hondas, its me not their product. I saw the new commercial Lawn-boys and loved them, but only Hondas, I have read up on the ex-mark, Haven't seen one in person but looks to be overkill and a bit pricey, Snapper and Ariens don't know much about them, Toro don't like the whole personal pace thing and today found something called and Eastman but worry about parts availability etc. Last thing, I like BBC and not having the rope in the way when changing the bag. okay I'm done, please help.