After heavy research, here and around the web, went with a Toro SRT 20092...lo and behold, it rang up 30 bucks lower than the ad price of 529 (i.e. 499). I think they may have had the 30 dollar rebate in twice. This was at Buikema's Ace in Naperville, if anyone is looking around the Chicago area. Took 2 minutes to get it going, and the lawn was post vacation out of control. The mulching is fantastic. More later, as one mow really doesn't give enough info. Thanks for all the advice and posts on this model.