Go to your dealer and look at the $550 model...there is a $50 rebate right now. Its a far better deal at $499 than the HD models, It has an aluminum deck, better wheels, better tranny I believe and a 5 year warranty. It also comes with a Honda engine for an upcharge but my dealer says they have been pleasantly surprised by the Toro's engines performance over the past 5 years. I just bought one to replace my 14 year old original Personal Pace mower. BTW...it still runs but has been relegated to mulching leaves. The new mower mulches as well as the original and far superior to the $399 Honda my in-laws have.