Wife looking to buy her husband a riding mower!

I am looking to buy one of these two models of riding lawn mowers for my husband. I know that they are not the top quality, but this is what I can afford. Can anyone savvy in this area tell me if the more expensive option here has any noticeable qualities that make it worth spending the extra couple hundred? Or will the other one work just as similar to the more expensive option? Thanks so much! :smile:

Cheaper option:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Troy-Bilt-Bronco-19-HP-Automatic-42-in-Riding-Lawn-Mower/1000178961

A little more expensive:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Poulan-P...Front-Engine-Riding-Mower-960460079/206463203

To answer your questions about the upgrade to the more expensive mower, you would be getting a 2 cylinder engine instead of a single cylinder engine which usually makes a little more torque (better in taller, denser grass), as well as an automatic transmission instead of a six speed gear selector (has a forward and reverse pedal for motion instead of a clutch to engage gears), and it has a 4" wider cut which depending on your yard could save a small bit of time cutting. Like you stated, you realize these are not "top of the line" units, but for the average homeowner, with proper maintenance and care, either machine can last many years. You might also be able to find something used in your budget that is a "better" machine, but if you don't want to go down that road and are looking for a warranty to protect you for the first couple of years, then new is the way. Just for thought, there are other brands besides the ones you have listed that carry longer warranties; unfortunately you would have to sacrifice some features to get into a model like a Cub Cadet or Husqvarna and it would set you back a couple hundred more (around $1500). I hope this helps!

Mike