I am only just now completing my 1st full year, but so far it has exceeded my expectations. I did add a fuel cutoff valve after I fired it up this year and it seemed like the carb let fuel leak into the engine. I always change the oil 1st thing anyway. I looked at almost every brand that had zt's in the 3k to 4k price range, the clipper seemed to be built every bit as well. I really liked the joystick steering since I was already used to it... and the easy to maintain fabricatred deck cinched it. And Like I stated, the only thing I really miss is the pivoting front end my Snapper had and the higher end Clippers have. I also added my deck mounted ztrimmer and it works great.