I have never owned or ridden a zero turn. My yard is around 1/2 acre and I mow from April to December. I have been using a 22" push mower. Getting older and want something quick and easy. I'm looking for those who own this machine, those who think there's a better mower in the 42" cut to give there opinion. I have been researching mowers for a month. Gravely specifications are as follows. Kohler 7000 pro 725 cc with smart choke or Kawasaki fr 726cc. zt2800 transmission, fab deck 10-gauge, 3 blades, and weighs 661 lbs. I often look at the weight to help me determine how well made something is. This mower in this residential model is one of the heaviest. There are some commercial 36" models that weigh more with better components but $1500 to $2500 more. I am a mechanic so I can fix anything that breaks. After tax this mower was quoted at $4,100 kohler + $150 for the kow. Ariens model is Identical from what I see. Thanks for reading.