Well, I was somewhat able to cut my grass w/o zig zag stripes on the lawn:smile: ...still a little apprehensive about steering the ztr but I've become more comfortable w/ the machine. I've read negative reviews about the Toro striper (rubber strip) that fastens to the deck but it did a good job on my clover,grass and weed yard (it was free along w/hour meter and cover when I purchased an ss5000). I was developing double vision and migraines reading all the info on different makes/models on line, (v2200 thru v3800 (?) transmissions) when I realized I'm not a pro, don't make a living in lawn care, then found the Toro on sale. At the moment, I'd have to give the mower "thumbs up" for the cut and 'roller coaster excitement/anxiety' when cutting grass.