Mike- Sorry to hear of your loss. That bites.
my .02, I used to go to Sears, but they are supposedly going under, I believe. And last riding mower I bought there was of poor chinese quality. I was so let down by it, I just sold it off. You can find better.
I could plug my current mower, but that's just my opinion. I guess what would be helpful is what is your yard size & conditions, hilly or flat, need more details.