Craftsman Professional 27 hp 54 in. Deck Deluxe Garden Tractor —
This is my fist garden tractor so I have little experience to base any opinions on. However, I see several have complained about the speed but if like mine, your garden is not as smooth as a pool table, then its plenty fast enough. . Yes the reverse is slow but I'm confused why you would want to spend any length of time in reverse and there are plenty of warnings about the dangers of kids and mowers especially in reverse, so I guess that's why! Tractor pulls up hills no problem at all. Turning radius was surprisingly good so unless you need to spin around saplings, then I don't see this as a reason to go for a zero turn mower. Controls are all easy to use though I still get a little confused on the electric blade height raise / lower and need look at the control to see which way to press, but its easy to get to the same setting each time.
I ordered in-store and paid the extra $35 to have it delivered which I regard as money well spent as it was delivered fully assembled, oiled and gassed any ready to roll. Compared to comparable Garden Tractors from other suppliers, this one is great value and I have no regrets. Would recommend to others.