Glove

Have had Murray, Snapper and now Honda (HRX). Murray, low end, Snappers are easy to work on but the design of the grass chute is not optimal in my opinion. Both Snappers had B&S engine issues with starting, etc...The Honda on the other hand has been a great machine over the last 3 years....brake/blade clutch...poly deck...just pull and go..

HRX is a nice mower but handling is lousy due to the handle length. I have a Snapper High Vac in my shed that gave me nothing but issues, 2nd one in 10 years so I opted for the Honda.

Good;

Starts 10X better than the Snapper but it is new..

Cut's better

Quieter

Bad;

Bag on Snapper is easier to handle, empty,  but chute design clogs. Honda doesnt catch all grass in bag. (even)

Snapper much easier to handle, go around objects, etc..much lighter..

My MTD is about 15 years old....10 HP, 28 inch purchased from Costcos...use Mobil 1 and store in shed, yearly change the plug....paint sux. Replaced friction disk drive when new and a couple years later. Starts first or second pull....wheel bushings are garbage, sheet metal thinner than Ariens but looking at the new Toros, not much difference. I would think after all these years I may need to replace the belts, will take a look after this winter. For the money I paid I back then not a bad deal. Only one reversable speed but it's fine.....

Buy it, I've had an MTD 10 HP , 28 " that I purchased at Sams Club approx 10 years ago. Take care of it and it'll work fine. I've added Mobil 1 5W-30 and a new plug every year.. Toro's/Ariens are in a different class but are in no way as heavy duty as they were everal years back. I was always jealous of these makes but now the sheet metal, etc. are not much different. I'd say some of the assembly methods are still much better with these but the MTD will be ok....

I make sure to store it inside my shed and it always fires up after one/two pulls. I live in Dracut, MA.

Ok, does big box really get different machines than local retailers..?