I purchased a MTD riding mower, 14 hp, 38 inch cut in 1998. It has been used weekly, and as of 11/2020, it is still working as usual. Regular maintenance, shed storage, and tlc is all that was needed for this machine to provide 22 years of faithful service. People complain, but I imagine they didn't do regular maintenance. I have other MTD products and I am very happy with all of them. User's recommendation: Great product at a good price.