btw...the group 2 Deere is 42"...typo.

I cannot comment on the Ariens since I have not worked on one. The John Deere parts are easy to get from a JD dealer.

The Poulan is part of the Husqvarna group. Many of the Sears riders are made by the Husqvarna group. Generally these hold up ok and parts are easy to get from the mower shops. These are fairly easy to maintain. If you look over the Sears, check the model number under the seat that begins with 917. The 247 models are made by another manufacturer and are usually lighter duty.

Most of the troy bilt and bolens sold at lowes are (in my opinion)lighter duty than the mowers from the Husqvarna group. Both of these are manufactured by the MTD company. Parts are available from many dealers and the distributors. The Troybilt with the automatic is frequently the vari drive system. Belts are hard to change on models with the vari drive.

The Ariens is also a Husqvarna product. Some of the Poulans and Ariens do NOT have gauge wheels on the deck, nor any way to add them. This might be a factor if you have any uneven-ness or rough ground to mow. I feel that gauge wheels are a necessity.

thanks for the comments so far....I did not know deere parts are only available from a deere dealer...sounds like parts could get pricey...no competition...?

That's the common perception, but I have not found that to be the case with my JD Z425 for filters, plugs, oil and blades. And you can get pretty much most all replacement parts from dealers on e bay and others at better pricing in many cases.

what is wrong with Toro? A little timely TLC would cost less than a bottom feeder lawn tractor.

As others have said, if you're going to buy new, lean toward the Husqvarna units. Sears has a campaign out now (turf wars) to beat the price of other big box stores, so if you can figure out the comparable models, that may be an avenue to pursue. Just make sure you know if it's a Sears-branded MTD unit or Husqvarna unit.

If you go the John Deere route, see if you have a local dealer nearby. If so, buy the tractor from the dealer, as it is the same price and you will establish a relationship with the business that will service your tractor if need be. Parts can also be found at many farm/ranch stores.

If you're reasonably handy, you can get a decent older garden tractor for the same price as a new lawn tractor, and you will likely be money ahead ten years down the road...

Consumer Reports just did an evaluation of lawn mowers and lawn tractors...

re:
what is wrong with Toro? A little timely TLC would cost less than a bottom feeder lawn tractor.

I am not giving up on my little toro...I just wonder how long it can go....My Personal Pace, Echo trimmer and echo blower are all in the neighborhood of 12 years.....nothing lasts forever right?

"... nothing lasts forever right?"

For sure nothing new @ $1000 to $1500 and your Toro should outlast the new stuff at that price range.

None of the choices you've listed are built of the same quality components as your Toro and they are all entry level (disposable) riding mowers.

None of the choices you've listed will do anything the Toro isn't doing for you now... with the exception of the cup holder.

Your Toro has already paid for itself a few times over what you'd buy now at $100-$1500 so why not let it continue to do so?

I am also researching a new mower for about an acre. For such a small yard you might consider a smaller deck as it will be easier to maneuver and the extra time is negligible. I'm considering the snapper mulching mower for $1,200, think the deck is 38" or less? You can do a search for Snapper.