Most dependable lawn mower

This is a very different statement than simply calling them “green MTDs”, and you are correct. Straight from the mouths of the engineers that built them, 7-10 year design life, intended for the consumer that would rather replace the entire mower than do diligent maintenance or replace a failed major component like an engine, trans, or mower deck. Those that do take care of these entry-level units, see far greater life than 10 years. So the choice is up to the consumer if they want a 7 year life or 20+. These units are relatively cheap to maintain as well.

The Lightning platform was indeed designed to compete with the MTD, AYP, and Murray units available back in the early 2000’s. (Introduced in 2002) They were priced at or just above the level of competing equipment, and offered FAR better frames, finishes, and operator comfort. They have not changed much at all in 20 years of continuous high-volume production, and are one of few examples where Deere has gotten it right when it comes to economy equipment. They’ve always done premium equipment well, and often their attempts at economy equipment falls short of the competition. Not this time.

 

A lot of those splits occurred after I stopped wrenching in these things full-time. The commercial series has gotten a few upgrades over the years, the biggest probably being the air cleaners. The old “suitcase” filters on early versions of the Intek twin and the small mushroom style that followed were wholly inadequate IMO. That canister style like your unit has is a much needed improvement.

They aren’t Vanguards, as those are usually a totally different design. But the Intek twin was always a great performing engine, and many of my beefs with them (namely carburetors and air-cleaners) back in 2000-2010 have been well-addressed these days.

 

That might make more sense if you proofread it first.