Hi to Yellowsocks93 and Slammer. I found your discussion regarding the Rider 155 and wanted to share what I could with you two. First of all I'm new to this forum so let me know if I'm doing anything wrong - posting, threads, and so on.
It sounds like you two are far more knowledgable about lawn equipment than I am. However, I do own a Rider 155. I've had it since about this time last year and enjoy using it.
I'll give a brief history of my experience with this mower. I've heard a lot of what you two have discussed. Dealers don't like carrying it because it's problematic appears to be true as that is what I was told here locally. I inquired to Husqvarna and they were obviously of a different opinion. This mower has supposedly proven itself for many years abroad. It is touted to be very dependable, durable and nonproblematic. Back to square one right?
My experience goes like this. I purchased the floor model from my local Lowes store at a 10% discount. In the first two months I owned my Rider I had the drive belt slip off and break and the steering cable break. After the steering cable broke Lowes replaced the unit for me without any questions. I think my problems may have come from it being a floor model and people tinkering with it. Since then I've not had a single problem. The Rider does a great job mulching and is a dream to cut with. It is extremely manuverable although you're right Slammer, it is a little heavy in the steering. This being my first riding mower I don't really know what I'm missing though.
Not being as knowledgeable as you guys about mowers I don't know if this mower is too complicated by design or not. I'll agree that simpler is usually better, but this mower's design gives it near ZTR abilities with only one transmission a few pulleys and some cable. The articulating design works, but I don't know how durable the cable and pulley system will be.
Husqvarna did tell me that this is a finish mower by design and that it isn't intended for pastures or rough terrain. It was designed for landscaped lawns. I don't know what it's like around your apple trees Yellowsocks93, but you may want to take this into consideration.
SteveT