I just purchased the LA105 almost 2 months ago, I love it. My first mower and I bent a spindle or the deck by hitting a stump, but other than that, it's a great machine. I wanted the hydrostatic one but I could only afford the 105 at the time. Speaking of which, mine was $1600 so if Lowes has it for $1200, I'd go for it.
But now that you mention problems with the hydrostatic transmission in the LA series, I'm glad I got the 105.
But now that you mention problems with the hydrostatic transmission in the LA series, I'm glad I got the 105.