What model engine is on that Harmony? Is it an OHV engine with cast iron cylinder bore, or does it have an aluminum bore? I think the quality of any big name deck is going to be good. When I bought my two mowers recently, I was looking at the engine. I was tired of B&S engines...I never had one that really impressed me...so when I bought my Craftsman mower, I was looking for something with a Honda engine, at a good price. I found a FWD Craftsman mower with a Honda OHC "residential" engine (GCV160). This is a fairly decent $300 mower, with a great engine.
Shortly thereafter, I went looking for a "real" Honda mower to compliment the Craftsman. I wanted a Honda OHV "commercial" engine this time (GXV140). I found a Honda Masters mower (almost $1000 new) for $300 from someone on Gardenweb. It was a few years old and had choke problems. I fixed the choke problems and it runs like a top.
I think with the reputation of the Honda GCV OHC engines, you couldn't go wrong with a new HRX. It'll have the GCV190 (6.5 hp). Keep in mind that Briggs engine with oil filter doesn't have a pressurized lube system like the filter would suggest. There's just a small pump to the filter, but the engine itself is still splash-lubed. It sounds like you're mindful of the lubrication of your small engines (as am I), so the oil probably doesn't stay in there long enough to get dirty anyway (mine sure doesn't).
