FWIW, I have a JD LT155. (Not the same as the L series you see at Lowes) It's going on 9 years old and I've been happy with it.
WHAT I LIKE: 15hp Kohler engine(flawless), cuts great, fairly quiet, great turning radius.
WHAT I DON'T LIKE While the "Freedom 42" deck cuts and mulches great, the timing belt that allows counter rotating blades is somewhat delicate--I hit a rock once that snapped the belt and cause all sorts of blade-clashing havoc.
My post regarding the transmission is mentioned above. I really hate that JD called this a "sealed" unit. I had good luck changing the oil, but man what a PITA to do it.
I've had to replace a few parts over the years, but they were all due to my mistakes or abuse--overall a great machine.
I do have to admit that I covet the 2500 series Cub Cadets, but you're looking at $3k plus to get into one of those......