I just finished mowing my yard(2acres) in like 30 min.!I was in 5th gear the whole time on my exmark with 14hp/48"I am a fairly big guy and the mower didnt hesitate at all.It started spinnig the wheels only when I attempted to climb a large hill that is even hard to walk.It rained here last night and the grass is still a little damp and fairly long.I dont know if its just me but it cut better in 5th gear cutting tall grass than it used to in 2nd or 3rd when I was walking it.didnt clump up much at all. I might add I built my riding attachment.I was going to buy one and got sticker shock.I am pretty good with steel and welding,so I decided to build my own.design is similar to Velke brand 2 wheeler,but I made it a little stronger in some areas because of my weight.Total cost was around$75.