I own a 36 and a 52 Stander. I think the 36 Stander is just about the best mower you can get for a back-yard duty. Frankly, the quality of the cut is good but not great. There are many reasons to use them, but the main reason is theyre quick (not fast). You can use them on large open areas, but full-blown ZTRs are much faster. However, if you have a lot of obstacles, tight congested areas, or steep (up to about 25-degree) slopes, itd be tough to out-produce a Stander. They cost about 2/3rds of the same size ZTR.
The Wright Stander has a fixed deck that some view as a liability. But its been my experience that theyre less likely to scalp and edge-gouge than floating deck mowers. The main drawback to a fixed deck is its limited range in height of cut.
I dont know a lot about the Great Dane or the John Deere versions. Other than theyre longer and have floating decks. Before you buy either, DEMO them all!
Pro:
Quick to turn makes them the fastest mower around obstacles.
Short, so they get in and out of tight spaces (like trailers), saving weed-whack time.
Very low center of gravity makes them the best ZTR for hill-side duty.
Pop wheelys at the drop of a hat so you can jump over rocks, knobs, etc.
Low cost for a ZTR.
Light weight so they dont leave as heavy of a track on soft soil.
Fixed deck is less likely to scalp and edge-gouge (as long as you pay attention).
Standing operation allows you to absorb shocks with your legs and feet (as the Lord intended) rather than your back when youre sitting.
View above the deck makes it easy to see exactly where youre cutting and what your wheels are doing.
Simple machine very easy to change blades, belts, oil, filters, grease, etc.
Con:
Short wheelbase makes them terrible about skidding when you go straight down a hill.
Quality of cut is not as good as many ZTRs.
Not as fast as ZTRs in large open areas.
Jumping curbs is limited to about 4 high without help.
Fixed deck has limited range in cut height and is more difficult to change.
Quick to turn makes them seem too twichy around obstacles.
Standing makes your head a real target around shrubs and trees.
Engine and muffler is exposed to damage by low-hanging tree branches.
Limited dealers carrying them in some areas, making prices less competitive and parts harder to find.