It’s not been a round years more a gimmick more than anything. You really don’t need it many don’t really work that well. The early ones weighed a ton and never worked. They are fine for really pampered sport turf and perfect formal lawns. But unless it’s flat as and cut within an inch of its life every other day. It’s not worth the extra , if you’ve a choice of two basically same machine go for cheeper one without it. If it’s standard across the range then fine your not wasting anything having it.
If the place you are thinking of going to is anything decent. They should let you play around with them. See which one you like , have a play , how easy is it to set cutting height , how easy is it to clean the cutting deck, how easy is it to do basic maintenance of motor. How easy are they to start up and operate, Is the grass box well made, most at your price point will be fabric which is better than a plastic one.
Many mover placers also do reconditioned ones or ex demo ones. They are worth a look too.
