was hoping for a different answer :/

I don't know what kind of motor it has.

but considering they are not using the "mower" only the engine and drive train will have hours on them. The older JD mowers are far better quality than newer one in fact not sure if the newer JD mower sold at the big box stores are just "branded" JD and not actually manufactured by JD.

His grandmother isn't made of money, and if he ruins this one, she might not be able to replace it.

It should last through its usual lifespan. Just be glad it's not a Harley he's taken the muffler off and he roars up and down the street while he's learning to ride. Been there, endured that.

I hope this is rural, I'd hate to think of a kid riding even a suburban street on one of those things.

He lives with his grandparents when he isn't in school. He mows yards in the neighborhood, and drives it to their homes.
He had a dirt bike, TG that didn't last. I'm sure if he gets a vehicle like a motorcycle or truck (it will be a truck) he'll make sure it is as loud as is legal.

I bought noise-canceling headphones last summer, the only way I can stand being in my own house. I discovered that Bach's concertos and other Baroque era music drowns out the mowers. I play it as loud as I want, hoping to go deaf before I go crazy!

but I know what you mean about the noise. I used noise canceling headsets combined with loud music.

I know he's a good kid. He turns 16 in June and has been offered jobs at some of the local farm supply stores. If he gets a job, his grandma will have to drive him to and from.

With about 1 1/2 acres in prime grass, a push mower wasn't enough. This is the second one we've had in 30 years on this property. They last a long time. I also have a JD diesel tractor with a number of implements, and it gets used plenty for gardening projects.

You'd be nuts not to have a riding mower with that amount of land.

Go plant grass on the street.

He will avoid it like the plague. Add a little garden that needs occasional hoeing and he will move to the next county.

doesn’t just walk, unless of course he has some health issues. Would not want kid to use up gas.

He is a healthy, thin teen.

Wonder if grandma will buy him a car and pay for the gas.

not to mention disturbing the peace. I believe most states have traffic laws that require all motor vehicles on public roads to be registered and driven by licensed drivers, and they don't normally register lawn tractors.

Plus, allowing a minor to do that is flat irresponsible due to safety concerns.....

Even if one disregards the risk to his life, if he causes a car or motorbike to wreck, it would be hell to pay. No license (re driver training) and no insurance is a recipe for disaster.