newbie questions

I'm new and want to build myself a mower. Should I look for a certain brand or just go for decent cheap one? I know not to get a hydro but how do I tell if it is? And lastly how hard would it be to lock one with a stick welder because that all I have.

I personally prefer wheel horses (the older ones) A hydro doesn't shift gears But if you could get a cheap craftsman or such that would be a good starter project but idk about the last question.

I prefer Craftsmans or Murrays It all sort-of depends on where you are and what you have around you.

You should be able to tell a hydro by looking for large petals, like other then a 90's common craftsman clutch petal, anything that looks bigger then those clutch petals, is most likey petals for a hydro. Something that says "auto" or something is hydro. and if it has a side shift lever if it doesnt say 1,2,3,4,5 or sometimes 6 numbers on it for speeds, its most likey a hydro. Shifters in between the legs (nutbusters) arnt hydros.