I'm not so sure the Ford wasn't built by Mitsu, or Iseki or Yanmar or Isuzu.... None of the big colors built any of their subcompacts, or anythign under about 50 hp, for decades.....I DO NOT want to sit here and dis your dad's tractor BUT, If it was ME, i'd let that Mitsu go down the road.... They have some things about them that are very lightly built, and are not built as tough as your Ford... Probably wouldn't matter either way as a lawn mower, but.....
SR
I'd trade four less HP for FWD in a minute.