Have heard a few stories of problems with the ES. My Dad had a problem with his when the battery got low. Nothing major though. Main reason is that I spend a lot of time spraying fences and hold the sprayer in my left hand while the right runs the gas...no problem with a CVT/auto or footshift, but with the ES it is a little hassle. It's not a deal killer on one, but the foot shift is a little cheaper, super reliable, and would fit my needs/use a little better.
