WSJ story on monster mowers that run consumers $3-10,000 per unit.
Part of it is love of technology and toys, part is monster lawns (common here, even as houses are modest), and part is just not giving a damn about CO2 emissions.
When we lived in RI, I used a John Deere rider for my 2/3rds of an acre and it was overkill.
Now, in Indy I have 4/5th of an acre, with much covered by tree groves (over 100 trees).
And I sport a monster, 18-inch cordless electric push mower, which I love.
Bottom line: nicer to environment, and I don't need more excuses to sit on my ass toodling around (my less, staring out my window, jealously watching somebody else cut my lawn).
My wife keeps pushing me to get son to mow, but I desist. I actually love doing it; it relaxes me immensely.