[chris lewis]

I have the LXD55 mount. Brought it second hand 3 years ago. It was fairly new then. I have mounted a Orion ED80, a Orion ED100 and a GSO 8 in. F/4 Newtonian on it. It handle all these 'reasonably' well. It has been generally reliable. It does occasionally 'stop' for no reason however.The LXD55 is not a good AP mount - I have tried it - its 'OK 'for short exposures. I am more of a visual observer and others may be more qualified to answer this question however.The motors are loud and the GOTO works 'O.K.' - getting polar alignment right is the tricky part.I have a EQ3 also and the LXD55 is a step up and more equal to a EQ5. It is a heavier mount and can take heavier loads then the EQ3. Meade did originally sell the 30lb. SN-10 schmidt on the LXD55 - which was at it's maximum load for that.The LXD55 has a has a chequerd history and has not proven to be the most reliable mount - the LXD75 ironed out most of the problems and has improved steel tubular legs. The LXD55 is getting old now and I would not really reccommend it, even it it was cheap - unless it had been 'reconditioned' to LXD75 specs. - which the do in the US - unsure about Australia [ I live in N.Z.].As 'JohnG' says pay for a better more modern and reliable mount that does AP well. I have a feeling if you get the LXD55 you will end up getting frustrated. Get one that he has suggested above and you will spend your time observing instead of fixing.