Even for Deere, that seems high. How far is the dealer from you? I would read the manual a couple of times and decide for yourself if you want to tackle it. I did not think doing it was that bad on my kuboota... a four beer project (waiting for the oil to drip out completely
). I went with OEM parts and the high dollar superduper oil and I think it was about $180 (in 2006 $$$) (fuel and air filter, too). Next time around, I'll NOT be buying OEM filters/oil.