It seems that I am stuck in the middle. I do not want to go the cheapo $1k Craftsman that I have now LT1000. But after reading other reports I feel that I did real well for my first purchase. I have put 350 hours on this 2001 model and I have been rough on it. It has a 42" cut a 17hp Kohler Pro and a Hydrostatic trannie that is just fine. But I am tired of repairing it, of which all I do myself, although they all have been many minor repairs with parts you can get readily online at sears.com. I don't mind the upkeep but it seems like thid tractor has had enough. I was hoping that spending a little more ie. The Cub Cadet LTX 1050 with its 9 gauge steel frame, 12 gauge 50" cutting deck, 12" turn radius, and 22HP Kawasaki engine that's what I would be getting. I do not know what type of trannie is in the Cub, but it comes with a 3 year full warranty and a 5 year Limited warranty. Ihave researched and it loooks that in order to truly get to the next level you need to spend $4k plus, which I find hard to do especially in these economic times. I definately against something use; just because! Should I just try to get another season out of my current unit?? I really would like to upgrade but at what cost? John Deere dealer has tried to convince me that the x300 is for me or the similarly priced ZTR 225 (but will not last as long), but I am really afraid of spending $3k on a tractor that may fail do to the inferior K46 trannie. They do come with a 4 year 300 hour "Limited Warranty". I guess I could go for the x320 which now pushes the $4k range and its K58 trannie.