It looks like most of your questions were answered in other posts - regarding the fenders, hood and such they are metal. I don't know if you're looking at tractors right now - but if you are I would strongly suggest at least looking at this brand. I'm not saying this is the one I'm getting...yet, I am going to look at Kubota again tomorrow. I metioned in another thread that my biggest concern was not with the tractor, but with the dealership. I'm not knocking them - they are really nice guys, but they don't deliver and I don't have a means to trailer a tractor this size. So it means any drive to or from the dealership is on my dime... and that concerns me. Both Deere and Kubota dealers in my area offer free pick-up and delivery. And after many new cars I realize that the dealer experience runs a close 2nd in importance to me next to the item itself. So that's my opinion. I think in 5 years we'll see more Kioti's around, and hopefully more dealers.