I have to stick up for the 525 too. I bought mine from a golf course in FL. Faded paint and all. I took it totally apart and painted it. Replaced all hydraulic hoses since some of them were cracked from the sun. Looks and runs like brand new. Didn't have to do anything the engine. It only had 2500 hours on it and ran great. Still does. I love it for mowing some steep banks, with the 13" wide tires it has all around it. Never taken it too the 25 or 30 degree slope....too scared to, even though with that much tread on the ground I am sure it will do it. Wish they still made them. I like the 525 too because the steering wheel was with the back part of the tractor, that you sat on compared to all the rest of the models.