In reading the manufacturer's data on the phased out JD models, it refers to the 425 as the Cadillac of lawn tractors, or maybe it was a thread posted in TBN, I don't recall which.
At any rate, I cannot say enough good things about my experience with this tractor. So far I have had no problems with it. I'm replacing things to refurb. as I can afford to. As someone else posted here, JD parts are somewhat more expensive, but you get what you pay for. My money is considered well spent on quality JD parts.