I have a 72" Land Pride rear PTO mower that I've used to mow about 10 acres weekly for 12 years. Now, I do grease it without fail every 8 hours and have never, ever missed a greasing. So far, I've changed the blades once on it. That's it! I'm still running on the original belt. All spindles are as tight as the day I bought it as are the wheel bearings and swivels. My only regret is that I wish I had the rear discharge. If I could get decent money out of my used one this next spring, I just may do that.
I'm a maniac on maintenance and my mower deck always gets an "air bath" and greasing after each use. I quit washing them many years ago when I learned that I was doing more damage than good. My 12 year old 72" rear mower still looks great (never spent a night out doors), and I just can't justify dumping him after so many years of flawless service just to get a rear discharge. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I almost wish the darn thing would begin to wear out. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif