i bought a 3200 about a month ago, got the 54 inch deck. i admit it is overkill for my 2 acres(although i have a nasty hill across the front of the property,love that diff lock) but it is an awesome machine. not trying to bash anybody, but my buddy just got a john deere. i cannot remember the model(it was just under 5 grand before tax) but it does not hang when comparing features. his does have a kawi 19 horse, i concede to him when comparing to my 25 horse kohler. i have a 54 inch deck, his is a lighter looking 48". his has a plastic parts(hood,etc.) mine is all steel. the cub has shaft driven tranny and deck, JD is all belt. cub has power steering and tilt wheel, JD does not. cub has bigger wheels and tires and diff lock. in looking at them i feel the cub is much heavier. i paid about $600 more than he did but think i went the right route.