OP
proudestmonkey
Platinum Member
Hey, Obe (love your username), thanks for the encouragement. I ended up talking to an old friend and business client who is both a farmer and a heavy-equipment construction owner. He said I am getting a good deal. He's a Deere guy for farming, but says his next tractor will likely not be a Deere because the "green paint costs too much." He told me that Kubota is a good brand, and their parts are a lot cheaper than Deere.
As to my wife, she is the one who said I should buy it, after seeing it. She could see how the little John Deere riding mower was not up to the task. I told her this morning that I want her to read all the manuals before she uses it, so she will know what to look out for in terms of safety and if anything goes wrong (strange noise or performance). Despite her very serious reticence about reading manuals, in this case, she agreed--she does want to use it, and understands its an investment, and a potentially serious safety hazard if not used properly--especially with the hills we have.
As to my wife, she is the one who said I should buy it, after seeing it. She could see how the little John Deere riding mower was not up to the task. I told her this morning that I want her to read all the manuals before she uses it, so she will know what to look out for in terms of safety and if anything goes wrong (strange noise or performance). Despite her very serious reticence about reading manuals, in this case, she agreed--she does want to use it, and understands its an investment, and a potentially serious safety hazard if not used properly--especially with the hills we have.