Here is my season three update for the CC Ultima ZTXS5 54. Now at almost 80 hours and no issues.
I was able to get a wrench on the oil drain line fittings, gave them about 1/2 turn and this seems to have stopped the oil leak (which has been my only mechanical issue so far).
Have been running Gator Blades for general mowing and they are doing a great job. I only wish they made a high-lift blade for this machine, but since they don't, I have to switch back to the Cub Cadet high-lift blades for bagging.
Here she is, wet and muddy because the yard is sloppy from recent rains, but still delivering a great cut.
I noticed that my cutting height didn't match what was selected on the deck setting knob (4.75"). Played with the adjustment, but still couldn't get more than about 4" of actual height, probably due to the fact that I am running lower than recommended tire pressures to tame the rough ride.
Now, I am just mowing with the deck locked in the "full-up" (transport) position and this is yielding a 4.5" cutting height, which is what I was after (and the same height I was using on my tractor/rear finish mower setup).
I have decided the mulching kit is not worth the hassle. I can't leave it on all the time, because the engine doesn't have enough power to handle it with the tall grass around here. And, it's too much trouble to install just for fall leaf mulching, so I'm probably going to be making some type of chute blocker. The Gator Blades do a pretty good job of mulching, even without the mulching kit baffles installed.
Still amazed with the traction and maneuverabilty of this machine. Here it is shown turning circles around orchard trees on a 25 degree slope (and not tearing up the grass).
Overall, I am still very happy with this machine and amazed how well it is holding together under the somewhat brutal conditions around here.
I still only have two wishes for this machine: power steering and (factory) suspension seat.