Murphy, your "old" mower could not be that old. I know my old back would appreciate hydraulic lift on my contour, that beast is heavy! The new series of decks are touted to be of heavier stock and better bearings/spindles. Also seem to have some design features to help avoid snagging fences or building walls.
prs
I'd be interested in how much they give you for a trade in. Which one do you currently have?
Wonder if the hydraulic lift could be used on the old deck mine only has 36 hours on it....... Jim