Looking at 4518 FS, good/bad idea?

[2005x]

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/grd/638931229.html

At least I think this is a 4518 model, don't call it that in the ad, but did a little looking and found one on eBay looks identical but this has bar-style tires in the rear. The one on eBay "buy now" for $1500 so this seems a bit pricey.

Is this a model/engine that is still in production, and can get parts for? I'm sure the engines are smooth and quiet, but are the good mowers as well? And can you get plow or blower for the front??

Thanks for any advice,
Geoff.

[pincorpete]

That appears to be a 4518. In my opinion, $1850 for a 4518 with only a 42" deck is pretty pricey. I would try to find a 4518 with a 46" deck or a 4514 with a 42" deck. Even though the liquid cooled Honda riding mowers are no longer being sold, you can still get parts and complete engines through your Honda power equipment dealer, but they're costly. The engines are OHV/OHC inline 2-cylinder and run very smooth. Honda made both a plow and a belt-driven snowblower for this machine. As to their effectiveness, I suppose it really depends on what you're planning on doing. As for the mower decks, they're built well, but the spindles aren't greasable. Hope that helps.

[2tractors]

I have a 4514 and paid $850(last year) for it from a local outdoor power dealer was in great shape, a stronge, shaft driven tractor. Would like to sell it only because we are down sizing next year. I cut about 2ac with it. Will take what I paid for it. $1850 is a bit high for it.