Hi guys, just a few words to let you know that I finally broke down and got a John Deere 445 today, after lurking in the back groundfor a few months. The tractor came off an individual in the neighborhood. it has only 367 hours on the meter and runs like a deer!!! Now I need to get a 47" blower and quick hitch set-up for this winter! Later on, possibly a soft cab to stop eating snow. thanks Dan