We pull a cyclone rake each fall, no issues at all....

You can pick up a repaired gearbox on ebay for couple hundred bucks... If mine fails, I will buy one. Hard to make up a $3000 difference...

(copy and paste):

The Difference Between Mulching (3/1) and High-Lift (2/1) Cutting Blades

Mower blade terminology can be a little confusing. Local colloquialisms and engineering terminology (such as "3-in-1" or "high-lift") have also contributed to this confusion.

Essentially there are only TWO basic styles of mowing blades used or approved for use on our current products:

1) The standard style of mowing blade is essentially designed for cutting grass and effectively discharging the clippings out from the deck to fall onto the lawn or to be captured in a grass collection system. Standard blades are also referred to as "2-in-1" (discharging & bagging) or "high-lift" blades (because they are designed to create a higher-lifting airflow).

2) Mulching blades generally have a more curved style surface and frequently include extra cutting surfaces along the blade edges. These blades may also come in a "+" design (which is actually two individual blades arranged in a perpendicular fashion to enhance mulching). The "+" blades are usually found on older style mowers; newer ones utilize blades with more advanced mulching technology.

Ohh blades - yes I knew that - but thanks!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1476367878.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1476367905.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1476367940.jpg

^^^^^actual pix^^^

You got a great deal, especially on a diesel with shaft drive. That would sell for over $5,500 around here.....Looks like you have to install the mount before the blade. If the hydro ports haven't been used in a long time, they get rusty and hard to connect the first time. Enjoy.

wow, thats impressive. Curious how many hours?

1352 hours, it was from original owner's estate - his nephew was handling the transaction. It does need some fine tuning and services as it has been sitting for quite a while. All works as it should. I think I stole it as sold prices range much higher for just machine/deck only.

He had it online for some time and kept lowering the asking price until I thought it was close to what I'd pay for a machine like that used. So far - so good!

Also I think people in my area only want a zero turn unit that'll now @ 50 mph. I was his only cash offer in 5 weeks.

Good info, thanks

zero turns are everywhere. I've been using a walk behind for mowing and its hard to beat.

well done on that 430. Similar to my 420, but with added bonus of Diesel power. Mine has been a great machine. I beat on it pretty hard. 60" mower deck eats a lot of grass and pretty quickly too. Mine came with the single stage snow blower, and I also located and bought the very rare JD4 log splitter attachment that runs off the PTO.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Asb...23014250-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Asb...23014250-L.jpg

I'm getting cold just seeing that photo. Great machine.

There is an 80's Kubota 6100 on CL today.. talk about overkill. I think I'm going to try to workout a deal on a x520 I saw the other day. I figure I can keep looking for the perfect deal or get something and start using it.

^^^^^^^ Do you use weights on back to keep the rear tires spinning?

My 420 would benefit from wheel weights in certain situations, but haven't really needed them. In the snow, the chains get the job done. My driveway is very flat though. Engaging the differential lock helps quite a bit too.