[Crimsonred04GT]

I just bought the same model tractor two weeks ago. Mine is pretty much in excellent looking condition. It was stored indoors and primarily dealer maintained. It had 335.6 hours and came with a 54" deck and 42" Hydaulic Tiller along with the roller and brush attachment to break down the dirt clods after tilling. It also had two suit case weights and mounting kit on the front. This entire set-up cost me $2700 out the door including taxes. So far I'm pretty impressed with the tractor and especially the tiller. It's a chewing machine. I'm impressed with its capabilities but there are some expenses to take in to consideration. One, the trans fluid and filter change that's required every 100 hours isn't cheap if you stay with Cub Cadet/MTD fluid and filters. You'll need close to 6 quarts of oil. It's running $14.99 a quart at Tractor Supply (TSC). The filter will run about the same as a quart of oil. I'd suggest you make sure they do the oil and filter change for you using factory specific items since it's at its 400 hour interval. There are some other recommendation son the oil here on the forum but I'm going to stick to factory oil for now. (I was able to locate a shop that had a gallon bottle of the oil for $40 saving me some cash so you might want to call around if they won't do the oil/filter change). You can look under the middle towards the front of the axle and see the filter to try to determine if it's new or not. Two, also look into the tractor reverse and forward movements. If it's moving somewhat slow in either direction, it may be adjustment/bushing wear. Thanks to an awesome forum member here, I found out that I just need bushings on my pedal linkage and not a trans. (Thinking this is why I got the deal I did. They thought the trans was going bad). Mine would barely move in reverse during movement for tilling and after tilling. Push the pedal to go in reverse. While traveling backwards, use your hand to lift up on the forward pedal, if it speeds up, then it may need bushings as well. Talking about the filter/oil change and doing the pedal test will show the seller you have some knowledge of the tractor. Hopefully they'll work with you and you can get a really good price. Overall, I'd say the tractor is pretty awesome and the power steering makes my wife very happy. Keep us to date on if you purchase it and how it goes with the dealer. Wes