Cast iron kohlers will last a very long time. The biggest reason for a motor not lasting is lack of taking care of it. You can bet there are plenty of guys on this forum still running 50 year old motors.
Don't try to compare newer motors to old motors. I promise you, a 12 hp kohler will do all you need and then some.
Lots of pics posted will help us here, help you. I use IMGUR to post and it works really easy.
Randy
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2 original cub cadets 
1 100's
2 149's
1 73
1 2182
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