"I love my Deere. I have a 1984 John Deere 170 with the Kawasaki fc420v Engine. The seat is a bit tattered (Held together by John Deere Yellow Duct tape) The deck has been well used, but is fully functional. The paint is original and is still holding its luster. The engine is strong, though it is time for a carburetor rebuild and the muffler needs to be replaced. I live on a hilly 1/3 acre. My 170 handles it with ease. I lose traction before I lose power. I can get around the trees and other obstacles with no problem, and changing gears is a snap. My tractor has not had brakes since I bought it a couple years ago. It makes me nervous mowing over the rock retaining wall in the front yard. Even with this handy-cap it is easy to run. It starts every time, no need to get the jumper cables out. Given its age I'd say it has more than pulled it's share over the years. It's getting its needed TLC and should be running a decade from now. "Nothing runs like a Deere!" I just hope the bolt holding the brake caliper doesn't break when I go to remove it, or this Deere may never stop. :D"