"I purchased a used SL1643 Shibaura tractor a few month ago so I really cannot comment on reliability. The tractor seems to be built well but because of the age most of the rubber parts need replacing. That is where my biggest problem is. Shibaura built tractors for Ford/NewHolland in the 80's and 90's but the models do not match up. My tractor is a cross between a ford 1310 and a 1210. Finding any parts for this machine is a hunt in itself. Then once you find the part many times it is no longer availible in the States.So I have resorted to manufacturing some of them, or hunting down generic parts. Long story short this has become very time consuming and I am not sure I would buy another Shibaura because of it. "