I've had my John Deere L110 mower for 6 years and 552 hours. No problems with anything. However, I am replacing the deck housing at a cost of $411.00, but that was my fault. I hit a stump (actually many, many stumps and rocks and concrete) at a high rate of speed whcih warped the deck and cut a big gash through the deck when the blade made contact. Now it won't cut flat.

I guess these machines are hit or miss with regard to quality, but I seem to see more of my neighbors pushing their's while I'm still riding and cutting. It is still the best available option for the money.

I recently checked out a $7,000.00 Kubota but I think the performance is about the same. It may last longer, but you can buy 3 or 4 LA models for the same price as a consumer grade Kubota.