recently had my brothers 2003 m45 for 6 months to fix up and sell for him . amazing car and only 72k on the clock. parts are a real problem. couldnt get new front struts so had to go to coilovers.
i have a snapper commercial 21 with robin 5hp 4cycle. bought used in 1989 used commercialy continually since . still running . also 1990 commercial john deere 14sc with kawasaki 5 hp fc150. also bought used and still running perfect today. did replace transmission
this is a chronic problem with john deere lawn tractors. i have one that refuses to come off after trying everything. even took it to the deere dealer. they refused to touch it say the only way is to cut the wheel off at the transaxel!