Hey! That's "Hello" in my area of Kentucky. I have a Cub Cadet 2518 (44" cut - Kohler Command Engine) that I bought new in 2002 and paid right at $4,000 for it. I use it to mow about 3 acres - a lot of it is tough mowing - and it has done this well for the 14 years that I have owned it. I have done the usual servicing and occasional repairs to it myself. I have even replaced the pto clutch after 10 years, by watching someone else do it on YouTube. Other than that, I have replaced the idler pulleys on the deck and on the front of the mower, and a new drive belt about every other year, and 1 new front tire. Overall, I'm pleased with the 2518. I may have a big problem today, though, as described in my post under "Leaves".
A new mower for 2017? Maybe. I'll repair this one again if i can, but if not, I hope that my next one will be as dependable as this one.