Hello from already hot, muggy, East Tennessee. Geez, its not even May yet. 250 hours on a 5 year old 1042, that sees three seasons of duty. Tows a 3x4x1' wagon, hauling dirt from mulch pile to garden, mows all summer, then hauls leaves and drags bundles of tree cuttings to road on a regular basis. Did have to change drive belt last summer, tech said it was due to towing so much. I have also have changed the mower deck blade once. Also lost a tension idler pulley bearing, which I replaced fairly easily. Mower winters in an outbuilding, that got below zero a few times this winter. Battery was stored in the warm garage, and it started just fine a few weeks ago. Mower is maintained very well. Decent performing mower, strong, but unsatisfied with high cuts being even. Came here looking for a solution to that problem. Retiring in 2 months, and love to mow slowly and get a good high cut. Raised bed gardener, herb gardener, very picky about my very manacured and landscaped yard, accomplished chef, married 32+ years, acoustic guitar/mando player, lover of all dogs especially Cairn Terriers. Blessings to you all. R