Hi
Yes, My John Deere is worth every Penny to me, and No is was not the Green & Yellow paint that was the reason to go with John Deere. I also run Agco Allis( Simplicity Built mowers) and they are exceptional as well, but I really like a lot of the features on my Deeres as well.
I own a 2007 John Deere X744 AWS with 48" Deck, 24hp Yanmar Diesel engine and I also have a John Deere 455 with 60" deck with the 22hp Yanmar Diesel, AWS as well. Both Diesel mowers are very ecconomical on fuel, very ease to service, They are very comfortable to run, love the tilt steering wheels, and twin touch foot petals, very comfy and enjoyable to run. Dealer support is a huge + for going with Deere, Parts are reasonably priced and Dealer can usually get parts you need the next day! A big plus when your commerically cutting grass. I have an F1145 Deere with 60" deck as well, and have never had any major issues with it.
I got the 2007 Deere X744 AWS this past June to replace a 2002 Kubota F2560 with 60" Rear discharge deck... I bought the Kubota as it had a cab for snow removal and WAS to replace the Deere F1145, But I had issue after issue with it... I know Kubota builds a good product as well, but this F2560 was a lemon, put 4K into the engine, and it still did not run worth a darn, the Rear Discharge deck was a JOKE!! I was currious as to how the rear discharge deck worked, but it did such a poor job cutting, that some of my customers were complaining and soon went back to side discharge with my F1145 Deere, I will NEVER own another Rear Discharge Mower again, reguardless of color. I have been really happy with my Deere mowers and will continue to run them as long as I can.
Take Care Jason B