Well I liked the diesel motor on the Kubota, and also liked the hydrostatic drive, but the difference was around $6100. That much money can be used for a lot of things- maybe a dump trailer, or it probably puts me 1/2way toward buying a bigger tractor-and I am planning to build a house next spring. I'm a Kubota freak, but if this mower lasts like my other Toro, I'll be happy.