Re the transmission in the 14SE/SB I just got given one for free, and was not too impressed but then I noticed the Kawasaki engine (wow!) and decided that it was worth fixing. My 14 SE had a completely seized up transmission and 3 broken cables. Only the blade clutch cable was working...but it's really the only one you need. The throttle mech still works fine with no cables. You can just remove and throw away the speed control and throttle control, cut off the belt drive, remove and discard the transmission and still have a very nice, MUCH easier to push commercial mower when you are done. About an hour's work in all. Pull off the electric starter too while you are at it and then you have a nice lightweight, uncomplicated commercial mower that has far fewer parts to maintain.

garydewater: That's about 1/2 the price as a new one and 135 hours is about 3 years of average homeowner use (about 40 - 50 hours/year). If it is in good condition and not been abused it sounds like a pretty good deal. You did not mention what year model it is. I have an acre and 1/4 myself and usually rack up about 40 - 50 hours/year depending on what projects I'm working on. I mow, dethatch, aerate, overseed, pull a cart loaded with rocks, firewood, etc... and mulch my leaves in the fall pulling a lawn sweeper to collect them. You can usually save a bunch of $$$ buying a good used quality tractor. Just make sure it has been well taken care of by the previous owner. If it looks rough it probably is rough. An engine coated in oil, grass clippings, etc..., faded paint, cracked seat and weathered plastic components typically indicate that it was left outside in the elements and not well cared for. Good luck!

I had the hard starting problem and finally figured it out. I thought it was electrical or carb but it wasn't. The problem finally became obvious when the fuel pump began leaking. The ethanol ruined the fuel pump diaphragm. Its an easy fix! Two bolts. First take off the hood. Take off the air filter. Find the fuel pump next to the carb. Remove the two bolts. Disconnect two fuel lines. Install new pump. About 70$ part. Then it started right up. 10 minutes. Now i have the smoking engine issue. Looks like oil in the muffler? Leaking oil from valves pistons ??? Not sure yet. Word to the wise. Beware the leaky fuel pump. It drips gas right into the hot muffler. The new pumps have a drain hose. I've heard of several fires. So if you have a 345 and never changed the fuel pump you may want to do this now so you don't burn down your house.

Thanks for the posts, I appreciate your input and suggestions. I looked at the JD 2305, and it will be a couple thousand more with similar attachments I'm looking at on the x720. The x720 is already in the "a couple thousand more" category for me. Plus, the x720 may be one step up from what I really need, the 2305 is definitely much more than I need. Used JD x400 series is a good suggestion. That's how I started this journey. I've since convinced myself that I don't want to spend that much money (although it would be a few thousand less expensive than new) on a used tractor. elfii, the price you mention for the x540 seems high to me. I've got a quote for an x720 with 54" deck, 54" front blade (with kit for angling and down pressure), rear quick-tach weights and tire chains for around $10,500 final price including tax (including a $600 discount on x700 series through my job - no, I don't work for JD). I configured a Kubota BX1850 with similar attachments and came in at $12,286 list price. If I assume a price reduction off list and tax off-set each other I'm still at roughly $1500 more for the BX1850. I agree the BX1850 is more tractor, but it's not for free and as I stated in my original post - I'm not impressed with my local Kubota dealer. Thanks again for the suggestions. I feel like this is a situation where there is no "right" answer, just a matter of choosing what feels like the "best" answer.