"I am constantly hauling rocks for the stone walls that I am constantly building." That just sounds funny....sounds like a complaint, but it really is more of a labour of love.... if you "keep building" the walls... and haul enough rocks... 10-20 years from now, there will be no lawn left!.... anyway... here is some data. The cub uses Hydrogear trannies. The series produces anywhere from 200 to 260 ft-lbs of torque. Just for comparison, that range is what JD used in their LX machines - which were considered LTs not GTs. Interestingly, when you click on the Cub "product comparison" page, it produces a comparison list to 3 or 4 other tractors... which are all Lawn Tractors - not GTs. Makes you say "hmmmm"... why would Cub be comparing their GT to other manufacturers LTs? Anyway... the DGS uses the TT K66, with 310 ft lbs of torque, and it is truly rated for ground engaging duty. From where I sit, I see the Craftsman in the GT category, whereas I see the cub a bit below that. Note: for hauling loads up hills, a diff lock may come in handy - check out the Husqvarna model 2346XLS

Unfortunately, the Buell Blast is a single-cylinder, so I doubt you've been hearing any v-twin sound coming from one of those. I'm not criticizing your Cub. I think they are fine machines. (I have a JD and a Scotts (Murray) version, but I'm not a brand loyalist, and I had just about decided to buy the Cub 2554 before I found the used JD on craigslist.) I just thought the comparison to a Harley was funny because I've always thought that lawn and garden tractor motors have an irritating sound. (Some people think Harleys are irritating also, but usually because they're too loud.) My Scotts has a 15hp single-cylinder Kohler Command in it, and it sounds horrible to my ears. The Briggs Vanguard in the JD sounds better. Anyway, sorry if I offended you. Just funnin' really.

Many thanks for all the help. I much appreciate it. I'm going to order my components tonight. I actually contacted Hansgrohe and asked if my list was complete. Here is their reply. Hi, James Yes, you have all of what you need for the system you are putting together. Keep in mind you should run this system in copper not pex, if your intention is pex, run 3/4 pipe not 1/2. Respectfully, Linette C. Williams Technical Services Representative Hansrohe Inc. 1492 Bluegrass Lakes Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30004 Phone: 800-334-0455 Opt 2 I mention this because on one of threads so kindly shared a poster was whining that information such as I was asking about was what I should pay a plumber for. My response is "Go to (well you know where)". I will not tolerate being charged for information about a product that I am buying be it plumbing, a car, or an appliance. I will pay a plumber for the skill to install it but I would never pay one to give me information about a product. Thanks again for everyone's help.

LOL, thanks marcolo! - re cleaning issues, maybe you're more of a neat freak than I am but I just don't have them. Yes, I frequently use two cleaners as you described but so what? Once in a while I find myself chasing a streak, but with a few extra seconds and - more importantly - a clean cloth I always win. I never just leave it there and call it "seasoning" or "patina." - A stray grain of salt can shatter a cooktop? Smells of internet rumor to me. Yeah, perhaps there's a perfect storm that can cause this freak accident. But if it were a general concern people would be shattering their cooktops twice a day. - re boil tests, I believe it's generally accepted that electric beats gas overall. Like I said above, my tests have always rivaled what I see posted about Bluestar and Culinarian. Dunno what you cooked on, but if your experience is with cheap builder grade ranges or in hotel efficiencies, then yeah, those suck. - re cooling down, now THAT I'll give you. My number one complaint by a mile. Perhaps they should sell trivets as $20 options? (I just slide my pan to the side for a few moments.) - I've got no reason to defend my kitchen. It's been "about to be remodeled" for about ten years now and it's a disgrace. (That's why I haven't bothered to replace the shattered top and probably won't unless I find one cheap.) I'm just suggesting that electric cooktops don't deserve nearly all the bad rap they get. They're relatively cheap, relatively effective, and very reliable. I don't know the name of the president of Frigidaire, nor the head engineer, nor anyone else who works for them or represents them. And I like it that way. In my opinion the best customer service is not needing any.