My personal recommendation would be to stay away from the K46 tranny in the X300 - because it's a poor match. The small tranny in the X300 is like having a 4-banger in a 1 ton truck. If you were considering the K46 as a sufficient tranny - which for mowing only it absolutely is, then I'd save some $$ and step down to the LA series machines. If you want the X300 series, then do go for the X304. With regards to maintenance - the X300 may be better in that it may be "more maintainable" with more grease zerks on bearings etc.... whereas the LA series has limited maintainability. I just found out this weekend with my L120, that I had to disassemble things like mower-deck spindles to get to the bearings so I could grease them. Talk to the dealer and get him to show you the "maintainability differences" between the 2 series machines. If the X300 does not have greasable spindles for example, then you're no better off. Also, things like the electric clutch, switches, solenoids, carb-dirt, and other items will require maintenance before 10 years.... of course highly dependent on how you treat the machine (outdoor vs indoor storage, regular oiling and greasing vs. "just put in gas, and go" type use).... I've had my L120 for 2.5 years, and 250 hours. No problems. However, I took apart the electric clutch this year, and serviced the bearings, and same with the deck spindles. I would bet that if I didn't do that, then within 1-2 years I'd be replacing these parts. The engine is designed for maintnance so that's not a problem. The K46 is not meant to be serviced, but it can be done - and I did it last year (oil change). However, keep in mind that I abuse with a capital "A" my machine... If I had to guess, I'd say I am using it for 125% of what it was designed for examples: towing 1-yard trailers of gravel, pulling spike harrows, dragging firewood (logs), pulling over-loaded (350 lb) plug aearators regularly, etc.

Dear FPerkins- Unbelievable to read your message. I have almost identical problem. My husband desperately wanted a Weber (silver Genesis)and I wanted the Virco. He claimed that if we bought the Weber he would learn to grill with it, and become a "Grill God". Since I do about 98% of the food prep for our large family (four kids) I was incredulous, but to the Depot we went, and bought his dream grill. That was last month, during which time he has grilled twice, and I have grilled about eleven times. He hasn't touched his grill since mid May, and last week in a fit of frustration I purchased a Virco since the local Costco happened to get three of them in, and experience had shown me they would not be around for long. We now are the proud owners of "his and hers" grills. Ridiculous, and takes up lots of space on our back porch, but alas, compromise is the foundation of a truly good marriage. I agree that once you hotrod the Weber with a cover, stainless grates, rotisserie etc. its obvious what a value the Virco is. Another compelling argument is that the Virco cabinet which houses the propane tank is a much more childproof (and attractive) feature. Still, it is comforting to know I am not the only conflicted multiple grill owner out there in cyberspace!

It's the things you can't see that are expensive. Roof, sewer, plumbing, electrical, dry rot, foundation reinforcement for earthquakes - the inspection report might have shown (probably did) a real mess. >>He (RE agent) walks through the upper unit’s rooms, pausing at a “sunroom” at the back of the kitchen with yellow “Caution” tape on its doors>> You don't put Caution Tape up without it being too dangerous to walk on the floor. That it's in an upper unit means the ceiling is in danger of falling down on the first floor room underneath. It might be caused by improper construction (lack of sufficient joists) but more likely a leaky roof. Roofing a Victorian in SF is around $25+K because you can't "layer" roofs any longer; it's always a tear-off (hazardous waste abatement) and laying new panels before shingling.

Oh Rick, I would take ten feet of billowing snow over freezing rain anytime. We got no more than 10 inches though---is it just us or is this winter kind of warm? It's less than 10 feet from the ground, Tyler but I'm half that tall lol And I already disassembled the ladder I made to build the roof. I meant to put an additional support post inside but we've been getting nothing but rain so I didn't bother. Alrighty, Martin. if you ever need a place to stay in the northeastern coast of the New World, the pergola is yours! You'll be amongst my haworthias and other plants besides. A mantis hatched in there last summer, maybe there will be another. Pagan