I posted some time ago about buying a new 583. The deal fell through (wife would"nt approve). My other boss, employer, said if I bought one, he would rent it from me, at a very good rate, with me as the operator, to cut gas pipeline rights-of-way this winter. He is going to end up paying for nearly half of the tractor, kind of as a bonus. Well, local dealer had a 2009, platform, MFWD with a free loader for cheaper than any used one I could find on the "net. Anyway, welded a nice big brushguard on it it went to work mowing today with a 7" bushog. This is the first new tractor I have ever owned. The transmission is very stiff, 3 point arms unloaded stay up even with the controls down! Ergonomics of the station are very nice, the telescoping 3-point and slick sway bars are awesome. It runs the 7 footer without breaking a sweat. I think I"m gonna trade with the other crew and put the batwing behind it. Manual says to work the crap out of it for the first 100 hours, and don"t let it idle for any period of time. Pretty exciting day in Wiggins, Mississippi for a tractor lover!