My Cub 1640 garden tractor is a '94. I put a short block in it two years ago. Keeps on going. Has hydraulics, 3 point. Deck, snow blade, snow blower, box blade. I use it.
I bought a new Scag commercial zero turn 4 weeks ago because of all the trees I mow around on our 3 acre lot. Cut my mowing time in half and mows great.
You have to pull the engine dipstick before every use, change oil and filter, air filter, fuel filter when you are supposed to. Those things are the life of your mower... or any vehicle you own.