I have always related John Deere products as top of the line, and so purchased an L120 from Home Depot in Cranberry, Pa in 2005 for list price of $2199. I serviced it regularly, and cut 2 acres a week, until it hit about 500 hours, and the B & S engine shot craps for no apparent reason. So, because I loved the machine, I invested in a brand new replacement B & S engine, and continued on. The engine had been hard-starting from day one, but I thought it to be the 'nature of the beast'. Also, the reverse never seemed to respond well from the start either, but I didn't know it was a indication of future problems. Recently, after an hour or so, the machine could not make it up a small hill, and I had to resort to using my 212, which I purchased specifically to use when my L120 quit working. Today I cut the whole lawn with it, because I just done think there is much life left in the AM131580 transmission you put in this machine. I recently had the 48" mower deck completely rebuilt with new pulleys, blades, and belt. I cuts beautiful when its running, but now I am asking for help from you to help me get it back to its original strength with a new transmission. I would ask that you get in touch with a JD dealer near my house in Harmony, Pa, pick it up, do the R & R, and return it to me. It is the right thing to do, I know you know it, too. By the way, you will be helping out a veteran, too. I ask this because I am 80 years old and need a reliable machine to continue to keep my yard looking John Deere Great? Thank you in advance!!~