I've done a bunch of research on the FR, FS, FX series of Kawasaki 730 engines. Every single part inside the three series engines are exactly the same part numbers. Only differences in those I've been able to find are breathers, intakes, manifolds, carbs and a couple of other insignificant parts that has nothing to do with longevity or power output. Not to mention the Raptors are probably doing more commercial today than the higher priced units.
I was trying to reply to this thread last evening for several hours and the forum wasn't having any part of it. Only significant difference between the SDX and SD I see that is worth mentioning is the open deck chute of the SDX. Otherwise, same machine.
My thinking is the machine is worth about $3,000 and no more than #3,500 to answer your question.
If the aluminum spindle mounts on the Raptor doesn't stand up to a beating, change them to cast iron. Then you can beat on them even harder. If you're doing damage to an aluminum spindle housing, it is your fault, not the spindle mounts. If you are bending any deck whether it is a pressed deck or a fabricated deck, it is your fault, not the design and manufacturing type of the item.
I believe the mower will do what you ask of it as long as what you ask is cutting grass and not chopping the tops off of roots, lowering dirt mounds, etc.
If you like the Raptor, get it, run the hell out of it. If you break it, fix it. If you tear it up, don't complain about it. lol
Good luck,
Max
