I acquired this garden tractor its a john Deere 445 year 2000 I replaced the engine with a stronger running 240 psi compression Kawasaki 22hp v twin that I got for 500 bucks. Make a long story short I installed the engine re painted the tractor repaired the cracked hood and panels and totally went through this mower I also have a 54" deck. I was wondering how much I could get for this unit if I posted it on craigslist or something.?
The problem you have is the $2000 NEW mowers at HD, Lowes, & Tractor Supply.
So that folks reading Craigslist want a used mower for no more than $1500
The 445 is powerful mower and with EFI it's nice.
However buyer beware of the repair cost.
I paid $0 for mine from a relative and it was in poor condition.
I have almost restored it now, but only after $3500 in parts and LOTS of labor.
These mowers were maybe $8000+ new and you would need to buy a 700 series mowers now to replace it and I think they are $10K - $12K