Yes, it can last, but it certainly won't last as long as the older (70's) tractors.
I've been playing with older GTs for awhile, and on some of the Garden Tractor Forums this question pops up every week or so.
It's true that the new MTD (Made To Disintegrate) LT's aren't anywhere near the quality of things like the old Bolens, Cub Cadets, etc. However, they don't cost as much as those old GTs did either. For instance, I have a 1971 Bolens 1886. It has a Kohler 18hp Twin, and in 1971 when it was new, it sold for $2,100.00. That's equivalent to (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Inflation calculator) $11,800.00 in todays money. That's well into SCUT/CUT territory, but that old 1886 will do pretty much anything that the new SCUT/CUTs can do. Including handling a FEL and/or a backhoe. It's capable of pulling a 12" plow, 42" tiller, etc. Comparing the new MTD mowers to the old Garden Tractors is comparing apples to oranges.
If you are looking for JUST a lawn mower, it's becoming clear that the Cub Cadet 1nnn KW series with the KAWASAKI engines have become the best there is in the $2,000.00 and under range. That includes the John Deere D series. MTD is building them to a bit higher standard than their other 'brands' in that price range. They have heavier frames, mower decks, etc. and a bit better hydrostatic trans.
If you are looking at something in the $2000.00 range, the 1nnn KW Cub Cadets are the best of the lot. Just remember that they, nor the D series John Deeres are going to 'last' if you try tilling, plowing, etc with them. They just aren't built to do that.
I wouldn't buy one from a box store if at all possible. Get one from a Cub Cadet, or a Case-IH dealer. The dealers assemble and adjust things like the mower deck to proper specs, while the box stores just slap them together. It DOES make a difference.
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