I purchased one last year, & decided on the Cub Cadet. The Cub was the only one with Kohler power, while all the others had Briggs motors. One difference between the Cub 1040 & 1045 is that the 1040 does not have overlapping mower blades. They are not locked into a certain position under the deck. I do not notice any uneven cutting on grass with the 1040, but do see very slight differences when field cutting in the highest mower position.
The deck is easy to remove, the manual is decent, & the motor has plenty of power. I paid $1450 & am not disappointed.
Jim
