Ours made it a long ways past 2000 hours, but died at 5000 something.  Cost was 23000 to get it going again.  Spent about 10000 on the Versatile and that could have been done a lot cheaper if we'd have known then what we know now.   I don't see the criticism about "poor maintenance " as being valid....I really don't see how maintenance is going to prevent the pins in the roller lifters from wearing out, or the main bearings from wearing out. 

I've never really said it is a "bad" tractor, but the engine left much to be desired both in lifespan as well as in cost to overhaul.  When an engine costs twice as much to overhaul as a Caterpillar, and runs for half as long, that's excessive operating cost.  

I'm not all that found of having to remove the fuel tanks and front axle to get to the oil pan, either.