What is the reputation of Gravely Ariens lawn/garden mower tractor equipment?

Question:How good are they and how are their Zero Point turn machines for longevity. Have a John Deere 314 that cut 3 acres+ of grass and hauled since new in 1979 and engine lasted 27 years before being rebuilt becuase it was burning oil.
Stopped into Gravely Ariens and just wonder how good they are. Still will never sell the old deere but just wanted to know thinking on another tractor.

Answers:
I never gave much thought to mowers until after I bought the Gravely for my Mom to help out (after my Dad passed on). Years passed and I purchased their property, with the Gravely included of course!!, this is the main reason for my manual request. Now that I have control over the Gravely I can FINALLY 'BABY' IT ! It has helped mow my previous 3 acres(incuding 1.25 mile jaunt to/from), my mom's 2.5, my brother-in-law's unlandscaped 5, and helped on my Uncle's 4 acre campground every summer for the last five years, some of it, being abusive.

I lucked into buying the Gravely from a retiring Doctor by pure chance. I was amazed with it's construction from first sight. The Gravely was built like I would build one, very sturdy! Even after experiencing the ease of moving from one season to another, ie: mower deck to push blade / snow blower / garden and back to mower deck, I am still amazed. Everything was built very sound with preventive, and consant maintenance in mind. I was and still am, very impressed.

My brother-in-law spent big $$$$ three years ago on some Toro front "super mower". EVERY year since he has had to borrow the Gravely for half a summer because of Toro mechanical failure! Now they want to roll their lawn with the Gravely . This year I will implement one of my Fathers favorite quotes from Will Rogers; "People's mind's are changed through observation, not argument." I can only be an advertisement to those that are willing to see the obvious.

The only mower that comes close to my Gravely is my one brothers John Deere. We mow our Uncles campground together and even he admits that the Gravely is far 'better' ("Wow,real steel!" he said ), it mows smooth, level! Easier access to the deck, motor, greasing, oil etc. than his Deere (although understandably, he said it in private, afraid of loosing 'brownie points' with his wife & father-in-law-haha!)

Put me down as a satisfied customer, very satisfied. How about this slogan "Gravely; the next best thing to not having to mow your lawn." or "Next best thing to having a nephew that's wants to play your new video game!" ~HA~

I am already saving for the next Gravely mower, although ... come to think of it... why would i!!