balmoralboy, something to consider if you have not yet purchase the battery is to buy an Optima battery. Sounds like your machine may set for long periods of time. This is hard on batteries. Best to either remove the battery for the long set period and periodically charge it or perhaps one of those trickle chargers the maintain the battery at full charge without charging it dry.
As for the parts replacement thing:question: :question: :question: All I can say is that "I feel your pain"

I have had to replace 2 belts at about $30 each and about $200 worth or bushings, pulleys, levers, etc. on my F525. Those Deere colored parts ain't cheap! I put alot of hours on my machine so I can't complain.
If you are sustaining damage to the mower due to hitting objects in the grass; I have some customers with lawns like that and I raise my deck up a good bit to minimize hitting things like rocks, steel spikes, wire,...............you wouldn't believe some of the stuff I find.
Something else to consider would be to weigh the cost of owning your mower against hiring out the job to a lawn care service. Am not sure how Canadian tax laws go but I would think you may be able to deduct this as a valid business expense. Just a thought:truth:
Sorry to hear about the glass door. Ouch! :duh: Do you mow with the shute guard up or down? The only mower that comes to mind that has what they call an OCDC or Operator Controlled Discharge Shute is Dixie Chopper and they are WAY expensive.
In any case, thought I would throw a few ideas and options out there to consider.