Sorry Dew, not sure why I wasn't notified, but 9 months later I can tell you that I am still pleased with my 4500P. A couple years now of use. Have used it mowing with the 72" deck, no issues or felt like I needed more power. Though, if I'm mowing 12" tall grass I can't go full speed without the RPMs bogging down a bit, but that's any of the engines and really shouldn't be doing that with a finish deck. I've used my v-blade on a 400 ft drive and it worked great in the winter, easily was plowing 6-12" deep snow, kept my speed up and the snow rolls off the edges great. Bucket and grapple to move several large rocks and never needed anymore power. I had one rock I couldn't lift, but it was nearly the same size as the bucket... though with grapple I was able to drag it. I even tried with the weight transfer on 4. Odd, because a similar sized rock I lifted without issue. Maybe one was more dense and the one I couldn't move wouldn't fit inside so it was extending out more... less leverage for sure.
So... ditto what others have said about the P and P vs Z. Both are great. If I had to do it again, the only reason to pick the Z or air cooled one would be because I've already had a P. I still can't understand why many 4500 users wouldn't even consider anything but the Z and some how it's unequivocally better. Kawasaki's are in nearly every zero turn as the tried and true engine. Air cooled version is a good option. I just don't think it matters that much... but I don't see or service these on a daily basis, so I have a limited view. Just happy I have one and it's the P model.
The value of the 4500 is NOT the engine you choose it's the attachments you have!!! For VERY hilly properties the P is the best because of it's continuous slope rating... but otherwise, I'll take a 4500 with ANY engine with more attachments than a 4500 and engine of my choice and less attachments.
Now, if I rant, it's the availability and price of attachments. Pre-purchase I thought, I'll just watch the local ads for used ones... silly me. They are harder to find than a one legged unicorn. It is NOT your typical sub compact tractor attachment/accessory market. And when they do go up for sale (like 1 every 5 months) they are asking nearly retail price and usually sold quickly. I think that says a lot about their quality, people buy them, use them for a loooong time. Either don't get rid of them because they cost so much and or because they are workhorses for their business. I'm just a residential owner/user. I got lucky once, found the old, old model for the terra landscape rake, bought it for $600, the new version is $2400 but I'll die before I get another deal like that.
I'm even near 3 great dealers, 2 within 15 minute drive and mast lepely in apple creek about an hour away. Mast lepely rents, but I called once and they were booked 3 months out. I would spend $4K for a power rake to use at my moments need.. but $7K is steep for something that will sit way more than it's used.
I digress... it's awesome machine, truly does a lot of things very well, not an easy task... maybe I just need deeper pockets.