For 1.4K for a MH system, I'd rather see some young kid earn that raking it up once a year. I do find with my 2305/54mmm that it does blow the clippings a long way. I figure this fall I'll just blow the leaves into my neighbors... and he's down over the hill and through the woods /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.
The tires is always an interesting discussion. I got the turfs on mine and I am very glad I did. They are much easier on the grass and still give plenty of bite in the mud. Sure they load up but thats what 4wd is for.
If you are storing it in a garage, I wouldn't think the heater is necessary even in Minnesota. We get to 20 below here and the dealer said if its stored in an unheated garage it will still start no problem. Of course, I'll believe the dealer after this winter.