IIRC, the Deutz is an interference engine. If the timing belt fails, there will likely be contact between the piston and the valves, with damage to both. When the timing belt is worn, it can cause hard starting and poor operation. The machine I bought has the Deutz BF4M1011. When I was considering buying it, I had a shop go over it before I signed the deal. The machine was very hard to start. The mechanic was sure it was the injectors. I wanted to have the timing belt changed, since that is a maintenance item with that engine. Cleaning the injectors didn't help the starting, but the new timing belt sure did. There are special tools to do the job, but you can rent them from the same company that sells the belt. The Deutz is oil cooled, so don't plan on buying antifreeze. Some say the Deutz parts are less available and more expensive than the Kubota. The engines can be rebuilt for about $5k from a rebuilding company, or around $3-4k for a shop repair.