Ethan,
Yes, that was a lot of money back then but look at you were getting...a 149 w/hydraulic lift! Also note the 44" mower deck was free as part of an annual promotion IH would run each spring. The 149 was the top of the line model(except for the 169 which started limited production in early 1974). The 149 is considered by many to be one of the best Cub Cadets produced and is still highly sought after even today.