Rent a neighbor’s.
Money no object, John Deere.
I can’t recommend anything. They are all built like crap these days.
I was told for years to go with cub cadet or John Deere. I settled on the JD. No big complaints; the gas gauge quit on me about a year in, and I had to repair the blade deck after a cotter pin broke loose. Mine’s 42 inch.
Hustler.
John Deere. The Lowes/Homey Depot models, the ‘D’ series, are garbage. Go to a JD dealer and get an X model. A few bucks more but heavier duty, much better engine, more features, and comes with a 4 year warranty, not the 2 year Lowes/HD come with.
I have an X350 and it works in a wooded lawn nicely.
My Daughter bought a John Deere last year and they love it.
I could not even began to afford one of those so I got a Yard Man from Walmart. It is an 18 HP model with 42 inch cut.
I have been using it for 8 years now and it still works fine. I really need to replace the blades and belts but they technically still work fine.
It all depends on how much you have to spend. My Son-in-Law wanted a several thousand dollar one so they got the John Deere. I could only afford a $900 one.
I’ve only owned two and still use them both. First an old Wheel Horse and later a ‘93 John Deere (bought new). With proper maintenance they will both likely outlast me, especially the Wheel Horse.
I’ve only owned John Deere so your mileage may vary... that said it’s been a reliable machine. I recommend you stay away from the ‘stand-behind’ ones. I also suggest that you make sure you have the HP you need... if you have any steep gradients especially. However those tend to be wide so check any width restrictions you might have... gates, etc.
Sorry if you’ve already considered all of this... lessons from my past. :)
A rear engine Snapper new or used. They are just about bulletproof.
Keep in mind that the engines and transmissions are exactly the same across many brands. Don’t overpay because of the color it is painted when you can get the same specs and build quality for a mower that costs hundreds less.
Cub Cadets are nice
Cub Cadet.
Arguably who you buy it from is more important than the model. I would recommend finding somebody local who sells equipment to professionals. Someone that will maintain the product responsibly if there is a problem. A little bit of research an extra money now could save you tremendous headaches down the road.
Just adding to my previous post. I would talk to some local landscapers. See what they use and see who they buy it from.
One that the wife is happiest driving with.....
I got a 2006 17 horse Yard Machine (lightly used) for $600 about 8 years ago. 42 inch cut I think. No problems but pretty light use here in the mountains due to short mowing season. Well, maybe not, I mow about an acre plus two other smaller yards that it gets used on.
Haven't had any problems and only had to replace the battery on it.
Works good and I'm happy with it.
According to Pelosi riding mowers are on the front line of stopping illegal aliens.. Ride On!
I mow about four acres every week in the summer at my farm. Four years ago I bought a Gravely 50 inch zero turn with a 24 HP Kawazaki engine. Gravely advertises that they’re the oldest lawnmower maker in the USA. I’ve had no problems with mine.