Riding mower suggestions?

I have a 1/2 acre lot that is mostly open, just a few spots that are tricky to navigate. It's slightly sloped, not a giant hill but enough so it gets tiring pushing a mower up. I'm going to be getting myself a riding mower either this summer or next, hate to say it but I'm getting older and walking behind a push mower for 2 hours isn't getting any easier. So I'm wondering what to get myself?

I want to keep things under $2000 and don't mind getting something from a box store, I'll be doing my own maintenance. I don't want a rear engine one because I may eventually by a snow plow attachment for it and I already have a tow-behind wagon to attach.

So...suggestions? I like the looks of the newest Cub Cadets but wanted to hear from people before making any decisions.

 

Last year I got a Husqvarna GTH52XLS. Locking rear diff. 52 inch cut. Not a zero turn but does turn tight. I cut about 2 acres. So far no problems yet.

 

I bought a Husqvarna YTH 22V42 in 2015 for about $1700 out the door.

I regret not spending a little more and getting a better machine.

 

I bought a Cub Cadet LT1040 from Home Depot about 4 or 5 years ago. It's been fine for me, no issues at all. My lot is just shy of 1 acre.

 

I got a 1999 Wheel Horse 314-8 before winter. The cast iron uni-drive transmission and Kohler engine make these things bullet proof. All the attachments from 1960ish to 2001ish use the same Attach-a-Matic system, so there are tons of used mower decks, snowblowers, plows, and tillers that pop up on craigslist. Their gearing makes them great for plowing and pulling heavy loads.

Its not shiny and new but its worth a look. A Wheel Horse tractor with mower deck in good shape usually sells for 700-1200

 

This is what I should have done.

Old mowers > new tractors

 

I have a JD Z335E zero turn. It's only a 42" deck but it does a fantastic job on my Bermuda yard. I have just under an acre that I cut. I got a heck of a deal on it.

 

OP, my suggestion is to not "cheap out" on the tractor, especially if you plan to add a blower or other stuff.... Spend a little more and get maybe more HP and a better quality machine. Not knowing exactly what your needs are, it's hard to suggest. If hilly terrain and attachments.... Go better quality and NO "box store" tractors....you will/might regret it.

I've got a 20 HP Craftsman for the flat lawn...no issues.... I would not add a blower to it as the tranny would likely explode..!

Better to have more Hp than not enough when you need it..!!

 

Craftsman 54" triple blade rider. The biggest thing thing they made that year...