I would get a Z-turn with a diesel engine if you've got the money and the acreage. The diesel will last much longer and use less fuel, but the initial investment is more, but if your going to keep it a long time it may be worth it. My college major is horticulture and although iv'e seen bad boy mowers at equipment shows iv'e never actually seen one on a lawn service trailer. If I were go out and buy one I would buy a John Deere, Toro, Ferris, or Hustler Diesel. The Ferris and the Hustler have Caterpillar diesels and the John Deere is a Yanmar, I'm mot absolutly sure what diesel the Toro has but I think it is a Kubota. I think they range from 28-31 horsepower. The Ferris has an independent suspension system which looks pretty interesting. But in my experience John Deere has the finest quality of cut And the Yanmar diesel is very reliable. Dixie Chopper also looks like a very good Z-turn with a lot of different models. These large diesel mower are qiute pricey +/- 8-15k

For smaller models, get a liquid cooled gas: two very fine brands are John Deere and Toro. Both have excelent quality of cut and both have reliable Kawasaki engines. John Deere and Toro are going to cost more than cheaper brands like Dixon and Sears but will last much longer and cut much better. Like aything else YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!! Iv'e only priced the larger models so I can't be much help there but good luck. Toro, John Deere, etc. should all have websites so you can compare models, some websites even give prices.

 

I've got a mini pup. The dealer sold the bush hog and the bad boy. The bad boy
seemed to have more features for the price and a little heavier construction. Its
allot quicker than the hog. Takes a little getting use too.

 

I own a WRIGHT STANDER 48 inch. 20 H.P. twin. Hydraulic drive on the wheels, belts on the three blades. I think it's a great machine that is pretty simple to maintain.

 

All we use is Exmark for the big mowers, and toro for the trim mowers. Shindawa for the weedwackers. Exmark has the best cut and they run forever. Make sure to get gator blades, they make a big difference if the grass is wet at all.