At the risk of stepping on toes. Here goes. Since you said that price is not an issue. Look at commercial ZTRs or Higher end Yard Tractors. Kubota, Gravely, are just a couple.

Since you enjoy mowing your 2 acres, a good ZTR will make it a pleasure and fun too.

After doing a ton of research, I ended up with a Walker ZTR,
at the very least, go to or call local dealers and have them bring out what they consider their best machines in what ever catagory you are interested in and drive them and operate them on your land. If they will not do it look elsewhere. My dealer brought mine 90 miles to show it off. I also had 20 other ZTRs brought out and the one I bought had not even been on my short list, that is how much different it was from the competition.

See the link.

Others will chime in with their favorites and that is good too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Take a look...

Here is a dealer in NJ probably not the only one, but I didn't know what part of the state you lived in. Go to the site and hit the how to buy tab and put in your zip and the closest dealer will come up.

Here is a link that might be useful: NJ Dealer

i recently have been working on a scotts lawn tractor. its 10 years old ... and it looks 10 years old. I had some problems with the unit due to lack of proper maintenance schedule from the prior owner and I am trying to squeeze another year out of it.

The reason I bring my scotts to the conversation is that 10 years ago it was made by John Deere. I can tell you the Deere dealer in Rockaway have been VERY helpful keeping my old Scotts running.

Since you are not mechanically inclined it might be nice to know you can rely on a good dealer to support your equipment .

Is your old husky looking for a new home ?

Good luck.

If price is no object, go buy a new John Deere X500 series with a 48" plow or 42" snow thrower.
Otherwise, here's a nice GT235 (predecessor to X500) for $2200 OBO in PA. It's got low hours and it's a Kawasaki-powered version. The GT235 is one of the best values ever put out by John Deere. The transmission will stand up to any snow-removal chore, and the deck is a 48". And it's one of the more sought-after Kawasaki-powered versions.
Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: GT235

For a riding tractor/mower with snow-throwing capabilities, I'd be the third guy here to recommend a higher end John Deere garden tractor. Top of the line engines and transmissions, many with power steering and locking differential which is really nice, good turning radius on most. Usually lots of dealers with excellent parts network/inventories. The 500 series is a good model line of JD for you to look at. If you didn't need any other capabilities than mowing, a Zero Turn Mower would be highly recommended for its speed and maneuverability and there are lots of good brands out there including JD.

You definately need a garden tractor for your described needs for mowing slopes and snow removal. Anything less than, you will put too much stress on your tractors transmission and you will be buying again in a few short years or so.

Next, definately purchase a Garden Tractor from a dealer for the support, repairs and parts. You will be spending some dollars on your purchase so you will want a dealer that will be there to stand behind your purchase.

I would concur with the guys above with at least looking at the John Deere line. The current X500 line would suit you well. I have owned JD mowers. The dealer suppport is GREAT! You will not be disappointed.

If you want to safe a few bucks but still have a great, durable and very reliable garden tractor, go with marineguy's advise and look into the John Deere GT series. JD sold these through 2006. Last year I was looking at the X500 series line but after much researching, I feel I could get what I needed from a newer GT series. I saved some money and got the attachments I wanted.

Good luck to you!

Depending on how much you want to spend and if you are looking at used or new. If used, I can recommend finding a JD 445. they have 20Hp Liq cooled Kawasaki engines and decks go from 48-60", hystat trans, and hydraulic remote outlets in the front for snow blowers, blades, etc. I have 5.5 acres of Hilly, hard to mow terrain, and I can say that the 445 is a BEAST. I have a Simplicity Landlord now that struggles compared to the 445 on my terrain, im constantly having to lock in the diff and mow in certain directions just not to get stuck, im renting the 445 from work and im nearly certain im goign to buy it. Its built VERY heavy and the cut quality is pretty darn close to my simplicity.

Just my .02

Check out the Toro GT2200 with a Kohler Courage Twin-Cylinder, Heavy Duty Hydrostatic Transmission, 50' 3 blade deck. A Two stage snow thrower and a dozer blade are available for snow attachments. Its a beast. www.toro.com

"Check out the Toro GT2200 with a Kohler Courage Twin-Cylinder, Heavy Duty Hydrostatic Transmission, 50' 3 blade deck. A Two stage snow thrower and a dozer blade are available for snow attachments. ItÂs a beast. www.toro.com"

Would that be the same as the Cub cadet SLT1550 with an MSRP of $2499?
The Cub also has a 3-year/120-hour & 5-year/500-hour warranty instead of just a 2 year on the Toro.