Have a look at the Snapper 28" rear engine rider, it is made for smaller areas and is well built.
Crab grass is a major PITA. Cutting short seems to help keep it from taking over the lawn.

I agree a Snapper RER would be good but you may want to look at A Ariens Zoom with a 34inch deck it small like a RER but a little more manuverable with your plants an schrubs.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ariens Zoom

You might be able to find a used Honda 1011 or 1013. I see them on Craig'slist occaisonally. I had one, bought new (very expensive, $2600 in '94). They are bulit like a tank but very small and menuverable. I loved that little mower (30").

Jim (instigator? haha--I love that!)

I must agree with the couple of recommendations for the Snapper but, based upon your situation and requirements, I have another suggestion. Look carefully into the Simplicity Coronet. I'll offer you a link below. Also, please read my comments about it to a previous post (below) to "mcgriff". That's a resurrected post of a year ago, but I stand by my comments on the Coronet to this day. The Coronet is not cheap, but I consider it the Cadillac of the rear-engined riders.

Check out the link, and pay particular attention to the turning radius and the dethatching and bagging capabilities.

Best wishes with your final decision!

Hal

Here is a link that might be useful: Simplicity Coronet

I was going to also recommend the Coronet.
Anyway her's an example of the Honda: http://cgi.ebay.com/HONDA-HARMONY-1011-HYDRO-with-30-DECK-GARAGE-KEPT_W0QQitemZ120406637191QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item120406637191&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Heres your link wrager

Here is a link that might be useful: Ebay

Thank all of you for providing some insight to my requirements. As soon as I get a break (no pun intended) I will look into all of your recommendations and hopefully zero in on one of your suggestions.

Regarding the name "Instigator".....it is the name on the boat that I use to fish the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. Many who know me claim that it is most fitting but then again...........what do they know!!

Again..............thank you!

Instigator,

Again, I love it! (your handle)

I used to live in the Northern Virginia area (9 years), with frequent trips to the Bay and some fishing in the Potomac. Your admission that you "live on the water" makes me hate you!!! (grin, just kidding...I think?)

Check out the Coronet. It would be a great machine for you in your situation.

Regards,
Hal

First, I would google Consumer Reports, riding lawn mowers, and look at test results and recommendations.

No one has mentioned this but the way you describe your lot, and your need for a mower that turns sharp and cuts a narrow path. I think a Snapper 150Z, zero turn, fits the specs very well. It will cost a bit more but you will be glad you bought it every time you use it, and that is priceless.

Thank you all for the information, suggestions and also the various links. I now think I have enough information to be confused and undecided.

For what it is worth, initially I was leaning towards the Coronet as it has all my desired features and looks like a well made machine. The smaller Snappers also would provide what I need. The Ariens really looks well made and have all the features but the smallest cutting width is 42 inches and I need something around 28-30 inches. Thanks for posting the picture of the Deere and I expect it would be a good buy...........especially for some one who had the skills and interest in maintaining it (I have neither) but thanks for the offer.

I have always been a huge fan of Honda products/engines. Unfortunatley I discovered that Honda is out of the riding lawn mower/tractor business so the only thing available is used. There are a number of them available on E-bay but they all must be picked up and most of them are toooooo far away. The one that you guys provided a link to for E-bay is within 3 hours where I live so I may just give it a shot. I expect I would be happy with it and if not it is a far cry from a $2-$2.6K machine/mistake. Again, thanks for being friendly to a stranger and I do appreciate the responses.

Jim

Smallest Cutting width on the Ariens in the link above is 34inches same as the Largest deck for a Coronet price of Ariens $1,999. Under the Snapper label you will also fine the RE200 which is a clone (Same machine diffrent color) of the Simplicity coronet with a 30inch deck $2,449
Simplicity Coronet 30inch deck price $2,450
Simplicity Coronet 34inch deck price $2,850

Here is a link that might be useful: Snapper Clone

Since I didn't see any mention of budget, I will suggest a machine just made for what you need.

It is a Walker (brand) with a 36" deck and a grass handling system. It is a ZTR and manuvers like a dream in small tight places. Even though the look large, they really are not. They are much smaller than most riding ZTR's.

Take a look. Scroll down to bottom to see one set up with a 36" deck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Link

Those Walkers sure are sweet! Aren't they all fuel injected too? How much is an entry level machine?

They are comparably priced with other commercial ZTR's. I have a side discharge, but sometimes wish I had bought a Grass Handleing System. It makes clean up a breeze.

I am not sure abour the fuel injection. I don't think mine is, will have to check the web site.

Tom...

Instigator, I cant help with any small mower ideas or suggestions, because I use a much bigger tractor, however, I will suggest Scotts Turf Builder with crab grass control. Its a fertilizer with some sort of crab grass killer. Works very well. Wish I had your crab grass here, it makes great horse hay. We would both be happy then. Good luck on both endeavers.

Muleman,

Thanks for the info on the Scott's product. I saw the stuff about a month ago, was going to buy several bags and than read where you could not plant grass for 3-4 months after application. I will wait until this fall and give it a shot. To-date I have found nothing that was really effective. I over seed in both the spring and fall and it helps to keep it in control a bit. All crab grass needs is one bare spot and it is off and running.

You have some tough horses if they can eat wire grass. You can almost cut your hands on the stuff trying to pull it.

Thanks,
Jim

John Deere also has made these though the years. Both with 30" and 38" decks. Look on Machinefinder.com

Consider thr new Craftsman SRD Lawn Tractor. It is a front engine design with a 30" deck and only a 16" turn radius! Thr true beauty is the integrated bagging system. No tube out of the side of the deck to get in the way, since the deflector chute is incorporated into the body. Also, I would suggest the repair plan, as this will prepay for any and all service calls to your house, even if it it for a flat tire or worn out belt!