Try posting this in the "tractors" forum, you will get a lot more answers there.

The $999 Ariens HD has sold for the past several seasons and , in past promotions included free blades every year. I don't see it on the HD site currently. If this year is the same as the preceding models, it is made by Husqvarna, a fair enough entry level tractor. If it had a Kohler Courage single, I would probably leave it in the store. Tho they say that they have addressed the block cracking issues this year. Sears riders were predominantly made by Husqvarna until the last few years. look under the seat of a Sears and you see the model # starting in 917- it is built by them too. The Briggs Intek twins were not bad, but enough of them ingested dirt which killed the engines. So, if you see a "suitcase" type (like a handle on top of a rectangle) air filter element, look carefully down the throat and look for signs of ingesting dirt. 2 or 4 thumbscrews to remove and have a look. They eventually went to a canister type that seems to be performing OK. The entry level Deere's and Husqvarn built tractors are a good place to be for something that is serviceable and dependable.

I have owned the Z425 for a full season and it is more than fine. OK, it isn't a $5,000.00 mower, get over it. For the price, it is by far the most solid feeling mower over all that I looked at from Husky, Toro, LawnBoy, CubCadet ETC. I selected the 48" model based on storing it in the garage, and maneuverability. The seating position and comfort are markedly better than the competition except maybe the Husky was equal. I also needed the bigger wheels for better traction on slopes. The V-twin is a nice addition for smooth power and longevity over the Z225 one-lunger. The controls are superb, and smooth, with ample adjustments. The cut is fantastic and even. I only use the highest setting to let the grass have a chance to support the root system. Most people cut their grass way too short. But even with a maxed out cut setting, it is smooth and even. Deere uses parker wheel motors that are very good, but uses the standard (or so it seems) Kanzaki hydrolic pump. But this is still on the commercial side of things for long life. The engine? The ELS series engine is about $100.00 more than the Intek series when bought separate. I really don't think that the Intek will be an issue at all based on it's construction (oil filter and high pressure oil system). Throw some synthetic Mobile 1 in there after the first 50 hours to break the rings in and go. Could Deere have used the ELS? Yes, but they didn't. This isn't a deal breaker for me at all. The CubCadet has a Kawasaki, and it is not as nice to use. The controls are too loose and imprecise and the overall build is not as finished as the Z425 Deere. Is the CubCadet a "bad" mower? No, it just isn't as satisfying to use as the Deere, so the engine isn't all there is to it. Not to mention local Deere dealers to properly get parts or fix any nasty issues that might arise (machines do break eventually). Oh, the 3.5 gallon tank? I can mow six acres on a tank (my 2 acre yard three times) before I run out of fuel. If you can stay on it long enough to run it dry, stopping for gas will be a relief. My biggest nit is that the controls do not have a center point adjust and are slightly forward and back from one another in the straight ahead position at less than full speed, maybe an inch or so. I got over it and don't notice it much any more at all. So once you adjust the mower for even full speed tracking with the adjuster bolts, the less than full speed tracking is off some. So, for the 3700.00 bucks, the Deere got my cash and I was glad to part with it.

It is a matter of exploring your needs. Mowing acres you would want to go at least with something like a large X series Deere or larger Kubota GT. Both make heavy duty zero turns as well. A better investment would be a sub compact or compact tractor , both on what you can do with it and resale market. I'm told that baggers on like the BX are really meant to be left on and can be a big deal to change. I might suggest a forum like tractorbynet and ask the folks there how they like their mowers. Where in Washington are you? Much success for your upcoming business.