Deciding on a new mower, recommendations needed

I have a Hustler Raptor 42" that's been great

I have a Gravely ProTurn that I purchased off FB marketplace for a great price.

The local dealer picks it up, services it and drops it back off.

Factor in local service when making a purchase.

I’m currently in the market for a Gravely ZT-HD. There’s been several threads in the past on recommendations of mowers. Hustler, Gravely, Scag, Bad Boy, etc. are all quality brands. Stay away from box store brands/models. Make sure you review the components when comparing models.

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I would prefer a “commercial” mower just so it will last probably forever and I’m sure they cut much better

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This opinion/perspective always bothers me. Is a commercial mower, for a residential mower where you’re cutting 2-3 hrs a week max, really necessary? You’re putting maybe 50-60 hrs a year on the mower. A commercial machine is gonna be 2-3x the cost of a quality residential/prosumer model. A quality mower is gonna last a while on a typical residential use. You can buy and replace that commercial machine several times with a very good residential mower, and take advantage of new technology, new warranty, etc.

Google Spartan mowers and read story. Replaced my 54" JD Z810 commercial after drive motor destroyed itself and cannot find a replacement motor because JD had Parker build special unit for just for them then just three years later discontinued the whole line. I replaced it with a a 54" Spartan with a Kawasaki mtr late last cutting season. Only cut with it a few times and really like it. I cut about 4 acres. ps JD parts are stupid high!!!!

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commercial” mower

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Definitely not necessary. When I went through this 2 years ago I ended up with a John deer z375r I think. Big residential mower which was about 4500 out the door. I cut 3 acres with it weekly and cannot see where a commercial mower would have benefited me any. It only has 100 hours on it after 2 years, and the machine should be good for 1000 hours easily. With a commercial machine you're paying a whole lot for something that is designed to last 4-5k hours, which will take a regular homeowner 50 years to accumulate.

I sold a few lines before I retired and got out of the business.

$4k to $6K you can get a prosumer unit in most major brands that will get you where you want to be.

Really want to look at the transmission usually Hydro-gear ZT 28 to ZT 30 is fine.
You don't need a Parker pump transmission.

Most brands are decent in this price range and most brands should have a fab deck.
Stamp decks are usually used in lower end units and gives you a good air flow with a smaller engine to lift the grass for a good quality of cut. They are made for neighborhood lawns not field cutting.

I sold alot of brands and I liked the Cub Cadet ZTX series which was a solid unit along with Gravely, Hustler, Toro, Exmark. Bad Boy makes a nice deck along with spartan, but the spindles use to piss my customers off. I have not seen the 2022 units as I retired in 2021. Finding units might be tough, so don't wait as mfg are still cutting dealers orders from what I am hearing.

The thing is to find you a good dealer who will service your product in a timely manner vs a dealer that will put you on the back burner to take care of their larger customers.
Biggest thing I use to see are the transmission especially if people do not change the filters and oil. Engine that is fairly easy change the filter and oil initially after 5 to 10 hours and then after that around 50 hours which is once a year for the avg homeowner.

I bought the exmark e series which is light commercial last year and love it. Fast, cuts great, and offers room for taller people. Believe it was right above 5k but great mower so far and good warranty. As someone said. Stay away from box store mowers. They are not the same.

I ran a 2008 hustler mini z with a 19 hp Kawasaki and 52” deck for 12 years on 2 acres. Replaced the battery 3 times, the drive belt 7 times(damn gum balls) and the deck belt twice. Awesome machine for $6K. Currently running a scag freedom z with a 24 hp Kohler and 52” deck. Just started my 3rd season on the same 2 acres. No issues yet (knock on wood). I’d definitely buy hustler or scag again. Good luck and hope you pick a good one.