Mowing season here is May - September + or -. In November I use the tractor to blow leaves toward the side of the road for pickup.
About an hour to mow with the tractor, the rest with a self propelled push mower, which thankfully I got last September, replaced a Craftsman self propelled I think I bought in 1999. I do have a slight hill. Doing the math I came up with about half, ~24 hours a year.
My price range beginning at $2600 was based on those I saw at Lowes, but as mentioned no X models. So, I realize I'd have to raise the bar quite a bit for new, or focus on used.
@Tdbo I wish I could find something like that 2014 mower in Ohio, Not much on Craigslist around here, but will check Facebook Marketplace again later, that seems to have more. Of course I'd ask why they're selling.
Thanks again for the replies - this site is the best one yet.
@DuckRyder I'll check out that link.
@NormanBuntz I've heard good things about Snapper.
Yesterday I had to put the Craftsman back in the garage while it could under it's own power. After 5-7 minutes, it runs weak, looses rpms with any kind of load. Replaced the easy stuff - fuel filter, spark plug, ignition coil. I'm tired of dealing with that and will no longer
'throw parts' at it - although the symptoms did suggest those parts based on research.
I think there is a John Deere dealer about 40 minutes from here, will need to confirm.