In my opinion, most all the mfrs. you list have comparable residential grade models with the integrated pump/motor units at each rear wheel. Kind of a Ford vs Chevy vs Chrysler comparison. I think Walker only mfrs. commercial grade units and their starting prices are way up there. Probably best to visit each dealer (if you have the time) and see what fits you best, including price. The only mfr. of ztr's I am familiar with is John Deere since I own one (EZTrak 425) but you don't have that listed.

Larso1- thanks. What is your opinion on the EZTrak 425? I just hear so many people say stay away from the green machines, but I'm always open to look at them because years ago they made really good equipment and we had their regular lawn tractors growing up with very little problems

Well I haven't heard anyone say to stay away from the green machines, but they do tend to cost a little more for that green paint. I do like the EZTrak 425. Mine is a 2007, 1st year of the model. No problems so far, I just do all the routine maintenance as suggested in the manual. It does have a separate pump and drive motors which are normally found on the higher end units. The one pain is the deck lift, it should have been provided with a spring assist to make it easier, but other than that I like it. The new models may be a little different, I haven't kept up with the changes over the years. Mine cost $4K back in '07 and the turbo bagger system was close to another $1K.

I have had a Lawnboy Precision, with the Honda GXV 390, since 2004. Love it... it cuts our 2.5 acres in 1/4 the time of our traditional rideon lawn tractor. It is a little less stable on the banks but if you mow across and then turn uphill for the next swath it works fine. There is a lot less traction with this unit as it is lighter in overall weight. It therefore get stuck on boggy ground or wet grass a little more easily. Only mechanical issues I have had is, it has been through 2 starter motors.. and this time once I got it up and started again it would not shut off... I little checking around.,. Ground fault at the main ground at the base of the engine. It was slightly loose.

Dixie Chopper is an excellent machine BUT they have started making a "residential" line which may not be any better than some of the others. Dixie Chopper was one of the first, if not the original one, to use separate pump and motor set up.

Scag is a good machine but not sure about one in the price range you specify.

My experience has been the cheaper models use pumps with fewer elements and thus are not as smooth in their reaction. So try them out.

Walt Conner