Thanks for your informative posts. I went another route and purchased a new BX2670 with 60" mowing deck, valve controls and no loader. Dealer sold me up on horsepower which I agree.....if you need more you have it, but if you need more and don't have it to begin with....well, thats another story.
I will be cutting all native prairie grass and some weeds. I will knock the prairie grass down once with the hog and use the 2670 after that. Big Bluestem and Indian grass can reach heights of 6-8 feet tall. I bought mostly because of a strong frame in a subcompact machine/mower. It has turf tires on it. Hope they work out.