Bunny,
Here is some additional info that may help you negotiate a price on a NH tractor.
If you use the Minnesota site info, you can get the dealer cost from the Factory Code number. Here is an example:
TC45D4
310 (Supersteer, loader ready)
Suggested List Price (Less Tires): $23,522.00
Factory Code: 01811M200
Dealer cost is: $18112.00
Just to throw in my .02 on your quest. I purchased a NH TC35, not the 'D' model so it does not have the HST. But it does have a shuttle shift manual transmission that makes it much easier to shift from forward to reverse by moving a lever back and forth that is located near the steering wheel. In my opinion this is the best compromise between a standard shift and the HST. Since you will be doing a lot of mowing the shuttle shift is good because it does not drag the PTO horepower down like an HST does. You would have to get the a TC35, 40 or 45 to get the shuttle shift. But you get more usable hp at a lower cost than the 'D' model. Also if you do get a FEL later, the TC35 will have much greater capacity than the others. With the extra hp you could go up to a 6' finish mower, also. Remember that the less time it takes to do your mowing the fewer hours put on the tractor. This is why the 'bigger is better' arguement won me over. I considered the TC30 but went with the TC35 because of the design and more capability it had.
Also, I currently have a 7' Bush hog cutter (SQ84T) that I think is great, it has two blades instead of one large one, a la the 6'. Since it has two blades it is shorter than the 6', making it more manuverable, and is offset about a foot to the right which makes it nice for getting close to trees and such.
Hope some of that helps!