Decent older commercial grade mower recommendations

[Mikefromcny]

Hi all, looking for a mower to replace her box store zero turn that's been anything but reliable.

Budget is around $3500. Could possibly do a little more. I've owned Lazer z's and thought they were a good mower.

I currently own a Kubota f2560. 2 seasons on it. It's been great. I'll let her use this while I run my 5' finish mower on the back of my Kubota tractor.

She'd like a zero turn, but would take a good out front mower.

Here's my understanding..

Exmark, Scag, Kubota - good mowers.

Toro groundsmaster..parts availability? Reliable?

Jacobsen turfcat - owned by Textron, expensive parts, and older ones are getting long in the tooth.

John Deere f series - old, parts availability?

She mows 2.5-3 acres once twice a week.

Diesel would be nice for longevity, and fuel consumption.

Not really looking for anything new but an older commercial grade mower.

I'm a diesel tech so not worried about repairs, just want something I dont have to work on every week.

Thoughts?

 

[mikester]

Charge up that flux capacitor and aim for 1990.

Personally Id consider moving if I had to mow 3 acres every week on a tight budget. Sell now while the property values are up and rent a small place instead.

 

[zzvyb6]

I use a JD F-935: diesel, 2 tanks, aux hydraulic, cab available, blades are cheap even from my dealer, car battery.

All I've ever put in it is a battery, tire tubes, ignition switch and glow plugs. I pull a Woods leaf vac behind it without any strain. I also can hook up my PTO farm generator to the deck prop shaft and run the house off of it.

Parts manual on-line free. Lots of new and used parts for them on ebay. I often cut 10+ acres with it. Originally used to cut the fairways at a local golf course. They are all over the place here for under $3000.