Convinced the wife that more green requires "more green"? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Don't know much about the Toro machines, but I think Z-Master actually applies to several models [I'm thinking even some of the out-front decks]. Can you post the model number?
Anyway, someone made a very good observation on another thread that once you get into the commercial units you will not be disappointed with quality regardless of brand [let's say enough area (like you) to warrant a rider, but not the abuse for a bush-hog] . There will be regional "bang for the buck" influences as well as dealer preferences. And there will be plenty of variation in features; possibly even one or more is important to you; but quality should be good.
That being said, there is now a real gray area between commercial and home units, some putting "commercial" parts on "home" type frames and vice versa to stay under 5K [not necessarily bad; one may be perfect for you]. Even decks can be a gray area, I saw a couple fab decks that didn't impress me more than some stamped ones. It's all around "in-between" design is one reason I liked the Z-Force, everything looked to be designed around it's target 2-3 acres, but plenty others fit this description as well [my requirements seemed out of this scope].
Using reverse logic [and barring the <1acre and nice flat lawn] on the units I seen with EZT, I'd say the IZT is nearly a no-brainer. But if you're looking to spend around the 5K, I'd look for a pump/motor configuration [most of these are high quality and this configuration generally has superior cooling over integrated].
BTW: if you Google a few comparisons, you will stumble across a garden web [I never did get their registration to work, but you can still read all the posts] and a turf web that probably has some insight to your choices. Most of the users seem to be either lawn care professionals, or those who have sq-ft instead of acres, but both bring up weaknesses you wouldn't think of.
Happy Mowing! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
