I went through this last year and ended up buying a Scag Wildcat with a 60 inch cut and Kawasaki water cooled 26hp gas engine. I liked the diesel better, but didn't feel it was worth the extra expense, and none of the dealers that I talked to thought it was worth it either. Of the brands you listed, it's more important to find a good dealer then anything else. I wouldn't buy from a box store because I like to be able to go to the repair shop and talk to the guys in there about a problem that I might be having. So far, I haven't had to do that with my Scag, but I know that it's just a matter of time until it happens. Being able to buy parts for it is also important for me.
I paid $8,000 for my mower. It's a commercial mower, but I use it on my place once a week. I mow all over my land, but it really isn't used all that much considering that it's designed to run every day, non stop. Eventually, I expect to have more and more areas of my place cleared and will be using it allot more. I also do a few jobs for realtors in getting homes ready to sell, so it comes in handy for that.
As for cutting on a slope, I've found it to be very good at both side hill and going up anything that I have on my land. There was an area along the side of the highway that was too steep for me to cut with my tractor or my ridealong mower, but the Scag just hugs the ground and cuts it without a problem.
The only problems I've ever had with traction is in the mud. If those turf tires get muddy, they just turn to slicks and it's all over. Both times that I've gotten stuck, I made it out once, but went back again when the wet area was worse and I couldn't get out.
Another thing that I've read is how much fuel they use. I guess it does use a fair amount, but I can do everything that I want done, several acres on one tank of gas. I have two tanks, but have never ran out on the one and had to switch over t finish up.
I think quality of cut is more on maintaining your blades and keeping the deck clean. If I mow when it's wet out or even damp, the clippings build up under my deck and my cut begins to suffer after that. If I keep it clean or only mow when it's dry out, I don't have any build up and my cut is that much cleaner. Sharpening my blades is super easy. I have a bolt that goes through them that is very simple to remove. Then the blades just come right off and I can grind a nice edge on them. Total time to take off and put them on is just ten minutes. I've done it once, so I know I can do it faster the next time!!!
Good luck, take your time and look at as many as possible.
Eddie
