Frank,
I second the idea for you to look at the T-series. I bought a T-1670 last year and have been really pleased with it. I got the smallest deck, 40" I think. My price with tax, Kubota financing fee, etc. was under $3,300. It just has a 15 hp kohler, but the frame and hydrostat is obviously top notch and overbuilt. It also has a suspension system which smooths out the bumps considerably. Very nice.
I have about 35 hours on it with zero problems. I use it frequently when I don't want to get the 2910 out.