451A, you've gotten good advice from Bird on ZTR's.
I used to own a commercial ZTR, the one with the fancy independent suspension, and
needed it for a large property. That need was taken care of by a nice a/c Kubota tractor, so I was
happy to sell the ztr for a comfortable garden tractor that could be multifunctional. With only two acres, just about any
mower can get that done quickly. Do you want to finish in ten minutes or twenty?...? The ZTR will mow grass almost twice as fast,
they go like a bat. But they can give your upper body a workout which you won't get with your power steering JD or Simplicity garden tractor.
Are you really, really sure you need a ZTR? If so, I'll stick my neck out and suggest Simplicity, Toro and JD's residential units.
Why? First, Simplicity is well known for consistently putting out a quality product and they have a tremendous dealer network.
Toro and JD also know how to engineer and build seriously expensive and complicated commercial mowing machines. I always figured that a company
that knew how to build a superior product was more likely to trickle tech down to lower priced models. Versus a company that only played to the lower end like MTD.
Husqvarna seems more price sensitive and more likely to build to a price than to a design parameter. But Husq makes some neat equipment, like their articulated garden tractor and 4wd
trimmer mower.
but hold up? I'm not sure. Many of us prefer greasable zerk fittings, not sealed bearings, unless the bearing reservoirs are really large and hold a lot of grease. Beware lightweight sealed bearings.
I'd be more concerned with the engine choice. My personal suggestion is a Kawasaki or a Briggs Vanguard.