What's important in a ZTR? Anyone familiar with these?

Hi all,

I'm seeking advice on a new ZTR purchase. I'm mowing approximately 6 acres now. For years I've been working with a Massey 135 & finish mower, along with a small rider for around the house. I'm continually told that a ZTR will shave lots of time off my mowing, will do a better job, and make me an all around better person. My small mower gave out with a gaping hole in the block - so now might be time to test the claims. I can't part with my old Massey, so trading is not an option.

Budget is definitely an issue, so I'm not looking for biggest & baddest, but I want to make sure that I get something that will handle my yard, and last a while. Right now the real contenders are a Ferris 700, a Hustler FasTrak SD, or a Big Dog Stout MP.

So what features do I need to really emphasize? I'm looking at drive units - all of these have 3400's I believe. All 3 seem to have heavy well built decks. I'm getting a bit of a feeling from one dealer that I may be expecting too much from the Ferris, and that I should go to the 2100 series - which is way out of budget.

So am I on the right track? Anyone familiar enough with any of these to say Yay or Nay?

I've also glanced at the Bad Boy Outlaw, Scag Freedom & Tiger Cub, but really hate to get into that price range. But also can't afford to buy something that will not last more than a few seasons.

Sorry to have written a novel....

Steve