Have you looked at Snapper's rear engine riders? They are well suited for your needs and are reasonably priced. Small zero turns are available from Gravely and others but cost more.

John Deere does still make a rear engine rider.

Get a big hydro lawn tractor or if your budget permits a zero turn. I hate rear engine riders. Been there done that many, many times. They are 70s technology and are slow, slow, slow. Did I mention slow?? I would hate to think had to mow an acre on a rear engine rider.

I have a John Deere 300 rear discharge,42 inch cut, bagging mower, no side discharge chutes to get in the way, so you can edge easily on either side. It vacuums as it mows,holds 8.1 bushels and you can unload it while seated. Simply grab extension rod behind you and it easily lifts and unloads the container of debris. Very quite operation, plenty of power,hydrostatic transmission is great, turns on a dime. I love it. I have had a Snapper with large Bagn-Wagon and a John Deere with side discharge to the bagger. Both much messier and more work to unload. This thing is a breeze. I ordered with a small oscillating fan($17.00) mounted on the front. Tax & all was $4200.

Check out the link I think you will find it helpful.The riders are very affordable.

http://www.husqvarna.com

I'd go with a nice Husky.Here is a site for you to look at: http://www.husqvarna.com

How much does Husqy pay you skane? It must be pretty lucrative for you to keep it up this long. Usually spammers come and go rather quickly on this site.