With 5 acres better spend the $3000.00 (or more).

In this application you are best off with shaft drive in the CC 2500 or 3000 series, but I think you are going to spend at least $3500 not $3000 for the right machine.
My real recommendation here is the 2550 ($3799) or 2554 ($4199) model. the 2554 has a 4 inch wider deck than the 2550.
The cheapest 2500 series runs $3199 but that is with only a 42 inch deck.

for 5 acres (of lawn), he might as well look at a ZTR... then get something else for the driveway.....

for a 48" deck, you need approx. 1hr / acre of mowing. 60" would drop that down to 45 minutes..... so getting something that is a more efficient cutter (built for purpoose) like a ztr, would be ideal, unless you want to sentence him to 4-5hrs of mowing every week.

thanks guys - we really value your ideas, but the budget is pretty firm, $3000 is already pshing it. should we just start thinkin about a meadow?

Look around for a good used tractor.

I agree with David that your best bet is the Cub 2550 or 2554. If your not into used equipment and your budget is a firm $3000 look at the Craftsman DGS6500 garden tractor with 54" deck which can be had for less than your price with a plow and tax included.