Tired of dinking around and want something that will last. No zero turn for me either. Big box store or dealer? Got right at an acre to cut. with a few rattlers and copperheads to help keep it lubed up.

I suggest a Kubota lawn tractor from a dealer. Pay once, cry once....The T 22/90 with a 42" deck would be perfect for that acre.

The only flaw is a hard to access drive belt, but if you end up with one there is a permanent work around that will save you hundreds of $$ on a drive belt replacement.

Built like a tank, heavy deck, great motor...15 yr mower easy with minimal upkeep.

I’d go to a dealer. Around here if you purchase a John Deere or hustler or other brands at a big box store the dealerships won’t work on them. Lowe’s here was selling John Deere for awhile an the dealership wouldn’t touch em if you wanted it worked on

Some of the name branded stuff sold at big box stores is just MTD re-badged ( under licence ) into a known name brand.
Dealerships have the real McCoy , that's why they cost so much more.

John Deere at a dealer.

John Deere needs to do something with their decks. I have 2 that the decks rusted away to beyond repair but both motors are strong yet.

Why are you not considering a zero turn? Just wandering

Not trying to convince you to a zero turn but with one it will cut your time mower to a third of the time of a tractor type mower. With a zero turn you are always cutting grass and don't spent 60% of the time turning around.

Good luck Kubota tractor would be the one I would buy.

Have tried a few zero turn before and don't care for them.Will go see what John Deere has to offer today.

Same John Deere here for over 20 years, no problem with deck (JD 445). I cut near three acres and it still runs strong. It is their commercial line, fuel injected Kawasaki engine....very happy with it. When I do eventually switch up, Ill be going with their diesel rider in the same commercial lineup. I also have snow blade for it and it does a wonderful job...likely you wont need one of those in Mississippi. They arent cheap, but well worth it in my experience and hold their value extremely well. Whatever you decide, good luck on your search.....

Husky will never cross the threshold here. I have a $400 doorstop to help remind me why. non adjustable oiler that don't put out enough and no fix yet.

Diesel Kubota. Eric

Me either

I cut 6 acres of sod field 2X a week. I learned to drive a Toro zero turn as absolutely fast as they go.

Cub Cadet zero turn with the steering wheel, doesn't turn into a bobsled on slopes and I cut my mowing time in half, best of both worlds.

I am partial to green and have a JD zero turn with 52" deck. I mow 3/4 of an acre with house, barn, and garage on it. Takes me about 45 minutes to mow. But, I mow as fast as I can. I am smitten with night crawlers and moles. So, it can be a rough ride. (wish I had an air-ride seat) I am guessing it will take at least two hours to mow the same with a rider. That being said, we bought a JD rider for my MIL (she did not want a zero turn and has all the time in the world to mow her acre - she's 86). I have to fix a flat once in a while. But, other than that it has been flawless. Mowers purchased from the local JD dealership.

I am partial to the green critters as well. My last was I think a 425 with Kawasaki water cooled. If could find a deck worth putting on I would still be in business. Waiting on an appointment then be off window shopping for a new beasty.

Toro for me that machine is a beast. I have friends with JD and some have problems, expensive ones. I cut 5 acres and have to travel a little down paths to get to the plots to cuts. Great machine......jk