Whats the best brand/model less than $2500? Looking for a 42 inch. My last two were craftsman but it seems like the quality has dropped.

I would save a bit more and look at toro zero turns unless you hate zero turns. I will not buy another lawn tractor. Currently have a JD 100 and Cub Cadet. Prefer cub. With those though, I opt for my old 15 year old toro with a kawasaki zero turn any day to mow with. Only mow with the tractors when I am welding up the deck or replacing spindles or belts on toro - I treat it like a brush hog....not well but it keeps going and is just so much quicker to mow with

Mowing around lots of trees and such?

Zero turn, but over your budget.

OK, then how about a 4 wheel steer? Some older Deere models fit your budget, but, will need attention.

lots of trees and some slope. Lawn has some rough areas, never tried a zero turn are they stable?

Love my case 224 and my Kubota bx1880,Kubota used to have free financing the only zero turns I've run were JD I don't like them they get stuck easy and top over easy that's my opinion. My Case is a 38" and Kubota 48

TORO, I take care of a hunting camp of 3,500 acres and the little toro is a beast. Has handles above the wheel wells for side hill. This is not a normal lawn but a bump, rocky strip mine reclaimed land. That thing is a beast. Have had several JD at the owners choice, no good. TORO I mow a lot of land......jk

hustler, mine was about 4k with a kawasaki engine. Cuts like a beast

Mtd make craftsman, cub cadet , cheaper John Deere’s, Troy built and some others, the cheaper models of all these brands should be similar. For $2500 take your pick. I have a cub cadet bout in 2001 and still going strong, but it wasn’t the cheapest model they sold.

Try one, you'll never go back!

Sheep they can serve multiple purposes.