I too had an Exmark when I lived in Memphis-27 hp 52" cut. It was great. I paid about $7500 for it and gave it away for $3500 when I moved to Hot Springs. Great mower, and like Michael, it was actually fun to mow the yard! I had 2 1/3 acres, so it was a fun couple of hours... Can't go wrong with a commercial model-built to last.
KG