Picked up a used John Deere Z925 54" for $3,500 a month or two ago... 2,400 hours on the body, but the replacement Kawasaki engine had less than 200 hours. IIRC it is 1,400 pounds with weights. Absolute monster machine... Plows thru ANYTHING without stuttering... very very fuel efficient for the power. MSRP new was $15k+ It had been a commercial machine... used hard, but maintained well.
Bought Laura a Cub Cadet ZT1 54" Kawasaki last fall at about $3,300 new. It is a fine machine. Lighter on the weight... maybe 550 pounds... so a great machine on softer ground (after heavy rains etc.)
Deere blades and deck are far tougher... so more long term durability.
