Deere's 5000 economy series are competitively priced with other brands. We have owned a number of them over the years when we had a commercial turkey grow out operation and I currently have a 5083 to play with.
Also have a 3038 hydrostat that I like that was also priced pretty good but it is only about 36 hp so likely smaller than you want.
The smaller hydro tractors are a joy to operate and handy as a shirt pocket. Very quick cycling, although a hydraulic reverser on a gear tractor makes loader operation a lot more effective and a little more closer to the handiness of the hydro. But if you want larger size implements to cover larger tasks, the small tractors are not quite up to it. Mowing large areas that are rough like a pasture they will beat you to death also.
If you have a bad back, pay attention to the seat suspension. It will make all the difference in the world.
