I'll weigh in on this.
Tubguy, what you're asking for is kinda' like those folks who want multiple 10 lb bass, 2 lb bluegills, 16" crappie, and world class YP, all in a one acre pond. Without the bother of feeding or aeration. Oh, and they want to be able to catch one after another, 7 days a week. I won't say it's impossible, but it hints strongly at being difficult to the twelfth power.
Ok, now that your hopes are crushed, lets see what our options are. Don't worry, with a little flexibility on your part I think you can get pretty close to having your fish sandwich and eating it too.
When I was in the business, I got asked nearly everyday what the "best" mower out there was. I had a standard response, and it still holds true today. For absolute mower meanness, bad-to-the-bone grass cutting, get it done day in and day out, my choice is a Diesel Kubota ZTR. Awesome machines, with an awesome price tag to match. My next pick would be Scag. These guys started life as a metal fabrication company, and it shows in their mowers. Can you say heavy? Heavy as in duty, and heavy as in "I just buried it in the front yard." This is my personal brand, and like they say, if you want to know which mower is best, look at what color the mower guy is using on his own yard.
From there on it all kind of runs together in my eyes, but I'll toss out a few more names I hold in pretty high regard. Ferris, Hustler, Gravely, and yes, Encore, all build some pretty good machines. Notice I didn't mention Dixie Chopper. The folks at chopper build fast, shiny mowers. And they are marketing geniuses, intent upon making their brand a household name. Do you know why their claim to fame is a fast machine? Because if a Scag could catch a Chopper, it would be all over. The Scag would run over top of it, shred it to pieces, and blow those pieces out the discharge chute. Seriously, get on a Chopper, then climb on a Scag...it will be readily apparent. The Scag feels battleship solid, while the Chopper feels like a kid's swingset.
If it were me, I would check out a Scag Tiger Cat, with a 52" deck. Look em' up online, or stop by a dealer and be impressed in person. Probably have a few engine choices, with a fuel injected Kohler being one. They've pretty well got the bugs worked out, and it is pretty sexy, but that carbureted Kawasaki would be hard for me to resist.
Now comes the flexibility on your part, part. My Tiger Cat was 7 grand, almost 7 years ago. I highly doubt that they have come down in price. There's room for negotiation, but maybe not THAT much room. Still, if you can swing it, they get the nod from me.
Whatever brand you decide, a few pointers if I may. Buy from a dealer, not a box store. Try to stick with a brand that has local representation...any and every machine will need parts and/or service sometime. It's nice to have that support close at hand. When it comes to mowers, bigger is better in some areas, not so much in others. Bigger tires equals better ride. Bigger engine equals better performance in high grass. Bigger mower deck width may equal unsatisfactory quality of cut...the wider the deck, the less it's able to follow uneven terrain. If your yard is relatively smooth and flat, no problem. But if it's typical southern Indiana clay, with dips, holes, banks, ridges, roots,...then maybe a little narrower is your best bet.
Good luck, if you have any questions I will do my best to help so ask away. And go fishing. It's good for you.
