Need a walkbehind or zerturn!

[MHandy]

Hey guys. Im a 15 year old and getting into a buisness soon. i already do leaves and i bought one of them leave succers from sears. wat a great machine. anyways im goin to ask around the hood to do peoples lawns. im guessing i can get about 3-4 (including mine) and i would like you guys to help me find a quality piece of equipment. i will be mowing about 2-3 acres each week so im not using my craftsman 21inch!
heres wat i have in mind. we looked at my dealer and the guy told me to get customers and come back. he didnt even want me to buy anything. he said in the spring come back and i will. he recomended the simplicity pacer (32in walk behind hydro) and he has it for $2000 does anyone have these? how are they? are there the ride on platforms (sulkys) for this?
im in pittsburgh,pennsylvania and my nieghborhood is mostly hills. my dad doesnt want me to get a rider. i would like a zero turn i can afford them (up to $5000) i know there are a few out there for the price. i looked at sears and not buying anything from them! i saw a really nice simplicity zero turn (it was a big one) at my dealer. was really comfortable. but are these ok for hills? please help!

 

[Gatorboy]

You may want to visit The LawnCafe. That forum is more geared towards lawn care businesses.

 

[Nasty135]

Here is another one for you veiwing pleasure... Lawnsite /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[keeney]

The zero-turn machines can be tricky on steep side hills if the grass gets wet. One wheel spinning is enough to lose steering control and send the machine even more down the hill.

The walk-behind wide-area mowers have similar problem with lost traction, but they are carrying less weight to start with and you can muscle and finesse them a bit more and get out of the way if they start getting into trouble.

If you do get a zero turn, get one with a roll bar.

- Rick