Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have to mow two and one half acres of a hilly lawn.  I want to purcahse a zero turn mower.  There are many models out there.  Even Home Depot has a John Deere and a Toro version;  are these the real things or something made by MTD with the good brand names on them.  I have brochures for the County Clipper mowers which look like very solid machines with a stand up deck.  What is your experience?  What brands are worth looking at and will stand up to serious home use?