I went a slightly different route and purchased a Ransomes (now Textron) Bob-cat...48" wide, 6 speeds/plus reverse, walk behind mower. I do use what's called a "Sulky" or Jungle Wheels, so all I do is stand on this steel "chariot" and let it pull me around. Actually kind of fun.
For riding mowers the zero radius turn types are the way to go. Quick to cut, manuever, dump clippings...but expensive.
Then you have the garden tractor which ca serve many other purposes from snow plow/blower, seeding, PTO driven accessories (for the larger tractors) etc.
http://www.ttcsp.com/productManufacture.asp?MID=4
BTW, regarding mowers (and like anything else), you get what you pay for. The mowers I mention are commercial. It will be the last one you buy.