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Cash- I should have mentioned or asked what type of terrain or if you plan to mow on hills.

Important to consider if looking at the antiques. A low center of gravity like an old Ford 8N is far superior to those with an engine / chassis sitting up high. Although all will have an adjustable width front axle. Worst for mowing on hills is a tractor with a 'row-crop' chassis (narrow front).

More on mowers. Depending on what your mowing, use a 'bush-hog' type for the rough only. Even on an old Ford, you can drive right over three inch trees and whack them down. Definitely and must use a shear pin at the U-joint mower PTO shaft. Don't expect good results with this type of mower for finish look.

For finishing, a decent 3 blade will work.

Others for golf course like are drag behind scissors type. If you have a landing strip and clean without rocks or roots, they cut beautiful and are fast. No PTO needed.

Lastly, there are flail blade mowers, such as the old Mott. Some might still see County workers mowing with them. They can take some rough, used for finishing and have a safety factor. Higher maintenance and the small replacement blades cost plus take time to service.