I posted the following to another poster who was purchasing a new unit. These are things that you need to research the dealers as well as the equipment when making this type of investment. One thing to remember, this is not like buying a new car.
When looking at repairs and parts, you can't just say this one is more costly, that one is cheaper. I would ask each dealers you are considering the following questions and then compare.
1. What is the cost of a replacement set of blades? Common replacement item, but prices vary greatly, depending on unit.
2. What is your shop hourly rate?
3. What does your shop do when you bring your unit in for a yearly tune-up and complete check over? What is the average time to complete? Most good shops will have a checkoff sheet of what the techs do. Ask for a copy, if they have none be careful, means they have no set procedure, walk away.
4. What is the average cost of this check over?
5. Do they have a free or reduced pick up and delivery for their purchasing customers?
6. Do they service their customers first or is it a first in, first out service?
7. What parts are not covered under the warranty? Some warranties do not cover things like tires, spindles, and belts.
8. If you do your own service will it void the warranty?
Comparing these will give you a good idea of what your unit will cost down the road, even if you or your better half will do some of the maintenance yourself. Also, find something which your better half will be comfortable using, this will make your decision easier.
That being said, after reading your post, I would recommend looking at a compact tractor which you would be able to hook many different attachments, as your needs change in the future. Think more about what you may want to do two years from now when making your decision. I would make a recommendation of taking a serious look at the B and BX series in the Kubota line. They can do just about anything you want to do now and can take add ons for future needs.
Hope this helps.