I would love to spend 2-3K on a mower, but neither my lot or my wallet will justify a zero turn machine. The budget is about a grand, I think. The choices in that range are pretty slim, unfortunately. Lowes carries a Troy built Pony with a 17.5 hp motor that is about what I am looking for.
http://webapps.easy2.com/cm2/flash/g...8178&buyhide=1
Something of that nature probably won't have a perfect turning radius, or be the best for towing attachments and such, but more in the ballpark of where I need to be.