yeah im versed in em Slab, quite well too..

Scag is kinda out of the question then at your price range, UNLESS you can find a dealer that sells used refurb equipment.... find a dealer in Tacoma or something and call them, they may even work you a deal on a new one,the Ariens Pro Zoom is another option, they sell them at Home Depot (where you can find them), and have a Kawi engine... but you are buying products that Home Depot sells so be aware as you know... Ariens makes good stuff, but so do alot of other companies, and HD sometimes gets the cheaper "consumer" grade ones that arent like ones that might even only cost 700 bucks more...

in your price range, id take a real close look at Bobcats... you will need to go to a lawn and tractor store tho... but they are up there with Scag quality wise as well, just not as expensive....