I mow about 1.2 acres with a John Deere D170 (54 inch deck), string trim and blow and it takes ma about 2 hours total once per week. I would hang my head in shame if I had my wife doing this. On the flip side she will burn a hole through my skull if I dare touch the dishwasher or laundry. Seriously! That being said, I once found myself in a position where it was impossible for me to mow for a few weeks. I got a price from the crew I saw doing my neighbor's spot. Quoted me $150. So that's 75/hr if I do it myself. I left it grow tall that time because I refuse to believe its worth that much money. I wish I knew where some of the guys are getting their prices from I see in this topic. Everyone where I live charges stupid high prices for everything.

You can even get a DUI on a horse.
I have a property that I use for work. On that property I use a 1996 Craftsman 42" rider I inherited from my brother in law in 2008. At the time it wouldn't run. I took apart the carb and cleaned it. Then put in a spark plug and I haven't had an issue with the engine since. The list of repairs and such since then have been:
repaired torn seat cover
replaced drive belt twice
changed deck belts at least once per season as no one makes quality ones, I recently got a Gates brand belt and have my fingers crossed
replaced the deck with a new one
replaced starter
new rear tires
replaced steering gear last year
new steering rack/front axle this year
several deck spindles until I finally realized the back yard is too rough to mow anything but on highest setting
new blades
replaced lift arm for deck
front tires been leaking down, put them in tub of water today and found two leaks on left and one on right, all got plugs, one valve stem leaking so I replaced the core, one nail in the left tire but not leaking so I left it til I restock on plugs
left rear tire leaking down and found the inner bead is leaking; plan to reseat the bead with new bead seal
needs a new muffler, will replace in next couple of weeks
brakes don't work, need to look into that
Yes its pretty epic. I'm not at the property a lot and I just can't stand the thought of putting a nicer mower there and someone stealing it. Besides now its just a battle to see if I can keep it from dying. Anyone else have an old beater they just won't let die?