For new, a $1,300 budget doesn't give much to choose from except big box retailer(Lowes, Home Depot, Sears) models and I never recommend those because if you need Warranty work post-sale they cannot provide that. Craftsman mowers(everyone knows Sears doesn't "manufacture" anything) are generally Husqvarna lawn tractors with cheaper components than a model that a Husqvarna dealer sells. To be honest, for your yard and a lawn tractor that would "last"(10-20 years, relatively problem free) I would recommend going to a Husqvarna dealership and looking at the YT42XLS(MSRP $2599). Yeah, I know....yikes that's double my budget, but you will generally get what you spend(a $1,300 lawn tractor may last half that long...5-10 years and will be more likely to have problems). For a little less money(MSRP $1899) you could get a new Husqvarna YTH24K48(still a very good residential lawn tractor). In my honest opinion spending any less than $1,800 on a lawn tractor is chancy(you may get a good one and you may get one that makes you wish you had saved up another $500). If all you can do is $1,300 I would suggest you get a smaller deck(36"-42") and better engine, etc. components for your money.