You just described my yard. Every time it rains the rocks bloom! Huge chunks of quartz and granite. And I am on my 4th summer with a 52" Hustler Raptor with a Kohler. Welded deck. Have not had to do anything but replace the blades and change the oil. My other half is tough on that ZT. Both plastic fenders are covered with tape. As long as the blades are good and the tires are aired up properly it cuts nicely and quickly. Only down side is you have to drive with both hands so you can't really drink beer and mow.......though I suspect some of T's fender smashing was related to making an attempt!
If you have wet spots the raptor with the bigger tires is surprisingly pretty decent. I can’t remember the submodel....maybe sxt?