Does BMW make a lawn tractor ?:p

My Craftsman lawn tractor just bit the dust. 8 year-old tractor, not worth the price to repair anymore. I'm looking for something primarily for mowing (3/4 acre of lawn), as well as something I can use for fall cleanup (mulching up the leaves and such). Any brands/models recommended by the homeowners on the board? I've not had the best of luck with the Craftsman.

As a side note, i've had trouble with field mice in the shed where my tractor goes. Bastards probably ruined my last tractor. Hard to keep those guys out. Any thoughts on that? I hate to buy a nice new tractor to have them nest in it again and chew the wires.