While I believe you should go stihl, get the biggest commercial echo you want to spend for. I own a lawncare business and we will only own stihl from now on, check out the fs94 or the fs111 if you want a machine that will run forever and beat the snot out of any other brand.
I own a lawncare company, we only run Ferris. For the entry level commercial I would recommend the isx800. Check out the suspension on that compared to all other machines. It comes in below your budget, and you can get either a kawasaki engine or briggs. If you don't have a Ferris dealer...
I had neoprene rough country for my 18 f150, I really liked them. Probably only put 8000 miles on them until I traded it in so I cant speak to durability.
There's a significant difference between this conflict and many of the others, besides the media portrayal. Ukrainians are staying to fight for their own country, no matter the cost. How many other conflicts can you say that about? Think about the Ukrainians response compared to say...
When I hunt with buddies I would use it and let them shoot, but its much more shaky than mounted on your gun. I now always keep mine on the gun and scan mainly with the kap40. I missed a shot using it as a handheld and trying to shoot one night, I ordered the headlamp that same night.
I highly recommend the wicked 403, I can see eye shine over 700, and in the right conditions could probably identify that far, darkest conditions I could identify out to around 500. I also use a sniper hog headlamp, the kap40, I really like that too so I wouldn't hesitate getting one of their...
I would not go below the Fusion. Fusion, shockwave, x24 all use the tx-1000 remote and its the best there is. Don't expect much more than 50-60 yards range for the remote though, plenty good for most people.
I just went through this for my yote rifle. I ended up with a meopta optika6 over a viper after looking at reviews, and I'm glad I did. For that price you can get the optika5 2-10X42. I bought from cameraland, they have the best deals you'll find.
Sounds like the 50mm objective is causing more resistance when you pull them out. The vortex harness you have is a "universal" one, go for a different brand and get one that is made to fit the 50mm objective and yours will fit better.
I'm honestly not sure how far I can range trees. I have next to no areas I can go out that far. I will try to reach out that far Saturday and can get back to you on that.