I looked at everything that was convenient around here - Exmark, Scag, Hustler, Gravely, Bobcat, JD, Simplicity. I was leaning toward the Gravely Commercial series based on comparison of specs/price if I had to buy new, but the more things I needed to have - deep fab deck, big tires, etc. put the price out of reach. If budget was not an issue, I would have gone for an Exmark or Scag, probaby with a 48-52" deck given some of my obstacles. Around here, Exmarks are used by the majority of commercial mowers and their results (cut and all day durability) are hard to argue with.
That said, I shopped the local papers and ebay and eventually purchased a used Lesco Viper 60" deck, 23 hp kawasaki. Not a top-tier unit and probably made by someone else, it does have a heavy fab deck with reinforcement, 24" rear tires, bigger casters, hydrogear pumps, and just all around heavy construction relative to the residentials and much heavier duty than my Craftsman DYT4000. Price was half of a new unit and comparable to residentials which I concluded wouldnt work for my situation (slopes, uneven terrain, stumps, roots, etc).
Like the Gravely's, it has a pivoting front axle which can be locked out (fixed) if you have smooth terrain, but does not compare to Simplicity/Ferris' that have spring/shocks on the fronts. I have not tried these so can't speak to the capabilities, but frankly my ZT is smoother at even higher speeds than my LT, perhaps due to larger tires alone (24" ZTR vs 20" LT) in the rear (my LT also has ag tires for added traction on my lot, though). A much nicer seat also helps the ZT ride.
I think most decks on ZTs float, and you'll see them hanging on chains or linkages that give on bumps, and then the deck rides on the anti-scalp wheels. This is not like the Simplicity's where they ride full time on a full length roller. A Gravely/Simplicity dealer recommended the Simp for rougher terrain, but I couldnt see the stamped deck and the Simplicity rear roller holding up on my terrain. I love the striping you can get with Simplicity, but I am happy with my choice. Some decks are more rigidly fixed to the frame (like my LT) that don't deflect, and then you get hung up on some spots.
All in all, the ZT is a lot of fun, and despite all the tuning on my craftsman (leveling, sharpening/gatorblades, cleaning deck) the cut is just smoother, lasts longer and achieved with a lot less time/sweat. Don't know if I would spend more in my case, since I need a Kubota BX23 and instead of a new ZT would have got the 60" deck with the BX and made due. Just have a lot of obstacles in my yard which is perfect for a ZTR. Its fun in itself, but perhaps more fun when I realize how long the same job would have taken with the LT. Its the perfect tool for the job, it just doesnt have any other application.
