My main gripe with mowers is suspension/operator comfort. Down here I have drought cracks in the clay soil and hoof prints. Where practical I run a pasture renovator and spike toothed harrow across the land to smooth it out and that helps a lot.
Many designs of suspension systems are out there and most are pretty basic. I have purchased the suspension seat (about $200 aftermarket) with the operator firmness adjustment, spring and shock system. Alone it works "Fair to Middlin". My Branson tractor has an air seat with an air pump installed which you can set the pressure to suit you; just like 18 wheel OTR trucks use. That really does a great job for that tractor. I looked for one to fit a mower and found none. But I did find an air ride spring replacement motorcycle bag from TC Bros. Choppers, for about $75, that I rigged up with an OEM spring and works pretty good on one of my ZTs. I set the pressure to 10psig for the best ride.
I use air cushions as a supplement to the mechanical spring suspension seat which help a lot on that mower. The one I use is the LTV, made for truckers, for about $90 online. Comes with a pump and you can set the pressure to suit. Really nice. Other thing is I run my air pressure in my tires low too, which helps, and yes I have sealing problems due to the low pressures (around 8 psig my preferred pressure) as the tires age. However, tire to rim sealing compound available at NAPA solves that problem.
The other gripe is clippings in the eyes. Eyes are wet, clippings dry; like a magnet on iron shavings. Side discharge with the wind blowing is really hard to control even with enclosed plastic, one piece safety goggles with air holes in the side. I wear glasses and use ear plugs too. Plus I enjoy a beverage of choice when mowing. Things really get all jammed up in the facial arena. When possible I usually run with the deflector up to smooth out the clippings and avoid a wind row which just aggravates the problem.
Especially in the spring when the grass contains a lot of water, deck clogging is a problem, especially on the fabricated decks with 3 blades that most ZTs flaunt. I even installed a couple of deck wash down ports and that does little good. I have a little 46" conventional with 2 blades and a stamped deck which does much better in the spring without clogging. Removing that center blade and having curvature to the deck helps to get the grass out fast, and no corners to get jammed up.
I find that the higher/taller fabricated decks, help in grass discharge and less clogging as there is more room for the clippings to exit.
Other problem to look for is frontal discharge with the higher height settings......something else to blow up in your face. Some mower mfgrs. pay particular attention to that.....with their fabricated steel decks.
I Have a pretty good sized area to mow and a lot of variable terrain besides the ground surface problems. It requires a lot of variables and different mowers including the tractor mounted 6' brush hog for the large areas. I enjoy mowing but not bouncing around.
I hope this helps someone.
Mark
