ZTR Choices

renegade13 · Nov 19, 2008

Hello,

After doing some soul searching, I've pretty much decided on getting a ZTR mower for my 3.5 acres of grass instead of a sub-compact. I've looked around locally and have found the following options:

1. Used 2000 JD F620, 20 HP, 54" deck, asking $6,500 CDN - only 220 hours and looks to be in almost perfect shape

2. Brand New Exmark Quest, 24 HP, 52" deck, $5,250 CDN

Which is a better option? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Heywood Jannockitov · Nov 19, 2008

I have an '01 F620 with a 60'' 7-iron deck. Couldn't be happier with it. Very stable on hills. I bought mine with 120 hrs on it and had been used 2 seasons. Paid $7,900 for it in '03 as a comparison. Listed for $13,000 CDN new - overpriced if you ask me.
It has the optional twin rear caster wheels, instead of the single wheel.
The F620 can flip the deck up 90 degrees for cleaning.
Not sure about the Exmark
The Exmark is the more current style of ZTR where you sit in front of the engine instead of over it. I would suspect the JD has a lower C of G.
Personally, in this situation I would lean towards the Exmark. It's new - with warranty. The price on it seems reasonable for a new unit.

Airic · Nov 19, 2008

I bought a used 2004 Hustler Super Z, 27hp Koehler, 60" two years back with 50hrs for $5300. It had one scratch on the side of the deck and was missing a knob ($4) for access to one of the deck pulleys. It has been a great machine and I highly recommend looking at one. If I recall they are owned by John Deere and are marketed for commercial applications. My John Deere dealer carries Hustler.

I think there are a lot of really good ZTRs on the market but, one thing to really look at, which is sort of a measurement of quality for me, is deck construction. In my opinion all decks should be welded and not stamped.

renegade13 · Nov 19, 2008

renegade13 said:
Hello,

After doing some soul searching, I've pretty much decided on getting a ZTR mower for my 3.5 acres of grass instead of a sub-compact. I've looked around locally and have found the following options:

1. Used 2000 JD F620, 20 HP, 54" deck, asking $6,500 CDN - only 220 hours and looks to be in almost perfect shape

2. Brand New Exmark Quest, 24 HP, 52" deck, $5,250 CDN

Which is a better option? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Hello,

I just found one more option:

Used 2008 JD Z520A, 25 HP, 54" deck, asking $6,500 CDN - only 30 hours and under warranty until May 2010

This seems to be a better deal than the F620 but I may be wrong.

sperry · Nov 19, 2008

I purchased a new Exmark Laser Z 60" June 07. I can say that it is a great mower for the buck. I'm very impressed with the quality of it's construction. I feel it's worth going with the new purchase for many reasons.
Good luck

EddieWalker · Nov 19, 2008

I spent a few months looking at them before going with Scag. If you have a dealer for them, it's worth your time to take a look.

Eddie

WH401 · Nov 19, 2008

I second the Scag. In the last few months that I had been deciding on what to get for a new grass cutter, the scag was the only zero turn that I felt was worth giving my money for.

hobie · Nov 24, 2008

I have a residential mower Country Clipper Jazee 1 for my three acres with a 42" deck. I needed the samll deck to get into some of the tight spots. From my research, the Exmarks and Scags have the best reputation around here.

LIBERTYBELLLAND · Nov 28, 2008

I have a Lawn mantainance company and I found that Ferris & Scag are the top of the line. But since you have a choice between a JD & an Exmark,I would choose the barely used John Deere. GOD Bless P.S. I just saw that you had another choice. Go with your heart on this one.