If mowing wasn't a factor

[Gizmo2]

Unless you get a cabbed tractor with A/C...

If I could afford that, I would hire it done.

I agree. I have a JD riding mower for a few acres. The only "mowing" the tractor does is bushhog

I used to finish mow 10 acres with a 72" RFM and it was time consuming.

Been there done that also. That's why I went for a commercial ZTR. It also seemed every time I needed the tractor for some other work the mower was on or when I needed to mow , the backhoe was on.

 

[jenkinsph]

A separate mower is the easiest and most convienient way to go. Less turf damage when mowing with a dedicated mower setup for this task. Tractor for ground engagement isn't compromised near as much.

 

[Gio]

Thanks everyone. I am going to work up some numbers and I will keep you posted...

Any recs on a ZTR brand?

 

[JiminGa]

I love my z910 Deere, it's a mowin beast.

 

[Gizmo2]

Seriously consider commercial ZTR. I mow approximately 6 Acres with a Toro Z-Master 52 inch deck and it is just marvelous, does just fine.

 

[JP11]

I got into the one tractor idea.. and it didn't take long for me to forget it. The "auto hook up" deck on the JD was as expensive as an inexpensive ZTR. The inexpensive ZTR would mow better and faster (albeit less FUN than the cab tractor with stereo)

I'm sticking with a commercial ZTR.. and a cab tractor with No mid PTO, r4s that are loaded because weight is my friend now not the enemy of a lawn machine.

It's kinda like my part time job. I teach a guy to fly in a amphibious seaplane. It's NOT a good landplane, and it's NOT a good seaplane. BUT.. it is the best combination of the two that you are going to get.

Sometimes just because something CAN be done... doesn't mean it's the best or most efficient solution.

JP

 

[NOTV8]

Check BadBoy ZTR... see it in my avatar. I test others and found Badboy a lil' better built. You can order it also online with almost the same price of going to the dealer. I got one with Kawasaki liquid cool engine. Good luck on your purchase :thumbsup: whatever brand you choose.

 

[Will_C]

Well, it sounds like you have decided, but I too would recommend the two machine set up if you can swing it. I have a Toro commercial 52" ZTR-it makes mowing a breeze-I am not sure if a 72" belly or RF mower would be as fast.

A side benefit for me is that when I mow the property where I plan to build, my fiance uses the Z and I use a RFM behind my Kubota- so we have two machines working at once.

Will

 

[ispan1]

Great thread! Now you've got me thinking twice about the Kubota l3700 that was my compromise tractor. Should I buy instead an older industrial loader (there's a case 480 I've been thinking about for about $5000) and a ZTR for mowing instead? I'd still be at about half the Kubota price, I think. I mow about 3 acres but it's bumpy and weedy.

 

[jenkinsph]

Great thread! Now you've got me thinking twice about the Kubota l3700 that was my compromise tractor. Should I buy instead an older industrial loader (there's a case 480 I've been thinking about for about $5000) and a ZTR for mowing instead? I'd still be at about half the Kubota price, I think. I mow about 3 acres but it's bumpy and weedy.

Don't know about the condition of the Case 480 but these were used as landscape loaders and could be fitted with a TPH with several hydraulic circuits for top and tilt and more. Definately worth looking into.