Cadillac of Zero Turn Mowers (ZTR)?

[6thgpSF]

I've got the 928D grasshopper with the 61" front mount deck,the diesel is excellant on fuel compared to a gasser and the front mount deck makes mowing under trees etc. a breeze.The new Grasshoppers have a new air ride seat that is optional. russ

 

[QRTRHRS]

Seeing "CAT" diesel mentioned quite often, I am wondering? Did CAT buy Perkins? If so, no issue there as Perkins has always made a good engine from what I know. But, I wonder how much more the yellow paint increases the cost?

 

[Scooby074]

Seeing "CAT" diesel mentioned quite often, I am wondering? Did CAT buy Perkins? If so, no issue there as Perkins has always made a good engine from what I know. But, I wonder how much more the yellow paint increases the cost?

Yes. Cat bought Perkins in the late 90's. Not sure of any direct cost increases as a result

 

[wirenut]

If you are cutting several acres, Kubota diesel is hard to beat. Great power at 31HP; Gator blades recommended.

 

[duckhunter27]

I know its not the cadillac of ZTM but i bought the CubCadet Z-Force 48 nice machine for $3900. I looked at some of the others mentioned and yes very very nice machines but the price went right along with them. It takes me about a hour to mow so i am hoping my Cub Cadet last long time. I liked the idea that for the price it still has changeable spin on filters, gear boxes and engine.

 

[CarlL]

The big issue is, nobody has asked the OP to define "Cadillac of ZTRs". Does that mean the one with the most gadgets? Is it the one with the best cut? Is it the one with the best ride? Best engine? Basically, you won't find all of these in any one ZTR.

Then there is the question of size of mower 48", 60", 72"? There is also the issue of what the land and type of grass you are cutting.

I tried a Kubota ZTR on my very bumpy property, after being told I could cut my mowing time in half compared to my old B7100 with 60" MMM. ZTRs list very high mowing speeds. If I hadn't had my seat belt fastened, I would have been thrown off the one I tried, a number of times. My B7100 has a full suspension seat and, with its much larger tires, goes over ruts with no problem. The ZTR dropped into the valleys and slammed out of them. As long as my 30 year old tractor keeps mowing, I think I'll stick with it.

For cut, I would go with Scag or Exmark. For ride, I would go with Ferris or the try the new Scag Cheetah, with its fully suspended operators section. For engines, of course the Kubotas or the Cat diesels. However, be aware that the big diesels weigh a lot and can be a problem when the ground is not dry.

Just one old guys opinion.

Carl

 

[Mpking]

A Hustler with flex forks and a flex seat would be my equivalent to a Cadillac - awesome ride quality but suspect cornering ability.

 

[beppington]

The big issue is, nobody has asked the OP to define "Cadillac of ZTRs". Does that mean the one with the most gadgets? Is it the one with the best cut? Is it the one with the best ride? Best engine?

Yes, yes, yes & yes. Dare to dream, right

Basically, you won't find all of these in any one ZTR.

Dang.

Then there is the question of size of mower 48", 60", 72"? There is also the issue of what the land and type of grass you are cutting.

60"

I tried a Kubota ZTR on my very bumpy property, after being told I could cut my mowing time in half compared to my old B7100 with 60" MMM. ZTRs list very high mowing speeds. If I hadn't had my seat belt fastened, I would have been thrown off the one I tried, a number of times. My B7100 has a full suspension seat and, with its much larger tires, goes over ruts with no problem. The ZTR dropped into the valleys and slammed out of them. As long as my 30 year old tractor keeps mowing, I think I'll stick with it.

For cut, I would go with Scag or Exmark. For ride, I would go with Ferris or the try the new Scag Cheetah, with its fully suspended operators section. For engines, of course the Kubotas or the Cat diesels. However, be aware that the big diesels weigh a lot and can be a problem when the ground is not dry.

Very good info. Thank you. Thanks everybody for all the opinions & info.

 

[Gator6x4]

Stopped at the local Stihl Dealer for weed eater parts the othe day. As I was walking through the sales area to the Parts Counter I noticed Simplicity ZTR's setting on the sales floor. The ZTR's had suspension at all four corners like the Ferris. I commented to the Parts person that the Simplicity had started looking like the Ferris with the suspension on all four corner. His reply was Ferris and Simplicity were now the same company. He advised he tried one of the units on their test lot which is rough and was surprised at the ride difference between a ZTR with a suspension system mowing in the area and one without the suspension. The unit looked good. If you have a Simplicity Dealer close, you may stop in and look at the unit. The Parts Person also advised Simplicity is having a great sale on the ZTR's at this time.

 

[om21braz]

I was wondering if the Walker Mower should be considered!

Being the OP has since stated a 60" deck for this discussion, that sort of puts the Walker out. IMHO, it is at it's best with the 42" or 48" and the GHS (grass handling system). Walker has larger decks, but I don't think they utilize the GHS.