So the search begins . . . for a new ZTR

[whistlepig]

Eddie, which Scag model did you buy? And how is the ride quality?

If I was going with Scag, I'd probably choose the Cheetah for the suspension because my ground is so rough.

Have you chosen a mower yet?

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Have you chosen a mower yet?

No. I keep flip-flopping on what I need. I.e., mid-mount ZTR vs. front-mount vs. something else.

My ground is rough and I'm about to talk myself into buying something like an older Kubota B series with a midmount mower just because the tire size is much larger and will handle the bumps and holes better. And I could drag something like a chain harrow behind it to, hopefully, smooth it out a little for the next time.

Or I may just used my John Deere GT235e through this summer and try to buy something this winter during the slow sales season.

 

[lockhaven]

I just bought a Troy bilt ZT and love it. I had a Dixie chopper ZT before. So all in I have 15 years on ZT's. While the ride is important to lawn and garden contractors it is not so for the home owner. I mow about 7 acres every week and have learned just to slow down at the rough spots. I do mow some banks and it is true that if its wet better wait awhile. I would love to have one of the commercial units that have full suspension with shocks but cannot justify the huge increase in cost. It takes me 3 hours to mow the 7 acres with a 50 inch deck the Dixie had a 60 inch deck but the time difference is so small I still allow 3 hours. For me I would never want to go back to a steering wheel for mowing. just my 2 cents

 

[whistlepig]

No. I keep flip-flopping on what I need. I.e., mid-mount ZTR vs. front-mount vs. something else.

My ground is rough and I'm about to talk myself into buying something like an older Kubota B series with a midmount mower just because the tire size is much larger and will handle the bumps and holes better. And I could drag something like a chain harrow behind it to, hopefully, smooth it out a little for the next time.

Or I may just used my John Deere GT235e through this summer and try to buy something this winter during the slow sales season.

Good luck on your search. I mow with a B series with a 72" RFM and R4 tires. This combo pulverizes these old bones. But it is fast. When I can stand to go fast.

 

[not2old]

I spent several weeks checking out ZT's and ran across a great deal on one a year old. Bought a Husky MZ5225 and cut my mowing time from 7 hrs. to 1 hr. Now I need more grass. When I bought it, I had no idea it was way too big for my lawn.

 

[Creamer]

I spent several weeks checking out ZT's and ran across a great deal on one a year old. Bought a Husky MZ5225 and cut my mowing time from 7 hrs. to 1 hr. Now I need more grass. When I bought it, I had no idea it was way too big for my lawn.

It is not way too big for your lawn - you are just realizing the advantage of a zero turn.

 

[walnutman]

Around here in the northeast, Xmark is about 90% of the market. I bought a Simplicity ZT4000 last year for 4900. 26 hp BS. Fabricated deck. Overall I like the machine. Built nice and heavy duty overall. Voltage regulator went on it last year. Warranty covered it. I have the mulch kit on it. I have to be careful if I let the grass go too high or the mower will load up and drop clumps. Actually tells you that in the manual. A friend of mine has a Craftsman ztr5000. I am surprised at its reliability. Had a problem with what I thought was a bad starter. Ended up the ground cable that attaches to the engine mounting bolt....Under the gas tank, was loose as a goose. Found that while removing the starter. Put the starter back in, tightened the bolt and walla.

 

[JSH1]

Have you considered an articulating mower? They have the maneuverability of a zero turn but are also stable on slopes. Take a look at the Husqvarna R322T AWD. With AWD you will struggle to find a slope that it can't climb.

HUSQVARNA R 322T AWD - Riders