Advice on zero turns

TSO · Aug 26, 2014

I mow with a Hustler Super Z diesel 66" ... when I cut all my grass at once (about 6 acres) I'm done in about 2.5 hrs. One of my lawn accounts is 7.5 acres, and that takes me 3 hrs (including whipping/blowing) ... so yeah, you'll definitely save some time with a ZTR !

The Hustler has been great. I have the tires set to their widest and I have Hustler's "flex forks" up front which soften the ride a bit.

Luckily, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the new commercial ZTR's ... they all make good machines. Sit on them all, as they offer different seating positions, and you may find one more comfortable than the others.

Texasmark · Aug 26, 2014

After you buy one with the soft ride which I consider paramount, get some ATV studded tires for the drives. With them you can manuever around your pond including the slopes and wet or dry makes little difference. BTDT on both counts. I initially tried bar lugs but they slide sideways and don't have the pulling power for going up a bank the studs do especially if grass is damp. By studs I am referring to tire treads made of random chunks of rubber about 2x2".

Mark

bigdogmax1 · Aug 26, 2014

The top of the line Bad Boy Outlaw XP has a rubber bumper sort of suspension. For only 8000 for their top of the line 60 inch model, seems like a good deal. Any comments???

Texasmark · Aug 27, 2014

bigdogmax1 said:
The top of the line Bad Boy Outlaw XP has a rubber bumper sort of suspension. For only 8000 for their top of the line 60 inch model, seems like a good deal. Any comments???

I've seen their sales brochures and looked at their machines. Very impressive and impressive company profile and vision which obviously trickles down to mower quality, reliability, and functionality. Also they offer optional bar lug tires for the rear but as stated, I personally find they weren't worth the money. I considered the brand as a purchase if I bought another but would have to have the suspension options. TSC sells them down here.

Mark

mikescruggs · Aug 27, 2014

I am confide the nail has been hit on the head with others who say your back problems likely can be linked to looking back at your mower. That happened to me when I was using a rear blade to plow snow and I still have some problems when I look back and it's been about 9 years.

I had an upper end residential ZTR and it was great for comfort, speed, and agility. That was until I was on steeper hills. I would stick with a commercial unit for the stability and ability to work on hills. I went to a walk behind with sulky and one with a chariot (Hustler Trimstar). They work great on hills. I am out this summer with a torn rotator cuff and cannot run either one. My wife and kids cannot run them either. I am in the process of selling them and going back to a ZTR.

While I am undecided on which one I know it will be commercial grade and preferably a 60" unit. I have a 48" now, but would like to step up. Find a dealer you like and who appears will be in business for awhile to come. Start there and compare couple models. I doubt you'll go wrong with any of the major brands.

Mike

bigdogmax1 · Aug 27, 2014

Thanks for the advice. Today I looked at the scags, hustlers, and John Deeres. I've also looked at the exmarks and dixie choppers. late Today I'm going to look at the bad boys. So far the hustlers seem too expensive, 10 grand for the base commercial x onei. The frame is smaller and has an integrated wheel motor vs two separate. It runs 8900. The scag tiger cat however has a better seat, bigger frame and independent Parker wheel motors for 8500. Ex Mark commercial lazer z e series runs about the same price. Not impressed with the John Deere stamped decks and 9500 price tag for the 930 series. Kind of unsure about the Dixie choppers. I keep hearing mixed opinions, but the price is comparable on the classic and silver eagle. The search will continue! Keep the advice coming thank you.

Texasmark · Aug 28, 2014

On the JD stamped decks. I have 2 retired mowers with stamped decks and 1 I am still using. I have 2 fabricated decks on my ZTS. If/when I purchase a new ZT, if I ever wear out my Hustler Fastrak or DR Pro Z, I will seriously consider the stamped deck mower like the JD or others. Reason being is that first of all the decks were retired in tact with no "stamped deck" related problems and the stamped deck, being one piece and curved has no sharp corners to fill up with clippings and clog when you mow your grass in the mornings when it's cool and the dew helps to contain the dust.

So why did I retire them? Well they were sitting around and I had other uses I needed done. One is my "Gator" and the other drives my log splitter. The one still in use is my pond dam mower with the ATV tires.

Besides considering the $1k or so reduction in price, you have a storehouse of bucks to make any repairs if you have any. The mickey mouse looking running gear may look that way as compared to some commercial ZTS but it survives. What I can't get over are the anti-scalping plastic wheels. I have yet to have to replace one on any mower at any time.

Mark

big bubba · Aug 28, 2014

in terms of zero turns & slopes, i would recommend getting a ROPS model if avail. personally i choose to use a zero walk behind for my pond dams good luck & great advice here

TailDragon · Aug 28, 2014

Have you looked at the front mount zero turns (Grasshopper, Woods) or only the mid mount models?
Have not used those models but did trade a ZD331 in on a F3680. Where I mow I liked the front mounted deck and 4WD that much better.(enough to take the hit on trade-in) I did have 410 hours on the ZD in 3 years.

Gary Fowler · Aug 29, 2014

TailDragon said:
Have you looked at the front mount zero turns (Grasshopper, Woods) or only the mid mount models?
Have not used those models but did trade a ZD331 in on a F3680. Where I mow I liked the front mounted deck and 4WD that much better.(enough to take the hit on trade-in) I did have 410 hours on the ZD in 3 years.

If you can afford on of the 4 WD front drive models, I think those are the best on the market for mowing on slopes and likely a lot smoother riding. I cant attest to it though since I have never been on one but the concept is much better for getting under trees, mowing up to waters edge on ponds etc. I am sure that in some areas they may have a disadvantage but isn't that the case with all equipment. There is no such thing as a universal piece of equipment that is best at everything.
I have seen some of the front mount rigs that have a power tilt function that will raise the deck 90 degrees for working under the deck. That is something to look at in those models also as in how easy is it to raise the deck. If I were spending that kind of money it would also be 4 wheel drive and diesel engine.
A used one with a couple thousand hours will cost you about the same as a new low end commercial ZTR ($7-8K)