Advice on zero turns

[628pm]

I have the ZD326P (diesel) Kubota zero turn. Had it for several years, mows slopes real good when dry. I stay out of ditches when wet, if the wheels start spinning you could be sitting there. If I had it to do over I would buy the F series Kubota with 4 wheel drive. F series Steering wheel would be nice also. Wife complains about "straight lines" every once in a while with the zero turn.

 

[Topher265]

When doing my comparisons, I went with an older JD F935 diesel front mount mower. I wanted to get a MidMount ZTR, but after doing my research this FrontMount has worked out just fine. I lose a little on the top-speed but I gained the ability to also use this machine to move snow in the winter, which I plan to do with the 48" 2-stage blower that came with it. So I can consolidate machines in my garage/shed. My driveway is around 350', and would have taken entirely too long with my 26" walk-behind blower. Plus mine has a heated cab with a wiper...none of which can be done on a MM. The cab is awesome just for mowing too...no ducking/moving for branches...and the offset deck is easier to get close to the trees and as other said easily slips under fences. And though some reviews complained about cut quality, I have no such complaints. I can stripe if I want, and my rear-discharge deck doesn't windrow unless it's overgrown...like any would do. I bought used to save cash, and I saved big time. I have to invest a little to update all the maintenance but that's no problem to me.

Good luck in your search!

 

[RoyJackson]

When doing my comparisons, I went with an older JD F935 diesel front mount mower. I wanted to get a MidMount ZTR, but after doing my research this FrontMount has worked out just fine. I lose a little on the top-speed but I gained the ability to also use this machine to move snow in the winter, which I plan to do with the 48" 2-stage blower that came with it. So I can consolidate machines in my garage/shed. My driveway is around 350', and would have taken entirely too long with my 26" walk-behind blower. Plus mine has a heated cab with a wiper...none of which can be done on a MM. The cab is awesome just for mowing too...no ducking/moving for branches...and the offset deck is easier to get close to the trees and as other said easily slips under fences. And though some reviews complained about cut quality, I have no such complaints. I can stripe if I want, and my rear-discharge deck doesn't windrow unless it's overgrown...like any would do. I bought used to save cash, and I saved big time. I have to invest a little to update all the maintenance but that's no problem to me.

Good luck in your search!

When I was at the dealer checking out the Z920A, there was an F1145...just the mower deck, no snow blower. It did have a partial cab...ROPS, roof and front supports. However, in my situation, that cab would have been a problem due to branches (which I did not want to trim).
Nice machine...and I do like those Yanmar diesels!

The picture is not the machine I wrote about, but it's almost identical...

 

[TSO]

When I was at the dealer checking out the Z920A, there was an F1145...just the mower deck, no snow blower. It did have a partial cab...ROPS, roof and front supports. However, in my situation, that cab would have been a problem due to branches (which I did not want to trim).
Nice machine...and I do like those Yanmar diesels!

The picture is not the machine I wrote about, but it's almost identical...

I had the Ford version of this ... Ford/NH CM272, 27 HP diesel, 72" deck. It was nice.

But, I got rid of it and now mow with a zero turn. The ZTR cuts faster, maneuvers better, turns better (much much better), sits lower, easier adjustments (cut height, etc), is lighter, takes up less space, etc. The only PRO of that front mower was that you could mow under branches better.

The ZTR is a better all around unit, hands down

 

[Green Power]

You should take a strong look at Dixons we have a commercial one on the farm with a 52" deck.

 

[arlen4720]

I had the Ford version of this ... Ford/NH CM272, 27 HP diesel, 72" deck. It was nice.

But, I got rid of it and now mow with a zero turn. The ZTR cuts faster, maneuvers better, turns better (much much better), sits lower, easier adjustments (cut height, etc), is lighter, takes up less space, etc. The only PRO of that front mower was that you could mow under branches better.

The ZTR is a better all around unit, hands down

Unless you want to put a snowblower on them. Front mounts are a little nicer for deck maintenance also.

 

[bigdogmax1]

Thanks so much for the replies. I have decided 100% to go with a zero turn mower. After MUCH research (still have some to do) I have narrowed my choices down some. I want to buy local for service and warranty reasons, so my brand choices are Hustler or Scag (Sold at the same dealer AND offered at great promotional prices), ExMark (Not so great pricing), and Dixie Chopper (Fair priced but not the greatest shop). Scratch off John Deere because of price (and no negotiation at the dealer), and Bad Boy because I just would feel more comfortable buying from a well established dealership and company. My price range is 8500-9000. For Exmark, the Lazer Z E-Series is the only commercial mower with a 60 inch deck at this price. Not as wide as a wheel base or as powerful as a motor as others. I could upgrade for the S-Series, but they run out of my price range. Scag and Hustler, both sold at the same dealership, both look to be excellent. The Scag Tiger Cat is offered right in my price range, and the Hustler XOne (not XOne I) was just on promo for 8500 down from 10000! Zero percent financing on Scag, Hustlers, and ExMarks. Honestly, I don't like the idea of ExMarks non greasable parts. Everything is sealed. Vs. Scag and Hustlers that have alemites. I can say that because of dealer reputation, mower quality, and negotiable pricing I will probably go with the Hustler XOne or Scag Tiger Cat or Turf Tiger (if the pricing is around 8500.) Hustler has a killer 5 year warranty also. Nobody demo's anything in this town lol, so I guess I'll have to just test drive one in the lot. I also like the independent wheel motors on the Hustlers and Scags. All models come standard with suspension seats and ROPS system.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I currently own 5 Scags. I think they are well built machines and you will be happy with one.

I have owned John Deere and Exmark mowers, and I think the Scag is better built than those 2. However, as I think I mentioned before, you should buy from the dealer you are most comfortable with.

I am pricing 4 new mowers right now, and probably won't go with Scag again, simply because the closest dealer (where my wife works) has lost the Scag dealership, and now I'll have to travel a good bit to get parts and service if I go with Scag again.

 

[PoorMansCat]

Any of the better zero turns will probably fit your needs well. The Ferris line is a BEAST. You can get one thats 72" cut with a Cat diesel engine. They are very well built machines.
I know of one person who has a SCAG commercial for his home use, its a beast as well.
Ive had a Toro Titan for about 6-7 years now and have done nothing but add fuel and change blades. We cut approx 2.5 acres of bahaia grass and can mow at full speed without leaving a blade standing.

 

[DK35vince]

I have had my Hustler Super Z ( 35 HP Kawasaki w/72" deck) for around a year now.
The speed it will mow at still impresses me every time I use it.
Awesome mower.