best zero turn $3000

[Coyote machine]

3K is not enough $ for what you want to buy. You need at least 1.5K more for a good, long lasting, used mower.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

SR, which transmission is in your 721D - the Gemini or the G2?

I have no idea? I've never looked or thought about what brand it is.

SR

 

[ae_ted]

I very much agree with LD1
I was facing same decision when needing to replace a motor on a ztr( was going to run ~2000.00)

I very much disagree with 4570man....I bought a used Kubota ZD21 diesel for $3500.00(jumped on the deal) with 700 hrs.
been a great mower over the last few yrs with no trouble...getting close to 1000 hrs and i expect this will be the last mower this 62 yr old will ever own.

note: my BIL bought a new JD residential grade and my nefew bought a new (cant rember the brand) ZTR when i got the Kubota.
Both of them are starting to have rouble with them now.

Again i agree With LD1 ...shop and buy good used comerical grade

 

[4570Man]

I bought used F2560 diesel for $3500, but $3500 and $3700 is more then $3000. I have seen several diesel machines around $4000.

 

[Gafn]

Hustler has recently introduced the Raptor - it's a lighter version of their commercial mowers, and $3k should get you one.

To the OP - you said slopes.... I have ridden a ZT down a few slopes - with no control.... just like a 2WD tractor... once the ZT breaks traction, you are just a passenger, and if there is water at the bottom, your a swimmer, if you can get the seat belt off.
For that reason I mow my 5 acres with a 6' finish mower, and have an old used commercial belt driven walk behind, with a velkie for all the close up work, and slope work - this thing cost me $800, and I am in my 4th year with it, with out any issues.

 

[farmer2009]

Have you looked at the Bad Boy mowers? I know nothing of them. Just seen a 60 inch cut yesterday for $4995 new. Good price point. While probably not commercial it makes a guy think.

I use a 60" Dixie Chopper. It's a commercial machine and has held up well. Mow about 6 acres with it.

For slopes and ZTR's put a set of bar lug tires on them. Really stops the sliding even on flat ground. Helps them handle mud better to. If by a wet ditch mow across it instead of down the sides. Assuming it's not too deep.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

For slopes and ZTR's put a set of bar lug tires on them. Really stops the sliding even on flat ground. Helps them handle mud better to. If by a wet ditch mow across it instead of down the sides. Assuming it's not too deep.

I agree, I put new bar lug tires on my Grasshopper 721-D and it made quite a bit of difference...

SR

 

[Gafn]

Bar Lug tires - seem very aggressive, and several forums don't recommend them for keeping yards nice.

The forums are dedicated to lawn-care by lawn-care professionals, are stating that using the ZT to make a zero turn with the bar lug tires tears the grass up, and leaves marks even when performing gentle turns on damp, or wet grass.
here is a post from one of the guys on those forums:

I have bar tires on a Super Z.
I got them for mowing on slopes etc. They are shocking at digging up turf! Have to be so carefull when zero turning and turning on slopes inst much better than turf savers. They still slide but also dig up the turf.
Turning them backwards, while a little better with traction, was even worse when doing a zero turn.


Only get them as an absolute last resort.

What are your experiences?

 

[farmer2009]

I have actually been doing less damage with them. Even when making zero turns. The turf tires in spots would cause me to be sliding and reverse spinning the length of the mower or longer. I have places where I have to make zero turns and its slopes two directions. And not steep. The bar lugs just tear up the foot print of the tire in these places. Even on flat ground my mower wouldn't do a zero turn with turfs. More of a drift. But I try not to do zero turns because I try to keep the inside tire moving even if it's not much. This greatly reduces damage.

 

[DK35vince]

What is the zt mower for 4 acres with some slope? I have a JD LA145 and looking to speed up the Process.

Thanks.

A $3000 low end residential grade zero turn mower is not going to last long mowing 4 acres IMO.