best zero turn $3000

[dragoneggs]

It's been discussed here many times but if you have trouble keeping a ZTR on slopes then swap the turf tires for bar lugs. They'll sit when turfs won't. And if you make proper turns they will do less damage. If you drag them in turns they'll dig a rut.

Yep getting better every time out. Proper turns and judging the power to each wheel is a learning curve. Still loving it!

 

[scaredychicken]

I'm a bit scaredychicken of the zero-turns, never having used one - but it seems to be the next step for me. what is the biggest adjustment from a regular ride on lawn tractor ? I'm thinking brakes more than steering ... ?

 

[Beltman60]

I'm a bit scaredychicken of the zero-turns, never having used one - but it seems to be the next step for me. what is the biggest adjustment from a regular ride on lawn tractor ? I'm thinking brakes more than steering ... ?

no brakes on a zero turn
you just use the hydraulics and pull back on the sticks to neutral for it to stop

 

[aczlan]

With a ZTR, one trick is to set your speed with one stick and use the other to control your direction. You will end up with less wandering and straighter lines that way.

Aaron Z

 

[farmer2009]

If you have any slopes or banks. Get use to the machine on fairly flat ground then mow slopes. And only mow when dry. Although dusty grass can be as slick as wet grass. Nothing worse then having both sticks in reverse and going forward faster. That's when you have to overthink your instincts and move the sticks forward to slow down. If flat ground no worries. But always find an open flat spot and get use to the steering first.

 

[farmer2009]

Yep getting better every time out. Proper turns and judging the power to each wheel is a learning curve. Still loving it!

Yep there's a learning curve to it. After about 10 years on a zero turn if I get in a hurry I'll still catch myself dragging that inside tire. What kind of tires are you running?

 

[dragoneggs]

Yep there's a learning curve to it. After about 10 years on a zero turn if I get in a hurry I'll still catch myself dragging that inside tire. What kind of tires are you running?

Turfs! Yeah I am realizing that I need to slow down to minimize tire skidding and tearing up the grass. The slower speed gives a much better cut too.

 

[roadhunter]

I'm a bit scaredychicken of the zero-turns, never having used one - but it seems to be the next step for me. what is the biggest adjustment from a regular ride on lawn tractor ? I'm thinking brakes more than steering ... ?

I bought green lawn tractors for many years. Then I tried a zero turn. The only learning curve was figuring out what to do with all the time I saved using the zero turn. The only downside to the the zero turn is my wife can't drive it. But that's not entirely a bad thing.

 

[scaredychicken]

good info as always... my wife told me that if I bought a zero turn, she would NOT be cutting the grass. She said it like a threat, but I'm counting on that

the best feature (for me) is that there is no leg work / foot pedals to mess with (that's why I want one)

 

[dragoneggs]

Actually I think the Z turn is much more fun to drive than a traditional rider (again on flat or gentle slopes) and it very easy to maneuver in tight spots. It is slopes that are the challenge so if you aren't dealing with that, anyone should be able to handle them. Cutting around trees and other obstacles takes much less time since you don't have to make multiple passes from different angles. Just my :2cents: