best zero turn $3000

[scaredychicken]

greetings all - so as not to confuse people (I am not the original poster of this thread), but I have another question or two... in response to this thread, I initially mentioned that I was also looking at a Hustler Raptor - that is still a consideration.

Today, I see a private sale posted for a John Deere EZ Trac Z425 zero turn, in a community about 2 hrs away. it is a 22hp, 48 inch cutting deck, gas engine - described as "John Deere EZ Track 425, $3,000.00, John Deere EZ Trac Z425 zero turn mower. Only used 2 years. Lawn mower is in excellent condition"... naturally, I did a little research, asked a few questions 1) is it a 2013, 2012 or ? 2) what engine does it have ? 3) how many hours (forgot to ask that one, but I will) 3) please provide serial number of model?

I don't know if it is because I am talking Canadian, but I can't find any info about that unit on TBN, or TractorData - no photos, no reviews, no specs etc. If anyone has any details on this unit I would appreciate hearing about it. This sounds like not a bad deal but I'm a bit suspect about the "used 2 yrs" phrasing ??? - which 2 years ? (does not appear to be a current model - that much I figured out, but the mfg dates were not available, nor were the serial #s. Now I'm just curious.

Would this be worth considering, over a brand new Hustler Raptor ? or a Husqvarna ? (both local area)

Happy Fathers Day !!!

 

[AaronS]

https://www.deere.com/en_US/products/equipment/riding_mowers/zero_turn_mowers/z400_series/z425_48inch/z425_with_48_inch_deck.page

Looks like a box store mower. Google shows them advertised at Lowes and Home Depot.

 

[scaredychicken]

thanks Aaron, that's good to know.

 

[bigballer]

Some good feedback gents. I am reconsidering my options. Does moving to 4k help my situation at all. The 4.5 acres included about 1.5 acres of pasture but I can hit that with my brushhog as well. That hustler raptor looks like a decent mower. At least it has good reviews online aside from a few people complaining about clogging but that could be due to various reasons. Talk set grass for instance. The other option is to go for a residential kubot and take advantage of their 0/48 offer.

 

[gladehound]

I think going to 4K give you a reasonable chance of finding a good deal on a good condition used commercial mower. As mentioned previously, I found my 2010 Exmark Laser Z with 400 hours of private use on an estate and negotiated $4500. I probably could have negotiated a little harder. Before the Exmark I had a box store ZTR. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't go that route again. I think you'll get many more years out of quality used compared to low quality new.

 

[Beltman60]

lets face it, we all have been thinking about getting the bush hog out but we are already sitting on the zero turn so why not just go knock out the other 1 1/2 acre
I do it all the time and if you are even thinking about that you need something in the 6-7K range or it will only last you a few seasons
my :2cents:

 

[ztrjim]

Personally I would consider a Hustler Raptor, for the $3000 mark I think it's the best you can find. Here is more information along with a nice detailed review, but good luck with your search!

 

[slow84ta]

Personally I would consider a Hustler Raptor, for the $3000 mark I think it's the best you can find. Here is more information along with a nice detailed review, but good luck with your search!

The more I read about Hustler, the more I want one. Especially the Raptor SD with Flip Up Mowing Deck. I know Country Clipper has a flip up deck along with some commercial zero turn mowers. But Hustlers seem to be best bang for buck. I think the Toro Timecutter and Ariens Max Zoom are good mowers too. I am still in the market for a zero turn myself, probably buy one in spring.