Z Turn Mowers

lostcreekranch · Aug 9, 2017

I've got about 8-9 acres of "yard" around the house at ranch that I mow with our John Deere Z-820A. It's now 9 years old and just at 1000 hours.

I have used the Oregon mulching blades, since the original JD blades were replaced, and when sharp they really mulch the cuttings well.

I've had very good service from the unit but, we are considering it's replacement and really wanting a diesel since we have a 300 gallon diesel tank. Since I haul gasoline in 5 gallon cans going diesel would really reduce my gas use which is about 25 gallons a month on average. Then gas would be required for Polaris Ranger and 2-stroke equipment. We have no realistic access to non-ethanol contaminated gasoline here so, anything that reduced gasoline need would be great.

BTW, I treat gasoline with Stabil Marine 360.

big bubba · Aug 9, 2017

many good ZT suggestions here. no doubt, within each manufacturer there's entry level, mid level, and commercial. personally even for moderate use, i would tend toward mid level or higher rather than the consumer grade.

so for example, hustler has the entry level Raptor: i sure wouldn't have one. but their higher end models speak for themselves. deck construction would be the 1st thing i look at (gauge, stamped or fabricated, etc.) to get a good idea of lightweight construction, go to lowes and gently kick one of the decks...multiply that a thousand fold to equate what a few jobs put it through

just a thought. of course, as mentioned, ease of dealer service would be my 2nd consideration. also, go w/a kawi engine, not real keen on kohler from personal experience good luck

kenmac · Aug 9, 2017

called and got a price for a 60'' badboy outlaw xp... elec. deck, 852cc kawsaki FX commercial engine ..OTD $9,143.72. This is cash price. To finance is more. As they say, cash is king ! lol
Guess I busted my 6-7 K budget lol
May try to go look this weekend

Most everyone else in it's class is over 10K + tax which is over 11K

riptides · Aug 10, 2017

Yes, that's about the price range (9-11k). For entry commercial class units. But most will probably service you well for many years.

Next after deck spec for me was speed, then comfort.

clevalley · Aug 10, 2017

I picked up a SCAG Tiger Cat which was traded in a few years ago. It was owned for 3 years and had 120 hours on it - it had all the service receipts and the dealer gave him $5000 for it. It literally came off the ttrailer and was parked near the building and the owner said "$5500 and it's yours" I bought it and never regretted owning it.

Whatever brand you end up with I highly recommend a commercial grade unit as they are a WORLD of difference between a homeowner series. You pay a bit more up front but save in long run

riptides · Aug 10, 2017

A big difference in the box store "residential" ZTR's and the "commercial" units are the hydo-pumps and transmissions. Keep that in mind when you are checking out whatever brand you are looking at. To me, that's where all the action is.

MESSMAKER · Aug 10, 2017

I have a Snapper Pro s200xt with a 61" cut and 27hp motor.. It is a sturdy built unit with Hydo-Gear 5400 drive units. It weighs about 1200lbs .It has a 4 year warranty. It is more or less the same as The non-suspension Ferris line. I got mine for a little over 6 grand but I went with the Briggs engine. Several other engines are offered.

clevalley · Aug 11, 2017

riptides said:
A big difference in the box store "residential" ZTR's and the "commercial" units are the hydo-pumps and transmissions. Keep that in mind when you are checking out whatever brand you are looking at. To me, that's where all the action is.

...and the frame, deck, splindles, wheels and wheel bearings. The engines are also typically commercial series. Over all they are built more heavy duty.

Coyote machine · Aug 11, 2017

Paid $6K OTD for a commercial grade Pro Z with 6 hours of demo use on dealer's lot; which lists for $7,300+ tax. 4 year, 500 hour warranty. Kawa 23.5HP 730FX engine, Hydro-Gear trans/pumps, etc. Heavy duty fabricated deck. I plan to get a lot of years of good service out of it.
Has about 15 hours on it now, and I have no complaints/concerns, etc.
For either retail or what I paid I feel it is a high quality unit. You could spend a lot more dollars and not get much more result....IMHO.

Milo · Aug 13, 2017

Just as another option you should be able to get a Ferris Z2100 Kawasaki, 61" deck, for about that price. I just paid $8,900 plus WV sales tax.

kenmac said:
called and got a price for a 60'' badboy outlaw xp... elec. deck, 852cc kawsaki FX commercial engine ..OTD $9,143.72. This is cash price. To finance is more. As they say, cash is king ! lol
Guess I busted my 6-7 K budget lol
May try to go look this weekend

Most everyone else in it's class is over 10K + tax which is over 11K