Time for a new ZTR--Brand recommendations?

[EddieWalker]

I have a 60 inch, Kawasaki 26 hp Scag zero turn mower that's been very frustrating dealing with electrical issues. I think every single thing that can go wrong with the electrical system, has failed me. Every year it's something new. Mice are not eating the wires, it's just that every component fails one after another. I no longer have a key to start it, I rewired the starter to the battery and I touch two loose wires together to start it. All of my safety switches have been bypassed because I'm tired of buying new ones that fail in a year. Last year the PTO Clutch failed and was blowing 20 amp fuses every five minutes. That was $300 and now I only blow a fuse every couple of days.

The seat is awesome, the drive and power are amazing. It's built like a tank, but I honestly never know if it will start for me when I go to use it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I am happy with my Ferris IS 700 with 52" deck that I mow 6 acres weekly with and sometimes use it to mow my pasture (approximately 6 acres) because I can get it done faster than using my tractor with 7 foot bush hog.

I recommend the Ferris due to the spring over coil 4 wheel suspension that really smooths out the ride on my rough lawn and pasture.
What ever brand you get, get a Kawasaki engine. It has more power and sips gas compared to my other B&S engine mower.
Also make sure that your mower has a serviceable HST drive with filters and drain points. Having the ability to change out the wheel motor oil will make them last longer.

You will pay a bit more for a near commercial grade or even low end commercial grade mower, but they will last nearly a life time compared to some homeowner grade of box store mower.

 

[hawkeye08]

I also enjoy my Ferris, agree with Gary's comments. I don't mow the pasture with mine, but could if I needed to. I prefer the Kubota in the pasture with the slopes.

 

[rgr33]

Lots of good brands mentioned here. I have an ExmRk with a 23 hp Kawasaki motor that is 10 years old, sips gas, durable, reliable, and does a great job no matter how hard I work it.

I am enamored of the Kubota front cut mowers, but can’t bring myself to let the Exmark go.

 

[kenmac]

I currently have toro and the Kubota ZD (diesel) Think I will try out a ferris when the toro gives out

 

[Gary Fowler]

I currently have toro and the Kubota ZD (diesel) Think I will try out a ferris when the toro gives out

You will love the ride. Now if they would put on a good pneumatic seat, WOW what a ride that would be. The suspension system also makes for a smoother ride for the equipment.

 

[kc5dlo]

I got lucky with an older Exmark 72" that was being retired from a landscape company. He said it was the oldest one they had due to the 72" size limiting it's use. It had the 26 hp efi Kohler and was good with gas. a couple of years ago I repowered with a 29 Kohler EFI. The 72" size is great for me on my mostly flat and open land. Even though the Exmark is nearing 20 years in age, I dont foresee any reason to get rid of it.

My neighbor had a 52 Cub Cadet ZT and it seemed twice as fast as my old Craftsman rider. That caused the mower envy that led to the purchase of my Exmark. The Exmark ran circles around the Cub Cadet which then caused a case of mower envy for my neighbor. He bought a newer Toro 72" commercial ZT. Even though the Toro and Exmark share a lot of common parts, I like my Exmark better. He has a 35hp carburated engine and although he never runs out of power, he does use a lot more gas.

 

[morris lipham]

I had a Z-Force Cub Cadet 44" with Kohler engine. I sold it and bought a Husqvarner MZ 52", Night and day difference! The Kawasaki 23 hp and 3100 pumps, Make sure you don't buy one with sealed pumps, they cannot be serviced, and have no filters. I have a friend in lawn cutting business all he uses is MZ 52s. It doesn't use half as much gas as the Kohler.

 

[jerrybob]

I have a JD LT180 rider which is going on 15 years.....will need to replace one day. How do these ZTR's do on hills? I mow about 2.5 ac. and run chains year around. Just curious????

 

[kenmac]

You will love the ride. Now if they would put on a good pneumatic seat, WOW what a ride that would be. The suspension system also makes for a smoother ride for the equipment.

the kubota doesn't have springs on the corners but it does have a very good seat.
Do they offer upgrade to a better suspension seat ?