Buying Advice Thinking about buying my first ZTR

[NickTaylor]

I need to replace a piece of junk riding mower for mowing around house and barns, driveway, etc (about 2 acres). Mostly level, although I do have a few gentle slopes to work around. I use a JD770 for pasture mowing and really hilly terrain.

My budget for this is $3000-$5000, of course cheaper is better.

Have read much about ZTR mowers which seem all the rage, but so many to choose from I go blind with all the options.

Any sage advice out there on ZTRs in this range? Other other better options than ZTR?

Thx,
Nick

 

[JJZ 109]

I think you'll find a majority here are ZT fans if I interpret some other threads correctly. And that's fine, everyone has different opinions and that's why we come here to ask questions.
After owning a Troy Bilt from Lowe's and then a Ferris ZT I'm not among the fans. Like you I mow about 2 acres. All level with a couple of wet areas certain times of year. Even after putting on a more aggressive rear tire I found myself getting stuck in wet spots more than I liked. Add to that the fact that the tires only tore up grass when I made turns.
Though slightly outside your budget I bought a one year old, new leftover John Deere X394 in 2017. 4 wheel steer, power steering and hydraulic raise/lower for the deck. Completely happy with that decision during my 4th season with it.
Although some may question the "need" for power steering on a tractor of that size I can assure you that life is much easier with it. I know because I also owned 2 other JD mowers without power steering at different times alongside of the X394. World of difference. One hand steering versus cranking with both hands on the wheel.
Sure there would be some time saved with a ZT. But with 2 acres the ZT doesn't save enough time over the 4 wheel steer tractor to concern me.

 

[NickTaylor]

I've had a collection of JD riders / garden tractors over the years and they have been pretty good to me. The only one I currently have is a family pass down Lowes model (120 I think) and it's pretty much worthless as a mower. I don't think it has enough power to get enough blade speed and mow well. So I'm looking to upgrade my ride so to speak. Thanks for your thoughts...

 

[JJZ 109]

I've had a collection of JD riders / garden tractors over the years and they have been pretty good to me. The only one I currently have is a family pass down Lowes model (120 I think) and it's pretty much worthless as a mower. I don't think it has enough power to get enough blade speed and mow well. So I'm looking to upgrade my ride so to speak. Thanks for your thoughts...

I don't know how true it is but I've often read that the JD's sold at big box stores are of lower quality than the models sold at actual JD dealers.

 

[rademamj1]

Big quality and reliability difference between residential and commercial ZTR. All that you see for sale at Lowes and Home Depot are typically the low end residential ZTR mowers, and within your budget. If you go this path, consider the Ariens, Cub Cadet and Bad Boy mowers with Kohler or Kawasaki engines. Try to avoid any Briggs engines.

You can also purchase a low hour used "high end" residential mowers made by Gravely, Hustler, Scag, JD and Kubota. These are very reliable models and will last 10-15 seasons of mowing. Personally, this is the path I would recommend for two acres.

 

[rademamj1]

I don't know how true it is but I've often read that the JD's sold at big box stores are of lower quality than the models sold at actual JD dealers.

I fully agree with that statement 100%. The dealers sell only "high end" residential and Commercial mowers

 

[shovelmike]

My Hustler has been used for 15 seasons already, and I see no reason not to be confident of 15 more. I used it commercially for 3 years, the rest for mowing one and a half acres on a weekly basis and occasional mowing my woods trails. Super Z has higher volume pumps and a hydraulic oil cooler, Kawasaki powered.
I see nicely maintained used machines that fall within your budget, a decently cared for commercial grade will last longer than a new homeowner grade.
Once you have mowed with a good ZTR you won't want to mow any other way.

 

[dalola]

If this is a long term investment, go with a used commercial rig that fits the budget. Something from Yazoo, Ferris, Exmark, Grasshoppper, Hustler, Walker, Etc... If you just need a couple years out of it, anything will do.

 

[johncanfield]

I had a 1998 Gravely Promaster 100, put 500 hours on it. It never mowed very well, I always had to mow in two directions to get a good cut. I sold it last year, the seat was very uncomfortable as I got older. It got to the point I hated to mow.

The advice you've gotten about being wary of low end big box ZTRs is spot on. Commercial Zs have a very high tip speed (at least my Deere Z945M does) and can mow quickly with good quality. I would shop for a used commercial Z instead of a new residential one.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Most zero turns start at about $2500. They are built to that price point. You want to go up a level or two. I would look for a chain supported fabricated deck. You want Hydro-Gear 2800 minimum hydro unit. You can tell usually by the rear wheels. The stronger units will have at least a 22" rear tire. Lots of decent engine choices. I would not get too caught up in brands as most use the same components. If you have a dealer you like and trust, buy from him.