Buying Advice Tractor vs zero turn

[Sawyer Rob]

Same here. I've made this comment on many occasions. I'm really surprised that the tread tires are not offered as an option on zero turns.

They are, on a Grasshopper.

SR

 

[NickTaylor]

Do the AT101's have any tendency to tear up turf? sometimes when I get lazy I use my tractor/shredder to mow my yard, and I usually get in trouble for bar tire damage in the lawn...

 

[dragoneggs]

Do the AT101's have any tendency to tear up turf? sometimes when I get lazy I use my tractor/shredder to mow my yard, and I usually get in trouble for bar tire damage in the lawn...

Been wanting to try them on my ZT but I do alot of spinning in tight quarters and I am guessing they would do some damage. But it might be a push compared to the 'burn' marks I am creating with spinning and sliding issues.

 

[4570Man]

Sometimes in really delicate grass the ATs will cause some scuffing but that’s more due to using a mower that weighs a ton. Overall the ATs are lot better than turfs.

 

[dalola]

Do the AT101's have any tendency to tear up turf? sometimes when I get lazy I use my tractor/shredder to mow my yard, and I usually get in trouble for bar tire damage in the lawn...

Mostly operator dependent. If you truly "zero turn" it, any tire will scalp, more so on heavier rigs. No different with chevrons. If you are prudent with your sticks, the chevrons overall yield less turf damage due to better traction. But again, if you are a careless operator, you will leave scalp marks on your turns.

Also worth noting, the chevron bar is different than both an R1 & R4 bar.....slimmer, and tapers down from center to outer edge.

 

[dragoneggs]

Mostly operator dependent. If you truly "zero turn" it, any tire will scalp, more so on heavier rigs. No different with chevrons. If you are prudent with your sticks, the chevrons overall yield less turf damage due to better traction. But again, if you are a careless operator, you will leave scalp marks on your turns.

Also worth noting, the chevron bar is different than both an R1 & R4 bar.....slimmer, and tapers down from center to outer edge.

I try to Zamboni pattern it as much as I can... I have a few areas where zero turning is pretty much a requirement unless I want to waste a bunch of time jockeying.

 

[Hay Dude]

The bar tires will tear turf. I have learned how to drive them to avoid it, but if it’s even slightly damp ground, it will happen. If you have the flexibility to be able to allow your property to dry out thoroughly, you might be able to learn to drive them. I have a rigid cutting schedule where I can’t wait too long after rain to cut. That creates a challenge. I’m switching to a less aggressive tire over the winter. Not a turf tire, but not a bar tire either. I think an HDAP tread would be ideal, but I’m still doing my research and reading other alternatives.

 

[two_bit_score]

Sometimes in really delicate grass the ATs will cause some scuffing but that’s more due to using a mower that weighs a ton. Overall the ATs are lot better than turfs.

I figure the manufacturer’s put turf tires on the mowers because about 90% of the time they work fine. It’s good to have options though.

 

[tradosaurus]

I figure the manufacturer’s put turf tires on the mowers because about 90% of the time they work fine. It’s good to have options though.

90% is anecdotal evidence?

I think most people don't know there is an option and I'm wondering how many zero turn salesman even discuss it.

 

[BoylermanCT]

The folks at Town Fair Tire thought I was nuts to put AT101's on a zero turn. Turf damage went down significantly when I switched. The turf tires would frequently spin if the grass was wet or going uphill. The AT101's grab much better so there is no spinning. Of course, I have almost given myself whip-lash on turns!