Buying a ZTR, what should I look for, or avoid?

[buckeyefarmer]

The wife wants a ZTR and with the number of trees to go around it's a chore trying to do it with the tractor which only has a brush-hog. 5 acres is probably the maximum that the ZTR would see and the hills are gentle.

The local dealers carry Cub Cadet, John Deere, Stihl and Gravely. The big box stores are Lowes and Tractor Supply.

Personally I'd prefer to avoid the big box stores as they don't service what they sell and some things tend to get discontinued quickly.

I have no experience with ZTR's and almost all my small engine stuff has been powered by Honda engines so I'm not familiar with the Kohler, Briggs, etc. in their current incarnations (go back 50 years and I'd swear by Briggs). My UTV is powered by an 812cc Kawasaki and I've had no issues with it.
'
So... What should I be looking for?

avoid low end units, look for residential/commercial quality.
I compared engine, which transmission vs price

 

[greenie]

I bought a used diesel Kubota ZD26 with a bagger two years ago. Extremely pleased. New diesels are very expensive and complex with emissions.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I'd buy a commercial unit. I have a Hustler X-One 72"... It's been a beast. About 1300lbs. Parker pumps.

 

[stevem5215]

Spend the most you are comfortable with for a good quality built machine and if bumpy in the cutting areas suspension is better but suspension seat is good too. It all adds up quickly and a good quality machine can be over 10g's.

 

[Jaybr]

I have never seen a hydro rated for acreage. However the hydros are rated for a max weight. Many companies will skimp on they hydro creating a mower that is to large for the hydro.
Toro Titan 60", 845 lbs.

I've not actually seen that rating either, but heard mention of it on a few video's when researching.

I have seen recommended lawn size on mower manufacturer sites.

I'm guessing homeowners average around 50 hours a year on their mowers, commercial guys probably average 10 times that. So in my simple mind, if I buy a mower designed to run 500 hours a year, and only run it 75 hours a year, it's going to last me a long time. And if I run a homeowner model 75 hours a year it won't last long.

 

[lman]

It looks like you have Country Clipper dealers down there. We've had one for several years and have had no problems. I like the one hand joystick steering along with the flip up deck for under deck access.

 

[workinonit]

I bought a used diesel Kubota ZD26 with a bagger two years ago. Extremely pleased. New diesels are very expensive and complex with emissions.

Not true. The Kubota 1211 has no emissions equipment. It is expensive though.

 

[big bubba]

not bad, you'll have to scroll through the intro though

 

[wolc123]

It really is fun mowing with the new Husqvarna z-454 that I bought for my parents place this spring. We are on vacation up in the mountains with the in-laws this weekend but I can’t wait to stop and cut my parents lawn on our drive home Monday.

It would be tougher waiting, were the smallmouth bass not biting up here like they were going out of style. I had to let all them go (season don’t open till June 15). I only caught one “target” perch so far.

 

[DK35vince]

not bad, you'll have to scroll through the intro though

Both our mowers are listed on that video.
We have a 2013 Hustler Super Z (35 HP Kawasaki with 72" deck) and a 2020 Snapper Pro s200xt (37 HP Vanguard EFI with oil guard and 72" deck)