Educate me on zero turns

[EddieWalker]

I complain about Scag because that's what I have. But the parts that I replaced where also used in all the other big name commercial mowing brands. My guess is that they build a frame for their mowers, then go to the same store to buy their electrical parts.

I've heard stories of other brands having the same issues, so I know it's not isolated to my mower. That's what makes me hesitant to buy another zero turn. The only real solution is to take it to the dealer every time it breaks down, but that's not something that I usually do. Just be sure to buy from a local dealer that has a good repair shop that will still be in business 20 years from now.

Something else to consider. The more tractors that I have, the more I use them. I'm at three right now and there are days when I use all three because each one is better at what I want to do then the other. I think every tractor is a compromise at doing the most things possible, but each one is better at a task then another. Having options with which one to use is a good thing. With more land, you need more tractors. Selling what you have would be a mistake. Odds are good that once you get settled in, and seen what the land and weather does over a year or two, you will be buying another tractor.

 

[anomad]

I complain about Scag because that's what I have. But the parts that I replaced where also used in all the other big name commercial mowing brands. My guess is that they build a frame for their mowers, then go to the same store to buy their electrical parts.

Which model SCAG do you have? I read your thoughts in one of the other mowing threads too. It sounds like you are where I was with my old Wright. It was great when it was running. But it got to the point I was fixing as much as mowing. Only on my second season with the SCAG v-ride 2. You have me paranoid about electrical issues - LOL. A stander is perfect for my obstacle course areas.

 

[EddieWalker]

It's a 2010 Scag Wildcat with a 61 inch cut and water cooled 26hp Kawasaki engine. It's a beast when mowing with plenty of power. It has a seperate hydraulic pump on each whell that works great. It's just an electrical nightmare to own.

Reading up on the Lawn Mower forum website, or it's called something like that, safety electrical switches are still an issue with all the brands. Chinese junk? Cheapest parts? or just technology that hasn't improved since it became mandatory?

In my opinion, everyone with a zero turn will have these issues if they keep it long enough. I should of sold it when it started to give me issues, but then I'd be buying a new one every five years.

I keep thinking that once I fix the latest issue, I'll get another 15 years out of it since it's built so strong, but the little things keep showing up to ruin my day.

 

[Runner]

Me, personally, if I was moving to a place with 100 acres and I had two tractors, I would find a place to house and keep both. Especially if one or both are pre-emissions machines.

You just never know when the BX might come in handy.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

I went from a JD430 to a used ZD326. It's a different universe.

The deck lifts so blade changes aren't difficult. I cover maybe 25% less ground when I mow because I'm not doing ridiculous loops in order to turn around. I can get into places the 430 can't reach. I move much faster because the Kubota cuts faster. I get a nice breeze in my face because there is no engine in front of me.

Mowing is fun again.

I have read good things about Scag, though, and I wonder if I should have bought one. I looked at a gas Tiger Cat II, and I couldn't stand the thought of paying $13K for a gas mower.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

A tractor is not a mower. It's a tractor with an attachment designed as an afterthought.

 

[Eagle1]

A tractor is not a mower. It's a tractor with an attachment designed as an afterthought.

True but I sure like the BX with the belly mower on the steep dam slopes where I am afraid to take a brush hog and no way a zturn. The little dude will cut darn near vertical down hill and pretty near that up hill.
Handy as can be....

 

[tradosaurus]

Once you've owned a Kubota ZD, there is no going back. I currently run a ZD326 60" and ZD1211 72", with 1600 and 2100 hours on each respectively. For 2 acres I would go with a 60".
For me, handling diesel is just SOOO much easier than dealing with twice as much gasoline for the same work being done.

And with the ZD and the tractor you carry only one fuel, diesel.

 

[gsganzer]

And with the ZD and the tractor you carry only one fuel, diesel.

Except I have UTV's too. Gas.

 

[DK35vince]

It's a 2010 Scag Wildcat with a 61 inch cut and water cooled 26hp Kawasaki engine. It's a beast when mowing with plenty of power. It has a seperate hydraulic pump on each whell that works great. It's just an electrical nightmare to own.

Reading up on the Lawn Mower forum website, or it's called something like that, safety electrical switches are still an issue with all the brands. Chinese junk? Cheapest parts? or just technology that hasn't improved since it became mandatory?

In my opinion, everyone with a zero turn will have these issues if they keep it long enough. I should of sold it when it started to give me issues, but then I'd be buying a new one every five years.

Bought my Hustler Super Z in 2013.
I have never had an electrical issue with it.