1 acre lawn tractor/mower/ztr buying advise?

[Johnny Mac]

where is this guy at? can you post a photo too please?

thansk

 

[Gittyup]

It's in Maryland (Kingsville). Posted on Craigslist. Long way from MO. TBN won't let me put the link on here. But, go to Craigslist-Baltimore - Farm and Garden. BTW Craigslist is a great source, and so is Craigshelper. Look around, you might find one closer to home. They are quite common.

 

[JackMentink]

Make sure you get a zero turn for the lawn. They are great and allow you to mow your lawn quick. I have about 2 acres of lawn that are irrigated at my new place. I bought a new Gravely XL 2348 which is a very good residential zero turn that has 23 HP kohler and 48" mowing deck. I have had it for three years and it is a mowing machine. I paid $4400 for it new.

Would strongly reccomend you look at the gravely's or Areins (they are the same company).

I'd be careful of used ones and of the real cheap residential new ones. I tried several, and there is a big difference from the cheapo units that sell for 2300 and the next step up like mine. Some of the big differences I saw was the Pumps for the wheels. The better ones have actual individdual pumps for each wheel verses a cheapy transaxle that is very sloppy and more trouble prone. Also the mower deck and the lifting mechanism for the mower.

Look around you will see the difference.

Don't think you can buy a tractor for mowing lawn. You can do it but they take a long time to mow and they don't turn very well or cut your lawn very even. Stick with the zero turn for mowing lawn and the tractor for doing the tractoring.

By the way I have both and would do it the same way if I had to do over again.

 

[Johnny Mac]

I have the 2009 gravely flier from outdoor power equipment in blue springs mo who was real matter-of-fact about the new models and prices.. nice machines but wasn't impressed with the dealer.. just looked like alot of overhead I had to pay for and no deals being offered...

 

[timswi]

I have the 2009 gravely flier from outdoor power equipment in blue springs mo who was real matter-of-fact about the new models and prices.. nice machines but wasn't impressed with the dealer.. just looked like alot of overhead I had to pay for and no deals being offered...

I have a BX23 and use it for everything. I cut 2 acres in an hour or so, it does leave a spot or two on tight turns, no big deal. I have talked to some people with ZTR's and you really have to watch them on wet grades. One guy said that he has pulled a half dozen or so out of ponds when the things started to slide and the driver couldn't stop it...A little scary eh?

In the spring I can cut foot deep grass in one pass...no problem..Doubt most ZTR's can do that.

I'd go with the tractor...You would be amazed at what you can do with just an FEL.

Look into the various BX models, they are top notch. The ride and comfort does not compare to a big-box "tractor". Go for a test drive and you'll see what I mean. I cut my mother's 3 acres with a JD 275...It's nice, but does not compare to my BX23.

 

[IXLR8]

My 18hp did pretty good chugging uphill but with a trailer it is taxed sometimes, look like a ztr condems me to a wheelbarrel anyways.

thanks

Actually I have seen brackets for ZTR's so you can attach a trailer to them, either pin type or ball type.

 

[Johnny Mac]

geez Timmer, 15k will be a little overkill for my 1 acre here... and IXLR8, I've seen the tow plates on some ztrs but figured the dual trannys kinda prohibited using one..

I am leaning towards a disposable one... get me 5 years and see where I have moved by then... if it craps out I am only down $1500-$2000 better than a $4,000 POS or getting pushed up to $6000.. if a dealer wants to deal I might change my story but I routinely buy cheap screwdrivers and pliers for my crews because I am less upset when they get lost...

 

[IXLR8]

IXLR8, I've seen the tow plates on some ztrs but figured the dual trannys kinda prohibited using one..

The pump/motor combo's on the expensive units will stand up to a trailer, the pump/motor combo's on the 'disposable' one's will not. They are also expensive to replace, most are sealed and not repairable. Most of the seperate pump and motor setups will handle a trailer.

I am leaning towards a disposable one... get me 5 years and see where I have moved by then...

If YOU are going to use it, take care of it and not let a 'crew' abuse it, then I think that should work fine.

 

[LBrown59]

I have a BX23 and use it for everything. I cut 2 acres in an hour or so, it does leave a spot or two on tight turns, no big deal. I have talked to some people with ZTR's and you really have to watch them on wet grades. One guy said that he has pulled a half dozen or so out of ponds when the things started to slide and the driver couldn't stop it...A little scary eh?

In the spring I can cut foot deep grass in one pass...no problem..Doubt most ZTR's can do that.

I'd go with the tractor...You would be amazed at what you can do with just an FEL.

Look into the various BX models, they are top notch. The ride and comfort does not compare to a big-box "tractor". Go for a test drive and you'll see what I mean. I cut my mother's 3 acres with a JD 275...It's nice, but does not compare to my BX23.

Or even my BX1500

 

[Johnny Mac]

If YOU are going to use it, take care of it and not let a 'crew' abuse it, then I think that should work fine.

oh I don't have a crew for yardwork, that's me... and I already learned my lesson about using dummies from work to paint my house..

but I logged into Homedepot today, up pops a "help chat" he offers 10% off code if I buy online by midnight... well, you can't pick it up from the store, and delivery was $150.

I am thinking about hitting a JD dealer now, offering him the cash sale and I can pick it up myself...

does anyone know if a JD dealer will knock anything off? I'll buy a bagger & trailer to sweeten it a bit, but not really a list price kinda guy.

thanks again to all for the advice.. I am closing in but still a little disappointed you don't get much for your money these days.. so goes the world huh