18" rear tires vs. taller on zero turn mowers ???

[Sigma]

18\" rear tires vs. taller on zero turn mowers ???

I'm looking at zero turn mowers, and I've noticed all the non-commercial duty mowers have 18" rear tires. That seems short. My Wheel Horse has 23" tires, like most of the commercial zero turn mowers.

Doesn't the shorter tires provide a rougher ride? My yard isn't that rough, but it has pleny of bumps. Will I notice the bounce of the shorter tires.

Thanks,
Greg

 

[Spiffy]

Re: 18\" rear tires vs. taller on zero turn mowers ???

Yes. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif But, a midmount Z has a few other differences in weight distribution from a LT that will exagerate it too (not to mention having enough manuverability, that you won't slow down very often). On the positive side, if you have many obstacles, you'll probably only be riding it half as long! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

If that's not a problem and you don't have a large enough lot to justify a commercial machine.....well, no problem! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

On the other hand, if you want ZTR and want to improve the ride, I'd find as large of tires as possible for the money and run them at the very bottom of the reccommended pressure.

Another option, you could look at Ferris or Simplicity machines; I think they have some sub-commericial machines that still have independant suspension. Probably cost more than the $3 to $4K machines, but I'd bet much less than the true commericial units too.

 

[Sigma]

Re: 18\" rear tires vs. taller on zero turn mowers ???

I think I've narrowed it down to the Cub Cadet Z Force 50.

I mow about 1.5 acres, maybe a little less. With quite a few obstacles. I will no doubt be mowing less time, I was just wondering about the bouncing.

I really don't have the $ for a commercial version, but all I've read leads me to belive the ZF50 should work fine .... just not sure about those little rear tires.

Thanks, for the input.

 

[Spiffy]

Re: 18\" rear tires vs. taller on zero turn mowers ???

Will they let you test one?

I think that ZF50 will holdup just fine, as long as you do! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Since you already have a unit selected and I think you interpreted my point correctly this won't affect you, but as far as my tires point, I was talking about selecting a brand/model with larger tires not changing them - the transmissions are designed to accomadate only so large of a tire and so much weight at that.

 

[Sigma]

Re: 18\" rear tires vs. taller on zero turn mowers ???

The local dealer may offer a test run around his lot, but not sure around my yard. Also, the local dealer doesn't exactly have the best price, so I doubt I'd buy it local.

I have some time before I'm able to sell my Kubota tractor and buy the new zero turn mower, so I'll keep looking and reading.

The Cub Z-Force appears to be about the best fit for my price range ~ $4K.