5k Zero Turn Question

sandman2234 · Jul 27, 2013

Oh, by the way, the old Allis B, a fifty year old tractor was purchased for less than 10% of the 5K budget, a savings that will get anybody's attention... and I see plenty more of them for sale in the $1k to $1400 range. I considered adding a woods mower to the tricycle front end Allis C that I have because it will turn around in such a small area, durn close to a zero turn. Plus not having front wheels in the way when I pull up to a tree or bush allows the deck to mow right up against them. Might have to look further into that.
David from jax

JohninCT · Jul 29, 2013

I'm in the camp that thinks that 5 K is a lot to spend on a lawn mower. Especially for an acre or so. I've looked at the ZTMs plenty and just can't get past the price and the fact that it is pretty much dedicated to lawn mowing. I know you said that a SCUT was a little bit out of your price range right now, but since you live in snow country have you considered something like the John Deere X320 lawn tractor with a mower, snowblower and cab? That might not be too far away from your budget target. Then you can get summer and winter use out of it. Plus the ability to drag a garden cart around to be helpful with the spring and fall cleanup chores.

Just my :2cents:

Carl_NH · Jul 29, 2013

Sandman - and JohninCT. you are both right.

Sandman, on open flat field of grass and no obstructions any 5' or 7' RFM or finish mower will cut as fast or faster for the $ as a ZTM. Then factor in you can buy a real tractor 18-20HP diesel or gas 50 years old and mower for $3K.

John, I agree, get a GT like the x320 or similar or a Cub Cadet 3000 series used for $2500-3000 range and have a multi purpose machine for all seasons.

Carl

foreman Etexas · Jul 29, 2013

I got the 0-turn cause I mow the parents place and they have several trees,its around 2miles to get there,

. Mine I just use it to get up around house then mow the rest with

,so I also agree on open areas it will smoke the zero turn

Creamer · Jul 29, 2013

Front deck Zero Turns are still the handiest. A little more money but will cut your trimming time in half easy. Can go around trees and other obstacles without losing time, are safer on slopes than any kind of upright tractor due to lower CG, more accessible deck for easier cleaning and blade sharpening, no running over grass before you mow so you get a more even cut, and for $5k you should be able to buy a mower that will last you 30 years and you will appreciate the convenience.

I had two mowers at this house in the 1st six years before I went Zero Turn 14 years ago. ZTM is as good as new and other than tires and blades it is totally original so virtually no costs. I see no reason why it will not go another 14 years. Well worth the cost.

I do have a Ford 60" RFM for sale if anybody is interested. Hasn't been used for a long time until last year I got it out and made sure it would run well.

sld · Jul 30, 2013

It seems that most people that knock ZTR's have never used one. They are a well designed purpose built machine that will smoke a lawn tractor in any mowing situation.

RFM's are another story.....

camps23 · Jul 31, 2013

The original owner of the property I am buying has now decided to sell his 2011 John deere z445 54" mower if I'm interested. Anyone have any thoughts on that machine ?

Larro Darro · Jul 31, 2013

Here is some reviews. John Deere - Z445 with 54-inch deck customer reviews - product reviews - read top consumer ratings

Some had more cons than pros, but they all would recommend buying it. The price would be the decider for me.

djdicetn · Jul 31, 2013

camps23 said:
The original owner of the property I am buying has now decided to sell his 2011 John deere z445 54" mower if I'm interested. Anyone have any thoughts on that machine ?

I looked at JD ZTR's last fall and I was NOT impressed with what yopu get for your money:0(
That Z445 retails for $4999 and I was looking at the Z655 series 54" and the MSRP was $6149. Both of these "Residential" ZTR's have stamped decks and sealed(non-serviceable) Tuff-Torq unitized trannies. For just a "little more" than the Z655 I got my 52" Gravely Pro-Turn XDZ 100 with a Kawasaki engine, 7-gauge lifetime warranted fabricated deck, commercial cast iron spindles(witha a 3YR Warranty) and Hydro-Gear ZT3400 Commercial(serviceable) trannies(not to mention mine has a foldable ROPS and a 3Year/1000 Hour Residential or 2Year/1000 hour Commercial Warranty). All that for "a few hundred dollars more than the JD....a no brainer!!! If he wants to sell you that 2011 Z445 for $2,000 it might be worth it, but he'll most likely want closer to $3K at least.

Creamer · Jul 31, 2013

In general they must be a pretty good mower by the reviews but the first review caught my eye. He gives it five star rating but then says "hard to access belts" and "Engine difficult to get to" - why would he know about either of those after only two years?

I much prefer a front deck but I would say this is probably a $3k value if it is what you want.