9 Acres - ZTR or Tractor?

JINMA224XR · Apr 8, 2005

One of the biggest problems I have is that I grew up in the city. So my experience with mowing, tractors and land is very limited.

After reading some of the posts, I'm kind of leaning back towards a tractor, but I guess my wife and I need to do some reading tonight and talk to the dealers in the area on Saturday. 

Hey TreLease,

Yes Growing up in the City puts you at a disadvantage(Just Joking), but it is a good thing that you said that. As with a Tractor, it can do so much more, however it is also much more complicated, and there is also more risk for injury. But that is the case with almost anything that is more versatile and powerful.

So I suggest that if you decide on the tractor, to let someone knowledgeable, show you about how to safely use the 3PT Hitch and any other types of equipment that you equip your tractor with,, such as a front end loader. Especially Hooking and unhooking and how to prevent rollover, side to side and front to rear.

It will be an adventure to you, and will be a lot of fun. I might also add, that Wives, tend to enjoy driveing the Tractor as much as the Husbands do. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif So don't be surprised if she wants to use the tractor also.

Being unexperieced really can be a good thing, as you can learn the correct way to work with your tractor from the beginning, but please keep in mind that it will be a learning experience in the beginning, and a bit slow(That's Normal), but after a while, you will say to yourself, "I only wish that I had gotten a tractor a long time ago". /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Fear is a useful tool, but we must not let Fear stand in the way of Progress or what we really want to do. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Good Luck with which ever way you decide to go, here at this crossroads Junction, on your Journey. Don't let them sell you one without the SpringSeat, Power Steering, 4WD, & Canopy /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Moon · Apr 8, 2005

I have to disagree with Gerard and Bob on this one. I mowed a couple of years with my Kubota L3010 with a 72" RFM. Last year we added a Scag Wildcat ZTR to our family. It has a 61" deck. I mow 4 acres mostly old tomato field. Very bumpy. The ZTR handles the mowing duties much better than the tractor. It makes triming arouond things so much easier. I do not mow at near top speed, but still mow the 4 acres in less than 2 hours. Mowing with just the Kubota takes 45 minutes longer.
A tractor will give you more all around help at your place. The FEL can help you get so much more done, that it's probably worth taking a little longer mowing.
Tough call.
I will say, with the ZTR I look forward to mowing more than I ever have. It's fun to mow. ...but I enjoy brush hogging, box blading and FEL work with the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Sorry, no easy answer for you.

Moon of Ohio

Gunfighter · Apr 8, 2005

My recommendation is forget the ZTR machine, they are basically
lawn mowers an nothing else...

If you want a machine that is maneuverable plus have multi-purpose,
check out the machines below...

Steiner Articulating Turf Tractors & rear steer
http://www.steinerturf.com/products/

Ventrac Articulating Tractors.
from 21 hp Gas to 31 hp Turbo Diesel
http://www.venturepro.com/products/
.
Richard
West Michigan

JJT · Apr 8, 2005

I'm with Moon on this one. Nothing beats a ZTR for mowing. I mow 3 acres around the house on a weekly basis and another 10 acres every few weeks. I was doing the finish work with an 18horse craftsman with a 46" deck and the 10 acres twice a season with my L3710 and a 72" brushhog. My only regret is not getting the ZTR sooner. I cut my mow time by 2/3's, and the ZTR is a blast to drive.

I'd never give up the L3710 for a ZTR. I need it for the heavy work - tilling, snow blowing, driveway maint, fel work, etc.

What do you need the most? A mower or a tractor? Sounds like a mower.

deere755 · Apr 8, 2005

Pro mow makes gang reel mowers up to almost ten feet wide. They require 8 hp to pull them and you can mow 4 acres per hour. They are around $1250. I have thought about looking at one of these myself. As for a ZTR I have never used one but I wouldn't think they would be much faster in an open area. I saw one of these Pro mow mowers on e-bay.

Molerj · Apr 9, 2005

I bought my property in '88. Each year I expanded the mowing area. I am now mowing about 8 acres. I started out with a Economy Power King with a 48" deck. I needed a larger tractor but had other things I needed more. Finally bought the JD955 CUT with a loader & 72" belly mower about 5 yrs. ago. Great machine & I love it. I still use the smaller mower around the house, but now want a ZTR. I never believed I would spend 12 grand for a tractor & now it is hard to believe that I want to spend over 6 grand for a ZTR! I think you have to ease into these things /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif. Anyhow, in your case I think a tractor would be where you should start. And if you can get it with a quick tatch loader you won't regret it.

Moon · Apr 9, 2005

Yeah, what Molerj said.
I also have to admit when I got my tractor, I never dreamed I'd be looking at spending 6k for another mowing machine. If I had gotten the ZTR first, I doubt the CFO (aka wife) would have understood the need for a tractor. Getting the tractor first worked out nicely for us. Now the wife helps with mowing (she loves the ZTR!) and I can be bush hogging while she's mowing, we get lots more done. It works for us!

WARNING: Watch out if you let the wife / kids mow with it or your tractor. They'll like it and compete with you for seat time. ....see attachment (she's trying to say ...NO PICTURES MY HAIRS A MESS! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif )

Moon of Ohio

Nasty135 · Apr 9, 2005

Moon, ( (she's trying to say ...NO PICTURES MY HAIRS A MESS! )
) 

So now with her picture on the Internet , I guess you be on the couch tonight /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You bad boy!

rbeitz · Apr 10, 2005

Do you have to finish mow all 9 acres every week? Why not finish mow a couple of acres around the house and bush hog the rest once a month? While I have a ZTR and I love it for mowing it seems that a tractor would make more sense for you. You could run a finish mower around the house and a bush hog for the rest of the acreage. And, you could add a FEL, tiller etc for landscaping chores.

FWIW I own both a tractor and a ZTR and I will never mow with a conventional tractor again. It takes too much time when you have obstacles to mow around. But, on the other hand I also wouldn't give up my tractor with FEL. It is indispensable with doing chores and mulching all of my wifes landscaping beds.

Trelease · Apr 10, 2005

I think we've decided that a tractor would be our best bet. Maybe down the road, she'll let me get a ZTR too. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thank you all for your help.