A Fork In The Road

[LouNY]

TBJolly;
hope that you find what you are looking for.
Many posters on here think that the zero turn mowers are the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Personally I don't like them, nothing I mow is smooth enough to mow fast without bouncing the equipment and operator to death.
Also having to keep both hands on the steering sticks all the time is a pain.
If you don't care for the tractor route look at the front mount mowers from New Holland, JD and even Kubota or Toro and there are others.
They are as maneuverable as a zero turn and more forgiving especially on hills, they are also available in 4wd if desired.

 

[Grumpycat]

TBJolly;
hope that you find what you are looking for.
Many posters on here think that the zero turn mowers are the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Personally I don't like them, nothing I mow is smooth enough to mow fast without bouncing the equipment and operator to death.
Also having to keep both hands on the steering sticks all the time is a pain.
If you don't care for the tractor route look at the front mount mowers from New Holland, JD and even Kubota or Toro and there are others.
They are as maneuverable as a zero turn and more forgiving especially on hills, they are also available in 4wd if desired.

Country Clipper offers single joystick control. If you don't like joystick the twinstick is available at same price. Built to last, transmissions a size or two up from equivalent Exmark. Very easy to service the blades and belts.

Don't immediately see it on this product page but they offer a handrail that makes it real easy to get on/off.

Boss XL - Country Clipper Zero-Turn Mowers

 

[nards444]

TBJolly;
hope that you find what you are looking for.
Many posters on here think that the zero turn mowers are the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Personally I don't like them, nothing I mow is smooth enough to mow fast without bouncing the equipment and operator to death.
Also having to keep both hands on the steering sticks all the time is a pain.
If you don't care for the tractor route look at the front mount mowers from New Holland, JD and even Kubota or Toro and there are others.
They are as maneuverable as a zero turn and more forgiving especially on hills, they are also available in 4wd if desired.

I think what people are getting at is a dedicated mower apparatus will mow circles around tractors, tractors are really only good to throw large decks on to large swaths of land like highways or large fields. 5 acres while a lot is better suited for commercial grade lawn mowing machines

 

[airbiscuit]

I'm getting older. Couple that with a surgery or two, and the old horse ain't what he used to be. I mow my yard with an old Kubota G5200 and fool around on the rest of my land with a 40 horse Mahindra. But lately, it seems like every time I need to mow, I need to fix a little something on the old Kubota. Plus, it's looking more and more like I'm going to have to mow my in-law's place (5 acres), which is five miles down the road.

So I need to work smarter, not harder. And with less aggravation.

I thought about a ZT mower, but I don't want anything that will be worn out in 5-6 years. And for just working around the place, a small FEL could sure come in handy, even if it's not much more than an overgrown wheelbarrow. So, an old man's thoughts have turned to small tractors.

Some criteria:

1. It needs to have a good, mid-mount mowing deck. Grass cutting is Job 1.
2. It needs to have an operator's area that is comfortable and will fit a big man, but also accommodate the wife.
3. It needs to be easy to get on and to get off.
4. It needs to have adequate power to cut short (4" or so field grass). Anything taller, I'll just hook up a brush hog to the red tractor.
5. It needs to be able to use its FEL to the best of the ma輊ine's ability.
6. It needs to be fairly maneuverable.
7. My local dealers are John Deere, Kubota, Mahindra and LS.

So...Suggestions on what machines will fit my needs? How big is too big? What horsepower is too small? And since I'm not a big bells and whistles kind of guy, what machines feature value and longevity? Lastly, what should I budget?

I think what people are getting at is a dedicated mower apparatus will mow circles around tractors, tractors are really only good to throw large decks on to large swaths of land like highways or large fields. 5 acres while a lot is better suited for commercial grade lawn mowing machines

So how well does a zero turn handle a loader?

 

[stuckmotor]

I've noticed several Kubotas that didn't appear to have a the transmission going between the driver's legs. It might make mounting easier.
I've got to take a closer look one day and see how those tractors get power to the back wheels.

 

[4570Man]

So how well does a zero turn handle a loader?

You can have the inconvenience of not having a loader but always being ready to mow and enjoy increased productivity with a ZTR or you can have the convince of having a loader but you have to take it off to mow and have to take the MMM off to do much tractor work and you’ll mow slower. Personally I’ll take my ZTR over a tractor any day for mowing.

 

[Industrial Toys]

A purpose built machine generally ALWAYS works better and nicer.

 

[airbiscuit]

So the OP can't get a CUT if that's what he wants?

 

[Jstpssng]

A loader on those smaller sized machines may not hold much more than a wheelbarrow; yet they will help with a lot of work which your back will otherwise need to do.
And you did say that you are getting older... I haven't owned a wheelbarrow since I bought my first tractor almost 20 years ago. I even use the loader to bring my wood inside every week; I can raise the bucket over the deck rails, open the door and it's only 2 steps to the woodbox. 2 Bucketfuls and I'm good for another week.

 

[Walter L]

TB i think that Big B sales would be able to give you a good price on the LS tractor and i think they are the distributor for the southern area and they have a nice shop in case of a problem, i dont think anyone can beat LS price for a quality tractor and i think Big Bs price would be hard to beat and they are in Sicily Island, LA