Advice on zero turns

[bigdogmax1]

hey guys, Currently I am cutting five acres with my Mitsubishi D2350 tractor pulling a caroni 59 inch finishing mower. It takes me about 3 to 4 hours to mow, plus trimming and cleanup 5 to 6 hours!. I have a good bit of trees, a big driveway, and an 1.5 acre pond to maneuver around. One of the biggest pains in the neck is having to stop and change gears so many times and reversing. I don't have a live pto so I have to come to a complete stop when I move to different areas of the yard. My tractor is murder on my back, not to mention the constant breakdowns and repairs to an aging piece of equipment. My yard is mostly flat but rough in certain spots, and a pretty decent slope around the pond. I'm curious if a commercial zero turn would be faster and easier. Hustler, exmark, dixie chopper, bad boy, and scag are all sold here, and they all offer a commercial 60 inch mower for around 8000 to 10,000. They all have Kawasaki options, which I like. I'm sure I could get the hang of operating the mower, but is it my best option? Any opinions are welcome. My little tractor is a work horse, but I only use it for mowing. I have a 4x4 truck and a four wheeler for other yard projects. The thing that takes me the longest is cutting in first gear around the trees and driveways.

 

[Coyote machine]

I have a pond, slopes, hilly rough patches, and a number of acres to cut, lawn, fields, around trees, etc.
I have a Scag wildcat with bagger system and Kawa 26HP.
All I can say is NEVER cut wet grass on a slope of any magnitude. The front wheels will let go and you'll loose control in an instant.
Any flat areas or rough areas no problem.
You could look into a ride behind sulky type too, to possibly lower the risk factor around the pond, etc. I don't know if those are better, but you don't have to get caught on the mower if it decides to flip!? Scag and others sell them, last I looked.
Zero turns are not for all situations for sure, but don't get me wrong I like mine, but it is a potentially dangerous piece of equipment.
I'd get your place looked at by a couple of dealers to recommend the best tool for your specific job.

 

[Tompet]

After reading your post, yes you will enjoy mowing with a z turn.

You mentioned tractor killing your back. If possible, I suggest checking out the Ferris and Simplicity shock absorber framed z turns. Both have Kawasaki engine options. The Ferris has more commercial models while the Simplicity is limited to their top two models Citation and Cobalt which are clones of two Ferris models. I have a Simplicity Citation with a Kawasaki FX790v that is very comfortable. I would also recommend the mulch kit...will keep dust and clippings from blowing all over you.

I have mowed slopes with my z turn and felt comfortable, but if your slopes are that steep, maybe a Kubota 4wheel drive f series? But really, once you get some experience, I think you will be fine.

You will be surprised at the time savings and less trimming with the z turn. It will be a night and day difference compared to your current setup.

 

[bigdogmax1]

Thanks for the quick reply guys. I really do appreciate it.

 

[Clay45]

I went with a Scag Tiger Cat 52" with Kawasaki engine for my 6+ acres with some hilly spots. It was actually more mower than I wished to purchase but did so to get the larger wheels. Takes on the hills just great as long as it is dry. I sometimes go between trees just barely so a wider blade would be in the way. But when cutting the open areas I wish for the 61" option. Love the mower but it is only a mower.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

You will save lots of mowing time with a ZTR. And, I guess that the back trouble is caused by having to look back on your tractor. That won't happen with the zero turn. However, as was mentioned, one of the mowers with a suspension will help. And, you can get a suspension seat as an option on most commercial mowers. That helps a good bit to make the ride more comfortable.

As far as which brand to get, I suggest buying from the dealer you feel most comfortable with. I've owned many different brands of commercial mowers, and all are generally good mowers. Currently, I have 5 Scag commercial 'stand on' mowers, but, my wife works at the Scag dealer. I do like the Scags.

 

[Streetcar]

I second the advise about mowing wet grass on slope. You can lose traction in a second.
When looking at mowers my Exemark dealer strongly advised against sulky mower. He said they are less stabile for hills

 

[MESSMAKER]

I second the advise about mowing wet grass on slope. You can lose traction in a second.
When looking at mowers my Exemark dealer strongly advised against sulky mower. He said they are less stabile for hills

I don't know about that. A walk behind with a sulky is what most use on steep areas, I have seen some on slopes that would be tough to walk on.

 

[bigdogmax1]

I have never even heard of Ferris before today...but they seem pretty awesome ride wise with the suspension. Considering my yard, I think that would be great IF they are decent mowers. There is dealer somewhat close to me, maybe I'll make a trip there tomorrow. Are there any other commercial mowers with a suspension? I see some complaints with the quality of cut with the Ferris mowers. Maybe a good suspension seat model would do the trick. Getting into these mower comparisons is like buying peanut butter at super Wal Mart...too many options!!!! What I need is a 60 inch welded deck, a reliable 25-27 hp motor, and something that wont beat me to death. I want a mower that I can work on and maintain myself, and that will last. Of course cut quality is important also. Not too mention EACH manufacturer makes 10 plus models of mowers to choose from lol.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I went with a Ferris mower for the suspension which smooths out the ride considerably. It doesn't take out all the bumps but is 100% better than a mower without it. I suppose that if one got a Ferris WITH a suspension seat then he would be in hog heaven on rough ground. As for mowing quality, I don't think one commercial grade has anything on any other, they all turn a series of blades that cut the grass and discharge to the side and underneath the deck, they all look the same. Look for one with a fabricated deck and chain hung deck rather than a series of levers. I like the foot powered mower deck raise/lower system on the Ferris, leg power is better than arm power and would never buy another mower with an electric powered raising system. Just another thing to wear out.

As for mowing on slopes, unless you have a very radical slope on your pond, it will mow it up, down or sideways. I mow my pond levee mostly horizontal to the levee all except one short section that is 45 degree slope or more and there I have to go up and down. I don't think these mowers would flip prior to sliding sideways unless you were going fast on a sideslope and hit a hole. As long as you work moderately sensible, the tires will slide sideways first so don't worry about flipping and the Ferris has a ROPS system if you are inclined to use it. After mowing all my property a few times with it up, I don't even raise it now as there is no danger of turning over with it, but low hanging tree limbs will hang it and flip you up in the front.

If you mowed it with your tractor, a Ferris will mow it also. I have the IS700Z 52" model with 23 HP Kawasaki engine and it is very powerful and easy on the fuel consumption. Top speed is 9.8 MPH but I rarely run it that fast on my rough crawfish mound infested yard. It takes me 2.5 hours to mow my 6 acres yard which has a ton of bushes, trees, shop, chicken pens & 2 ponds to mow around. The area around my house has two slopes to mow with trees and shrubs on and at the bottom of the slope and this acre or so takes 30-40 minutes to do.

I gave up weed eating around the trees when mowing after the first year and just mow it close with the ZTR . About once or twice a year, I weed eat around them, a little grass doesn't hurt them and from my patios, they look well enough to suit me. When I do weed eat my yard, it takes me about 3 hours to do all of it so it is a spring and late fall job for me, no heat strokes in the middle of summer for me. For the larger pine, sweet gum and sycamore trees, Roundup around them works much better than a weedeater but wife's flowering plants don't tolerate it very well so those still get a little cleanup

 

[TSO]

I mow with a Hustler Super Z diesel 66" ... when I cut all my grass at once (about 6 acres) I'm done in about 2.5 hrs. One of my lawn accounts is 7.5 acres, and that takes me 3 hrs (including whipping/blowing) ... so yeah, you'll definitely save some time with a ZTR !

The Hustler has been great. I have the tires set to their widest and I have Hustler's "flex forks" up front which soften the ride a bit.

Luckily, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the new commercial ZTR's ... they all make good machines. Sit on them all, as they offer different seating positions, and you may find one more comfortable than the others.

 

[Texasmark]

After you buy one with the soft ride which I consider paramount, get some ATV studded tires for the drives. With them you can manuever around your pond including the slopes and wet or dry makes little difference. BTDT on both counts. I initially tried bar lugs but they slide sideways and don't have the pulling power for going up a bank the studs do especially if grass is damp. By studs I am referring to tire treads made of random chunks of rubber about 2x2".

Mark

 

[bigdogmax1]

The top of the line Bad Boy Outlaw XP has a rubber bumper sort of suspension. For only 8000 for their top of the line 60 inch model, seems like a good deal. Any comments???

 

[Texasmark]

The top of the line Bad Boy Outlaw XP has a rubber bumper sort of suspension. For only 8000 for their top of the line 60 inch model, seems like a good deal. Any comments???

I've seen their sales brochures and looked at their machines. Very impressive and impressive company profile and vision which obviously trickles down to mower quality, reliability, and functionality. Also they offer optional bar lug tires for the rear but as stated, I personally find they weren't worth the money. I considered the brand as a purchase if I bought another but would have to have the suspension options. TSC sells them down here.

Mark

 

[mikescruggs]

I am confide the nail has been hit on the head with others who say your back problems likely can be linked to looking back at your mower. That happened to me when I was using a rear blade to plow snow and I still have some problems when I look back and it's been about 9 years.

I had an upper end residential ZTR and it was great for comfort, speed, and agility. That was until I was on steeper hills. I would stick with a commercial unit for the stability and ability to work on hills. I went to a walk behind with sulky and one with a chariot (Hustler Trimstar). They work great on hills. I am out this summer with a torn rotator cuff and cannot run either one. My wife and kids cannot run them either. I am in the process of selling them and going back to a ZTR.

While I am undecided on which one I know it will be commercial grade and preferably a 60" unit. I have a 48" now, but would like to step up. Find a dealer you like and who appears will be in business for awhile to come. Start there and compare couple models. I doubt you'll go wrong with any of the major brands.

Mike

 

[bigdogmax1]

Thanks for the advice. Today I looked at the scags, hustlers, and John Deeres. I've also looked at the exmarks and dixie choppers. late Today I'm going to look at the bad boys. So far the hustlers seem too expensive, 10 grand for the base commercial x onei. The frame is smaller and has an integrated wheel motor vs two separate. It runs 8900. The scag tiger cat however has a better seat, bigger frame and independent Parker wheel motors for 8500. Ex Mark commercial lazer z e series runs about the same price. Not impressed with the John Deere stamped decks and 9500 price tag for the 930 series. Kind of unsure about the Dixie choppers. I keep hearing mixed opinions, but the price is comparable on the classic and silver eagle. The search will continue! Keep the advice coming thank you.

 

[Texasmark]

On the JD stamped decks. I have 2 retired mowers with stamped decks and 1 I am still using. I have 2 fabricated decks on my ZTS. If/when I purchase a new ZT, if I ever wear out my Hustler Fastrak or DR Pro Z, I will seriously consider the stamped deck mower like the JD or others. Reason being is that first of all the decks were retired in tact with no "stamped deck" related problems and the stamped deck, being one piece and curved has no sharp corners to fill up with clippings and clog when you mow your grass in the mornings when it's cool and the dew helps to contain the dust.

So why did I retire them? Well they were sitting around and I had other uses I needed done. One is my "Gator" and the other drives my log splitter. The one still in use is my pond dam mower with the ATV tires.

Besides considering the $1k or so reduction in price, you have a storehouse of bucks to make any repairs if you have any. The mickey mouse looking running gear may look that way as compared to some commercial ZTS but it survives. What I can't get over are the anti-scalping plastic wheels. I have yet to have to replace one on any mower at any time.

Mark

 

[big bubba]

in terms of zero turns & slopes, i would recommend getting a ROPS model if avail. personally i choose to use a zero walk behind for my pond dams good luck & great advice here

 

[TailDragon]

Have you looked at the front mount zero turns (Grasshopper, Woods) or only the mid mount models?
Have not used those models but did trade a ZD331 in on a F3680. Where I mow I liked the front mounted deck and 4WD that much better.(enough to take the hit on trade-in) I did have 410 hours on the ZD in 3 years.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Have you looked at the front mount zero turns (Grasshopper, Woods) or only the mid mount models?
Have not used those models but did trade a ZD331 in on a F3680. Where I mow I liked the front mounted deck and 4WD that much better.(enough to take the hit on trade-in) I did have 410 hours on the ZD in 3 years.

If you can afford on of the 4 WD front drive models, I think those are the best on the market for mowing on slopes and likely a lot smoother riding. I cant attest to it though since I have never been on one but the concept is much better for getting under trees, mowing up to waters edge on ponds etc. I am sure that in some areas they may have a disadvantage but isn't that the case with all equipment. There is no such thing as a universal piece of equipment that is best at everything.
I have seen some of the front mount rigs that have a power tilt function that will raise the deck 90 degrees for working under the deck. That is something to look at in those models also as in how easy is it to raise the deck. If I were spending that kind of money it would also be 4 wheel drive and diesel engine.
A used one with a couple thousand hours will cost you about the same as a new low end commercial ZTR ($7-8K)