AWS or Zero turn

Soonerskins · Jan 4, 2011

I have 2.6 acres. Of that, about 1.75 is lawn. And, about 1.25 is a weed free stand of Bermuda, and the other half acre is shade grass.

I am a teacher, so I have a lot of time to mow in the summer. I mow with a snapper lt2250 with a mulching deck. I mow at least every three days in the evening. I am **** about the turf. I mow a different direction every time. The mower I have now has 390 hours after 3 seasons. We are going to upgrade while it still works.

My wife has tried to convince me to go zero turn. I like the x324, or x524. We have also considered buying a used reel mower. But, our mature trees are black walnuts. The reels would not last long with those nuts and twigs.

I need a machine that will last a long time, and one that has an outstanding cut. So, how much more time will a zero turn save compared to the x324 or x534? Every 3 years or so, I aerate. But, if necessary, I can borrow a mower to do that, but I would rather do it myself.

Deck quality and mulch kit are my number one priority. Speed of mowing would be next. I have searched and seen every zero turn around here. But, I still keep leaning x series.

What is your advise for a cut that rivals a golf fairway?

Thanks.

jenkinsph · Jan 4, 2011

Haven't had a chance to mow with the new X749 yet but to get the golf course appearance I suspect that frequency of mowing is the key. I am not a golfer but some areas are cut everyday.

Alan L. · Jan 4, 2011

Based on what I read and studied before buying my Scag, seems like if you cut often and so you aren't taking much off, and want a great cut, you can't beat an Exmark commerical ZTR. I don't know how a ZTR would compare time wise, but my Scag is fast. It does cut pretty too, but is a hog on all types of grass and its usually 8" tall more more when I cut it. Some say the Exmark cuts prettier, but it can't handle the rougher areas like Scag.

om21braz · Jan 5, 2011

I know this is the JD forum, but IMHO, it's hard to beat a Walker for cut quality and after cut appearance. Not the fastest mower, but can eliminate lots of trimming.

Soonerskins · Jan 5, 2011

I cannot afford a walker. I have researched exmark and scag. It seems their "hurricane" mulching system leaves as good of rotary cut as you could get.

I have no experience on a zero turn. I also am afraid of tires tearing up my turf. I am sure that I could learn to turn without hurting the lawn. I want to have a lawn/garden tractor with the smallest turning radius possible. That is what I got when I got my snapper a few years ago. But it just can't handle the hours I am giving it. My wife told me that if I don't get a zero turn, then I have to put her in a pool. I can't afford that.

What I would like to see is the 7 iron deck on the x300 series.

Has anyone experienced the mulching kit quality of the x-series?

jenkinsph · Jan 5, 2011

I have tried out my X749 for one cutting only with the mulch plug installed. Seened to do a good job except where I used it in taller grass. For routine cutting without so much growth it should work well.

Get your dealer to set up a demo and try one out or several for that matter. This is the best way since you can verify the results for yourself. You might wan't to consider a diesel if you are going to mow twice a week.

Soonerskins · Jan 5, 2011

I have been told to demo to make sure I like what I am getting. The problem that I have is I was hoping to get a good deal during the off season. I would not get to really demo a cut until mid May when my Bermuda comes out of dormancy.

Am I correct that I can get a better deal now during the off season as opposed to the peak mowing season?

oldnslo · Jan 6, 2011

You should get a better deal in the off season if they have carry over stock from last year.

Your concern about damaging the lawn with ZTR are valid. They require lot's of practice to keep from damaging the lawn on tight 180 degree turns.

Another question for the OP. Is saving a few dollars worth the concern of not knowing if the mower works to your satisfaction Vs waiting until you can demo the mower and know that you have purchased a mower that meets your requirements.

Roy

Gittyup · Jan 6, 2011

I have an AWS425, 54" deck. Love it. But it too can tear the grass under wet conditions. I had a mulching kit on mine and it did a great job as long as the grass was cut often and not while wet. I have bluegrass - grows fast and stays wet). I think it would mulch even better on bermuda. I removed my mulching kit because I just couldn't find time to cut it that often (nor did I want to).

For your lot, I don't think the time difference will be significant. It really comes down to do you need a tractor for other things that the zero turn can't do so well?

Soonerskins · Jan 6, 2011

In November, I thought I knew what I wanted, so I wanted to shop for a good deal. But, after shopping, and listening to people, it has flooded my mind with a lot of valid concerns.

Question: When you demo, is that the mower that you get? Or do they then go back and give you a brand new mower if it is the one that you like.

I want a traditional lawn/garden tractor because I like the idea of drinking my tea while I mow. I can do this with a steering wheel, but I don't think I can do that on a zero turn. I know it is silly to pick a mower based on whether you can mow with a drink in your hand.

Can anyone offer experience with the x324, or x534 verses a zero turn on their own yard time wise verses a traditional lawn tractor?