Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR's again.

[HP_guy]

Re: Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR\'s again.

wow, what a forum. I am new on this site, but all of this information is just overwhelmingly helpful. My yard is about 1.5 Acres with a couple of trees (of course situated on the hills, its just works out that way). Its good to hear that the mini's work well on the slopes, but it's also good to know that the mid-mount machines work even better. That will make it a little easier to convince the powers that be (my wife) that I need to consider a bigger machine. The dealer was not willing to let me try and buy, since its his last one in the show room, but he did say with the front-end of the machines being lighter than the rear that it could get dicey on some hills. I am sure it just a learning experience, but I don't want to wind up in the ER while I learn how to mow my lawn again. That would make for a good conversation though wouldn't it. Thanks.

 

[cphilip]

Re: Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR\'s again.

Well not certain what you mean exactly but the Huslter Mini Fastrak is a mid mount mower. As apposed to a front mount. Just a smaller overall one is all it is. But with an acre and a half like you got I would be more inclined to go up to a full Hustler Fastrak or something like a Ferris, Cub, etc etc... middle size one or even small Commercial one. Not the mini fastrak I would think. I would go the mini only if its up to an Acre and you have a lot of tight spots. I guess it would do a acre and a half but thats about its limit I would think. And you would probably want the 44" at least. Thats what it is designed to do though is smaller places and tighter places. Thats why it only comes in 36 and 44" widths. The regular Fastrack however comes in wider decks and is larger framed and tires and all that. 46 and 50" I think is its deck choices. Bigger framed and all is what it is. For bigger jobs. Many of the "homeowner" models are in this "small but big" category. And thats where most of the people here start thinking small commercial machine instead. So....

But certainly check em all out. Find the one thats right combination of right for your situation and budget.

 

[Spiffy]

Re: Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR\'s again.

<font color="blue"> I am sure it just a learning experience, but I don't want to wind up in the ER while I learn how to mow my lawn again. That would make for a good conversation though wouldn't it. </font>

From what I've experienced the "pucker factor" kicks in well before the machine limits, so I don't think you have to worry...but if you do go "too far" we'd love to see some pixs in safety: /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As far as the front mount, don't discount their ability at all..again different, but often better... for 1.5A you'll find you'll likely find your best buy in a consumer-priced unit most likely mid-mount anyway.

For consumer priced ZTRs just look at the qualities you find important...deck? engine? frame?

The commercialZ I mentioned before cut 1/3 of the time in one application and 2/3 in another. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[MrCJ]

Re: Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR\'s again.

The commercialZ I mentioned before cut 1/3 of the time in one application and 2/3 in another. <font color="red"> </font>

<font color="black"> </font> Exactly!!!!!

I have 4+ acres and I keep it all cut weekly. Prior to my ZTR I used a Cub Cadet 44" Garden tractor. That use to take me around 7 hours.
With the new machine I can cut and catch the whole thing in about 3.5! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
This allows me to knock it out in an evening vs. having to waste an entire Sat. or Sun.
Yes my eXmark XS was somewhat overkill for my needs (NEVER admit this to your spouse!), but there is some truth to "bigger is better." The frame, engine, and tires all make the job easier and safer.
As a former paramedic I have seen the ugly side of unsafe handling. I agree with the statement that the "pucker factor" usually happens prior to the machines limits, but if you are "puckering" you may want to ask yourself "Why am I in this situation?" and "What would it take not to be in this situation?"

 

[cphilip]

Re: Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR\'s again.

Ok at some point I did check the manual (yes I realize I am losing man points here).... as to tilt and all that. The Hustler Fastrak manual that is. So not certain it applies to all of them but...

Excepts:

...Tractor performance is maximum when the trottle is set to full RPM.

...Important, rapid movement of control levers is not recomended as damage to the Hydraulic system may occur.


...Starting... Set throttle in 1/2 Position... allow engine to idle a few minutes before advancing throttle...

... the Huslter Mower is capable of operating horizontaly (traverse) on moderately steep slopes. When operating on slopes of 15 degrees or more, be aware of any conditions that may cause the tractor drive tires to lose tracton...

Kholer Engine manual:

...Starting engine... b. For seperate levers: Place throttle control midway between slow and fast....

....Stopping...Without Shutdown Selenoid, Move throttle to slow and idle for 30-60 seconds... With shutdown Selenoid, Position throttle halfway between half and full throttle and then stop engine.

Angle of operation: will operate up to 25 degrees continuously... but check oil level is full.

Some stuff to discuss...

 

[Confuuscious]

Re: Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR\'s again.

I am also new, i own almost 4 acres basically flat maybe a few bumps here and there.. I want to get a ZTR and am thinking of the ZForce 50 CC series..... I also cut grass on the sideevery other week in the summer same w/that basically flat a few bumps maybe 5 to 7 acres ..... any info that I may use in making my decision... I currently have the JD 325 GT lawn Mower.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[deereowner]

Re: Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR\'s again.

If you are looking at the Zforce 50, I would also suggest looking at the Hustler FasTrak. I chose the fasTrak because of the Honda engine, beefy frame and lifetime warranty on the deck, which is fabricated and not stamped. And after mowing only 2 weeks, I am glad that the deck is built the way it is. Not being used to how quick these things turn, I bumped a fence post hard with the edge of the deck. The fence post took more of a beating than the deck, which was no worse for the wear. I had a JD Lawn tractor before with a stamped deck, and I would be surprised if that hard a bump would not have damaged the deck.

I am sure that the CC mowers are fine machines, but I am totally impressed with what I got (good thing, too late to change).

The only other suggestion that I would make it to consider even a bigger mower, since you have 4 acres. I am mowing 1.2 acres, and my 50 in deck seems fine, but I have a feeling that you would wish you had gone bigger. But even if you don't, I think you will be amazed at the difference mowing with a ZTM. Good luck.

 

[FOURTEEN]

Re: Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR\'s again.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I would also suggest looking at the Hustler FasTrak. I chose the fasTrak because of the Honda engine, beefy frame and lifetime warranty on the deck, which is fabricated and not stamped. )</font>


<font color="red"> DITTO!! The FasTrac is awesome! Of all the ZTRs I looked at nothing comes close! I thought that a Dixie Chopper would be much better, but I soon determined that it's not even close! For a so called "Residential" machine, the FasTrac 52/20 is unbeatable! The build quality, convenience, ruggedness, attention to detail, ergonomics, 4-year warranty, and value are super!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

</font>

 

[_RaT_]

Re: Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR\'s again.

Why not the Ferris 1500? It has all the features of the FasTrac with a suspension as well. I have one issue with them and that is the lack of dealerships. I wish I could test drive all of them prior to buying.

 

[Confuuscious]

Re: Be gentle... its my first time.... ZTR\'s again.

thanks for your advice, where can I find info about these models? I am new to all of this.... What are your opinions on the M60 Tank from CC.. I currently have a JD GT 325 48 Inch