best residential ztr

[topjimmy]

Greetings all,

I recently built a house on 5 acres, and will need to mow about 3, maybe more depending on how motivated I get. I've been looking to spend about 3700 or so. I had the Gravely zt1944, the CC Z44, and possibly the Hustler miniZ or whatever the Hustler residential mower model is. I would greatly appreciate any feedback from anyone that owns or researched those models. I will also look at any other model that you all might suggest.

Thanks in advance,
JimC.

 

[Bird]

Welcome to Tractorbynet, Jim. I don't know much about the ZTRs personally, but I haven't heard anything bad about the ones you're considering. I bought the smallest Toro myself last summer and have been quite happy with it. And they do have models in the price range you mentione with that wide a cut. You can go to toro.com and see their homeowner models, specs, prices, etc. My dealer charged $200 less than the price shown on the website for my little Toro. I'm seeing more and more of the commercials in my area using Toros, but that may simply be because of the local dealer. He delivered mine, it has a 2 year warranty, and he said free pickup and delivery if it should ever need any warranty work; $25 pickup and delivery charge after the warranty period.

 

[sportzkat]

You sound like me just a few months ago! Once you begin to look at these machines, you'll quickly notice that there is a BIG difference between the "residential" ZTR and the "Commercial" ZTR. That difference is in both quality AND price, because it is $2000-3000 difference between the two. However, if you can afford to go with a commercial unit, for that difference you get a machine that will most likely be the last mower you will ever purchase, whereas a residential ZTR will most likely last you 8-10 years at best. I base this on the fact that most commerical units have componets that are built to last 2000 hours and most residential units are built to go 500 hours. I decided to spend the extra and get a commercial unit, and I have not regretted it yet, but I haven't had the mower but a week. If $3700 is all you can spend, you can rule out anything by Hustler. The MiniZ you mention is a commercial unit that I believe starts at around $5500-6000. Their residential unit is the FastTrak, and it goes for around $4500-5000. If I were going to spend $3700, I believe I would look at a Cub Cadet Z Force. I believe they can be had for around $4000 (I know, I've already spent more of your money!). They have articulating front ends and are much better built than the Cub RZT. There are several people on this board who own ZForces so I'm sure they could help you more than I. If you could afford the FastTrak I would go with it over the ZForce because I think it is better built and has a superior warrenty. However, before I bought either of them I would look around and seriously consider getting a commercial unit. If you go that route, be sure to look at the Gravely. I bought a 252Z as I felt it was the best unit I could get for the money, and I'm pleased with it so far. You mention the ZT1944, so go to your Gravely dealer and compare the "@Home" series to the commercial line. The differecne is significant.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

 

[wushaw]

I agree with the commercial units but I have a 36" hustler fast track that does have the residential hydros but that is all that is residential, the deck has a lifetime warranty on the leading edge and the frame is lifetime.
The little fast track is a well built unit and it cost me 3000.00 four weeks ago.

 

[Spiffy]

I'm assuming pretty gentle conditions and 2-3 acres, but reading "maybe more" I'm not sure about either the size or conditions. Don't know your area either, but I'll also assume 6months mowing...say 50hours per year with a ZTR. Also assuming you're smart about clearing rocks, stumps and twigs and things [which you should do regardless].

Anyway 44 inches and $3700 do tell me Z-Force and similar [for the ZF44 I'd think you could do a couple 100 better though]. If you don't have tight spots, I think you'd really like the extra 6" inches on a 50, but that is near $4K.

Using my assumptions, I think you're right on track for over a 10 year machine. I also agree that adding 50% more money can buy well over twice the machine and hours. I really hate when someone with "acres" is conned into a "residential" machine, but the "transition units", like you're looking at, do have their place. And, as Bird pointed out, the residentials do too [wouldn't last long in my yard though].

A few more details might make it easier, but I think you are on the right track; if the budget allows, I think you'd have no regrets with a true commercial as well. If only everything were built for a liftetime of use.......

 

[KiotiJohn]

I recently purchased a Hustler 42" Fastrak from my Kioti Tractor Dealer. It has a 17HP Kohler OHV single cylinder engine, a 3 year bumper to bumper warranty, lifetime on the frame and leading edge of the deck. I love the height adjusting system as it is foot operated and can quickly be raised to full height in an emergency.
It is a well built residential unit, with the exception of the hydro system, the build is every bit as good as their commercial unit.
I would have preferred the true hydro drive pumps of the commercial units, but the price was just too much for me to part with.
My dealer has the residential 42" @$3299, and the commerical units starting at, I think, $5299 and up.
The only thing I don't like about all the 0 turns I've tried is that they can get real slippery on well soaked soil, and sometimes are fairly easy to stick in an unlevel situation. At least the residentials with the smaller tires. Most of the commerical units have much larger tires, and that may not be such a problem.
John

 

[topjimmy]

Thanks for all the replies. I would love to have a commercial unit. I had my hear set on the Dixie Chopper Silver Eagle(entry model), but my significant other is not to keen on spending 5k on a mower.
A friend of ours that has a side business cutting lawns,suggested the Gravely 1944 to us and now I think I'm stuck at that price point.

The property is pretty flat, not to rough in most spots. I would certainly remove any debris (or stop and move it) , not run over it. I live in N.E. Ohio. The weather is pretty unpredictable so the cutting season could be long or short. I would not mind using it to blade snow or scrape my gravel drive smooth either. I'm pretty sure my New Holland dealer carries Hustler, I'm going to look at the Gravley there tonight. Maybe the wife will be convinced if she sees the residential and the commercial side by side.

Thanks again, keep the info coming.
JimC.

 

[Rubicon1]

You could also check into this unit. Another forum member posted the link a few days ago. Worth checking into. Otherwise I would say check into the CC ZF44. If you don't have a local dealer (like me) you can order one from Lowes for $3239.

http://farmex.now.tc/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_26_59&products_id=2287

 

[topjimmy]

I'm really leaning towards the Hustler FastTrack 44 with the honda 16hp engine. It runs for 4199 at my local dealer. Comes with a 4 year warranty, and lifetime on the frame and leading edge of the deck. Plus with 18 months 0% interest...hard to pass that up. I would like to hear from others that have one. I'm gonna do a search of the forum while awaiting the replies..
Thanks
JimC.

 

[topjimmy]

Just a little update.

I took the wife down to the New Holland dealer to place my order for the Hustler Fastrack 44/16. After a few minutes speaking with the fellow helping us, she thinks it makes little sense to spend that much money, and not just spend a little more for a commercial unit! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif So now I'm looking at the Gravely PM 44z. It will cost me about 4700. Anyone have any experience with that model?

Thanks
JimC