best residential ztr

Spiffy · May 20, 2005

After research drawn over monthes, then test drives, and recently a few weekends in the seat, I'll never steer anyone away from commericial. But the $4 to 5K seems to be an "interesting" area.

On "commercial" units under 5K [actually any mower] just make sure you're happy with the transmission system, deck [reading your mowing habits, you may find the deck a slightly less significant factor], spindles, and engine [these items may or may not be what you expect in commercial]. I just hate to see someone with 3 "gentle" acres, spend extra for larger tires and stouter frame [barring the "3K" frames], but still have the same wearing parts as a cheaper machine....unless these items make it "feel" right for you.

Sure looks like your doing some wise research though, and IMHO it's really hard to beat TBN too [espcially if this "Spiffy" guy wasn't so verbose the last couple days! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif].

Good luck!

Nasty135 · May 20, 2005

topjimmy, You probably wouldn't go wrong with either one of those machines (hustler or gravely)
If you mow your grass on a consistant basis and are somewhat maintenance conscious either will probably treat you fine...

The difference I see immediately is tire size, which the larger diameter tire will give a somewhat smoother ride, also the torque rating on the honda 16hp(hustler) VS the kawasaki 17hp (gravely) gives a little advantage to the gravely, If you think it would be neccessary... I beleive the gravely also sports MARBAIN blades which are lighter and possibly stronger than regular blades, the gravely also has sealed spindles no GREASING required! not sure about the hustlers spindles.

Those items may or may not be worth the difference to you...

But both machines are good quality units. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Good Luck in your decision /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

theplayer · May 20, 2005

I believe grease fittings on the spindles is an advantage, not a disadvantage..as long as you remember to grease them ..lol

Nasty135 · May 20, 2005

Player, ( I believe grease fittings on the spindles is an advantage, not a disadvantage )

Agreed , but the gravely dealer touts that as a great feature.
Enough so that they are part of the warranty(I think /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif)

GeneD14 · May 20, 2005

I would recommend the commercial models if you can afford one. Most commercial grade mowers do an excellent job and are built to take a beating.
I have heard my FIL's best friend curse the Cub ZT that he bought at TSC last year. He has been displeased with the quality of the cut and will how flimsy it is made.
My family members have the commercial duty: Dixie Chopper, Grass Hopper, and Kubota. No complaints from any of them.

topjimmy · May 21, 2005

The dealer just dropped off a demo 44 this morning. It sliced through some pretty tall and think field grass like butter, even the field looks nice. I think this is the machine for me. The dealer is great and I love the way it runs. As a side note, while I was cutting a three foot long snake darted away from the mower. It was not the normal garter snake I've seen so I stopped the mower to take a look. As I walked over to it, it curled up and I heard a distinct and telling rattle. Looks like I have an Easter Timber Rattler living on my property. I managed to snap a few pics as it slithered away. Guess I'd better make sure to wear my snake boots in the uncut areas, and keep an eye on the dogs.

Later
JimC

RisingStar · May 27, 2005

I use the JD 737 and I just love it. It's about double what your looking to pay. I do know the hustler residential version has had some problems. They are trying to take a good mower and compete with the lower price versions. The metal is so light the brackets the handles ride in will bend and you can not get the unit to move unless you rebend and readjust. I deliver these on the side and broke 2 before getting them loaded for delivery. If you go with the hustler go with the heaver version, it's a little more, but worth the investment. I mow an 11 acre miniranch with my JD 737 & JD 1435 and can finish it up in less than 5 hours.

wushaw · May 28, 2005

I have had a little 36" fast track Hustler for a month now and the only thing I've bent on mine was the discharge chute other than that it has been a good little machine.

Jagmandave · May 29, 2005

First thing I did when I got my new Exmark was bend the unowhat out of the discharge chute, took it off and haven't used it since...........

jcmseven · May 30, 2005

I do not think the Gravely can be beaten in this price range. It is a good machine and has a very solid reputation. I would go with it over the others, even if it is a bit more expensive. Gravely's are very popular where I live and I have even owned three of them myself, all giving good service. One little thing though to check is make sure the deck floats well, my P260z, which is a lot larger than what you are considering, would scalp occasionally on uneven terrain due to the weight and lack of deck float. On smooth ground, though, it was fast and cut well. There was nothing around that would better it for speed and cut quality, as long as the terrain was smooth. I assume the same engineering goes into the smaller units also.

John M