Buying Advice.... Too Many to Choose From

[coasterez]

Six grand won't get it done in a new machine (maybe chinese). But, there are plenty of options used. Look for a good JD7xx series, or on the smaller side a 4xx series, or a used Kubota BX, or simplicity. I have a 425 AWS, it's awesome on steep slopes, great manueverability - will spin right around a tree, and a killer snow plow when equipped with chains. I run a 54 inch deck. Cut 2 acres in about 1.5 hours. It can be equipped with a 60" deck too. I've seen many for sale, with snow blade (and some with 3ph), for under $4K.

But, if you go this route (smaller), you'll end up buying bigger later on. Pay me now or pay me later.

BTW, I've read many times that ZTR's suck on steep terrain.

 

[whodat90]

I'll throw my hat into the ring and not only recommend a ZTR, but a specific type: Front mount. More specifically, used front mount. You can pick up good quality used front mounts from all manner of places. The front mount is usually cheaper than a midmount ztr (used) more stable on hills, and can usually take other attachments. I have a grasshopper front mount, has a kubota 21hp 3cyl gas engine, liquid cooled. The mower deck comes off in a few minutes and there are snowblower, power broom, and snow blade attachments for it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/62-GRAZER-ZERO-...2QQihZ015QQcategoryZ50377QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/SNAPPER-COMMERC...8QQihZ011QQcategoryZ82243QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[bones1]

That Snapper looks like it would do it.Some good advice here.