CC RZT42 versus Husqvarna z4217 question

[pyedog]

I have about an acre of grass (with a fair number of trees) and I'm in need of a new mower, but I don't have a lot of money. I'm interested in a Zero Turn mower but I don't have the money for most of them - I can get what appears to be a deal on a new Cub Cadet RZT42 or a new Husqvarna z4217 - for around $2100 (only about $50 difference between the two prices).

They have the same engine so that's a wash, and the feature set looks similar. I'd also need to bag leaves in the fall, and I'm not sure how well either of these would work (plus the cost of the bagger).

I considered spending a bit more for a 50 (mainly because the components seem to be better), but I can't really swing the extra money, and I suspect 50" might be too big for some of the spots in my yard.

This seems like a lot of money for a mower (I know, but I'm cheap), and I need it to last quite a while. I got a 28" Snapper HiVac 5 years ago, and it has given me nothing but trouble, so I'd rather get something that will last a while. I don't know the advantages of these two models, or if I should be considering others (the price seems to restrict me to these two).

Thanks in advance for any advice you folks might have!

 

[bczoom]

pyedog,

First, welcome to TBN.

I can't speak for the RZT but my dad has the same Husqvarna you're looking at.

He's had no problems with the mower itself and has worked well for him the past couple years. The only issue he's been having relates to the engine (so it's something to watch for since both of your engines have the same). To summarize his issue, the plugs have been fouling. He's going to check the manual but I believe it's either related to not running at full RPM or his shutdown procedure isn't correct. For the shutdown, some engines want it done from full RPM, others after idling for a minute or 2.

Brian

 

[JHowell]

I know you said your money is limited, but another brand to consider is Dixon. Dixon has been building ZTR mowers for decades. I think they were the first company to build them. My father bought me one when I was twelve (back in 1988, what a great guy.) It ran fine for ten years until the transaxle wore out. I was away in college so it was no big deal to me. It sat for 6 years in the back of the garage. Instead of replacing the transaxle my father bought a new cheap mower. Then last summer the transaxle in that died. The cost for either transaxle was about $500 so I picked up a new transaxle for the older dixon. It only took me about an hour to get the engine running, and maybe 3 hours to get the transaxle in and to make certain everything else was squared away.

Dixon makes a quality product. Their entry model is about the same as the other brands you've mentioned. Ours has a Kawasaki 12 HP single. I'd say it has well over 1000 hours on it and has never missed a beat. After all these years, it doesn't leak at all, nor does it burn any oil. Some of the electrical stuff on the older models weren't so great in terms of quality, but I'm certain they've got that taken care of now. The friction type transaxle they used, was considered a weak link which is why they've almost eliminated it from their entire line-up. The way I see it, if all I have is one 500$ repair after every 1000 hours of service, that's not too bad.

 

[JHowell]

One more thing to keep in mind is with one of these ZTR mowers you mow at a much faster rate of speed, so a larger deck isn't as necessary. Buying a smaller deck can save you some money.

 

[pyedog]

Thanks for the responses. Part of my problem is that there don't seem to be many in depth reviews of any of the ZTR models - most of the stuff online is just propoganda and the consumer reports stuff is so vague that it isn't worth much.

Has anybody had much experience doing any bagging with any of the consumer ZTRs?

Thanks again,
-Jim