Consumer Reports: Deere Tractor over Gravely ZTR?

AFCBlink · May 4, 2006

( I've never understood why people will spend 3-4 k on a ztr and then want to compare them to a 1-2k tractor. Compare them at the same price level and see how you like he features of each. )

That's a good point, however the ONLY reason that I was considering a tractor over a ZTR was the temptation to trade a substantial chunk of change in exchange for the extra time I would spend mowing, and getting the promised "cleaner cut" in the bargain.

Mosby · May 4, 2006

I'm not sure I understand their reasoning that a ZTR has an inferior cut. I have a lawn mower, some call it a lawn tractor, a commercial walk behind and a Scag ZTR. If there is anything nicer than my ZTR, I haven't found it. The cut is flawless. I am sure that varies by brand, but I don't agree with the rationale that the ZTR has the inferior cut. I won't even begin to elaborate on the time savings. My wife can't even believe that. I've even stopped mowing over some of the flower beds. There are flowers here this year that she forgot she ever even planted!!!!

Will_C · May 4, 2006

I think Consumer Reports is fine for some items;appliances, electronics, and passenger cars. Where I feel they miss the mark is evaluating items like tractors, mowers, tools, etc.
Their target audience seems to be suburban yuppies with 2.3 kids and a mini-van. Most of us on a forum like TBN have far different needs from our equipment. I have laughed at many of their lawn and garden recommendations. They will complain about the noise of a leaf blower, chain saw, or trimmer (heck, I thought they were supposed to be loud!) while celebrating some trinket that makes the unit easier to use (supposedly.)
I continue to read Consumer Reports when looking to buy a refrigerator or TV, but I'll look here for equipment advice.
Will

RSKY · May 5, 2006

I have used my Gravely 1740 for three years with no problems. Well almost, if it sits for more than two weeks the Kohler Courage engine can be hard to start. I think this is gas draining out of the lines back into the tanks because if I put the tank selector on off it will quickly fire up the next time. Now if I could just remember to do that each time I put it up.

As I have stated in other post my yard is 1.1 acres with (currently) 21 trees, 2 stumps (waiting to be removed), 2 flower beds, 2 fish ponds, 2 patios, and 3 buildings counting the house. Also paved drive, gravel drive, retaining wall, sidewalks front and back, and three board wooden fences on sides and backs. In other words a lot of crap to mow around. My previous mower was a 17-hp lawn tractor with 42" deck. It took from 1:45 to 2:30 to mow depending how close your got to trees and such. Now I can mow the yard in less than an hour depending upon the pattern or stripes I want to leave in the grass.

As far as quality of cut a new Murray with a good unbent deck and sharp blades will cut as well as anything if driven slow enough. The little Gravely will do a good job.

Disadvantages of a ZTR are several. First they do not like wet, at least mine does not. There is on spot in particular in my yard that stays wet due to field tiles. I have to go full speed and hit it straight across and the little ZTR will still slide sideways until momentum carries me across. Also beware of slopes when wet. Had to pull it out of a pond at my father-in-laws house because of this. I had mowed that small hillside half a dozen times with no problem until one day it came a small shower and I found myself sliding sideways about fifteen feet until the mud stopped me.

From the description of your lot I would not get a lawn tractor. You will spend more time backing and turning than mowing. Go with a small ZTR or a larger walkbehind mower. From my experience with the little Gravely I would reccomend it and I understand they have a special promotion running until the middle of this month.

RSKY · May 5, 2006

Two things I forgot to mention in my previous post. My wife did not want me to get the ZTR. Said she wanted something with a steering wheel she could use. Finally got her to try it and now, once school is out, she will be the one that does the mowing. She actually enjoys it now. Also she is faster than I am with it.

Second item is that you will do about half the weedeating if you use a ZTR. You will cut that much closer.

MessickFarmEqu · May 5, 2006

they lost alot of credibility with me awhile ago. Audio and Home Theater are my first love, before tractors actually. Years ago they published a less than stellar review about Bose and where promptly sued - as Bose does regularly. Ever since any mention of the product has been rather positive even though anyone in the know will tell you its one of the worst investments for your audio dollar. That was it for me, clearly there is a bias and I would never use them as my sole source of information.

IndianaDC · May 5, 2006

( They rated the Cub Cadet only a point or two higher than the Gravely, but also noted that the CC is one of the most trouble-prone brands, along with its MTD brethren. They really liked the Toro Timecutters, but they're well over a grand more--out of my price range--)

For what it is worth, I bought a Toro Wheelhorse several years ago and my in-laws bought a CC at the same time. I have over 600 hours on the Toro and they have around 400 on the CC. The CC has been nothing but trouble since they bought it and has been at the repair shop more times then I can count. I used the CC just yesterday and the machine is falling apart. My Toro has been a rock and not once has it been in the shop except when my DW drove it into a six foot ditch. She was okay by the way and just shaken up. Anyway, I did spend more on the Toro at purchase time, but my in-laws have paid way more for the CC having owned it for a few years. I would pay attention to the consumer reports repair figures because I think they are right on. Good luck on your decesion.

PitbullMidwest · May 5, 2006

( if it sits for more than two weeks the Kohler Courage engine can be hard to start. I think this is gas draining out of the lines back into the tanks because if I put the tank selector on off it will quickly fire up the next time. Now if I could just remember to do that each time I put it up.
)

I have a Kohler 14 hp Command engine in my John Deere STX46 that acts the same way. I've bought in '98 and learned right away that simply shutting off the fuel valve when I'm finished makes it easy to start the next time. Now if only my 12 year old son could remember to do the same /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

As far as reliability, the Kohler is an excellent engine (in my opinion).

Charlie_in_TX · May 5, 2006

AFCBlink, I will answer your question first. For strickly mowing, the ZTR is beter than a lawn tractor. No dought about it. For a divided 1/2 acre yard I would look at the larger self propelled walk behind mower. Something like THIS .

CR, they are about as worthless as it comes.

Spiffy · May 5, 2006

If it's what I'm imagining, I sure think your yard would be much much easier to mow with a ZTR

I wouldn't be afraid a Briggs. I can't imagine the courage being a much better or worse engine than the intek; but I don't like an engine that can't laugh at 1000hours; so that gets into the Command-Pros and Vangards respectively. Of course, if you like Kohler, better - it probably will be better for you. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I think the new RZT50s have a Kawasaki if you like them; for a half acre, unless those hills are pretty nasty, you might be OK with the EZT; of course, I'd choose an IZT first too. If the terrain is that nasty, you'll want to try out (on your property) which ever your final contenders are before buying.