Contemplating a new ZT

[WVH1977]

I currently have a Gravely ZT48 with the 19 HP Kawasaki that is 12 years old. My new house is currently being built and I have around 3 acres of grass that will need to be cut (currently cutting part of it and bush hogging the rest. I will more than likely clear another 2 acres, so potentially more grass to cut in the future. My property is rolling but nothing I am scared of to use the zero-turn on. My current mower does fine and has been a great mower but I am wanting a bigger one with at least a 52 inch cut and nice seat.I am thinking about the Gravely Pro-Turn Z52 or the ZT HD52. I really like the Pro-Turn 160. I sat on a Jacobsen ZT. It felt nice but I did not test drive it and don't know anything about them.

I am looking for feedback on the following questions:

What are some other ZT's that are good mowers that are comfortable and will last?
Is it worth the money to get into a diesel ZT, like Kubota?
Is a 60 inch cut as good/better than a 52/54inch cut?
Are the new fuel injection engines on the ZT's worth it?
Would the big Deere diesel lawn tractor be worth looking at?

I am not making any big purchases like this until my house is completed. So I will probably be looking in late winter/early spring if I decide to pull the trigger. Just doing some research now to see what is out there. I probably should just keep what I have got but I would like a bigger more comfortable mower that is less stress on the back. It is paid for and runs well. If I do buy, I will try to stay 10 grand and under but will spend more if it is worth it and will last me for 20 or so years.

 

[BoylermanCT]

I have a Hustler 60" X-One with a 29 hp Kawasaki FX850 engine and an air ride seat. Tons of speed and power and pretty comfortable too. Mows really nicely, yard looks great when I am done. Mows 6 acres an hour, but I can't mow that fast without losing my teeth!

I would shop whatever dealers you have around you and pick based on the dealer. In CT it is Hustler, Deere and Scag. All offer good mowers.

 

[stevem5215]

I have a Simplicity Citation XL with a 27hp and a 61" deck. It has full suspension and you can cut at full speed with it. A very awesome machine if you like moving fast on a ZTR.

Steve

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[ChuckT]

I looked at ZTRs for our 1.5 acres, and 2 things stopped me - the "consumer grade" models had the reputation of the pumps going out and costing dearly to replace and the front tires - they're all solid tires. Can't see getting an un-bumpy mowing session with bricks for tires.

 

[shovelmike]

Another vote for Hustler here, have had mine since '04 and still holding up well. After being accustomed to mowing with ZTR you won't even want to mow with a tractor.

 

[WVH1977]

Another vote for Hustler here, have had mine since '04 and still holding up well. After being accustomed to mowing with ZTR you won't even want to mow with a tractor.

I do have a Hustler dealer close by. I will definitely check them out. I believe you are probably right about being accustomed to a ZTR but I was wondering how comfortable that Deere X758 would be. I have a Wheel Horse Magnum that I still use use for pulling around a little yard cart for sticks. My Dad left it to me. I driving that thing around the yard.

 

[WVH1977]

I have a Ferris dealer close buy and am going to check them out too.

 

[DK35vince]

I've owned my Hustler Super Z for 7 years now, never a single issue. Awesome mower.
Another brand to look at IMO is the Snapper Pro s200xt. Basically the same mower as the Ferris is3200 but without the suspension. Hydro gear 5400 transaxles, ICD deck, Etc.
I recently bought a Snapper Pro s200xt with the 37 HP Vanguard EFI with oil guard, 72" deck, 5400 transaxles, deluxe suspension seat. Seems to be a well built mower for the $$.

 

[Tippmann98]

I recently went thru the buying process for two mowers. One for personal use and one for the local cemetery association that I mow for. I shopped around and had a spreadsheet made up of comparisons. To make a long story short, I got a Toro 2000 series for personal use and a Toro 3000 series for the cemetery. Traded off a Kubota ZG327. For me, it came down to suspension. It just makes mowing that much more bearable. A Ferris 2100z was a close second place. Just my two cents