Does buying a zero turn make me a heretic?

FOURTEEN · Sep 13, 2005

( Do not ever wear a seat belt on these machine without a roll bar. If you do and it flips over, it will fold your head into you chest. They weigh about 400 to 600 lbs. /quote]

 Good point!! I certainly would not want to wear a Hustler for a hat!! They weigh from 552# for the 36" Mini FasTrak to 1230# for the 72" Super Z !!!! However, they are wide and low which should help unless you do something silly!!

Charlie_Iliff · Sep 13, 2005

unless you do something silly!! 
I don't know about Wasabi, but in my case and some others I can think of, I don't need something that helps unless I do something silly, I need something that saves by rear when I do something silly. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Et tu, Fourteen?

BobRip · Sep 13, 2005

We all make mistakes, buying a ZTR does not have to be one of them. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bob Rip

J_J · Sep 13, 2005

Bob, I disagree with your assertion that buying a ZTR is a mistake. Having owned several over the last 15 years, and still have 4, I can definitely say that it would be an asset to any skilled owner. Not only is it faster, and height of cut easily selectable, the whole family would enjoy using it. It is a great time saver. A dedicated mower that has its place . If you had one, you would probably give up the PT finish mower. The parts and blades and such are available almost any where. It would save wear and tear on the PT, which could be put to better use than finish mowing. In my opinion, they are easy to repair. The ideal situation would be a trailer with a ZTR, and a PT of your choice.

FOURTEEN · Sep 14, 2005

( A dedicated mower that has its place . If you had one, you would probably give up the PT finish mower. It would save wear and tear on the PT, which could be put to better use than finish mowing. )

 That's why I'm looking at a ZTR! Use a ZTR to do what it does best, while saving my PT-425 for the many other jobs that it does best! (You can cut a steak with an axe, but a steak knife works a lot better!)

Besides, it would be fun to ride something totally different than my PT or tractor to cut grass! (That's why I have 4 ATVs and 2 cars, although 1 of each is all that I 'need'!!)

wasabi · Sep 14, 2005

If you do and it flips over, it will fold your head into you chest. 

The Husky ZTR I'm considering weighs in at 1145 pounds, so wearing in in any fashion is not an option. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif The wide stance and weight may deter rollover, but I'll definately also look into a rollbar option if we proceed. The seat of the Husky is hard wired with a kill switch so the blades shut off, but I sure wouldn't take any pleasure testing it on a rollover.

We carved about eight acres out of mountain forest land to create views and to pursue that ever so elusive "pastoral" feeling. The site is among the less-steep parts of our property, but the dozer operator was challenged and he is used to it. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif The slopes range from mildly serious to "Oh sh&t!". The ground is a bit rough in places, but generally reasonably smooth, not too many roots, etc. In a couple of places a downhill slide could last minutes ending in a ditch or against rocks or trees, so an exit strategy would be prudent. Maybe I should consider a pneumatically launched emergency anchor or an ejection seat ala James Bond. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I'm doing fine, Mossman...thanks for asking. Over worked and under played, but otherwise still growing and grateful.

Sabi

BobRip · Sep 14, 2005

I am sorry, I ment that to be a joke, that's why I put the /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif at end. I like ztr's and would love to have one, but I only have about 3/4 of an acre of grass, so it is hard to justify.

Bob Rip