Help with zero turning mower purchase

[Calpyro]

Hello,
I need some help in figuring out which mower to buy to use in my yard. I have four acres, one of which is lawn and the remainder is tall grass with lots of fruit, redwood and decorative trees. I mow all of the large areas of weeds with my tractor, yet I need a heavy duty mower to cut the lawn and detail work around trees that the tractor cannot. I have made my yard mower-safe, the weeds are high and thick, but free from rocks and stumps.
I would like to buy the small, no-frills commercial zero turning radius mower. I am open to suggestion to but have looked at the Great Dane Chariot Jr. and the Toro Z Master Z 100. The Great Dane sells for $5,200 and the Z 100 for $5,700. Both come with Kawasaki 17 HP engines. The Toro has a 44" deck and the Great Dane has a 48" deck. Both would fit my application well.
Price is a major factor. The $5000 price tag is a big hit to the wallet, but buying a lightly constructed mower that will die in a couple of years would be a big waste of money.
I would like anybody's advise on this subject. I have no experience with these commercial units.
Thanks,
Cameron

 

[Golfgar4]

You might try this link <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.lawnsite.com/>Lawnsite</A>. This is a website for professional landscapers, and they have discussion forums for various topics just like TBN. They can answer your questions./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[kbarrett]

Cameron,

I would put the EXMARK LAZER Z HP on your short list.
There are various models, but the one that is comparable
to what you're looking at would be this one (on the top of the page):

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.alslawncare.com/products/exmark/rider.html>http://www.alslawncare.com/products/exmark/rider.html</A>

It's a bit more, but in my opinion Exmark makes very impressive equipment with a great support network and excellent resale value.

Check out their excellent website at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.exmark.com>http://www.exmark.com</A>

The pursuit is half the fun, so take your time.

 

[BHarrison]

Although above your $5000.00 figure, I'll go ahead and toss Kubota into the ring. You may can find a ZD18 for less than $8000, but you can't go wrong with a Kubota 3cyl diesel. Youll get tired of it before it lets you down.
A few things to consider that you'll get with the Kubota:

Mainly the Diesel engine which SIPS the fuel, and lasts forever. With 4 acres, you'll find you may only fill the tank once a month.

Shaft driven. Shaft from hydro unit to gear box. (gearbox is replaceable with a high-speed unit, if you like) All u-joints have zerks.

Hydrolic deck lift. No strain, and very cool.

Pivoting front axle. Very nice if you have any hills, or contours in your yard.

Hydroulic wet-disc pto clutch. Very smooth, and maintenence free.

Full suspension, high back seat with armrests. (STANDARD) You'll want a beer and a newspaper. I am in no way tired after cutting 4 acres.

The whole thing is made by Kubota. You don't have one mfr who made the engine, one who made the frame, and yet another who made the mower deck. FWIW

...and that's just off of the top of my head. In my mind, it's the only choice. Well worth th extra money.

 

[Calpyro]

Thanks for all of the great replies. I am planning on doing some final shopping and purchase next week. It will give me some time to digest all of the info
Cameron

 

[BobinCols]

I read your post last night but did not respond. I totally agree with everything BHarrison had to say about the Kubota ZTR.. The Kubota is the way to go if you truly compare the mowers that are available. They are a little more expensive but will last a lifetime-the Kubota.

 

[hwp]

My suggestion is to look for a good used Kubota F2100 or F2400 - like the city parks departments and golf courses use. They are built like tanks and will run forever. You can probably get one for around the $5000 price tag you suggested. If you have any significant side slopes such as ditches, be sure to get a four wheel drive unit (I think all F2400s are 4WD but some F2100s are 2WD). I bought a F2400 two years ago. It was previously owned by a small rural town. The hour meter was broken at just under 4500 hours so who knows how many hours are on it. The dealer fixed that before I bought it. The main thing it needed was a lot ot TLC. The only thing I have done to it mechanically was replace the alternator. It will last as long as I need it and then I will be able to sell it for at least as much as I paid for it.

 

[BHarrison]

WOW! 4500+ hours, and still going. Great info! Also a good idea. (to find one used) I always try to find a gently used (whatever) before looking new. With my Kubota, I plan on keeping it as long as it will last, so I didnt have a problem buying new. Which is saying alot for me. Matter of fact, it's the first of anything over $2000 I've ever bought new!
Glad I did though. No regrets. Hopefully it will out last me.

 

[rdln]

I assume you want a rider but seeing that you are a fireman you might consider a walk behind from Exmark, I owned a Turf Tracer with 52" deck.
Along with getting great excercise, they'll manuever under and around trees very nicely. Price from around $5800.

 

[BHarrison]

Here are a couple on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1721252151