How fast can you mow w/ a compact tractor?

Soundguy · Mar 19, 2006

If ya got 10a.. and have some money.. and know you need a machine to maintain it.. IMHO.. you need a tractor... they can do so much more than a ztr.. which is pretty much just a grass cuter. If you are concerned about mowing speed.. get a biger tractor and mower.. ag tractors go for pennies ont he dollar. You could get a nice scut and an ag tractor for the price of a nice CUT.

Soundguy

755inNY · Mar 19, 2006

nate22,

I have to disagree with the other replies. I've use both.
A JD 755 (HST, 20hp, 60" deck) and JD 4310 (HST,32 HP, 72" deck)
Exmark Lazer Z ZTR 72" deck

My lawn is about an acre and is recovered pasture/field so it is not golf course smooth. I have some wide open areas and too many obstacles to mow around. The ZTR would definitely do the total lawn faster because of its maneuverability but both CUTs are faster in the open areas.

The ZTR may have a lower center of gravity but the CUTs have larger diameter tires and that makes a world of difference. I would often have the 755 at max pedal which, with the mower running, was probably about 8mph (the book lists 10 mph as the top speed). It was comfortable and gave a good cut. If I pushed the ZTR that fast it was not comfortable. It gave too rough of a ride. The ZTR was sweet around the obstacles though.

Jeff

ronjhall · Mar 19, 2006

I have a <font color="orange"> Kubota </font> B2910 with 72"MMM. I run it in mid range. Top speed is 5.5 mph. This setup will cut 2 acres per hour. I have tried to cut in high range (top speed 11 mph). But it's very hard to control speed for cutting in this gear range.

DrewL · Mar 19, 2006

what part of the country are you mowing?

jbrumberg · Mar 19, 2006

Nate22: I tend to agree with flusher (a.k.a. Ray) for around the house and the "proper lawn" (It's not so proper.) I use my White 1650 (42" cut). For the other areas that do not need to look "manicured" and/or cut regularly (I have no neighbors with whom I have to contend.) I use my tractor and a rotary mower. Jay

Bird · Mar 19, 2006

I never tried running in high range with the finish mower, only used mid-range, but I did try the brush hog in high range one day and it cut surprisingly well at 11 mph, but my pasture was rough enough that my rear end couldn't stand the beating it was taking on the seat for very long.

454shooter · Mar 19, 2006

Go with a hydro tractor. My JD3720 (44hp) is big but it is a real mowing machine with the hydro, 4 wheel drive (when needed) and 72" mid mount mower. The hydro reduces trimming time significantly, as does the power steering. ( I mow about 4 acres with numerous obstacles)

RoyJackson · Mar 19, 2006

"Can you really do a good job mowing at 10 mph with a ZTR? Never used one so ..... "

Two companys I worked for had a lawn service cut the grass. Both services used ZTR machines.

One company had about 2 acres of finished lawn on a fairly level area. That ZTR sure zipped around those two acres! He got it done quicker then I could mow my slopey one acre of finished lawn.
The other company had more then three acres, but many obstacles (trees). This guy zipped around too...but wasn't near as quick as the first company I described.

An acquaintance of mine did grounds work for a golf course. All the fairways were done with ZTR's (this was a smaller course...only 9 holes). BTW, even with their low center of gravity, ZTR's will roll. My buddy almost flipped one and there was a thread about a Deere ZTR flipping (which either killed or severely injured the operator) in TBN's Safety forum a while back.

As far as speed...I guess it does depend upon the operator's tolerance for slopes and bouncing around on a machine with no suspension.

IslandTractor · Mar 20, 2006

<font color="blue"> there was a thread about a Deere ZTR flipping (which either killed or severely injured the operator) </font>

If I recall correctly in that instance the operator inadvertently backed the ZTR off a ledge and the machine rolled backwards on top of him. Not an issue with "rolling" due to high speed.

Soundguy · Mar 20, 2006

With respect.. I'd guess if you are the operatorf.. it really doesn't matter what caused the machine to roll onto you.. just the fact that it is on top of you is enough at that moment...

Soundguy