How to drive a zero turn?

[MarkV]

Cut down on the RPM's without the mower deck engaged so the hydraulics react slower. Once they get the basics down that way the rest will come easier. We teach people to use a backhoe the same way.

With only a 1/2 acre that really must be mowed until you can get there why not just an inexpensive riding mower. Most ladies are comfortable with a steering wheel and hydrostatic transmission.

MarkV

 

[LBrown59]

*I am going to step up to a nice commercial unit.[/quote]*I don't consider going from a tractor to a ztr stepping up.

 

[harpoonalt]

I have a BX2350 with a 60" MMM. I had a ZTR too, but sold it for the MMM so the tractor would get more use. Big mistake. I had an Exmark commercial hydro walkbehind with a sulky. Mowed better and faster even with a 48" vs 60" deck. The BX does ok but tends to mat the grass down with the front wheels and is nowhere near as good as the ZTR getting close to things. Trading up? You bet! A commercial ZTR is designed to do one thing and do it well. A tractor does many things well but it's a compromise. If I could go back, I'd never have bought the MMM and kept the ZTR. Live and learn. I like my BX but for mowing I'd take a good ZTR anyday. If you've never had one, you owe it to yourself to at least try one.

 

[WH401]

My 3320 w/ the 72" RFM cut my former total cut time in half. It used to be about 7 - 8 hrs with an IH Cub, now I can do the 7 acres of my total 11 in about 3 - 4 hours. But that said, if I had a ZTR I know I could probably shave another hour off my time. Nothing, period!, cuts faster than a ZTR. They're made to do one thing and one thing only, cut grass. If that's all you need to do than its the best way to go.


If your female friends are uncomfortable with the controls of a ZTR, and it's only a 1/2 acre of grass to cut, than a new lawn tractor could be suitable in this situation.

 

[horsebroke]

I received a Toro Z4200 ZTR for my birthday. Does all I need it to do. Learning was a steep curve. At first, all I could accomplish was jerking it back and forth left and right. Oversteered like crazy. Finally I settled down and quit oversteering it - and works fine. Only "complaint" is that even though it's "zero turn radius", it's not really... When you go around an object, the rear "lags" the belly-mower position - so to get the mower up tight to the tree, the rear wheel hits the tree. Hard to explain - but I'm slowly getting there..

The Toro was purchased from our local Home Depot - and I had LOTS of problems with it. Finally took it back, HD replaced it from their floor unit. And IT wouldn't work, either. I called Toro - got practically zero help. I finally figured out that the factory REVERSED 2 wires on the PTO switch relay. The PTO switch had to be ON before it would start!! SCARY. I reversed the 2 wires and all's well now. NOT happy with Toro's support or their quality control. But Home Depot's support was GREAT.

 

[Ken45101]

I don't consider going from a tractor to a ztr stepping up.

I certainly do! I've mowed for years with a Kubota B2700 with a 5' MMM. We just recently bought a Kubota ZD323 zero turn. Wow! My wife says the yard never looked so good. Mowing takes half the time and is enjoyable.

Nothing, period!, cuts faster than a ZTR. They're made to do one thing and one thing only, cut grass.

Well, a 15' Bush Hog cuts faster At least as long as you have a big open pasture. They are not very maneuverable in a congested yard, however OTOH, the yard could quickly become uncongested!

Ken

 

[WH401]

Well, a 15' Bush Hog cuts faster At least as long as you have a big open pasture. They are not very maneuverable in a congested yard, however OTOH, the yard could quickly become uncongested!

Ken

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Michigan Seat Highback Suspension Seat, Model# V-5300 | Suspension Seats | Northern Tool + Equipment

SteveC if you are still mowing rough ground read the reviews on this Michigan High Back seat. Swisher uses it on their new PRO-SERIES line of mowers. The PRO-SERIES line is basically the same unit as yours but has the seat to reduce the bounce, electric deck lift, bigger tires and drive motors that will go up to 8.5 MPH, 7 vs 11 gauge deck, etc.

This seat it the OEM equipment for several commercial grade manufactures. It has the industry standard 12 1/4 x 11" hole spacing so you will not have to do any fitting.

Read the reviews before ordering for a better take on what it will or will not do for you.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have to agree with others, for a 1/2 acre yard, a tractor style lawnmower would work well and at half the price of a ZTR. THe ladies would have no problem with that either. Might take longer but 1/2 acre isnt going to take a long time either way and if you have limited shrub, flowers or trees to go around, the ZTR wouldnt be that much faster

 

[om21braz]

I'll agree w/ others. for a 1/2 acre - stick to lawn tractor. Much simpler for those who just want the yard mowed. If a ztr is a must - try out several different brands as some have controls that are not nearly as touchy as others and therefore easier to learn operation on.