In need of serious Lawn Tractor recommendations based on specific needs?? Thanks

[scaredychicken]

I've done some research but am frustrated so I'd like recommendations from those of you who may have similar requirements.

Requirements :

>- Mowing deck no larger than 48", preferably 42" or less.
>- No striping left after mowing (uncut line between blades)
>- twin cylinder and at least 20 HP, gas or diesel. I'd prefer 24+ HP (I live at 7,100' elevation so I loose about 25% with altitude).
>- Locking differential (I need traction on slippery slopes), 4wd would be nice but I don't think I need it with a locker.
>- Tight turning radius (I have many obstacles to mow around on steep hills)
>- Comfortable Seat (I have a bad back and need all the support I can get)
>- Hydrostatic transmission (no more gear shifting for me)
>- Needs to be able to pull a small trailer (Max. 500 lbs). up and down rough slopes.

For right now let's not worry about price. I'll add that factor in after I see which model(s) best meets my needs.

My frustration : To get 4 wheel steer in a JD your at a 300 level tractor and about 5.5K, adding a locking differential takes you to a 500 level tractor and another 2K!

All recommendations and comments are appreciated.

DEWFPO

I'm considering the Hustler Raptor 42" zero-turn mower, and the 23 hp Kawasaki FR691 engine configuration has my attention specifically.(I've never used one of these before, I'm more traditional with the steering wheel idea - so I have nothing to prove here), however from what your indicated requirements are, let's see if I'm thinking like you. I have a brochure to reference...

My needs are due to a physical disability (cerebral palsy) and a back injury (car accident 2010), I have some specific requirements also (maybe they are similar needs, I don't know) ...

1) ease of use - automatic, easy to climb on and off, no foot controls. I have trouble swinging my foot over or around the seat of a typical ride-on mower, and the foot controls (clutch and brake) are a challenge also. I am wanting to replace a John Deere 160 LT, and a Craftsman LT1000 as both are awkward for me at this point. I really like the Kawasaki engine on the JD though, so a Hustler with Kawasaki was great (and it sounds like a machine, not a toy)
2) the Hustler is by no means easy (for me) to get on / off, but I need to figure out a way, and adapt to it - some modifications are being considered to give me a hand grip (grab rail) mounted at the front, to assist with balance. I think there is potential here for my needs, and it beats swinging my foot over the steering wheel -engine on the units that I currently have.
3) I have heard of the zero-turns mowing quality, and don't think that striping occurs (no personal knowledge with this machine though)
4) the engine options are Kawasaki 15, 21.5 and 23 hp gas options for the raptors. But there are other higher level industrial and commercial models with 24-37 hp, one with a diesel engine - which might suit your needs better.
5) no idea about locking differential - these machines have large casters wheels on the front, with traction tires on the rear (the casters might be the issue for you)
6) tight turning radius - absolutely, probably nothing compares to a zero-turn for that requirement. I did a parking lot test and was amazed, literally spins around in turns
7) the seat was the selling feature for me - highback comfortable seat, lumbar support, and some of the higher models also have armrests, and ROPS --- the flip-up model might win me over yet, for maintenance issues alone - easy access to blades, cleaning etc
8) hydrostatic - from what I understand, this is completely hydrostatic trans. they told me no footwork at all - no clutch or foot brakes. (yeah)
9) it can pull a small trailer, has a hitch, not sure of capacity - though the hp should be able to manage it (my 12 hp JD160 can pull that). biggest challenge with the zero-turns is that you need to get familiar with it - or it "jack-knifes" easily (because it pivots so tightly)
10) heavy-duty fabricated steel decks (not the stamped type)
11) lowest seat heights in the industry (says that is good for control & handling, what do I know ?)

I am in BC Canada, and have no idea about USA pricing in comparison.

 

[4570Man]

I'm considering the Hustler Raptor 42" zero-turn mower, and the 23 hp Kawasaki FR691 engine configuration has my attention specifically.(I've never used one of these before, I'm more traditional with the steering wheel idea - so I have nothing to prove here), however from what your indicated requirements are, let's see if I'm thinking like you. I have a brochure to reference...

My needs are due to a physical disability (cerebral palsy) and a back injury (car accident 2010), I have some specific requirements also (maybe they are similar needs, I don't know) ...

1) ease of use - automatic, easy to climb on and off, no foot controls. I have trouble swinging my foot over or around the seat of a typical ride-on mower, and the foot controls (clutch and brake) are a challenge also. I am wanting to replace a John Deere 160 LT, and a Craftsman LT1000 as both are awkward for me at this point. I really like the Kawasaki engine on the JD though, so a Hustler with Kawasaki was great (and it sounds like a machine, not a toy)
2) the Hustler is by no means easy (for me) to get on / off, but I need to figure out a way, and adapt to it - some modifications are being considered to give me a hand grip (grab rail) mounted at the front, to assist with balance. I think there is potential here for my needs, and it beats swinging my foot over the steering wheel -engine on the units that I currently have.
3) I have heard of the zero-turns mowing quality, and don't think that striping occurs (no personal knowledge with this machine though)
4) the engine options are Kawasaki 15, 21.5 and 23 hp gas options for the raptors. But there are other higher level industrial and commercial models with 24-37 hp, one with a diesel engine - which might suit your needs better.
5) no idea about locking differential - these machines have large casters wheels on the front, with traction tires on the rear (the casters might be the issue for you)
6) tight turning radius - absolutely, probably nothing compares to a zero-turn for that requirement. I did a parking lot test and was amazed, literally spins around in turns
7) the seat was the selling feature for me - highback comfortable seat, lumbar support, and some of the higher models also have armrests, and ROPS --- the flip-up model might win me over yet, for maintenance issues alone - easy access to blades, cleaning etc
8) hydrostatic - from what I understand, this is completely hydrostatic trans. they told me no footwork at all - no clutch or foot brakes. (yeah)
9) it can pull a small trailer, has a hitch, not sure of capacity - though the hp should be able to manage it (my 12 hp JD160 can pull that). biggest challenge with the zero-turns is that you need to get familiar with it - or it "jack-knifes" easily (because it pivots so tightly)
10) heavy-duty fabricated steel decks (not the stamped type)
11) lowest seat heights in the industry (says that is good for control & handling, what do I know ?)

I am in BC Canada, and have no idea about USA pricing in comparison.

A zero turn looks good for your task. My grandpa likes his zero turn for most of the reasons you posted. I do most of his mowing, but he likes to do something. My Dixie chopper weighs 1200 pounds and pulls a trailer weighing more than 500 pounds good on flat ground. They pull a trailer good as long as you turn carefully and don't try to use it like a zero turn. They also make it easy to back a trailer. My neighbor has a cheap zero turn that weighs about 400 pounds, and it can't pull a trailer of any weight without spinning.

 

[scaredychicken]

A zero turn looks good for your task. My grandpa likes his zero turn for most of the reasons you posted. I do most of his mowing, but he likes to do something. My Dixie chopper weighs 1200 pounds ...

I'm country boy at heart, office jockey during the day... therefore hobby farming is therapeutic for me (and cheaper than therapy) so I like to do as much as I can... my wife wants us to downsize and move into town - I'm not ready for a lot or a plot, so I'm dragging the discussion out for a year or two. the Dixie Chopper ? now THAT is a machine - I wish there was a dealer nearby.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Your HP requirement is WAY out of whack for 48" and that function is the max HP you will ever use in your listed tasks. Even with loss of 25% a 20HP will be super adequate on 48[-]".
,,,larry

 

[DEWFPO]

Your HP requirement is WAY out of whack for 48" and that function is the max HP you will ever use in your listed tasks. Even with loss of 25% a 20HP will be super adequate on 48[-]".
,,,larry

Actually it's not. My current tractor is a 16.5 HP w/42" deck and in 6-7" field grass the engine doesn't cut it (as in stalls) at a crawl in 1st gear. This engine is perfectly tuned and runs great. Hot, dry air at this altitude really pulls down the HP/TQ on a gas engine. My HP requirement is based on many years of experience on this piece of property with a variety of equipment.

DEWFPO

 

[SPYDERLK]

I havnt experience with gasoline engines, but just basing it on HP and your expected % loss. I run a 54" belly mower on our BX1500 [15HP] here at about 1000' altitude. We mow slopes up to 58%. ... Its a diesel tho. :confused3:

 

[4570Man]

My B7100 is 17 hp and turns a 60" deck easily. It is a diesel. I think the hp rating is puffed up on your old machine. 1,200 pounds really isn't that impressive for a commercial machine.

 

[Coyote machine]

Steep grades, pulling a trailer with 500+# loads, turning around trees and going other than up and down slopes. IMHO, a zero turn is not really suited to your uses. I own a Scag Zero turn commercial grade 61" deck, 26HP water cooled Kawasaki gas, with bagger system, that will hold over 12 bushels. On wet grass or steep slopes it has broken free on me on a few occasions and the front wheels just take their own direction and GO! It is downright hazardous, and if not wearing the seatbelt and keeping the ROPS up it could spell disaster.

I read on another TBN thread about mowers recently, about one company, IIRC, I can't remember the brand, but they had redesigned their zero turns to lower the center of gravity and to give them more stable and better control over turning. Could have been Xmark or Ferris, possibly?

I would say you need to get 4wd for your situation, and a high quality brand, professional or commercial grade.
I would also want to test drive the exact model you are going to get at your place, to make absolutely sure it will do all you want/need it to.

 

[scaredychicken]

Steep grades, pulling a trailer with 500+# loads, turning around trees and going other than up and down slopes. IMHO, a zero turn is not really suited to your uses.
I would say you need to get 4wd for your situation, and a high quality brand, professional or commercial grade.
I would also want to test drive the exact model you are going to get at your place, to make absolutely sure it will do all you want/need it to.

I agree with this. Coyote Machine always gives me insight and getting opinions from others is why TBN is so terrific.

 

[Gafn]

Lots of folks giving good advice here...

Why 48" or smaller?

I had a BX2660 - 26hp diesel 4wd (with a diff lock) with a fantastic turning radius and the Mid Mount Mower lowered the center of gravity. It weights about 1400lbs, and is a serious mower, plus you can pull 500# without any issues.
The mower deck I had was 60", That will eliminate it from your list... but it is a mower on steroids for certain.

If you can increase your deck size - you will open up a lot more options...