I've got 6 acres and need a riding mower!

Laketex · Apr 5, 2005

I\'ve got 6 acres and need a riding mower!

The big prob is last year I borrowed my dad's Turf Tiger to cut it with...now I'm spoiled. I know I prob won't be able to touch the Scag, but I have a maximum of $5k to spend on a mower. Most of my land is fairly flat with some ruts, and a few trees. I'm at a tossup trying to decide between a ZTR and a compact tractor with bucket, box, and finish mower. Don't know that I can even get close to a tractor for 5K. I do have a lot of projects like clearing a pond out, and smothing my front lawn...my dad (again) has a 46 Horse JD, but it's nice to be able to work my way when I want. Anyway, what would you guys do? I've done numerous searches on here and haven't found much for 6 acres. Thanks!

Bryan

Mith · Apr 5, 2005

Re: I\'ve got 6 acres and need a riding mower!

Hey wait, i think i just heard the words 'second hand'
dont be scared of it. You can get a Scag for that (well in the UK ive seen them for £2000, so in the US $4000 but probably $3000 cos it costs less for you!)

bczoom · Apr 5, 2005

Re: I\'ve got 6 acres and need a riding mower!

( Anyway, what would you guys do?)

Bryan,

Welcome to TBN!!!

I would continue to borrow your dad's stuff /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Kidding aside, can you borrow your dad's JD for the bigger stuff and get a ZTR for now?

Like Mith said, you can get a used Scag but I would exercise some caution here. I have looked at some used ZTR's and in the line you're looking at, there's a good possibility they were used commercially. The ones I looked at took a real beating. They did provide me a copy of the service records which showed regular oil changes and stuff but they didn't pay close attention. The hours were written on the receipts but the hour meter on the machine showed significantly less. They switched the meter. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Just look at the machines closely when purchasing used.

For $5K, can you get a little smaller ZTR? There's a lot of decent machines out there that can be purchased new for that price. Do a search on ZTR in the forum and you should find lots of options.

Brian

beenthere · Apr 5, 2005

Re: I\'ve got 6 acres and need a riding mower!

Welcome to the forum. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I mow a bit more than 6 acres, and have done it with a Deere 425, then a Deere 445, and now a Deere X485, all with AWS (all wheel steer) and 54" decks. Water cooled, HST, positraction, hydraulics (2 spool), 22+ hp.
You should be able to get a good used 425 for the $5K and have a great garden tractor that will do a lot of work for you on 6 acres (more than a dedicated mower ZTR).

rbeitz · Apr 5, 2005

Re: I\'ve got 6 acres and need a riding mower!

( Hey wait, i think i just heard the words 'second hand'
dont be scared of it. You can get a Scag for that (well in the UK ive seen them for £2000, so in the US $4000 but probably $3000 cos it costs less for you!) )

I second that! Don't be afraid of used. I bought a 2001 turf tiger with 27 hp LC kawa and 72" deck for $3500 with 1700 hours on the clock. It runs and cuts perfect! If you didn't look at the meter you would never know it had that many hours on it. You'll never be happy mowing with a garden tractor now that you have been spoiled by a ZTR. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Nasty135 · Apr 5, 2005

Re: I\'ve got 6 acres and need a riding mower!

Laketex, Well I will tell you a little secret thats been floating around here on TBN, LESCO the fertilizer company sells there own name brand ZTR's with kawasaki engines. Depending on the size you want 48",54",60", or the full 72". I have been looking at ZTR's for months now and have seen ,Gravely, bobcat, hustler, kubota,encore none of which are in your $5k price range , BUT back to the Lesco web search , Yes they have a site and list mowers in there product catagory and the Ztr's are there although the info on them is rather poor IMO , they do offer a price list .
The 54" is listed at $5999 and the 60" is $6299 .
So I check the web to see if there is one near me and yes there is one store near me and since Homedepot did not have the (Lesco)pre-emergent I usually buy there, I headed out for this warehouse store in an industrial park and wouldn't you know it they have ZTR's .... WOW now this is going to be fun, So I start looking at this thing checking out the ease of maintenance ,pivoting front axle, large tanks ,easy filter removal ,easy belt replacement, etc. I liked it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif This could work for me. One year full warranty and 2 yr parts. So I finally get a chance to talk to the manager and he says right now there are on sale /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif SALE YOU SAY!!, Well the 60" 25hp kawasaki was just $5999. Delivery is tomorrow /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

They are also offering a no interest no payment till september so if that helps motivate you ,get going... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Couldn't hurt to check them out for reference, I don't know when the sale is over. Good Luck

JINMA224XR · Apr 6, 2005

Re: I\'ve got 6 acres and need a riding mower!

Hey LakeTex,

If you have 6 acres,, you need to stop kidding yourself. You need more than a lawnmower. You need a small Tractor, 4wd, Power Steering, Canopy, 3p Hydralic Hitch and PTO. You can buy a used one, or you can buy a new foreign Brand.

Have a nice day,
Joe

sweettractors · Apr 6, 2005

Re: I\'ve got 6 acres and need a riding mower!

 http://www.sweettractors.com/Dixon/dixon.html 

Welcome to the forum. For more information on ZTR options and pricing click HERE . Most are under $5000. Email glsweet@scrtc.com or call 270-524-0385 and ask to talk to Greg--Ken Sweet

Moon · Apr 6, 2005

Re: I\'ve got 6 acres and need a riding mower!

I purchased a Scag Wildcat ZTR (61" deck) to handle our mowing duties last year. I'll never again mow with a conventional lawn tractor. A ZTR will save you bunches of time, and you won't mind when your wife wants to add a tree here or a srub there because they are actually fun to go around. Since you tried your dads you know the feeling.

If you can't buy new, then go used. I'd guess you'll be glad you did. I did the first mowing of the year yesterday ... I was actually looking forward to mowing! That is a first for me.

Moon of Ohio