Looking at ZTRs - Cub Cadet vs Toro

[skgolfer]

I am looking buying a Cub Cadet Z Force 48 or a Toro Z Master (400 series). I need it to mow about two acres of lawn on a weekly basis. Does anyone have any experience with either of these. Also any advice on where to get the best price would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[kljunior]

I would stay away from the cub cadet. They're basically an MTD and lack quality in several areas. Toro on the other hand is top of the line in commercial and hd residential. Toro own exmark and they both make a nice machine. Try to get into the commercial series. Why such a small deck? I mow 2+ acres with a Toro Z-Master 72".

 

[skgolfer]

If money were no object I would get the Toro Z master commercial unit with a bigger deck. Trying to get the best unit I can for under $5k. Thanks

 

[Spiffy]

If you're talking about the 2006 ZF48s with the charged IZT and Fab deck, I'd say it is in the same class as the Z master. I don't trust any names anymore. CC used to bullet proof, now they make "entry level" stuff as well as some good stuff; Toro is a great name, but their entry level stuff wouldn't last a year for me either.

You really have to look both over really good, check all the specs - both apples to apples and more important each "apple" to your fruit salad (the challanges on your particular lawn). Don't forget to give some weight to factors like your prefered dealer or which machine just feels better to you.

Be sure to test them both, and certainly have some fun! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

<font color="red">edit: I presumed you're talking about the ZX 480 rather than the commercial "Z masters"? </font>

 

[jcmseven]

I feel like I keep saying this, but I really like the Gravely ZTR's. I have had one, and although I do not now, I really liked it a lot. It was fast and offered some features that other models did not. They make a 52" cut model that has a hydraulic deck lift, maintenence free spindles, a full engine cover, and carbide blades. They also make other sizes of machines for different needs. Gravely has a strong presence here in NC, as they were formerly made here. They also have good dealers (one in particular) here that has made a strong market. Back when I was in the market for ZTR mower, I had a difficult time finding an equivalent high end machine that offered the same features at the price. They are not cheap but are competitive with other machines in the duty range. The local dealer, with whom I have had no contact recently (I no longer have the ZTR) had no less than 8 Toro's among others that had been traded in on a Gravely. I am not disparaging Toro or CC for that matter, but to me, the cream continues to be: Kubota, Gravely, Scag, and John Deere. There are plenty of other quality brands, but I have yet to see one better consistently than those.

John M