looking for ZTR recommendations

[larso1]

I don't know much about the individual Toro models, but as you must know the company is huge in the professional lawn care business and specialized golf course grooming equipment. You really couldn't go wrong with either brand IMHO. I would make a list of what features are important to you (engine brand and model and HP, deck design and build, integral vs separate drive motors/pump(s), price and financing of course, how the ergonomics are for you by sitting on it and hopefully being able to take it for a drive, etc.)

 

[IXLR8]

I have a lead on a 2 year old JD 727a, 52' deck, 'upgraded seat' with 250hrs on it for $4500. Does this sound like a good deal? Is there anything to be aware of on these machines?

 

[Charlton John]

Hi I recently purchased a TORO timecutter Z 5060. It has a 50 in. deck. I did a lot of research before buying this model on the others mentioned especially the JD. This is the biggest TORO offered in the residential series and I paid just under 3k for it. It has a better engine the the deer 25 horse Koehler engine and from my knowledge and expirence Koehler makes the 2nd best motor in this horse range behind Kawasaki. I mow roughly 2 acres with it some hilly and some flat. The mower is capable of mowing 3-4 acres. I am 6' 3" and it is very roomy. The seat is extremely comfortable w/ arm rests. The deck does have 2 washout ports for cleaning. I personnly prefer to just air compressor my mowers (or leaf blow) them when done but still a nice feature if needed. This is my first ZTR and it only took me about 15 minutes to really get the hang of it.

I used to mow w/ a MMM on my tractor and it took 1.5 to 2 hrs. non stop w/ the FEL removed. My first cut on the ZTR only took 50 minutes and I am still getting used to the feel. I would highly reccomend you take a look at this model, especially for the price and quality of a TORO. Also has a better warrently (3 yrs.) than most of the other brands mentioned. Good Luck

 

[tnpete]

The best one in your price range would be a bad boy. But not sure theres a dealer there . In the south we can buy them at the Tractor supply. And its a heavy built mower.
Now if your looking for the best ride and best built. Ferris. They have a small one that fits your bill.,
I have a Ferris IS-2000 but its a $9000 unit. But man it will it cut and rides like a dream. The ride is one thing I would look at..

Pete

 

[JiminGa]

I have a lead on a 2 year old JD 727a, 52' deck, 'upgraded seat' with 250hrs on it for $4500. Does this sound like a good deal? Is there anything to be aware of on these machines?

I would jump on it if you know the owner well enough to know if it's been taken care of...that's a much better machine than the eztraks

 

[joe48]

try this web page at TSC, click on the Bad Boy and the Cub Cadet Commercial,
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp...ply/home/outdoor power equipment landing page

Just as an aside , I have a have a 1984 DIXON ZTR 42", 11hp Briggs. Several sets of belts, 2 sets of spindle bearings(not greasable) , 2 sets of #40 drive chains, still original pressed steel deck. This is the original mechanical cone clutch steering system, ok on the flat, useless and VERY exciting trying to use on a side hill, twice as fast as any of my garden tractors. Still in use twice a week for about 2 acres.
My next mower will be a zero turn, decide on make when time comes.

 

[IXLR8]

try this web page at TSC, click on the Bad Boy and the Cub Cadet Commercial.

Nearest TSC is 1.5hrs from my house... are they going to do any needed repairs as well? Though I have never been there, or any TSC... this might just be my excuse to stop by. The Ferris dealer is over 2 hrs from my house, Bob-Cat, Scag, Exmark... similar, if not greater, distances. Which why I have pretty much narrowed it down to the Toro and JD machines, both dealers ~15 min from my house. I do appreciate everybodies thoughts, suggestions and inputs.

 

[IXLR8]

Now if your looking for the best ride and best built. Ferris. They have a small one that fits your bill.,
I have a Ferris IS-2000 but its a $9000 unit. But man it will it cut and rides like a dream. The ride is one thing I would look at..
Pete

I certainly don't have $9K for a mower, not for 1.7 acres, I don't know what they have for smaller machines. The nearest Ferris dealer to me, 2 hrs away, also carries, Husqvarna, Simplicity, Toro, and Cub Cadet. I asked him about the Ferris machines, he told me there was nothing in the Ferris line suited for my situation, and for that matter the Simplicity was a better machine anyway!!! At that point I knew I was in the wrong place for a honest answer.