Need a good heavy duty mower. HELP!!!

gundalf · Jul 1, 2011

My zero cut cub just blew a tranny and I got rid of the beast... I'm looking for a lawn tractor that will cut 48 to 52 inch path, handle rough terrain, and last longer than two years... We have gone through a 2003 Husqvarna lawn tractor 52 inch in less than 4 years and a 2007 Cub Cadet 50 zero turn in less than 3 years... I'm in the Morgantown, Wv area and my budget is under $3500.

Any help on a decent mower that will handle a few snags and rocks would be greatly appreciated... I'd even consider another zero turn, but no Cubbies... The decks are thin tin and the trannys suck...

Thanks for reading and any input... I'm lost and need a mower real soon...

Tom

Carl_NH · Jul 1, 2011

Well for $3500 you are in the residential line for new units. For used you can get a decent commercial used unit ZTR or HD garden tractor for $2-5K.

Step up $1500 to $4000 (5-8K) and you are into a good used or new commercial unit (ZTR or SCUT) market which it seems you need to be based on your limited info provided.

If you are a commercial user mowing lawns 15-40 hrs per week get an industrial machine.

gundalf · Jul 1, 2011

Carl_NH said:
Well for $3500 you are in the residential line for new units. For used you can get a decent commercial used unit ZTR or HD garden tractor for $2-5K.

Step up $1500 to $4000 (5-8K) and you are into a good used or new commercial unit (ZTR or SCUT) market which it seems you need to be based on your limited info provided.

If you are a commercial user mowing lawns 15-40 hrs per week get an industrial machine.

Nah! Just an old retiree, trying to make our little of the pie as comfortable and clean as two old farts with nothing else to keep them from sitting around and really getting OLD! Biggest problem with used ZTRs of the commercial grade, is the lack of any in this area of the country... Thanks for reminding me... Just can't afford anything over 3500... I'll keep looking on line, maybe I'll find a decent sale or some classifieds... Not much news out here in the stix...

gundalf · Jul 2, 2011

How about Simplicity or Ariens??? Anything good there???

ae_ted · Jul 2, 2011

Good luck. I just got off my kubota ZD21 60" 2001 with 750hrs. Got a deal on it last spring with 700 hrs for $3500. I needed a TOUGH mower also and lucked into this at a dealer. just mowed a rough farm yard at 2.9 acres and it took me 1.5 hrs. it has a nice cut but i care more about Durability and the ability to get er done when i need it. I went the used route as 3000 to stretching it at 5000 budget was all i could or wanted to go. nothing new in that range fit my bill. I think this kubota is above commercial grand and is industrial grade as it is built like a tank. Used commerical grade was only thing that would fit my budget and wants on a mower.

whistlepig · Jul 2, 2011

A used Gravley 16G.

magicheater · Jul 2, 2011

There is an old post here about a Hustler ZTM here. I have a Hustler and they are stout. I can mow a path in the field if I need to and I have but I must say their grass catchers are sub-par and I would opt for an after market version if that was the case. I have a 42" super duty but wish the Sport was available when I purchased.

gundalf · Jul 4, 2011

Found a clean, one owner, garage kept, 2005 Simplistic Legacy 25 V twin liquid cooled 60 inch with PTO, good tires, and 488 hours... I think I can get him down to $3000. If so I'll be no longer mowerless... Anyone know where I can pick up an owner/users manual?

gundalf · Jul 7, 2011

Ad was wrong. I bought a 98 sold in 2000 ... Runs good but needs a level adjust motor, a baffle and a back up belt... Seems to bog down easy... May be a baffle restriction that don't allow proper clearance for long grass in order to expel the clippings... Any thoughts???