Newbee looking for advice

[Spiffy]

<font color="blue"> Just remember entry level HO Z's are not going to perform anywhere near the commercial level. The just LOOK similar... </font>

Well put Nasty135! I'm thinking they probably have their place, but after using commercial grade just couldn't do it myself. Of course, I'm also the one who hates anything that can't run 20 years even with moderate abuse [if it also get's at least moderate service]. I do love the vicious blade rate on commercials too; if the weed infestation isn't too bad the Snapper leaves a pretty good cut at 10mph!

The "in-between" ones like a couple first mentioned in this thread slightly confuse me, but I think are plenty adequate if you don't mind spending $4K on a mower for an acre or 2.

Oh, that reminds me: unless all your bearings are sealed, get a grease gun or visit you dealer regulary for lube. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Joe1]

My Toro 417LX (now 420LX) has a 14" turning radius with a 48" deck. A narrower deck is available. I believe mine won't fit into a 50" door opening. It will run to 5.9 mph, but realistically, I don't cut that fast. I don't think you will save that much time with a ZTR simply because of the slopes and a relatively small size of the property. I cut about 30,000 sq ft (almost 3/4 acre) and it takes about 70 minutes. I mulch with the tractor and get a nice cut. I might be able to cut faster if I did not mulch but let it blow out the side. If I cut every two weeks, it takes longer to get the same quality cut. The 17 HP Kawasaki twin uses about a gallon an hour. I'm still checking the fuel mileage as I've only had it a few months.

It is a very stable tractor. I sat on a Kawasaki GT 2548 next to the Toro. and could rock the tractor side by side. The Husky just felt loose and would feel worse on slopes in my opinion. No such movement on the Toro. Not knocking the Husky, just an observation. Huskys (AYP) are different this year so check them all out.

 

[dpl96]

We own 3 acres and mow nearly 2 of it with a John Deere LT120 were purchased about 18 months ago. I put the Gator mulching blades on it and I have to tell you I love this machine. Great mower and the quality is A+.