Ezryder
New member
New member. Hope to use the site to possibly find lightly used mower suitable for 3/4 acres.
Mowing Newbie
- Thread starter Ezryder
- Start date
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Wagtail
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2013
- Messages
- 12,618
- Location
- St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
- Tractor
- JD 4105 / JD Z355E (48" deck)
G'day and welcome to TBN.
We're not really a "Trading Post" website, Mate. However, if you find a "lightly used mower" then we may be able to advise you if you have questions or concerns.
It's what happens around here. Enjoy.
We're not really a "Trading Post" website, Mate. However, if you find a "lightly used mower" then we may be able to advise you if you have questions or concerns.
It's what happens around here. Enjoy.
High Brook Hills
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2011
- Messages
- 66
- Tractor
- Case Farmall IH 60
3/4 acre is pretty small. I am assuming you are thinking riding?
Look for an older Snapper! They will run for ages and parts are readily available. If you get one of the rear engine ones with the bars you can remove the gas tank and battery and stand them up in a corner for the winter! Very little floor space will be taken up when you store it. Good little units which last for a long time.
Look for an older Snapper! They will run for ages and parts are readily available. If you get one of the rear engine ones with the bars you can remove the gas tank and battery and stand them up in a corner for the winter! Very little floor space will be taken up when you store it. Good little units which last for a long time.
High Brook Hills
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2011
- Messages
- 66
- Tractor
- Case Farmall IH 60
Sorry about that!!!!
We have a Hustler zero turn which does wonders. Most zero turns use less fuel than a small tractor, will do a better job of mowing, and will cost less.
If all you are doing is mowing and possibly pulling a small sled/wagon then I would not invest in a tractor were it me.
Look into well regarded brands such as Hustler, Ariens (multiple badges), etc. If you have a steep incline look for low center of gravity. FWIW Dixie Choppers are fine machines but I have been told they are expensive to repair and use alot of fuel per acre BUT they will cut faster than other brands and cost more.
Possibly look for a one or two year old commercial trade in. Go to several independent mower dealers and try out their used stock as well as their items that are on clearance/NOS. You will only be using the mower a few times a year so it will not receive the same type of abuse as a commercial outfit will give them. A re-built might also be a good value.
If you do go the route of a smaller tractor you might think about a front end loader to carry your tools and allow you to move dirt/rocks/other items. With a tractor you can also go older for cheaper.
I would expect you to put about 100 to 150 hours a year maximum on the unit whichever way you go. We bought a 54" Raptor for less than $3K new and it cuts faster than our tractor using less fuel. Of course, really thick stuff gets the tractor as the zero turn cannot handle extremely tall or rough mowing.
We have a Hustler zero turn which does wonders. Most zero turns use less fuel than a small tractor, will do a better job of mowing, and will cost less.
If all you are doing is mowing and possibly pulling a small sled/wagon then I would not invest in a tractor were it me.
Look into well regarded brands such as Hustler, Ariens (multiple badges), etc. If you have a steep incline look for low center of gravity. FWIW Dixie Choppers are fine machines but I have been told they are expensive to repair and use alot of fuel per acre BUT they will cut faster than other brands and cost more.
Possibly look for a one or two year old commercial trade in. Go to several independent mower dealers and try out their used stock as well as their items that are on clearance/NOS. You will only be using the mower a few times a year so it will not receive the same type of abuse as a commercial outfit will give them. A re-built might also be a good value.
If you do go the route of a smaller tractor you might think about a front end loader to carry your tools and allow you to move dirt/rocks/other items. With a tractor you can also go older for cheaper.
I would expect you to put about 100 to 150 hours a year maximum on the unit whichever way you go. We bought a 54" Raptor for less than $3K new and it cuts faster than our tractor using less fuel. Of course, really thick stuff gets the tractor as the zero turn cannot handle extremely tall or rough mowing.
farmer2009
Elite Member
I have a 10 year old Dixie chopper ztr 60" cut with a 25 horsepower Kawasaki motor on it. Good mower over 1000 hours on it now. But a warning from my dealer buy the mowers with the manual pto engagement in the floor. They have had nothing but trouble out of the electric clutches. They also told me they are dropping Dixie choppers because they are being built cheap and going up. Their commercial guys are having a lot of problems out of them. One guy was getting wheel motors on same side every two weeks and factory said there was nothing wrong. Again this one had an electric clutch on it.
Mine (manual pto) has had minor problems but I bought used and have lots of hours on it. Like I said good mower and very stable on hills mows faster than my ground will let me mow. I do recommend switching any ztr mower over to atv tires lots more traction and don't tear up yard aaas bad.
Just my .02.
Mine (manual pto) has had minor problems but I bought used and have lots of hours on it. Like I said good mower and very stable on hills mows faster than my ground will let me mow. I do recommend switching any ztr mower over to atv tires lots more traction and don't tear up yard aaas bad.
Just my .02.
