Opinions on Zero Turns Mowers.......

[USMC2531]

Hello,

Lots of useful information here. Spring is fast approaching and I need to buy a pretty "stout" commercial grade zero turn mower for my Christmas Farm. I'm estimating at a minimun 15 acres of new planted trees that will need to be mowed around weekly until they can get established.

Anyhow, I'm looking to spend no more than 10K on a mower and I've narrowed it down to either a Ferris, Xmark, or a John Deere. John Deere does give me a nice discount for being a Christmas Tree Farmer, but not sure if what JD model would be comparable to an Xmark/Ferris.

I really would like ANY opinions on makes, models, your experiences, etc. that you guys have experience with. Obviously I will be cutting a lot and need something really durable.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

 

[LD1]

Well just some things to think on for narrowing it down.

First, there are far more brands than you mentioned which all make excellent products. So I have to ask why you are limiting yourself to just those three.

Some other examples are Bobcat/bunton, dixie, scag, kubota, etc.

Now, given your acreage, I'd be looking for the biggest deck you can squeeze through your tightest area. If you can fit a 72" deck everywhere you need to, it will obviously mow faster than a 54" or 60" deck.

Next thing to look at is what kind of terrain. If the ground is rough/bouncy, top speed may not be as important to you. Because these things can fly, they like to bounce you around a bit. So if bumps are a concern, I'd be looking hard at one of the ferris's with suspension. If the ground is as smooth as asphalt, top speed becomes more important. You'd be suprised at how much quicker just 2MPH will make.

But since most all of the big time mowers are comparable on speed, price, etc, you really need to go demo some. The ergonomics and controls are different on different brands. Go with what you like.

Most of them either use kohler or kawasaki motors, with the exception of some of the diesels.

So if you are comparing something like a bobcat with a 23HP kaw motor to a scag with a 23 HP kaw motor, that is a wash. Look at the other things, like price, deck thickness, comfort, ergonomics, etc. But if I were you, with your price range, I'd be looking toward a diesel with the acreage you want to mow.

 

[SixHoeBob]

I have a 27 hp. Exmark. with a 60" deck, The only flaw is it does not have an oscillating front axle. Therefore it is possible to have the machine supported by one rear wheel and the opposite front wheel for brief periods of time as you are traveling. This is dangerous when you are on a slight slope and headed towards
a tree etc. You have very little control.
The Exmark will travel/mow equally fast going forward or reverse. A useful feature. Look the direction you are traveling at all times.
I plan on this mower lasting my lifetime, but if I were buying another one it would have at least the oscillating front axle.
27hp is the minimum. If you have two trees 10 feet apart, it is the same number of passes with a 60" deck as a 72 inch deck.
Demonstrate the mower before buying. Some Ferris mower decks are horribly loud.

 

[USMC2531]

You are absolutely right ! You certainly gave me some ideas and other things to think about. This is the type of information I like and really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Looking forward to some more opinions and info.

Thanks

 

[phiferpharm]

I have a Ferris, and yes it is loud. I wear headphones (JD Noise -canceling) on it, just as I do on my Tractor. It has over 1200 hrs on it and repairs have been: hatch that the seat is attached to bent and had to have reinforcing added after it was straightened (prior to me owning), replaced front axle due in part to my own stupidity when I dropped it in a turtle hole. The turtles are protected that live on my property, and I actually dropped the whole front wheel of my tractor in one of their holes that was covered by grass.

I would buy one again, but my BIL who owned it before me replaced it with a Gravely. It was used daily for lawn service and he seemed to think he would be better off with the Gravely due to the availability of the dealer and parts. It has been trouble-free as far as the engine, hydraulics, and ease of service. I DO think that some of the Zero turns that have a system that tilts up the deck to allow you to get to the blades would be a good option.

 

[Carl_NH]

I agree with the others posting - a diesel, and a Ferris for ride, and probably a 61" deck would serve you well for now and as they grow your tree-tree distance will narrow so a 72" deck may work now but the 61" may be better long term.

15 Ac. is a lot of ground to cover weekly and if you are doing this yourself I would look for a smooth ride, low fuel consumption and a rugged machine.

As you probably know the Ferris are made in the Utica area of NY (Munson) so are local. Now the JD, and Exmark also make a great machine so it comes down to personal preference, dealer, and price.

I have the Ferris IS2000 52" 25HP Kawasaki and it's a very nice machine, smooth over our ground here (reclaimed forest floor and rocky) and I can say it is a very well built machine.

Many of the grounds crews use Scag, Exmark and Hustler for example, and most times the owners are not running the gear (unless in the early stage of business) so comfort and suspension are not a main factor. But I know they do have suspension seats now, which do make mowing more comfortable.

As far as noise, I have been around the Exmark and Scag that some friends have, and they arent significantly quieter than the Ferris. I cant speak to the JD machines. I do wear earplugs operating all machines anymore so a few DB more or less is not a factor in my opinion.

 

[TracTrac]

USMC2531, This is definitely an app for a Diesel. Plus you can use untaxed red diesel fuel.
I researched for 2 weeks before I bought our Kubota zd326. Take a close look at one. From what I've read online Kubota industries goes to great lengths to keep their customers satisfied.
Pros- Comfortable floating seat, quieter than most, Uses less than 3/4 gallons diesel per hour. Hydraulic deck lift (Has a manual lift for deck servicing). Easy to service. Floating or rigid front axel (Has pins to lock it down). Has an optional blade attachment. Industrial air filter, water cooled engine. Real PTO mower drive (no electric magnet). Dependable.
Cons- Heavy, needs lights.

 

[georgia jeff]

I own a Kubota and absolutely love it. When I bought it many people said that a Kubota deisel engine will outlive me. It has a smooth ride and will mow down some grass and never miss a beat. It isn't quite as fast as some of the exmarks but it is bullet proof and has a engine that has a reputation for durability.

 

[Maynard Reece Byrd]

I have a 52" Hustler, but I wish I had a Grasshopper. The reason is the flip up mower deck for easy cleaning and service.

 

[om21braz]

Hope your property is fairly smooth. I mowed a smaller tree farm once (5 acres) with a ztr and it will be the last unless it is has been graded better. I'd have to suggest looking at front deck mowers (say the 1400 series Deere, F series Kubota, Toro or similiar) for that much acreage on a regular basis. Not saying a zero-turn can't do it, but if it were me I would take a look at the above mentioned machines before making a decision. Although 10 grand definately puts you looking at used front-deck machines.