I just bought a Husqvarna commercial grade ZTR, after looking at everything else within 50 miles of me. It was not easy comparing them, but it seemed that the SCAG, Exmark, Gravely were all $1k+ more, and although I would have preferred a diesel (like the Kubotas), those were $4k more. I spent $7k, including the $200 mulch kit, and Husqvarna threw in a backpack gas blower (destined for craigslist).
I have to mow 6 acres, about 1.5 of which is lawn with lots of ornamental trees that SWMBO has scattered and flower beds with tight turns. 4.5 acres is rough fields that I am slowly taming. I have been mowing with a 60" Woods deck pulled behind my Kubota B7800, and it hasn't been very successful. The Kubota/Woods combo is fine for the fields, but I'm thinking that I can get that job done faster with the ZTR. Otherwise I could have bought a residential grade ZTR for 1.5 acres for a lot less.
I qot quotes from two lawn services for the 1.5 acres: the ZTR will pay for itself doing that job in two seasons, assuming that gas doesn't reach $10/gallon and I don't pay myself. I'll post how it works out.
I have to mow 6 acres, about 1.5 of which is lawn with lots of ornamental trees that SWMBO has scattered and flower beds with tight turns. 4.5 acres is rough fields that I am slowly taming. I have been mowing with a 60" Woods deck pulled behind my Kubota B7800, and it hasn't been very successful. The Kubota/Woods combo is fine for the fields, but I'm thinking that I can get that job done faster with the ZTR. Otherwise I could have bought a residential grade ZTR for 1.5 acres for a lot less.
I qot quotes from two lawn services for the 1.5 acres: the ZTR will pay for itself doing that job in two seasons, assuming that gas doesn't reach $10/gallon and I don't pay myself. I'll post how it works out.