Picking a zero turn?

[tom4018]

All the choices out there are confusing. I mow about 1.5 - 2 hours per week on my yard with a 46 inch rider, and probably haul it to town to mow my mother's yard. I have a little bit to mow that slopes.

I want something that will last, want a decent tranny.

Here are a few I am considering:

Cub Cadet RZT L 54 KW for $3000

Toro MX 5060 for $3900

Gravely ZT 54XL for about $4000

Husqvarna MZ 5424S not got a price locally yet but list for $4300

Also thought about the Kubota Kommander.


Any thoughts on these?

 

[whistlepig]

My neighbor has a Ferris. It has a suspension on it. I watch him glide along his yard while my tractor beats my brains out. He mows some pretty hefty slopes with it.

 

[T Dew]

The only one of those I have any experience with is the Toro. I like the Toro, but I ended up buying a Hustler the last time I was shopping for a zero turn. It is a beast. It's fast, well built, made in America (this matters to me), and it has a great warranty. I wish I knew more about the others to offer valid input on them.

 

[Jackspaw]

Gravely makes a heavy duty version of the z t youre considering. Took a spin on one at the dealers. Its right at 5000.00 but its way more mower for about 700.00 more. They ride rough though.

 

[copperhead1967]

I've been researching Zero turn options too. I've pretty much ruled out a sit down ZTM and am looking at the ride on standers from Wright. I have some pretty steep inclines to consider and have discovered regular ZTM's aren't recommended for that.
There are both residental and commercial options for ZTMs. I was leaning towards a used commercial model in good shape over a new residential model. I have some harsh terrain and destroy most resi equipment.
What I have noticed is that the pro's use most mowers with Kohler or Honda engines and stay away from Briggs. They also seem to replace the engines as part of normal practice and keep right on going with the machines. Oil pump over splash lubrication if using on inclines is a must.
Another thing is the drive, either hydro or belt driven, the pro's like the hydro drives for better traction and pulling power on slopes.
I've seen several contractors who have listed machines on EBAY or craigslist either upgrading to larger machines or going out of business. Of course it's buyer beware. I'd want to see receipts for any claims of a new engine or whatever. I've seen several decent used machines for 2k all the way up to 6k. I'm thinking of buying a used Wright in the 2-3k range, get the feel for it and still have the option to sell it to a starting landscaper in the future if I need to upgrade or someday decide to sell my property. Anything commercial will sell faster, most resi equipment people want to buy new.
Of the two you listed I like the Husky and the Gravely. Ferris is well spoken of too.

 

[djdicetn]

All the choices out there are confusing. I mow about 1.5 - 2 hours per week on my yard with a 46 inch rider, and probably haul it to town to mow my mother's yard. I have a little bit to mow that slopes.

I want something that will last, want a decent tranny.

Here are a few I am considering:

Cub Cadet RZT L 54 KW for $3000

Toro MX 5060 for $3900

Gravely ZT 54XL for about $4000

Husqvarna MZ 5424S not got a price locally yet but list for $4300

Also thought about the Kubota Kommander.


Any thoughts on these?

tom4018,
I only have ownership experience with a Gravely, but I looked at most of those brands last fall. If you are mowing a couple of lawns and want something that will last you may have to up the anty a bit as pointed out by others. I decided to get a Commercial Grade ZTR for retirement for added durability and reliability, but there are several in the high-end-Residential or entry-level Commercial that I can recommend for you to take a look at. As pointed out the Gravely's go up approximately $1k for each step up(and you will find that generally almost all makes are about the same as you move up their ZTR series). I would think if you are currently mowing in 1.5-2hrs on a 46" that a 48" ZTR would probably be plenty for you and would cut that time down to 45mins-1hour. The Gravely ZT HD 48 @ $4,999 would be a good mower with the ZT-3100 trannies, but if you really wanted to get a "Professional Grade" ZTR the base Pro-Turn series 48" at $5,999 with the ZT-3200 trannies would most likely last you a lifetime. You would be surprised at how spending $1k-$2k more up front will get you a significantly better ZTR. It's understandable, though, that everyone has a budgetted amount of money they are willing to spend on a ZTR mower and it's real easy for "us to spend your money":0)
If you want to focus on high-end residential units that will prove to be a worthy investment, I would recommend in addition to the Gravely ZT HD that you consider the following ZTR's:
1)Toro Titan ZX4820 48"
2)Cub Cadet Z-Force 48"
3)Husqvarna M-ZT 52(This 52" has a $5,499 MSRP, but has ZT-3400 Commercial trannies, cast iron spindles and many other "Commercial grade" components-a lot of bang for your buck!!

I don't know much about the Kubota Kommanders with them being a brand new line this year, but the ZG124E would probably be worth putting in the mix and comparing to any others you look at. Best of luck finding the ZTR that meets your needs and budget!!

 

[Locoweed]

I'm in the Hustler camp also. Ride is one of the factors I consider to be very important because I have rough ground. Easy access for doing normal service is another important thing for me. If you have rough ground & go the hustler route, get the optional front suspension. Run the tire pressure at spec for smooth riding is a biggie. If possible, get a demo ride on your yard.