Recommendations for a good mower with at least 72" deck?

[PRCWI]

Hi all,

I am in the market to pick up a mower for helping us keep up with a couple of fields we are turning more into lawns. about a 2-3 acre area and looking for a good used mower that would be reliable and fairly easy to operate.

I have been looking at some John Deere F935 simply because they were the first ones I came across in my price range (Under $5,000) that had a 72" deck. We live in WI so the ability for it to handle snow removal could be a plus to but not a necessity.

Anyone have an recommendations on machines they like that have at least a 72" deck that they would recommend I look into?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Sorry should have been more specific. Zero turn would be awesome but not a must as budget is the larger driver. I have a 88" Flail on a larger tractor so that works for rougher stuff and stuff I won't mow as frequently.

Yes we are constrained to looking at used because I will never find a new mower with the larger deck for my price range.
Snow blower capability would be nice but not a must. Our driveways are all gravel so don't need a broom. Really looking for something to make my mowing to a lot faster. Our areas that get mowed are fairly flat but we do have some hills but nothing extreme.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

That's a tall order for under $5,000.

I would assume your looking at used?

Let's get some more info:

Do you want a tractor or zero turn?

Is mowing and possibly snow removal your only needs? No ground engagement?

All flat ground or do you have hills?

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Recommendations for a good mower with at least 72" deck?

Sadly I would say your prob at the mercy of CL or another used equipment outlet.

Which makes recommendations a very hard task.

 

[airbiscuit]

$3,500 + will get you something like this

 

[PRCWI]

Re: Recommendations for a good mower with at least 72" deck?

Sadly I would say your prob at the mercy of CL or another used equipment outlet.

Which makes recommendations a very hard task.

Thanks, I updated the post above.

I am just looking for recommendations on machines that would fit the requirements that others have used.

I've looked at some John Deere front mount mowers simply because I stumbled across one in our area that might work but looking for other machines that would fit the bill so I can try to compare and get a good idea what might work best.

I am not asking for specific listings, just wondering if there is anyone who has experience with any mowers with a 72" or larger deck and would give their feedback on quality/experience with the machine.

Currently I found a couple in my area through Tractorhouse but I found these mainly because my wife's parents have one similar and so I know those exist. I haven't really delved into the mower market before to see what's out there.

TractorHouse.com | 1999 JOHN DEERE F1145 For Sale
That one is a 4 wheel drive with a 72" front mount deck and comes with the snow blower which would be a nice bonus. I don't think I'd ever use the broom so maybe I could get them down in price.

TractorHouse.com | 1999 JOHN DEERE F935 For Sale
This is a slightly smaller model, same size deck but only 2 wheel drive.

Both under $5,000. But just wondering if there are other brands or types that anyone would recommend. Also not sure what to expect for durability concerns on these used machines? I am by no means opposed to any particular brand.

I would prefer a front mounted deck if possible though so as to avoid the wheel tracks in the grass from grass not getting cut because the front wheels pressed it down.

 

[PRCWI]

$3,500 + will get you something like this

Not a bad machine. I would prefer a front mounted deck but that would certainly be worth consideration!

 

[PRCWI]

Also found this one on Craigslist
Scag 72" Commercial zero turn

Never owned a Scag but have always heard them spoken well of. Not sure if they can take any other attachments like the JD?

 

[PRCWI]

Found this Ferris, I've never used one but supposedly they are really nice? Anyone have experience with this IS4000ZD31 model?
TractorHouse.com | FERRIS IS4ZD31 For Sale

While our ground is flat it's not perfect and we have plenty of little ups and downs. Is the independent suspension on these all it's made out to be?

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Any machine, especially with a gasoline engine, that has 2,000 or more will be a crapshoot as to reliability. You might get lucky and get one that will last 10 years with no major problems, or it might throw a rod or thrash a wheel motor or hydro pump a month after you get it. If I was going to buy one, I'd lean towards one of the Deeres with a diesel motor, which should last a long time past 2,000 hours if it has been properly maintained.

Even if it doesn't have any major failures, the smaller less expensive things can drive up your cost, such as replacing spindles, carbs, etc.

There are two reasons most commercial mowing guys trade in their machines before they reach 2,000 hours: reliability and repair costs.

Check for parts availability.

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

Recommendations for a good mower with at least 72" deck?

Honestly two to three acres is not a too much for a 60" zero turn. You can get a brand new, light duty commercial grade unit that meets your budget. Lots have 0% for 48 months which would may help your situation.

There is a Bob Cat dealer near me that sells the xrz 60" for $4999. They are well made units. The only reason I don't own one is because my dealer only had their $10k top of the line unit when I bought a couple years ago. I ended up getting a Dixon Ultra 61 which is now basically a Husqvarna MTZ 61. Looks like you have a dealer about 25 miles away. Wood Mizer in Mosinee.

Anyway most 60" zero turns will mow over 4 acres/hr. That should be plenty for two to three acres.