same old newbie question...what is recommended for

[takesallkinds]

I have about 4 acres to mow. Two are lawn and two are a bumpy, grass/weeds field. Our old 12 HP Simplicity is taking a beating on the field. It's not worth me investing $8-12K for the equipment recommended by dealers. I'd consider a lawn/garden tractor that can take the rough terrain, or a used compact tractor. I'd like to spend $3-5K, but could consider a little more if I get desparate. My biggest fear is getting something not rugged enough.
Thanks for any advice.

 

[Spiffy]

If you catch a dealer with a floor model, previous year, or a really good sale, you might be able to find a decent quality commercial Z for under $6K. Of course, a commercial mid-mount might take the bumps just fine, but, if you run respectable speeds over them, your bones may not be as happy!

Any chance of leveling the rough stuff? Just to throw out options, what about hiring someone with [or renting] a bush-hog or sickle bar a couple times a year for the rough stuff. Maybe a couple goats? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thought PT for a bit too, but I think they'd stretch your budget with a mower included. You didn't mention the need for the versatility of a PT or CUT, so I'm leaning commercial mower: maybe a good used front mount Z [like Grasshopper etc.] if you can find a pampered one for sale.

 

[takesallkinds]

What is a "Z"?
Any opinion on the bottom line "Power Trac"?

 

[Spiffy]

ZeroTurningRadius, ZTR for short, Z shorter. Sorry about the confusion, and I had to throw in PT too [but you caught that one /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif ], quite obtuse of me /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif but this should clear the confusion /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Since commercial users can't spend time backing around obstacles, many (most?) commercial mowers are built around some variation of Zturn. The front mounts have some advantages (getting under decks, evergreen trees etc, smoother ride, etc), but the true [as opposed to the "high end ones" at TSC etc] commecial mid-mounts are just as stout.

To get equal quality in a GT, you'll sacrifice alot of turning radius and still pay several $K. Of course, it will pull ground engaging equipment.

I have a larger PT, and they are a neat machine; either PT or CUT, once you have a loader you'll wonder how you survived without it. Someone else will need to give you more info about the 180s though.

 

[takesallkinds]

Thanks again.
I was just looking at used sub-compacts.
Can these front-end mowers be used on rough terrain?
Possibility of rare snow plowing?

 

[Spiffy]

If you have just the bucket for the FEL on either a CUT or a PT you'll have no trouble with snow; could get a blade too though for quicker pushing if you don't get 3ft high drifts.

Several ZTR manufactures also offer blades [and a couple have blowers too]. A lawn mower dealer up this way uses a blade on a Dixon for his whole parking lot.

I don't have a mower for the PT, so again can't help you there. Have used a 3pt [rear mount] bush-hog on a CUT; great for mowing down weeds. No doubt the PT would out-manuver that set-up, but there are likely other trade offs for your situation too.

 

[SteveM]

As long as you are not afraid of an older unit, there are alot of smaller compacts from the 80s that would be a good tough unit for managing 4 acres. Kubota B7100s and similar, Ford 1200/1210, Deere 655/755 etc; all were often sold with a belly mower and all could be had in reasonable used condition with belly mower around 5-6 grand in my region anyhow. I have a Mitsubishi Beaver, great little compact, these are always popping up for around 3 grand with a belly mower, there is a mint one right now here in Upstate NY for 2800 with mower and 400 hours....much tougher than a gas garden tractor, for a great price.

 

[Spiffy]

Reread one of your ealier posts; looks like you have a couple horses and a some slight hills [or did I read the wrong post /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif]. If so, it seems that the versatility of a used CUT w/ FEL [or perhaps a PT] would serve you well.

If mowing is 99.9% of your use, someone else would be much more knowledgable than I about finish mowers for CUTs or the PT's mowers. I do know that 20years of mowng with GT [used only for mowing; other tractors for FEL ect.] seemed pretty silly after getting a ZTR, but your other needs, budget and just how rugged that land is will need to come into play - not that you'd likley hurt a high quality GT or Z, but you may get tired of getting stuck or rattling your bones; either will likely travel wherever the old Simplicity goes. We still use a 10+ year old LT in town unless I have the ZTR on the trailer by coincidence [then complain about 3X the time on the LT the next mowing....until rembering it doesn't owe us a dime! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif].

 

[SWB]

The ZTRs are generally not good on rough terrain. They are designed for lawn type surfaces.

 

[daTeacha]

There are a couple of front-end mowers made around here, the Steiner being one, which are very versatile. I have used a Steiner articulated 4wd low ground clearance tractor and 60 front mounted mower to make and maintain a mile and a half long hiking/fishing access trail.