SCUT vs ZTR Mower Cut Quality - Kioti CS2530

[MIAG]

Hi all - new here, but not to tractors in general. In my current situation, I have about 3 acres (1.5 lawn/1.5 woods or pond) and own a Exmark Radius S for maintaining the lawn, but would love to have a tractor / all-in-one tool to do some more general maintenance items as well.

I know a ZTR is quicker/more efficient, but I’m looking for opinions on how the cut QUALITY of a MMM is in comparison to a ZTR.

My background / reason for asking:

In my current situation I have a WANT for tractor with HVAC cab, but could not justify the size of machine that would get me into for the amount of land I have and the weight/size/cost of machine it would require. Given the recent introduction of the Kioti CS2530 it seems as though there may finally be an option that is an appropriate size/weight for my projects that also allows the full HVAC cab.

I know I will have to make up some striping kit to get the same lines as my current Exmark Radius, but will the cut QUALITY of the Kioti MMM be similar to what I'm used to? I'm not as concerned about the amount of additional time the Kioti may take given the HVAC cab and ability to use it for many more projects as a Swiss Army knife, but want to ensure that I am not going to be disappointed in a less polished looking lawn. The obvious answer may be to keep the Exmark, but given my limited storage space I'd really prefer to keep to 1 machine.

I know stepping up to a CUT can get me a significantly more capable machine for not a significant amount more money - however, having a CUT sized tractor is far more capability than I need and given the extra weight I think would certainly drive me in having to keep the ZTR for daily mowing tasks to not tear up the lawn. It seems as though the new Kioti CS2530 may be a great option for size/weight/all-in-one option for me as long as it can maintain the same mower finish quality I'm used to.

Thanks for your thoughts & opinions.

 

[dodge man]

I’ve never owned a zero turn but have used them. I mow with a JD2025r with a 60” deck. I also own 3 acres and it’s about half in trees and lawn also. Unless you’re really picky I think the cut quality on mid mount mowers is pretty good. Looking at that picture my initial reaction is that thing has small tires for how heavy it’s going to be. I’m guessing the cab, ac and heat setup add some weight. I know I need to vary my mowing pattern so I don’t rut my yard over time. The big advantage of a tractor is all the other things you can do with it.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I can not fathom a SCUT giving similar cut quality to ZRT; I never had a problem with the quality of cut with my Deere 1025R, but I also never expected much out of it. I always considered it "good enough" and I can't imagine the Kioti CS is much different.

I'd still recommend a SCUT if you can live with what I'd consider a mediocre cut. Fine for most people, but if you're liking a manured lawn- maybe not so much.

 

[MIAG]

Thanks guys - I do really care about a well manicured lawn. Maybe I need to consider keeping the Exmark and just having 2 machines to maintain.

 

[WM75Guy]

ZTRs normally have a faster blade speed. My Kubota ZD1211 60" has a blade tip speed of around 18,000 fpm. My NH 25S with a mid-mount mower has a blade tip speed of around 14,000 fpm. On my yard which is not manicured it isn't noticeable. If you are picky, it might make a difference.

 

[RayIN]

What will you use to mow/trim tight areas with, that SCUT will not suffice? Unless you remove the back-hoe and FEL the "tractor" will leave ruts with those lawn mower size tires.
Sure it can do many small jobs, but with the importance you place on a manicured lawn, I don't think you'll be happy with the money spent.
Do you have a particular need for a back-hoe or FEL? I have a 2 wheel trailer I pull with my Hustler ZTR mower for hauling stuff that eliminates the need for my farm tractor and FEL in the yard, which is 1.5A.

 

[4570Man]

Thanks guys - I do really care about a well manicured lawn. Maybe I need to consider keeping the Exmark and just having 2 machines to maintain.

I’d sit down and cry if you took away my zero turn and made me use a tractor MMM.

 

[MIAG]

Thanks guys - appreciate all the comments. To answer some of the questions:

I already have a small fenced in area for the dog and areas around the pond the ZTR won’t fit and have to use a push mower/weed whacker. I really don’t anticipate much more area that a SCUT wouldn’t fit than the ZTR.

I don’t have a true NEED for a tractor - renting a few times a year for my projects would be perfectly suitable and more cost effective. I want a tractor to be able to have more flexibility around renting and like the idea of AC / allergen free mowing in the summer and heat for plowing snow in the winter.

Most of what I’d use a tractor for outside of what the ZTR/snowblower accomplishes today is general lawn/landscape maintenance, maintaining the garden and have some light brush removal planned.

If it’s just for these activities and not mowing as well I’m not sure my “want” is justified enough for how much I’d use it. My 2.5 year old ZTR only has 85 hours on the odo - if the tractor isn’t mowing it just seems like a big expense to sit there a lot. It sure would be convenient for a lot of tasks, and understandable that it will be slower to mow than my ZTR, but was really hoping it could leave a similar cut and tradeoff the quickness for climate controlled comfort.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I think your question has been answered, i.e. a tractor, any tractor, is not a even replacement for a ZTR. And vice-versa. You 'need' the ZTR, and you 'want' a tractor. Allow yourself to have both and be happy

 

[dodge man]

I’ll also say the better, more lush your yard is the more difference you will see in the cut quality. If you keep your blades sharp on a mid mount it will cut pretty decent.