Suggestions on Zero Turn Mowers

[gryhnd]

I estimate we are mowing approximately 6 acres a week (then there is an additional perhaps 2 acres not mowed weekly - horse pasture). Right now this is all done with a Husq 54" 26HP lawn/garden tractor (and a push mower occasionally for some small residential areas).

What a chore! Would be one thing if the grass cut well, but here it is constantly high humidity, grass always wet, this time of year gets thick and grows like crazy. Spend alot of time trying to dig out the clumped grass under the mower. Additionally, it throws out giant clumps (after they are stuck under the machine for several rounds - or worse, they don't come loose and you have to stop mowing and clean it out). I am guessing it is Bermuda grass as most went dormant last fall, but there is more than one type of grass on the property.

We need a 2nd mower so we can both cut on the weekend as I most likely won't be home to cut during the daytime/week much longer, and were thinking maybe ZTR instead of 2nd lawn tractor.

Area to cut is mostly flat, I think anyone would call it flat. However, far from smooth in some sections, due mostly to moles/voles I believe, and also the horse pasture (not cut weekly).

Looking to, if possible, decrease hours spent mowing. Every area we mow seems to be an odd shape in that you end up circling around/backing up. Believe ZTR would help with that problem.

Not too many trees to go around, maybe 6 in each yard area.

Budget is not there for large commercial unit. Was planning to look at the Toro Timecutter 50" at Home Depot $2999 (realize it would not be recommended by a lot of people, but again, budget issue, and it does seem to have decent reviews), but they didn't have one on the floor (sold).

Looked at Bad Boy 60" at Tractor Supply. Seemed nice but if going to move up to 5k range, may as well see if the other well-known brands sell 5k mowers that are similar - have Ferris, ExMark, Scag, Hustler (and Bad Boy) dealers in vicinity.

Main goals would be 1) not a terrible ride 2) cutting/shooting out the grass smoothly with not alot of buildup underneath - if that is even possible in these conditions. 3) of course speeding up the mowing time. According to specs, Husq top speed is 5.8 and I do have the pedal to the floor as much as I can.

Also, wondering what size deck is best. I had thought 60" might be too large to maneuver around things, but hubby doesn't agree. Do feel we need at least 50", considering we have 54" now and alot of ground to cover.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[bjr]

I don't know if the 6 acres are all in one large area or whole bunch of small areas. If one big area then I would go with a smaller 20-25 hp compact diesel tractor maybe a Jinma two wheel drive and a rear discharge 3 point mower. I'm really under the impression for bigger mowing jobs most big box store riders are a waste of money. You would have the advantage of being able to use the PTO of the tractor for other purposes as well. You would have true durablity also. bjr

 

[gryhnd]

No, it is all split up. The residential backyard is about 1.5 acres, fenced in with chainlink fence, so go around perimeter of fence, several trees, flower garden, etc. The front yard is a little bigger, trees on 2 sides, house on one, driveway on other, about 6 trees. Then there are smaller areas on either side of another garage, I like to do them with push mower but in this heat it's too much, so just use lawn tractor. Then another section up front on either side of the driveway, probably not a full acre, unfortunately lined with some small bushes. Then another section is a field, so mostly open, will be fenced in for horses soon. Then fenced horse field, around barn and 10-15' walkway around perimeter of horse field, fence on one side, line of trees on other. There are a few others done with the bush hog (see below)

Probably more info than you needed

We have a New Holland TC-30 with a bush hog (no finishing mower). Have debated getting finishing mower.

Is a rear discharge the same as a finishing mower? A used one would be our cheapest option, but don't think we would want to use it in residential area (at least with bush hog it has torn up the yard the few times he tried).

Also, I don't drive the tractor (other than a few times I tried) so that limits us to some degree.

Just feeling the zero turn (or another lawn tractor) would enable both of us to use either one, and be able to hopefully use either one in most areas. But I don't want to waste money either - don't want to buy a 3k Toro from HD if it is going to be crap, would rather spend the 5k on something else, but really cannot spend more than that. Even the lawn tractors get up in the 2k and over though. Would not want to drop below 54" cut on another lawn tractor as that is what we have now and it takes long enough as it is.

 

[magicheater]

This guy likes this unit. I have a Hustler 42" super Duty and like it as well, however way more money. I have a segmented yard as well and find it is easily managable with tiny chunks of time thrown at it, usually an hour or less. Some areas grow slower/faster than others, a ZTR mower really cuts your seat time and will have you wanting to cut cause it's so much fun. Personally I like the 42" mowers because there are only 2 blades, slightly higher tip speed and only two blades to sharpen. Lots of quality units out there, all colors and all are fun!

 

[radman1]

You already have a TC-30! I would get the rear finish mower for that in a heart beat rather than buy another mower. Use the TC-30 to mow the more open areas and clean up the edges and obstacles with the rider mower. 72" finish mower on the TC -30 can do a lot rather quickly.

Rear finish mowers can be side discharge or rear discharge. Most people, including myself, prefer rear discharge. Less clumping of grass, can mow close to obstacles on either side and can mow any pattern or direction you like. New, brand name 72" finish mower will be around $1800-2000. Very good used one may cost $900-1400.

 

[gryhnd]

You already have a TC-30! I would get the rear finish mower for that in a heart beat rather than buy another mower. Use the TC-30 to mow the more open areas and clean up the edges and obstacles with the rider mower. 72" finish mower on the TC -30 can do a lot rather quickly.

Rear finish mowers can be side discharge or rear discharge. Most people, including myself, prefer rear discharge. Less clumping of grass, can mow close to obstacles on either side and can mow any pattern or direction you like. New, brand name 72" finish mower will be around $1800-2000. Very good used one may cost $900-1400.

Thanks. I will definitely talk to my husband about this! Only thing is that I don't drive the tractor so it'll limit what can get done, but I suppose I could learn. It would certainly be our least expensive option. I was just worried that we really can't run it in the residential area - I can't see using it in the fenced backyard for example, but maybe I'm wrong. I guess he could try just driving the tractor back there and see how he feels.
Meantime, I have to go by a mower dealer today and he evidently has several trade-ins plus new mowers, so I'm going to see what he has (said Hustler Fasttrack and Sport, a Bobcat (never see anyone mention them), Bad Boy, Dixie Chopper (though that is commercial trade-in so leery of that).

Maybe we should try the cheapest option first though. I'll see what he thinks.

 

[rswyan]

Thanks. I will definitely talk to my husband about this! Only thing is that I don't drive the tractor so it'll limit what can get done, but I suppose I could learn.

Indeed :thumbsup: .... and you will be amazed once you do at how much fun it is

FWIW, we have 4+ acres that we mow with a 72" mid-mount mower on our Kubota B2910 (similar in size to your TC30) and an older Simplicity Commercial Front Cut ZTR with a 46" deck (mainly used right around the house and close trimming)

The Kubota does the bulk of the mowing, which is over 3 acres in the front (two large fields/lawn) and if I keep up with keeping the grass cut and don't let it get too long those areas can be done in around 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or less, with the Kubota.

I would go with as wide of a rear finish mower (72 or 60 inch) as will work on your property, considering any obstacles - and rear finish rather than mid-mount because they are much easier to take off and put on.

 

[LD1]

I agree with the others about the rear mower for the tractor you already have. While not quite as fast a a ZTR, it would be better that the lower end ZTR's.

I would either go that route or looke for a good used commercial ZTR. I think they can be had in your price range and again IMO would be a better 3k spent than buying a homeowner grade at a boxstore for 3k

 

[Barney Fife]

I agree with the others about the rear mower for the tractor you already have. While not quite as fast a a ZTR, it would be better that the lower end ZTR's.

I would either go that route or looke for a good used commercial ZTR. I think they can be had in your price range and again IMO would be a better 3k spent than buying a homeowner grade at a boxstore for 3k

I agree here 100%.

Remember, it's not just the ground speed with a commercial ztr that makes things quick. With a commercial ztr, your blade tip speed is running at least 18,000 fpm. This allows a faster ground speed since you can only run as fast as your blades can cut.

Look on craigslist and find a relatively low hours commercial unit. I'd much rather have a well maintained 500 hour commercial ztr than a brand new homeowner model you find at Lowe's or Home Depot.

 

[Will_C]

I'll give the same advice- given your budget, commercial ZTR if you can find one and are comfortable enough to evaluate the condition, or a RFM-that tractor can handle a 72" RFM.

Will