Suggestions on Zero Turn Mowers

[gryhnd]

Thanks. I talked to the tractor dealer re: finishing mower. He said it could take a 72", but most people get 60" (with our size tractor). I think I would be more comfortable with 60", for maneuvering. Still cannot picture the tractor in the back yard though

As it happens, the mower dealer told me he is getting a used Woods finishing mower in, 60". I have to call him back to check on it.

Right now, really thinking I would like to get the Bad Boy ZTR - he sells them and Hustler. He said the Bad Boys are selling like crazy, he has none in stock but one and is waiting for another shipment. Said it is price point but that they are a good mower (though the engine in the Hustler is better, and so is the warranty). He has been selling BB for 2 years. He said around $4,800/$4900k for the 60". I realize it is still the baseline ZTR (but a step up from the 3k Toro we were considering from Home Depot), but I think that is it for our budget for a mower. The Hustler would be $5,300 for a 54", and if I wanted the better ride, that's another few hundred for that option (forget what it is called - fork steering?).

Asked him which one would give me less of a problem with grass sticking under the deck/clumping, etc. and he said the Bad Boy. If true, that is a huge plus as that is my major problem with our Husq. garden/lawn tractor.

If we can get the Woods finishing mower, then maybe try that and hold off on buying the ZTR. Otherwise, maybe spring for both. He thought maybe $600 or $700 for the Woods, but he had not even seen it yet.

We are only used to seeing the bush hog cut from the tractor, so be interested to see the difference w/ a finishing mower.

Of course I change my mind on this every week :laughing:

 

[JGM]

another vote for a rear mower.

I have a TC33D and a 6ft Bush hog finish mower rear discharge.

In addition a SCAG Tiger Cub 19hp Kaw engine, 48 inch mower and a JD Lx280 with a 48 inch deck

These mowers all cut different terrains.

versatility goes to the Bush Hog, TC 33D.

The Scag can out cut the other two in time, but is very limited in versatility. It cuts grass and that is about it.

The JOhn Deere is nice, but slower cutting than the other two, but is more versatile. I can sweep, pull sprayers, wagons etc.

If you have lots of low limbed trees then I would go Zero Turn, however, if you can manueveur around the trees, then the pull benind rear dischard mower.

hth, joe

 

[gryhnd]

another vote for a rear mower.

I have a TC33D and a 6ft Bush hog finish mower rear discharge.

In addition a SCAG Tiger Cub 19hp Kaw engine, 48 inch mower and a JD Lx280 with a 48 inch deck

These mowers all cut different terrains.

versatility goes to the Bush Hog, TC 33D.

The Scag can out cut the other two in time, but is very limited in versatility. It cuts grass and that is about it.

The JOhn Deere is nice, but slower cutting than the other two, but is more versatile. I can sweep, pull sprayers, wagons etc.

If you have lots of low limbed trees then I would go Zero Turn, however, if you can manueveur around the trees, then the pull benind rear dischard mower.

hth, joe

Thanks. Though I do note you have all three types of equipment, which I guess we may end up with at some point. I think I would keep him out of the backyard, but he could do most of the front w/ the tractor, not too close to trees, and I could clean up with the Husq. riding mower.

Mower dealer still hasn't picked up the used Woods finishing mower, so I have no details on that unfortunately.

Talked to the New Holland dealer again. A little leery to spend the money on brand new when I am sure used mower (w/ no motor) would be fine, but haven't seen any for sale lately.

NH dealer only has a side discharge 72" finishing mower on hand. $1790 I believe. Says if he orders a 60" rear discharge, feels it is going to cost us the same even though it's smaller, since this year's pricing compared to last year's, plus freight costs. Also, side costs less than rear.

Says one reason people prefer 60" over 72" is that it doesn't stick out over the sides of the tractor. Of course he's trying to sell it, but says he thinks the side discharges grass better. He says either way you've got a ton of grass flying around...I don't know, I feel rear would be nicer as you don't have to worry about what direction you are cutting. Won't matter in field so much, just in the lawn.

Will let us demo it though. Do wonder why it's been sitting on his lot "for a year" as he says. Since we would prefer a rear discharge (from what people have said) and 60", it is still alot of money to not get exactly what you think you want, though maybe trying it would help.

 

[Coatesvegas]

I know you had budget concerns, but buying a $3000 dollar unit that will last 5 years and have bad resale value is not the optimal choice. I put alot of research into different mowers before I bought my Dixie Chopper. It was a little more price wise, but it is common to see Dixie Choppers still functional after 20 years. Also the heavily used DC parts mowers were still selling for over $2000 in my area. Used units in good working order were still pulling in $4000. I know it is a big buy, but 4 $3000 mowers in 20 years is $12,000, and if all goes well with a DC it will be $6500 for 20 years. It will spread the clippings far and evenly with no clumping outside the deck. You will have to scrape under the deck occasionally though. I think they might make suspension seats for a smoother ride also. I cut 5 acres in about 2 hours with a 60" Silver Eagle. It doesn't bog down and is reliable. Look into Dixie Chopper see what you think

 

[radman1]

Says one reason people prefer 60" over 72" is that it doesn't stick out over the sides of the tractor. Of course he's trying to sell it, but says he thinks the side discharges grass better. He says either way you've got a ton of grass flying around...I don't know, I feel rear would be nicer as you don't have to worry about what direction you are cutting. Won't matter in field so much, just in the lawn.

I strongly disagree with the dealers statement. I have had both side and rear discharge rear finish mowers. 60" and 72" side discharge and now 84" rear discharge. Rear discharge disperses grass better. Cuts grass easier and better because all the grass does not have to exit out the side chute. Heavy grass will plug side chute. Rear discharge much better for heavy or tall grass. Side discharge will eventually hit something when mowing just hope you don't break or bend something.
I myself would not want a mower the same width as the tires. Very hard to mow next to fences, buildings, bushes ect with mower as wide as tractor.
I will say, the price for the 60" mower is attractive if it is in good shape. A 72" mower does not cost much more than a 60" mower. Check craigslist, newspaper ect for used 72".

A side discharge will cut easier if going backwards. A rear discharge going backwards, blows the cut grass in the same direction as you are backing and doesn't mow as well. However, usually not an issue except in tall or heavy grass.

 

[doall]

I have a 72" rear finish mower with my 3040. I have a 54" jd 737 zero turn.
The zero will mow circles around a tractor, there is no comparison. No way a tractor can mow what a good commercial zero turn can.

 

[Oliver1655]

I'll Put a Plug in for the ZTR mowers. I purchased a 60" Gravely with a 25 hp Kohler engine last year. Prior to that I was using a 42" lawn tractor and a 72" finish mower behind my tractor. Things I really like about the ZTR:
1 - My mowing time was cut down to less than a 4th. This is due to the faster turns and the faster blade speeds which allow me to mow at a fast speed.
2 - The deck height can be changed from my chosen cutting height to the top height with a press of my foot to walk through TALL grass and small brush. Then just as easily be dropped back to chosen height.
3 - The wear and tear on my arms and shoulders in almost nothing compared to steering a lawn tractor
4 - The lower height of the seat makes it easier to go under trees. ( I ruled out the Bad Boys line because they sit higher)

I would recommend you both sat on a lot of different brands to find the one that you would be most comfortable on. Due to the maneuverability of the ZTR, I found the 60" deck very easy to work with. You will find most of the Lawn Equipment Dealers have financing available for a very low interest rate.

 

[ae_ted]

I agree with Doall. I have a Woods RD72 72" rear discharge finish mower i use with my 30hp MF 1040. My 2002 60" Kubota ZD21 zero turn will mow in 1/2 the time. I use the finish mower when i want to "play" on the tractor, but when i want to get the job done!. I go to the zero turn and get-er-done!...If the job is mowing...go commercial zero turn. i got my Kubota this year to replace a 1996 Woods front deck 52" 6180 and i found a great buy on teh 2002 for $3500. I'm a happy camper!

 

[40Kchicks]

I don't have a tractor finish mower but I do have a Kubota ZD21 commercial mower that I really like. If your job is mowing get a mower. I found mine on craigslist for $4300 with 475 hours on it. It is quiet, comfortable, fast, and uses very little fuel. It is also much more stable on hills than the tractor would be. Consider getting a used commercial ZTR and then later as budget allows or a good deal comes up add the finish mower.

 

[captaincrab55]

I'll Put a Plug in for the ZTR mowers. I purchased a 60" Gravely with a 25 hp Kohler engine last year. Prior to that I was using a 42" lawn tractor and a 72" finish mower behind my tractor. Things I really like about the ZTR:
1 - My mowing time was cut down to less than a 4th. This is due to the faster turns and the faster blade speeds which allow me to mow at a fast speed.
2 - The deck height can be changed from my chosen cutting height to the top height with a press of my foot to walk through TALL grass and small brush. Then just as easily be dropped back to chosen height.
3 - The wear and tear on my arms and shoulders in almost nothing compared to steering a lawn tractor
4 - The lower height of the seat makes it easier to go under trees. ( I ruled out the Bad Boys line because they sit higher)

I would recommend you both sat on a lot of different brands to find the one that you would be most comfortable on. Due to the maneuverability of the ZTR, I found the 60" deck very easy to work with. You will find most of the Lawn Equipment Dealers have financing available for a very low interest rate.

I'll second that... I bought a LESCO 60" cut 4 years ago... When I did my homework on ZTRs, I found out that the 60" cut was best for my needs. With a 60" cut, my rear tires don't track in the mulch when cutting around trees and round gardens...