Time for a new ZTR--Brand recommendations?

[Bigfoot62]

My Ferris has no problem on hills with as much as 40 degree slope. I routinely mow my pond dam that is between 40 and 50 degrees. . .

40-50 degrees??
A 45 degree slope is a 12/12. That's 12' of rise for every 12' of run. Loose dirt will naturally fall into a 12/12 slope, not steeper.
Most pond levees, and highway ditches, etc, are built on a 3/12 slope or less. (or approx. 14 degrees)

 

[QRTRHRS]

I bought a SCAG Turf Tiger II with a 36hp Briggs this year to replace my (supposedly) Grasshopper built Woods Mow'n'Machine with the front deck. As mentioned in other threads here and there, the front deck mower was more stable on hills. I used to pull a two behind with the Woods and while I still had to pick and choose my routes, I know that the SCAG would be spinning on areas where the front mount would keep going. The Woods also had dual rear castor wheels, not the single center mounted wheel.

Anyway, I wanted the highest cutting possible cutting height possible. This SCAG model is six inches. I needed that for both my pasture mowing and mowing the rough area between my fence line and the surrounding tree line. Power? LOL, I think I would be able to cut two foot deep heavy grass and not skip a beat.

One "thing" with this mower and perhaps it is the engine size is the amount of debris in the air? Looking at my grass, I would not think it would be that dry but when I mow, the dust and debris are flying every which way from Sunday to the point where I need to wear a facemask. I won't complain too much about it though, the 23hp Woods did not seem to discharge enough.

 

[EddieWalker]

I bought a SCAG ... when I mow, the dust and debris are flying every which way from Sunday to the point where I need to wear a facemask.

On my Scag, I put some super aggressive mulching blades on it and they increased the amount of dust and debris coming out from under the front of my deck that it made mowing painful and very uncomfortable every time I went over bare ground. Then one day while scraping the underside of my deck, I noticed that there was a piece of angle iron shaped to fit on the inside front of the deck that had bolts with slots in the metal that allowed me to lower it. I lowered it all the way down to block the debris flying out the front as much as possible. This made a significant difference to the amount of "stuff" that I had to choke on. Then I went back to the Scag factory mowing blades and totally eliminated the problem. Now that's all I use on my mower. I buy two sets every Spring and change them out about mid July.

 

[QRTRHRS]

On my Scag, I put some super aggressive mulching blades on it and they increased the amount of dust and debris coming out from under the front of my deck that it made mowing painful and very uncomfortable every time I went over bare ground. Then one day while scraping the underside of my deck, I noticed that there was a piece of angle iron shaped to fit on the inside front of the deck that had bolts with slots in the metal that allowed me to lower it. I lowered it all the way down to block the debris flying out the front as much as possible. This made a significant difference to the amount of "stuff" that I had to choke on. Then I went back to the Scag factory mowing blades and totally eliminated the problem. Now that's all I use on my mower. I buy two sets every Spring and change them out about mid July.

I know what you are referring to. I need to take a look at that bracket to see if it is where it needs to be.

 

[ustmd]

Just an update for everyone.

I appreciate all of the input.

Life got in the way, so even though I started this thread back in June, I just bought the new mower this week. I decided on the Hustler Fras Trac 54. I just ran it for 3 hours this afternoon and I was very happy with it.

As with many equipment decision, it came down to the dealer. The Grizzly dealer near me tried to talk me into an off brand under powered unit--the entire time I was there I felt like I was dealing with a bad used car salesman. I ended up going back to the dealer where I got my tractor. I have gotten great service from them over the years and I have always felt that I have gotten trustworthy information from them.

 

[dragoneggs]

Congratulations... enjoy the ride!:thumbsup:

 

[dalola]

Great choice, Hustler is a very good brand. Should give you a lifetime of excellent service. Enjoy your reduced mowing time!

 

[dragoneggs]

Great choice, Hustler is a very good brand. Should give you a lifetime of excellent service. Enjoy your reduced mowing time!

Yes, when I moved from garden tractor/mower to my Z turn I was amazed at the time savings not to mention, it is more fun.

 

[Molalla1]

Congratulations. . .you made a great choice. . .not a thing wrong with a Hustler.

 

[dalola]

Yes, when I moved from garden tractor/mower to my Z turn I was amazed at the time savings not to mention, it is more fun.

Haha....not sure about more fun! The ONLY thing I hate about mid-deck ZTR's is always sitting in the debris cloud. Pretty filthy job. I much prefer operating the BX/RFM, but takes too long, and cut quality is no where near my Yazoo. I use the BX/RFM like a bush hog at the camp, and keep the Yazoo on the "nice" yard....