Buying Advice Tips and Guidelines before buying a Zero Turn Mower

[ztrjim]

I've noticed a lot of people asking questions about buying zero turn mowers here lately. I am in the market as well and came across some great information here. :confused2: Trying to figure out what the best mower is for your property can be confusing.... You have to think about so many factors, Tires, deck, belts, engine, cutting size, comfort, reliability, what type of deck, warranty, price, etc....

What to Consider before Buying a Zero Turn Mower Guide/

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I have been in the lawn care business for 12 years and I have bought many zero turn mowers.

For me, the most important thing to consider when buying a mower is what kind of service will I get from the dealer. And that is not even mentioned in that article.

Will the dealer be able to service my mower when I need it? Does he stock the parts I need. Do I feel comfortable dealing with them?

Most brands are fairly equal in price, features, quality, etc. But, there are huge differences in dealers.

 

[Bird]

I have been in the lawn care business for 12 years and I have bought many zero turn mowers.

For me, the most important thing to consider when buying a mower is what kind of service will I get from the dealer. And that is not even mentioned in that article.

Will the dealer be able to service my mower when I need it? Does he stock the parts I need. Do I feel comfortable dealing with them?

Most brands are fairly equal in price, features, quality, etc. But, there are huge differences in dealers.

I agree. I'm not in the lawn care business, but the dealer is the main reason I have a Toro.

 

[EddieWalker]

Gotta agree with dealer support being number one. Same thing when buying a tractor.

Eddie

 

[ztrjim]

thank you, I never even considered that

 

[2458n]

I had a great dealer who stocked all the parts needed and had been in business since 1982.Had a bunch of old Poulan and Homelite saw stuff.Was always going to get it on the net. He passed away in September. Was a one man operation and son does not want the business. Did not expect it to end. Really missed now.

 

[ztrjim]

I used to own a Hustler raptor, This time around I was thinking about a Bad Boy or Kubota. But I really like the new features of the Hustler Raptor SD coming out in 2015 with the flip up deck.

 

[banshee42096]

In this area exmark is top of the food chain I know several lawn care owners that won't touch anything else.Kubota is right there also.all depends on your need.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Kubota,Hustler,Exmark,John Deere,Scag make great stuff. Some Husqavarna and Cub Cadets,Toros and most big box mowers should be avoided or at least expected to be a short time(5 years or so) fix.

 

[Blaneypark]

I have had Ferris, Grasshopper zero turn but now Wright Standers, One 61" deck and two with 52"decks. Would take the Wrights over anything. Made in in the USA

 

[whistlepig]

I work in a large industrial park and all the landscapers that take care of the lawns are hauling Exmarks for what that is worth. We bought a Ferris because our neighbors have been using them and the dealer for years. I prefer a welded deck verses a stamped deck. No matter what type of mower.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

If I was buying one right now, it would probably be a Grasshopper front mount, Scag or John Deere. I keep reading great things about the JD with the 7 iron PRO deck (not the MOD) deck.

But my dealer, who handles Ferris, Scag, Grasshopper and Snapper, prefers Scag over the others. We see more Scags on LCO trailers down here than anything else.

 

[LiveRoll]

One quick tip I found, prior to purchasing a mower, or thinking of upgrading to a wider mower, a person always has to consider the places he will be mowing, eg, distances between trees etc, it is always nice to upgrade to a larger high performance zero-turn, but my last upgrade from a ZD18 Kubota with I think a 48 or so inch deck to a ZD332 but had to order it with the smallest deck available a 52"; still allowing me to fit between the majority of the trees on the property So it basically works out when mowing by running the smaller width deck I only have to make an extra couple of "laps"

Cheers

Roger

 

[banshee42096]

First thing is decide is you want a commercial grade zero or residential.it seperates a lot of mowers personally I think commercial is designed to last a lifetime with proper maint.and the others just about 5 years.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

First thing is decide is you want a commercial grade zero or residential.it seperates a lot of mowers personally I think commercial is designed to last a lifetime with proper maint.and the others just about 5 years.

In my experience, commercial mowers start needing more repairs at about 1000 hours which is about how long I keep mine.

And residential mowers will start needing more repairs at about 200 hours.

 

[FTG-05]

In my experience, commercial mowers start needing more repairs at about 1000 hours which is about how long I keep mine.

And residential mowers will start needing more repairs at about 200 hours.

I want to get a used commercial ZTR for my 38 acre farm (2-5 acres to mow). What make do you recommend and what make would you not recommend?

Thanks,

 

[mowin]

Kubota,Hustler,Exmark,John Deere,Scag make great stuff. Some Husqavarna and Cub Cadets,Toros and most big box mowers should be avoided or at least expected to be a short time(5 years or so) fix.

Each manufacturer has there homeowner and commercial lines. I agree the homeowner line wont last to long in a commercial setting. Toro is on most trailer's in my area including my trailer. I have 1200 hrs on my 4 yr old toro 6000 series G3. No major issues.

I I also agree dealer support is very important. Shop for your dealer, than the mower....

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I want to get a used commercial ZTR for my 38 acre farm (2-5 acres to mow). What make do you recommend and what make would you not recommend?

Thanks,

I consider most brands of commercial mowers to be of equal quality. Again, try to find a brand that a dealer, who you are comfortable with, can service for you.

Having said that, I currently have Scags, and I have had John Deere and Exmark in the past. Of those three brands, I like the Scag best.

 

[banshee42096]

toro is either owned by exmark or vs versa cant remember off hand that's why the toro higher end zeros are nice.scag is a great machine I feel around here its pricey same as deere.i found a 2012 exmark lazer z with 195 hours on it mint condition for 3500 still had warranty on it.if you look long enough and don't jump on the first one you see you can get great machines used.

 

[mowin]

toro is either owned by exmark or vs versa cant remember off hand that's why the toro higher end zeros are nice.scag is a great machine I feel around here its pricey same as deere.i found a 2012 exmark lazer z with 195 hours on it mint condition for 3500 still had warranty on it.if you look long enough and don't jump on the first one you see you can get great machines used.

Toro owns Exmark. They are the exact same mower except for the decks. Exmark still uses there ultracut deck. Toro's warranty is 5yr 1200 hr, and I belive Exmark is 3/500. Scag, like your area, are pricey compared to the other major brands.