Want a zero turn mower, but what to get?

[sweettractors]

Starting to research zero turn mowers, but holy cow, there's so many out there I don't know where to begin!

I'm familiar with all the major brands (Hustler, Ex-mark, Badboy, Scag, Ferris, etc), but there seems to be a lot of variances out there.

I've read a lot on all the "features" each offers, but frankly, some of it I wouldn't know what is better and what isn't.

Kinda hoping some zero turn owners can help me out.

I'm not sure exactly the acreage I mow around my place, but to give you an idea...I currently have an older Craftsman 18HP 42" cut rider and if I go to it, with minimal breaks it takes me about 6 to 6.5 hours to mow everything I need to mow. Needless to say, it's a full day and I'm pretty beat when done, especially when it is sunny (I get a nice tan though!). During this time of year I am pretty much stuck mowing every weekend and if I miss a weekend it turns into a two day affair because the grass is too thick (can't cut full width and it is much slower going).

The yard is fairly rough too. Some areas bounce me around pretty good, so have to go slow.

I know one thing for sure, I'm not looking to spend $12,000 for one of the super upper end machines, I can't afford that. I'd like to stay $8,000 or less (actually, preferably even less than that, but after looking around I've at least figured out I'm not going to get enough machine for too much less).
I'd prefer a new machine vs used.

With all that said, any particular recommendations? Kinda hoping there are some with some sort of suspension in that price range, but so many models out there. I'd like at least a 61" cutting deck, maybe even a 72" if they offer something like that in that price range.

items in DIXON store on eBay!


Above is a link to some of our Dixon ZTR mowers. They invented the ZTR about 40 yrs ago. All the rest are "Johnny come latelys". Dixon is now owned by Husqvarna. Shipping is cheap. Ken Sweet

 

[Ram4x4]

Local Tractor Supply sells Badboys. They have one on display, $4995 with a 60" cut and I think 27HP briggs or kohler, don't recall. I sat on it briefly. Seems beefy, but that seems like a low price compared to the other 60"+ decks and higher HP. No suspension on it though.

 

[cflowers]

Ram, think your right. the one for 5 grand is their bottom of the line mower. its a decent mower but yeah it has no suspension. Where I got mine, the guy sold a the same mower to some guys that mow the Missouri State Fair gounds. The guy had over 2000 hours on the liquid cooled Kawasaki. The only thing I have replaced is a spring on the deck (under a recall, after mine broke) and a belt. My dealer and the guys at Batesville are a bunch of rednecks in a good way. Hence the name bad boy. they are bad ace. lol. I would just look for a dealer in your area that has been around the longest and see what they sell and recommend. they didn't stay in business for that long, selling junk and making people mad. good luck with your purchase.

 

[PVHIII]

My suggestion would be to see what dealers you have to choose from in your area...the dealer you purchase from is every bit as important as the mower you purchase.If you have a Hustler dealer In your area with a good reputation for Customer service...Demo a Hustler Fastrak SD with a 60 inch deck (which would be in your price range) they're very durable machines and I can't say enough about how well Hustler stands behind their equipment and their customers trust me I know..and if you do decide to go with it pick up a set of flex forks for it makes the ride a lot smoother and will in my opinion reduce the stress on your investment as well..Hustler also has a 4 yr 800 HR warranty and the Fastrak SD is their best residential unit and until they came out with theX1 was listed amongst their commercial units.. everything on this mower screams commercial.. which is why they also offer a 2 YR 400 HR commercial warranty.. but as I said see for yourself and demo one.. good luck making your decision

 

[Gary Fowler]

I just bought a Ferris IS 700 with 52" deck and 23 HP Kawasaki engine. The reason I went with the Ferris is the spring over shock suspension system. It does make a world of difference in riding comfort. MY yard is mostly ex-pasture with lots of rough holes from cows, tractors etc. The Ferris really smoothed it out and allows me to run much faster than I could with my Craftsman without the bone jarring reactions to hitting a pothole. I love it. I went from about 5 hours of mowing time to 2 hours of comfortable mowing. Mine was $6800 including tax from my New Holland dealer who doesn't discount much from MSRP. YOU might get a better deal than that especially if you are buying in the fall.
My yard has a lot of hills, dips etc and the 52" is wider than I should be using due to scalping on some side slopes with that width but I wouldn't want anything much smaller even if I do get a little scalping when I go over uneven terrain.

 

[lightninboy]

My Mahindra dealer carries Country Clipper ZT mowers. Never heard of them. They look good and the deck stands up for easy cleaning. I guess I could check them out.

Local dealer and an easy-cleaning deck. What more could you ask for?

 

[PoorPlowboy]

Drive a Ferris, and you'll realize all others are obsolete.

 

[PVHIII]

Drive a Ferris, and you'll realize all others are obsolete.

I doubt that...what engine you have on that Ferris?

 

[PVHIII]

It s cheaper due to that Kohler engine

 

[PoorPlowboy]

Ferris doesnt use Kohler. Ferris is owned by Briggs & Stratton and uses their own engines along with Kawasaki. Mine has a 36hp Vanguard big block.