Which Zero Turn Mower?

[OKnewguy]

Hey CJ4, there is another thread talking about the badboy ztr from TSC.
Just FYI,
Is your place greening up well? We moved out to our place 3 years ago and when we bought it everything looked so great and green, then for the past 2 years we have had so little rain that my large field never came in well, but this spring it looks great! I wonder if the local lakes have filled any, I have a friend who lives near Thunderbird. He swings by every once in a while, and checks the lake out. As of a month ago, he said that water was 40' from the end of the boat ramp. Lets hope we continue to get some h2o.
Dave

 

[slowrev]

Check out the Bad Boy mower at TSC. It is built like a tank.

 

[workinallthetime]

hello my fellow okies, nice to see some guys close to my neck of the woods.
i just bought a kubota zd326 great mower, big money for a mower also. if you are like me you like to buy new but ill tell you since i bought my ztr i have found dozens of deals on used commercial grade ztr's. craigs list almost always has some on there and some with low hours even. seems if you could get a used commercial unit for not alot of money you might be happy for years. i know guy who is selling a 72" toro with a kubota diesel for 3500.oo but its pretty old. new the thing would be around 15k to 20k its a front mount mower not a ztr but turns like one and is 4 wheel drive i think. anyway look at some dealers for used units or craigs list if you want to go that way. the drought we had last year put alot of LCO,s out of business.
have fun guy

 

[RedDog]

Be sure and check out Country Clipper. Joystick steering, or twin stick. Very nice mowers.

 

[Oleozz]

Since you're in the market for a ZTR and if you have a dealer close I would look at the Ferris. They are a commercial mower with good suspension systems. The cheapest Ferris starts at about $4900.
My Ferris has a 21 hp Kawasaki engine with a 48 inch cut. Some important components that you want to consider are the gear pumps and wheel motors. The Ferris comes with the Hydro gear pumps and the Parker wheel motors. The spindles are also important, some are aluminum, some cast iron. Like anything else you get what you pay for. With your rough ground I would definitely want a good suspension system on a ZTR. Ferris Industries, Commercial Mower Specialist, Zero-Turn, Walk Behind, Walk Behind Mowers, Riding Mowers, Ferris Mowers, Mowers, Mower, Commercial Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawnmowers, Suspension, Independent Suspension, New York, Syracuse, New York, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Central NY..

 

[Joe1]

Just a comment on your statement regarding problems with Craftsmen.

They sell a produce beginning at the entry level on up and therefore sell a great many machines that are avaliable throughout the country unlike some other brands. Since they are in the lower priced field they will of necessity be of a "lighter" build.

Because of the volume and price point, one would expect more complaints than on a much lower volume maching that is built with specs designed to attract a higher end customer.

Having said that, I do not own a Craftsmen tractor or mower so I can not speak from personal experience. One of my neighbors has a Craftsmen mower and only Craftsmen weed wackers and is generally satisfied with their products.

My only complaint about Craftsmen was that the sales people didn't know s*#t from Shinola about their products. With a minimum of reading I knew more than they did.

I would also think that you would be better purchasing from an established dealer that sells quality products and one that will be there in a few years to service them.

This is all just my opinion so take it for what it worth to yu.

 

[jcmseven]

I get somewhat uneasy when one is looking at a mid-priced or economy ZTR from a chain store, not a dealer. I own John Deere products, all commercial level, but have no delusions they make solely the best homeowner level ZTR's. I do not think they do. I do believe they are competitive and should be considered, though. The MOST important thing to me is getting your machine from a dealer. I DO NOT like box store sales of these type machines. I know many of these retailers offer warranty coverage, but it is just not the same. So, to me, Kubota, JD, Ferris, Gravely, Scag, whatever, are all OK choices and probably fairly equivalent, but the real separating factor is the dealer. Shop the dealer first, then the machine. Engine wise, I like Kawasaki for service, power and longevity. Kohler is OK and gets better fuel economy, and Briggs, well, is Briggs. The other very important thing are the pumps and motors. Research this a bit, there is a big difference in pump and motor quality, go for the best you can afford. Some companies spend extra on pretty finish work and nice do-dads at the expense of a nice set of wheel motors--not worth it.

John M

 

[Nasty135]

CJ4, I would make sure with 5 acres of rough riding that I had a machine upto the task which means commercial... heavy frame ,fab deck, good wheel motors (parker) ,as mention above kawasaki or kohler, You won't regret it when you can just hop on it and mow without worry... Buy something less and it could be a crap shoot, laced with headaches and $$$.
For instance I have a neighbor that has 3 riders ??? why because his 4acres is too much for his mowing style or technique I suppose. He will mow 2 or 3 times a week for a couple hrs. to finish it, then start all over again.. I kinda feel bad for him while I'm zipping back & forth he is standing next to his rider looking underneath it for you name it clogged chute belt fell off ,whatever, ok get the next player out,yada yada yada
Myself I just hop on my 60" commercial machine and mow a little less than 5 acres in 2hrs. Done til the next time it needs mowed...(this is why I bought it)
Another thing to look for with rough ground is a suspension seat or your will not be able to use the speed that the Z is capable of without beating yourself silly (this is very important) .
Good luck in your decision, its kinds tough because at 5cres your IMO getting borderline between needing something dependable that can mow faster (whats your time worth) and on the other hand 5acres of mowing shouldn't require breaking the bank... Your call I opted for the commercial obviously no regrets, YET!! that was 3yrs ago

 

[ctpres]

Just bought Toro Time cutter. Deciding factor afer all else was three year wty.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Rough and rocky? Are you absolutely sure you want a ZTR? Whatever you decide, mow with the mower on YOUR property before you write anybody a check. I think you may find any ZTR a bone jarring, nerve jangling workout.

I personally gave up on ZTR's and got a big (used) LGT (JD 455).

If you are committed to the ZTR idea, check our Ferris. They have fully independent suspension that might smooth out your ride. You'll have to go over your budget a bit, but I think you're going to beat a homeowner grade ZTR to death in a season or two on five acres.