Why are lawn tractors so slow?

[beenthere]

My X485 goes quite fast, and much faster than the 455. The 455 maxed out is all the faster I want to mow. Mainly because of the rough ride, the quality of the cut, and I enjoy the ride.

The 425 is faster than the 455, but not as fast as the X485.

As to "how fast" ? Not important to me.

 

[brown40]

I think it'd take a bipartisanly agreed upon act of congress to tip over most zero turns--lawn tractors are much less stable, and still offer a nice wide cut with capabilities for trailers, tillers, etc. zero turns can't offer. Like a dedicated backhoe is a better backhoe, a bobcat is a better material handler, and a forklift makes a better forklift, versions of tractors offer like capabilities with generally much better adaptability than the dedicated machine. If you have large areas to mow, the zero turn is the best option out there to get it done fast--unless you have the property to justify a gang mower.

 

[AuCivil]

I think it'd take a bipartisanly agreed upon act of congress to tip over most zero turns--lawn tractors are much less stable,

I guess it is the stability. I have a 345 that is spec'ed at 7 mph and I mow wao on the straights if the grass isn't too high. I do slow for the turns but I guess there are folks that would try turns too fast, flip, then blame the manufacturer.

 

[KennyG]

There is also the factor of blade speed. If I remember correctly, a Z-turn or a compact tractor deck like my JD 62D turns about twice the rpm of the typical garden/lawn tractor. That makes a difference in how heavy the deck, spindles and drive needs to be built. I can mow cleanly full speed in high range with my 2320 (probably 10 to 12 mph) but most lawns aren't smooth enough to stay on the tractor at that speed.

 

[bigtiller]

I mowed really fast once with my 3 year old JD 2305. It gave my kidneys and abdominal muscles quite a work out. I even had to stop periodically to catch my breath but i really saved some time!

But it was so much of a bouncy ride that the battery shorted out AND my stomach was so upset i couldn't drink a beer for the rest of the day.

 

[MossRoad]

My tractor has a top speed of 8mph. If I mow that fast, the deck bounces and I get a very uneven cut.

 

[coobie]

I am fighting the zero-turn urge. The cutting speed on the higher end ZT models is impressive (12-13 mph). I don't understand why the JD X700 series is so much slower (8.5mph). I really like the tractor style where you steer with one hand and control the speed with your foot. If the mowing speed was close to the same it would be a no brainer.

I have owned 2 ferris ZTR,s and 1 Kubota 326 pro commercial model ZTR.I now own a JD X740 series (diesel)with commercial 7 iron 60 inch deck.This is my take,loved the ZTR but you will NEVER be able to mow at top speed unless you are on a rut/bump free lawn.How many times does that happen?I can tell you my X740 turns very sharp and maneuvers around my trees with ease almost as close as my ZTR did without the rear wheel spin ZTR,s have.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

I am fighting the zero-turn urge. The cutting speed on the higher end ZT models is impressive (12-13 mph). I don't understand why the JD X700 series is so much slower (8.5mph). I really like the tractor style where you steer with one hand and control the speed with your foot. If the mowing speed was close to the same it would be a no brainer.

Please don't take this as a malicious comment, but have you ever tried to mow at 12-13 mph?
My X739 does not have a speedo, but I rarely mow at top speed with it. At PTO rpm's the 3320 will easily do 12 mph, but I'd never consider that speed for mowing - especially without a seat belt to keep me in the cab.

 

[grnspot110]

In a word --- lawyers!

 

[beenthere]

In a word --- lawyers!

Nahh! I'd say "plain common sense" and desire to have a nice looking lawn.