Why are lawn tractors so slow?

   / Why are lawn tractors so slow? #1  

AuCivil

Silver Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2002
Messages
131
Location
Alabama
Tractor
JD4710
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.
 
   / Why are lawn tractors so slow? #2  
Very few people mow at above 8mph, no matter how fast the mower will go. It has to be golf green smooth to travel fast.
 
   / Why are lawn tractors so slow? #3  
I am guessing it's stability. My Deere LT mower tops out at about 6mph (5th gear), and that is bordering on scary when making tight turns. I never mow at that speed -- I normally mow in 2nd or 3rd, which is 2-3 mph.
 
   / Why are lawn tractors so slow? #4  
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.

Even worse if you actually measure their speed with gps... Most go no faster than 5 mph, despite their specs.

But I agree. If I could have found a garden tractor that would do 8 mph or more, I would have bought it. Z turns are awfully hard on the turf.
 
   / Why are lawn tractors so slow? #5  
My Cub goes a lot faster than I want.
 
   / Why are lawn tractors so slow? #6  
I don't know the answer, but my guess it stability also.
 
   / Why are lawn tractors so slow? #7  
Brake - going into the turns and Accelerate coming out. If your front-end is pushing, it may help to diamond the corners. :)
 
   / Why are lawn tractors so slow? #8  
My little JD lawn tractor goes faster a lot of the time than I could stay on it with my rough lawn.. I suppose if you had a nice golf course type lawn, we could talk about some more speed. Not to mention making turns, and getting a good cut...:)
 
   / Why are lawn tractors so slow? #9  
I would guess my riding mower can go 5-6 mph. A LOT faster than I ever mow. At top speed I would get bucked off in several rough areas of my lawn.

If you need to go 12-13 mph to get done - - what you really need is a lot larger mower.
 
   / Why are lawn tractors so slow? #10  
I have a JD x585 and I feel it travels fast. I wish it had the 2 speed like the 420 had. That's would be nice for plowing snow in the winter, I plow a few drives for friends or neighbors and getting around town it would be nice drive 14 mph between each. I would love a 2210 or something that size but that's 2 big for my yard.
 

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