Why are Zero-Turn Mowers so Expensive?

[stubborn]

From what little browsing I have done most Zero-Turn Mowers (ZTM) seem to be priced kinda high, at least compared to a "regular" tractor. Home Depot and Lowe's has a Deere and Cub Cadet, both with 38" decks (I think), non mulching (which is what I want) and both machines are priced at $3K. I bought a Cub Cadet LT1050 mulching tractor for $2200 last year.

Are ZTM machines that much more expensive to build? If I did get one it would need to have a 48" (minimum) mulching deck and I would like to not pay more than $2500. I have about 4 acres to mow and lots of it is paths. I found this Husqvarna 48" ZTM at Sears for $3K but that still seems expensive. Maybe it's just me.

 

[Taiser]

ZT's are a different machine from the get go since many have commercial applications. Sorry to say but your cub is at the bottom scale of machines, it's basically to compete with the low end JD's (100 series). There are not many (any?) really basic low end ZT's out there and the ones that are there probably sell once for every 10 tractors (my guesstimate only).

If you go to the Cub 2000 series and up then you'll see the prices get much closer. Not only that but standard tractors outsell the ZT's by a big margin = less production = higher cost but their is still a good market for ZT's or they wouldn't be selling them !

 

[whodat90]

Because they're worth it. I went from a lawn tractor to a RFM to a front mount ZTR, and it's amazing how much better and faster it cuts. Lawn tractors are made to do lots of things, and they do all of them adequately. ZTRs are designed to cut, and they do it amazingly well. FWIW, look at something other than the current expensive midmounts, I went with a slightly older frontmount and saved lots of money. Good ZTRs cost about 3/4 of what a subcut costs. The thing is, they'll last forever. A lawn tractor nowadays is a throwaway, you may get a couple years out of them or you may not. They're in a whole different category as far as quality and longevity.

 

[JSUnlimited]

I'd say by the lot size you indicated on your profile, you might be better off with something along the commercial line.

You can check this post out,

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/cub-cadet/91438-new-toy-m-60-tank.html

And yes, they are expensive!

 

[montejw]

From what little browsing I have done most Zero-Turn Mowers (ZTM) seem to be priced kinda high, at least compared to a "regular" tractor. Home Depot and Lowe's has a Deere and Cub Cadet, both with 38" decks (I think), non mulching (which is what I want) and both machines are priced at $3K. I bought a Cub Cadet LT1050 mulching tractor for $2200 last year.

Are ZTM machines that much more expensive to build? If I did get one it would need to have a 48" (minimum) mulching deck and I would like to not pay more than $2500. I have about 4 acres to mow and lots of it is paths. I found this Husqvarna 48" ZTM at Sears for $3K but that still seems expensive. Maybe it's just me.

Twice as many hydrostatic transmissions might be part of it.

 

[workinallthetime]

for years i have mowed with a john deere 430 or 455 both diesel both w/ 60 inch cut. This year I bought a 11,400.00 kubota zd326 and the difference is night and day. I dont know to much about the low end models but maybe the cost is also due to the makeup of the transmission having to deliver foreward to one wheel and reverse to the other, i THINK they have actually got 2 hydo units where your lawan tractor has 1 clutch drive trans in most low end units. hydro alone is a upgrade on any unit. you might look into a used jd 455 it would mow your 4 acres quickly and have the diesel power to last for years to come. the 430 and 455 i had were both bought used w/ over 2k hours for around 3500.00 and since its a tractor you can do alot more with it. I live on 2 acres but I maintain 12 total for free and then I have commercial accounts alos.
good luck

 

[hosejockey2002]

The commercial grade ZTRs cost twice (or more) as much, but will last many times as long. They are designed to mow 40 hours a week. The consumer grade mowers are made to mow 2 hours a week. A ZTR will outmow a lawn tractor by at least a 2/1 margin.

 

[jcmseven]

I have found the wide marging actually not to be the case in my experience. I have mowed extensively with a 595 X series JD, a 3720 with a 72" RFM and a 757 60" ZTR JD. I am reasonably accomplished with all machines and feel my data is fairly repeatable. The fastest one is---the ZTR. It will cut about 20-30% time of most reasonable mowing jobs and will do a great job on lawns that are relatively flat, smooth and filled with obstacles. It struggles some on rough or uneven terrain and steep hills can be an adventure. My 595 was not as fast, but still pretty fast and would outmow a ZTR on steep hills, due to its MFWD and standard steering wheel setup. My 3720 would come within literally a few minutes on wide open jobs as the ZTR, but of course struggled in tight spaces due to its size. Surprisingly though, it did not drop much time and the rougher the terrain the better it did. For deep grass or wide open areas, it was actually the best cut and close to the fastest. My dad currently has the ZTR, and it is a really nice machine. His lawn is perfect for a ZTR, fairly flat with some knolls, smooth with some landscaped gardens and no low hanging limbs. I can cut his three acres in about 1.25 hours and do a good job. The 595 would cut it in about 1.8 hours and the 3720 in 1.5-1.6. The question, though, is why are the ZTR's expensive. My perception is they are not. My dad's commercial level 757 JD actually cost us $7400 last year. An equivalent gasoline powered X series tractor is around $8500-9000. The cheaper ZTR's can be had for $3000-4000 but where they cut corners is largely in the engine and the hydraulic pumps. There is a huge difference in motor/pump apparati and a cheap one will only give about two years decent service in normal use. A good high end ZTR will go 1000-2000 before any problems are likely to occur. Many ZTR's these days are going diesel due to their increased mowing torque and fuel economy. These engines will really drive up the price of the machine--and generally the motors and pumps are similar, so the actual longevity is not much more. I know some commercial mowers who get 3000 hours from their machines, but these are exceptions. In summary, for what one gets, the ZTR's are really not excessively priced, but if you go commercial be prepared to pay a bit more.

John M

 

[stubborn]

Thanks to all for the great replies! Yes, I knew that my LT1050 was sort of at the "bottom end" but it does a fairly good job. Having said that, I would like to cut some time off of my 4-hour mowing process. Since my property has lots of trails and roundabouts I find myself going over some patches again & again. I like that the LT1050 can mow in reverse and that is something that I would want in a ZTR.

I just looked at MTD's website and found the Troy-Bilt Mustang ZT 50" for a MSRP of $3K. I don't know if I can use mulching blades but that is a must for me. What are some other good brands/models of ZTR mowers? I see that Cub Cadet also has a 50" RZT 50 for $3K. MTD also has a White ZT 50 for $3300.

Deere has the EZtrak Z425 with a 48" deck for $4K but this is out of my price range (included for comparison only). Of all the MTD brands and the Husqvarna in my OP and the Craftsman 50" ZTR Mower (model #2690641) well, I honestly don't know where to start! Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[coasterez]

Have you considered a commercial walk-behind, perhaps with a svelky? Around here, most landscape contractors seem to prefer the large walk behinds. Perhaps they are just more versatile; or they might just be the fastest for varied landscapes.

Beware of MTD. You get what you pay for. Having said that, my father got 14 years out of a cheap $900 craftsman lawn tractor, and the guy we sold it to is still using it, now going on 16 years. However, for as much land as you have, I wouldn't think the "cheap" machines would hold up.

I would suggest you also look into a good used JD with all-wheel-steer. I have a JD 425 AWS. What a grass cutting machine! I think simplicity also made some AWS models. A good used one can be had for about $3000 or so.

 

[scott_vt]

From what little browsing I have done most Zero-Turn Mowers (ZTM) seem to be priced kinda high, at least compared to a "regular" tractor. Home Depot and Lowe's has a Deere and Cub Cadet, both with 38" decks (I think), non mulching (which is what I want) and both machines are priced at $3K. I bought a Cub Cadet LT1050 mulching tractor for $2200 last year.

Are ZTM machines that much more expensive to build? If I did get one it would need to have a 48" (minimum) mulching deck and I would like to not pay more than $2500. I have about 4 acres to mow and lots of it is paths. I found this Husqvarna 48" ZTM at Sears for $3K but that still seems expensive. Maybe it's just me.

Mornin Stubborn,
Take a look at the deal Home Depot has on there Toro Z4200. 42" cut 19hp Kohler Command engine for $2499. If its a first time purchase on HD credit card take off 10% bringing the total price to $2250 plus tax. I was thinking about a 6 ft rear finish mower for my Massey, but the more I think about it the small ZTR makes more sence. I wont have to remove my bushog everytinme I want to cut the lawn ! I believe they offer a 3yr warranty. I believe that machine can mow 1 3/4 acre per hour !

 

[Bird]

a cheap one will only give about two years decent service in normal use

Sure hope you're mistaken about how long a cheap one will last, since my cheap Toro is already 6 months over that two year limit. So far the only maintenance has been to change oil a couple of times a year, clean the air filter a bit, blow the dust and debris off the whole machine with compressed air after each use, and I just recently put a new spark plug in it; might not have been needed, but I figured after a couple of years it might be a good idea. I do, admittedly, have a small yard to mow, and it sure does that mowing in a hurry, but I also occasionally pull a lawn dethatcher and a lawn sweeper with it.

 

[jcmseven]

Bird,

I know you can always get great service from your machines because of your maintenence and care of them. I think the Toro machine you have has quite good motors and componentry and should give you many more years good service. I suppose it still greatly boils down to maintenence, some luck and how many actual hours go on the machine.

John M

 

[stubborn]

Mornin Stubborn,
Take a look at the deal Home Depot has on there Toro Z4200. 42" cut 19hp Kohler Command engine for $2499. If its a first time purchase on HD credit card take off 10% bringing the total price to $2250 plus tax. I was thinking about a 6 ft rear finish mower for my Massey, but the more I think about it the small ZTR makes more sence. I wont have to remove my bushog everytinme I want to cut the lawn ! I believe they offer a 3yr warranty. I believe that machine can mow 1 3/4 acre per hour !

Thanks for the tip. I just looked at Home Depot and found the Toro Z5000 50" ZTR for $2800. I did not know about the 10% discount when using the HD CC. Alas, as I am near completion of a $12K++ landscaping project a ZTR mower will probably have to wait until next season which is OK b/c by then there should be some nice used models available.

BTW, one thing that is unclear to me: Most ZTRs that I have looked at (on the web) appear to be set up for bagging but I want to mulch. Is it unusual to mulch with a ZTR or are there any drawbacks?

 

[Lions_TX]

I did a quick google, "zero turn mulching mower". It appears to me that some companies such as EZ Mark, Dixon, and Areins, sell a conversion kit, not sure they make one for the make and model you are looking at, but perhaps you could do a little looking and/or calling around and see if its available.

Hope that helps...
Lions

 

[stubborn]

I did a quick google, "zero turn mulching mower". It appears to me that some companies such as EZ Mark, Dixon, and Areins, sell a conversion kit, not sure they make one for the make and model you are looking at, but perhaps you could do a little looking and/or calling around and see if its available.

Hope that helps...
Lions

Thanks for that info. Actually, after I posted I took a second look at the Toro & Cub Cadet pages and found that they both offer mulching kits.

 

[Bird]

When I bought my Toro, I told the dealer I wanting mulching. Whether he changed the blades, I don't know, but I do know he installed the cover that blocked the discharge chute, but delivered the discharge chute with the mower in case I ever change my mind. At any rate, it does a good job of mulching.

 

[scott_vt]

When I bought my Toro, I told the dealer I wanting mulching. Whether he changed the blades, I don't know, but I do know he installed the cover that blocked the discharge chute, but delivered the discharge chute with the mower in case I ever change my mind. At any rate, it does a good job of mulching.

Mornin Bird,
Which model Toro did you end up getting ?

 

[Bird]

Scotty, if you click on the link in my first post, it'll take you directly to the model I have. I'm not sure why they apparently call it a Z380 now and called it a 14-38Z when I bought mine. I don't see any changes; 14 hp Briggs, 38" cut. Even the price is the same, although my dealer knocked $200 off the price on the Internet. For a small yard, I was deliberating looking for the smallest one I could find. I routinely go back and forth through a 4' gate, although I do have another bigger gate that I use for my trailers. With the deck housing, I doubt that even a 42" cut model would fit through that 4' gate.

 

[JSUnlimited]

I have found the wide marging actually not to be the case in my experience.
John M

John, after I read the the above quoted sentence I can say that since I have owned a Z-turn, my mowing/trimming time has greatly decreased. I used to mow with my TC24DA and a Woods 60" RDM. With the tractor, it would take me nearly 4 hours. This time did not include time spent with the push-mower covering spots I could not get with the tractor. Since owning the Z-turn, I can have ALL of the mowing/trimming done completely in under 2 hours.

I will also say that I have some pretty decent slopes that when on the tractor in 4wd, made me nervous. Obviously the ground speed that the Z-turn has over the tractor is much higher, thus cutting mowing time in half. As far as the hills are concerned, I am honestly more comfortable on the Z-turn. It's all about technique.

However.....in four hours of running time on the tractor, I was lucky to burn less than a 1/2 tank (capacity a little over 5 gallons) of diesel. With the gasoline Z-turn (14 gallon cap., 2-7 gallons tanks), I'd say I could use nearly 5 gallons of gas. Obviously the diesel takes the winners circle there! The Cub-Cadet "Tank" that I bought was offered with a Cat diesel, but with a $14-15,000 price tag, I went for the Kohler 27hp instead.

I guess it's all in what and how much a person is doing. Since I am using the mower for myself only and the amount I mow, the commercial grade model made sense to me.