Why zero-turn mowers?

[LBrown59]

how do I hold my beverage when both hands are needed to drive the thing?

That does it: Kills the deal for me!

 

[LBrown59]

Zero-turn mowers are wonderful machines.

I don't own one and can't afford the cost for myself, but, watching them work is a sight to see. ZTRs are generally overpowered for their deck-size and overbuilt for their horsepower.

How many broke down zero-turn threads do you see on here?

Credit where credit is do. Do all property owners need one? No, would just be serious overkill.

Do people cutting multiple acres with time as an issue need one? They are to be seriously looked at because they are proven pieces of equipment.

Of course there are fewer of them than tractors.

 

[TrippleT]

Zero turn mowers are very fast and I really considered getting one when I got my NH tractor. I have a JD LX188 and a 414 Wheel Horse as well. And it took 12 hours to mow my lawn. However I cut the time way down with the TC33D and a 72in rear finish mower. And, I can use the NH for other things with the loader and brush cutter too. That is the only reason I didn't get a zero turn mower.

 

[zzvyb6]

As usual, nobody has actually answered the Question. So here goes:

If you have a LOT of small trees (evergreens are good example) that you've just started and you want to cut around their trunks without accidently shearing some of them off, then a zero+ turn radius mower will allow you to circumnavigate each tree perfectly without slowing down. I've mowed around 300 such trees for 25 years now with a JD 525 pedal to the metal and now they are 20' feet tall. You don't want to do that with any other kind of mower. There are so many mower drivers that poke along at half speed, recutting the grass they just did in corners or where-ever. A ZTR mower is narrow enough and maneuverable enough to keep the machine moving at full throttle. If you are not operating it this way, you are wasting your time and energy (literally).

 

[montanaman]

It is all a matter of time for most. If mowing the grass is the only time you can get away from your husband or wife for a while, then don't buy a ZTR mower!! If you would rather be playing golf or if you mow for a living, then get a ZTR.

Things to keep in mind about some of the ZTRs. I sell the Dixie Chopper mowers and the larger ones are rated to tow 2,000lbs and they have a lifetime warranty on the frame. They also make snow blades for them. Not only will they mow in half the time or less, they will plow snow in half the time too! The largest unit I have, a 74", will mow a football field in 9 minutes.

The point is that some of the newer ones CAN replace the garden tractor for pulling and plowing.

If you want to run a tiller then no ZTR can help you there.

Ken

 

[ccsial]

They also make snow blades for them. Not only will they mow in half the time or less, they will plow snow in half the time too!
Ken

I have a freind that would disagree with this. He tried it and could not get traction up the grades.

 

[coobie]

Why spend twice the money on something that's only going to be used half as Much ?

To each his own I guess?My personal time is worth something to me how about yours?If I can save some time mowing to spend more time with my family I will do it.How do you put a price on that?I want to add we own 45 acres and of that I mow about 5-6 acres around trees and such.A ZTR is worth it to me. coobie

 

[RollTideRam]

I tried a ztr and just did not like it, I guess it takes practice to drive one. I spread some mulch around my trees so I don't have to get real close. I mow my 2.75 acres in 1.5 hours including the trimming. My x495 mows at 8mph and has power steering and a 62 inch cut. It probably cost more than most ztr's but it is what I like to use. If I had to use a smaller mower, I would probably learn to drive the ztr. JC

 

[2manyrocks]

It does take practice. We had a retaining wall at the edge of our lawn at our old house with about a 2 foot dropoff, and I was always a little cautious cutting up to the edge of it with the ZTR.

If you have a lot of wide open space, then a ZTR may not be for you. If you have a lot of trees to mow around or an irregular shaped yard, then a ZTR makes sense. But if you're not comfortable with it, I see your point.

 

[ccsial]

To each his own I guess?My personal time is worth something to me how about yours?If I can save some time mowing to spend more time with my family I will do it.How do you put a price on that?I want to add we own 45 acres and of that I mow about 5-6 acres around trees and such.A ZTR is worth it to me. coobie

Your exactly right, to each his own. The ZTR is no doubt faster if you have obstacles and a fairly smooth lawn.

However, I am semi retired and driving around on a tractor is a great way to enjoy my scenic property. I also like a hand free for a drink and swatting any bugs that land on me. I have driven the ZTR at Church and I didn't like all the clippings out front that blow on me either. I have a lot of trees but not many in my yards. I do the samller yards with the X748 and 54" and the large ones with a 72" RFM on the L3400. The large yards are a bity bumpy for a ZTR anyway. For me, I have the perfect solution. But, just for me.

And they both get snow duty. The L3400 with a blower and the 748 with a blade. My 1910 gets lonely in the winter and sometimes I just take if for a ride.