Zero Turn buying advice

[Torvy]

I don't have enough 'lawn' for this, but my neighbor is looking. He's got about 60 total acres, but maybe 5 or 6 that need mowing. He's got a CUT already.

Looking to get him some good options. Give me 2 choices. One where price doesn't matter and one where you get the most bang for your buck.

 

[Hay Dude]

Diesel or gas?

 

[Travis_R]

The best bang for your buck, when it comes to residential zero turn mowers, is the Gravely ZT HD.

But for 5 or 6 acres, you’ll definitely want a Commercial mower. The Gravely Pro Turn Series and the Hustler Super Z is excellent options.

A lot of your post depends on what’s being sold around your location. If going with a gas engine, get a Kawasaki. Get a Commercial machine with big hydro pumps. Buy a good name brand from a good reputable dealer.
In my area, I see the commercial guys mainly running Gravely, Hustler, Scag, and John Deere.

I personally would stay away from Bad Boy mowers. Prices are eye catching, but the quality just isn’t there yet, in my opinion.

Good luck and please post back what he decided to buy!

Have a Blessed Day!

Travis

 

[Torvy]

Diesel or gas?

I dont know that he has a preference. We have a 'neighbor' group chat and so far the only advice he got was to get diesel. The tractor is, so he'll already have fuel. Nearest ethanol free is about 20 minutes away.

There's a Kubota dealer not far and JD is that same 20 minute drive. Lots of options within a hour or so (multiple directions).

He's retiring. They've had the place for as long as us, but have been just in from the city on weekends and such.

 

[Hay Dude]

I'd suggest a Kubota or Deere diesel
Good parts & service
Really like my ZD-1211's so far

 

[RjCorazza]

I prefer diesels. The ease of fuel handling alone makes it worth the extra expense for me.

 

[MMC]

I prefer diesels. The ease of fuel handling alone makes it worth the extra expense for me.

Absolutely agree if he has access to on farm diesel. I sold a really great Ferris ZTR with a 30HP Vanguard engine. Great mower, but big mowers drink a lot of gas. Not worth the hassle.

I currently have a Bad Boy diesel that's 12 years old with the CAT/Perkins engine. Cruder than the Ferris, but heavily built. Only a couple of small repairs done in the farm shop (and some of those frankly operator error...). Also have a Kubota front deck mower which I bought because it has the same great small diesel my RTV1100 has in it. I did the first complete service on it - it is a very well built commercial machine - I went through it from one end to the other to bring it up to almost new standards (it only had 460 hrs on it).

You don't see commercial guys using Bad Boys around here though. I'm going to bet most commercial mower dealers aren't as good on diesels, either (they don't sell them in as great a number). A farm tractor dealer will be familiar with diesels and have quick access to manufacturer assistance.

All that means I would go with a Kubota dealer if close by. Pricey, but worth it. My neighbor has a Kubota diesel ZTR - he loves it.

As Hay Dude notes, John Deere may offer good diesel mowers as well. A lot of commercial guys around here use them. I just have no experience with them myself.

Grasshopper offers good diesel mowers as well (they used to use Kubota diesels).

Best of Luck.

 

[Torvy]

I dont know what his budget is. I also had no clue what a ZT would run. Those diesel ones are as much as a small CUT.

 

[Hay Dude]

I dont know what his budget is. I also had no clue what a ZT would run. Those diesel ones are as much as a small CUT.

I’d buy a lightly used diesel before a new gas.
Big block gas is way too thirsty and gas is a PITA to haul around.
But might be good for on-site, non trailered use.

 

[2manyrocks]

If price doesn't matter, Kubota has front mount diesel mowers besides their diesel ZTRs, too.

Low price ZTR would be the 42" Cub Cadet at Tractor Supply that is $3,099 on sale now.