Zero turn mower advice

[Yjmoose]

I bought a snapper, 60” cut zeroturn i550 I think about 6 years ago. It has a Kawasaki comm engine, and zt3100 drive motors. I cut 3 acres, and it does great.

But, it is a lawn mower, not a brush hog. I have 1 additional acre that is “brush/woods” that I do t keep cut, all of the problems I have had with my zero turn are related to trying to use it as a brush hog back there. I have since bought a proper rotary brush hog.

The only problems have been belts and a new PTO/clutch.
Oh, and the nice built a nest in the cylinder shroud and I lost a valve guide.

Remember, commercial mowers are designed to run 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. 3 hours a week is pretty light use on one.

Yjmoose

 

[shooterdon]

I went through this last year. I have 2 acres to cut.

When looking at engine life factor in that your mowing time is reduced by 35-50%. In my case I went from 110 minutes to 70 minutes and I am still learning. I also cut my trimming time from 25 minutes to 15 minutes.

Between cutting grass and mulching leaves I put on 35 hours a year. A "crap" Kohler gas engine that is supposed to last 1000 hours will last me 30 years!!! In my case, buying a diesel would have been foolish. BTW I checked the price of a replacement Kohler engine and it was $2500. I paid just over $5.3k for a 54" Bag Boy ZT Elite that has a front suspension and 7 ga. deck. Currently they list at $6k

Buying a diesel to get longer engine life might makes sense for someone who cuts A LOT of grass. Buying one because it "sips" fuel is silly for most owners. It takes a lot of fuel savings and engine replacements to save over $10,000.

Run your numbers and see what makes sense for you. Lots of guys justify big toys and have the money to do it. Others take a more "rational" view of things.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I run a Hustler 72” commercial mower on my lawn... I love it. It was about $10k new, but you can find good units for much less. I will repeat, get some suspension. Seat, flex forks, whatever it takes. I can mow 2 acres with lots of obstacles in 75 minutes, which is amazing. I’d love a diesel, but I doubt this thing ever dies at 56 hours per year

 

[Hay Dude]

My old cub cadet (LT1050 lawn tractor) has seen better days.

I have 2 1/2 - 3 acres to cut.

It takes me about 5 hours.

I borrowed a Kubota ZD21 from the neighbor (farmer) .. 20 year old diesel commercial unit ...

WOW ... 2 hours and done!

SO ... I started looking.

Looks like I can get a decent residential unit (say a toro with a 60 " deck) for about $6K to $8K ...OUCH!

Or ... I can get a 20 year old ZD21 for about the same price (I see one out there for $5400, 950 hours).

And I see a Kubota ZG327 (60", gas, 800 hours) ... $4,500 ... probably 10-12 years old

I was really hoping to say in the $4500 - $5000 range

The ZD21 is diesel so O would think 950 hours is not bad ... but it is 20 years old/

I like the ZG327 as it is gas (since I don't have any other diesel equipment) ... but 800 hours on a 10-12 year old gas motor seems like a lot.

New just seems to be out of my price range (cheapest 60" I found was a JD at HD ... $5K ... but I was warned about "low end" home units).

Any advice ??????

Thanks .... Mike

I’m a big believer in the Kubota diesel ZD zero turns. The diesels are about as simple, reliable, dependable and tough as it gets. I picked up a ZD331 72” 5 years ago and still have it. 2200 hours on it now and no sign of slowing down.
I can mow a 2 acre lawn in under 40 minutes. We mow some rough stuff and it doesn‘t flinch

 

[PuffyC]

Check out the Deere Z530R, it’s really close to your price range. I bought it’s predecessor (Z540R) and have been mowing about 6-7 acres a week since I got it almost 6 years ago. I’ve abused that thing by hauling logs, clearing pasture, etc and it still runs and cuts like new. Used as it was designed, I can’t imagine that thing ever wearing out. You might also look at the Z545R as that‘s the same machine but has the EFI motor, but it’s also a lot more expensive. Depends on how much you hate carburetors

 

[WVH1977]

Buy one that is comfortable with an expensive seat on it. Comfort and ease of use makes cutting grass so much nicer. I upgraded last year to a Gravely Pro-Turn and it drives and cuts real nice. I like the Kubota's as well and thought really hard about getting one of them. The Pro-Turn was not cheap either but I got it on sale because of year old model, that the dealer was trying to move. I had a Gravely ZT48 before that and road that thing hard. It had a 19 HP Kawasaki on it and started every time. Never had a carburetor issue. My cousin has it now and cutting her grass with it. Normal maintenance. It was a good, solid machine.

If you are going to spend 4 to 5 grand, why not just step up and buy a 10 to 12 grand new machine with 4 grand down that will last you the rest of your life and be comfortable on it? You will have a 150 a month payment for 4 years, interest free and be done with it. Just something to think about. I do understand paying cash and not getting into debt as well. Good Luck.

 

[Randy Gann]

I have 2 zero turns to use on my property. One is a 20 year old Bunton with a 48” deck. The other is a 2016 Toro Titan MX6000 with a 60” deck. A few years ago I had to replace the electric pto on the Bunton. No other issues with either mower. The Toro has a suspension seat and has been claimed by my wife.
My advice is to avoid lower end units with non-serviceable hydro drives. You want one with high quality hydros. The commercial dealers can help with the information on various hydros and engine choices. You should not need a full blown “commercial” unit. I know Toro makes “farm” or “estate” mowers that are in between the big box store quality but more cost efficient for the homeowner when compared to full commercial units. Keep in mind all the various brands use the same basic components. When doing comparisons be sure to compare the hydros (ZT 3100 vs 2800) and engines (Kohler Command Pro vs Kohler Confidant). After that is just comes down to overall design and features such as suspension seats. And don’t forget the value a good dealer adds.

 

[MinnesotaMorg]

Buy one that is comfortable with an expensive seat on it. Comfort and ease of use makes cutting grass so much nicer.

This was my main concern as well. After learning that they all use the same engines I sort of just decided I would rather make mowing as enjoyable as possible and not worry too much about how many hours brand 1,2, or 3 is supposed to last. I will probably put under 30 hours a year on my unit, so unless I abuse it, it should last.

I still can't shill enough for the steering wheel version of the cub cadet, much more chill 1 handed driving. Also I purchased hearing protection 3M worktunes bluetooth/FM headset. Nothing like a good podcast to guide you through mowing.

 

[Monster5601]

I have been really tempted to get a Cyclone like yours for fall leaves. How do you like it?

The Cyclone does what I bought it for. I have many trees that drop many leaves and for some reason, the leaves end up in my drainage ditches around the property. I use the Cyclone to vacuum out the ditches. In the spring, I use it to collect grass clippings and last year's leaves for my wife's compost pile.

The Cyclone is rigid to the mower, that is, the Cyclone pivots on its wheels and does not articulate like its competition. For a ZT this is perfect because it does not strain the vacuum hose in high degree turns. The downside is you have to remember that so you don't side-swipe obstacles like trees.

I've run the Cyclone for two seasons, if I had to re-do the choice, I would choose the Cyclone.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have a 15 year old Deere Z920 commercial mower. I bought it 5-6 years ago with a little over 200 hours. Now, I'd love a diesel, but the Z920 does so well, just can't justify selling and looking for a diesel.
Definitely go for some kind of air-ride or suspension seat...that's my main suggestion

 

[RalphVa]

I am sure in a few years that is what we will all have. Batteries ... run time ... charge time ... if they could work I would try one.

All I have. No gasoline engines except for the Mazda3, Miata and Tacoma.

 

[m7040]

Buy one that is comfortable with an expensive seat on it. Comfort and ease of use makes cutting grass so much nicer. I upgraded last year to a Gravely Pro-Turn and it drives and cuts real nice. I like the Kubota's as well and thought really hard about getting one of them. The Pro-Turn was not cheap either but I got it on sale because of year old model, that the dealer was trying to move. I had a Gravely ZT48 before that and road that thing hard. It had a 19 HP Kawasaki on it and started every time. Never had a carburetor issue. My cousin has it now and cutting her grass with it. Normal maintenance. It was a good, solid machine.

If you are going to spend 4 to 5 grand, why not just step up and buy a 10 to 12 grand new machine with 4 grand down that will last you the rest of your life and be comfortable on it? You will have a 150 a month payment for 4 years, interest free and be done with it. Just something to think about. I do understand paying cash and not getting into debt as well. Good Luck.

A comfortable air suspension seat makes is a big improvement in comfort and speed. The backfit of the Grammar seat made the ZD331 a pleasure to use and increased the mowing speed greatly

 

[xtal01]

Hmmmm ... guess I have more research to do.

I didn't think that much about the suspension but if I had one complaint about the DZ21 it is that I am almost bounced out of it.

My field is just that .... was a cow pasture ... never been rolled.

If I ever finish the house and shop, I may take time to clean it up more but for now I am lucky to find time to mow it.

Thanks so very much for all the advice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike

 

[DaBear3428]

Check out the Deere Z530R, it’s really close to your price range. I bought it’s predecessor (Z540R) and have been mowing about 6-7 acres a week since I got it almost 6 years ago. I’ve abused that thing by hauling logs, clearing pasture, etc and it still runs and cuts like new. Used as it was designed, I can’t imagine that thing ever wearing out. You might also look at the Z545R as that‘s the same machine but has the EFI motor, but it’s also a lot more expensive. Depends on how much you hate carburetors

About 2 years ago i walked out of lowes with my wife and just on a whim i said lets go see what they have for lawn mowers, at the time we were planning on buying some property. low and behold there sits a brand new last years model JD Z525E bottom of the 5 series line for 2399 on clearance. walked right back in and had them deliver it. the funny part is that the property purchase did not go thru and it was another 4 months before we bought some property and the jd just sat in my yard under a tarp for 5 months. I have a tractor with a rotary cutter for our ruff stuff and just use the JD for the 1 ac around the house. but after 2 years i have about 25 hrs on it so the gas engine will probably outlast me. as to the box store side of things i just order parts online or from a local JD dealer. the Lowes guys knew about enough to roll the mower out of the truck but that was it.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

My old cub cadet (LT1050 lawn tractor) has seen better days.

I have 2 1/2 - 3 acres to cut.

It takes me about 5 hours.

I borrowed a Kubota ZD21 from the neighbor (farmer) .. 20 year old diesel commercial unit ...

WOW ... 2 hours and done!

SO ... I started looking.

Looks like I can get a decent residential unit (say a toro with a 60 " deck) for about $6K to $8K ...OUCH!

Or ... I can get a 20 year old ZD21 for about the same price (I see one out there for $5400, 950 hours).

And I see a Kubota ZG327 (60", gas, 800 hours) ... $4,500 ... probably 10-12 years old

I was really hoping to say in the $4500 - $5000 range

The ZD21 is diesel so O would think 950 hours is not bad ... but it is 20 years old/

I like the ZG327 as it is gas (since I don't have any other diesel equipment) ... but 800 hours on a 10-12 year old gas motor seems like a lot.

New just seems to be out of my price range (cheapest 60" I found was a JD at HD ... $5K ... but I was warned about "low end" home units).

Any advice ??????

Thanks .... Mike

A tractor has a cable driven hour meter. Faster you run the engine, the faster those hours get. Lawnmower Gisele tric , electric, look at my spell check new word. Anyway, lawnmower engine on, hour meter moves. So 800 is not much. Last a long time.

 

[hornett22]

My old cub cadet (LT1050 lawn tractor) has seen better days.

I have 2 1/2 - 3 acres to cut.

It takes me about 5 hours.

I borrowed a Kubota ZD21 from the neighbor (farmer) .. 20 year old diesel commercial unit ...

WOW ... 2 hours and done!

SO ... I started looking.

Looks like I can get a decent residential unit (say a toro with a 60 " deck) for about $6K to $8K ...OUCH!

Or ... I can get a 20 year old ZD21 for about the same price (I see one out there for $5400, 950 hours).

And I see a Kubota ZG327 (60", gas, 800 hours) ... $4,500 ... probably 10-12 years old

I was really hoping to say in the $4500 - $5000 range

The ZD21 is diesel so O would think 950 hours is not bad ... but it is 20 years old/

I like the ZG327 as it is gas (since I don't have any other diesel equipment) ... but 800 hours on a 10-12 year old gas motor seems like a lot.

New just seems to be out of my price range (cheapest 60" I found was a JD at HD ... $5K ... but I was warned about "low end" home units).

Any advice ??????

Thanks .... Mike

Scag. Best deck on the market with greasable spindles.

 

[dzoller]

I bought a Ferris IS2600Z diesel zero turn and mow about 2-3 acres. Very fuel efficient and cut my mowing time better than half. Be sure which ever brand you get it has suspension or you're going to be slowed down if your property is not smooth. This is 5th season and it was the best decision I made for a zero turn.

This is my 4th season on a ferris. I got it at the end of season sale the year before I really used it. I love it! It's built like a tank. The best thing is the suspension and the seat. The seat isn't just another mower's padded seat, it is comfortable. If feels like it was molded for my as...umm, you get what I mean. I got the lowest end pro model and the deck is really solid. I agree with brutus54, it was the right decision for me.
FWIW, I was moving from a 12 yo Husqvarna riding mower that gave me 10.5 great years and 1.5 of fix before each use. I would've liked anything I got, but I love my Ferris.

 

[rv7charlie]

I live on a grass airstrip along with 10 other member/owners. Probably 11 different brands of zero-turns, and at least 8 different brands of tractors. (Pilots want to own their own stuff, no matter how senseless it is.)

When I finally broke down & bought a zero-turn (had been doing everything with a Kubota 4700 & 7' finish mower), I asked an engineer buddy who lived on a lot of acreage in AR what he used. He said that he looked at a lot of different brands before stumbling upon Bad Boy mowers. They were made near him in AR by redneck farmers who used all off-the-shelf bearings, etc, and made everything so it could be maintained/repaired as easily as possible. At the time, he'd been using his for years and had had to replace a valve stem in one of the front tires. Sold me, so I bought a Maverick 60". IIRC, it was around $6k, 3 or 4 years ago. I've had good, reliable service from mine. Only issue was a broken parking brake cable, caused by the failure of the dual-pull bracket not being allowed to pivot on the handle, kinking & fatiguing the end of the cable.

I've been quite pleased with it.

 

[Papa T]

Look at the X Mark. It's made by Toro under the X Mark logo. The same mower but much cheaper. i have had one for 12 years with very little problems.

 

[4570Man]

950 hours is nothing on a Kubota diesel mower with half decent care. I’ve got a Grasshopper with a Kubota diesel in it with 2650 hours and still cutting grass every week. And a 72” ZT gets a lot done so the hours don’t go up very fast.