Zero turn mowers
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Bird
Rest in Peace
There are a number of good brands and models, so personally, I consider the dealer to be an important factor. Of course some ZTRs have a more comfortable suspension that others if you have any rough ground, some do better on slopes than others, so I think it might be hard for anyone to give you really good advice without knowing more about the land you intend to mow, how much you're willing to pay, etc.
Land is pretty flat. Little to know slope. Want to keep it around $5,000 and under if possible; not apposed to spending more if the quality warrants it. Will be purely residential use. Problem with the dealers in my area is they tend to be brand specific. For example you walk into one and they try to sell you toro across the street they tell toro is junk and try to convince you to buy husqvarna. Honestly I do not trust sales men especially in these tough economic times. A coworker bought a Dixie Chopper about 12 years ago and swears buy it, but been reading a lot of bad reviews about them online. Just do not know what direction to go.
Bird
Rest in Peace
Yep, I understand about the salesman. I know a Kubota dealer who also sells Scag. The salesman told me the Kubota was best in diesel, the Scag in gas models. I had a Toro and was very happy with it 7 years ago, but sold it when I needed a mower that would fit through 3' gates and a couple of other tight spots. So I went back to a walk behind mower. Then Toro came out a couple of years ago with a little ZTR that fits through these 3' gates and I bought one. I think the Toro is good, and I'm happy with mine (both the machine and the dealer), but I can't say they're any better than some of the other brands.
daugen
Epic Contributor
451A, you've gotten good advice from Bird on ZTR's.
I used to own a commercial ZTR, the one with the fancy independent suspension, and
needed it for a large property. That need was taken care of by a nice a/c Kubota tractor, so I was
happy to sell the ztr for a comfortable garden tractor that could be multifunctional. With only two acres, just about any
mower can get that done quickly. Do you want to finish in ten minutes or twenty?...? The ZTR will mow grass almost twice as fast,
they go like a bat. But they can give your upper body a workout which you won't get with your power steering JD or Simplicity garden tractor.
Are you really, really sure you need a ZTR? If so, I'll stick my neck out and suggest Simplicity, Toro and JD's residential units.
Why? First, Simplicity is well known for consistently putting out a quality product and they have a tremendous dealer network.
Toro and JD also know how to engineer and build seriously expensive and complicated commercial mowing machines. I always figured that a company
that knew how to build a superior product was more likely to trickle tech down to lower priced models. Versus a company that only played to the lower end like MTD.
Husqvarna seems more price sensitive and more likely to build to a price than to a design parameter. But Husq makes some neat equipment, like their articulated garden tractor and 4wd
trimmer mower.
but hold up? I'm not sure. Many of us prefer greasable zerk fittings, not sealed bearings, unless the bearing reservoirs are really large and hold a lot of grease. Beware lightweight sealed bearings.
I'd be more concerned with the engine choice. My personal suggestion is a Kawasaki or a Briggs Vanguard.
I used to own a commercial ZTR, the one with the fancy independent suspension, and
needed it for a large property. That need was taken care of by a nice a/c Kubota tractor, so I was
happy to sell the ztr for a comfortable garden tractor that could be multifunctional. With only two acres, just about any
mower can get that done quickly. Do you want to finish in ten minutes or twenty?...? The ZTR will mow grass almost twice as fast,
they go like a bat. But they can give your upper body a workout which you won't get with your power steering JD or Simplicity garden tractor.
Are you really, really sure you need a ZTR? If so, I'll stick my neck out and suggest Simplicity, Toro and JD's residential units.
Why? First, Simplicity is well known for consistently putting out a quality product and they have a tremendous dealer network.
Toro and JD also know how to engineer and build seriously expensive and complicated commercial mowing machines. I always figured that a company
that knew how to build a superior product was more likely to trickle tech down to lower priced models. Versus a company that only played to the lower end like MTD.
Husqvarna seems more price sensitive and more likely to build to a price than to a design parameter. But Husq makes some neat equipment, like their articulated garden tractor and 4wd
trimmer mower.
but hold up? I'm not sure. Many of us prefer greasable zerk fittings, not sealed bearings, unless the bearing reservoirs are really large and hold a lot of grease. Beware lightweight sealed bearings.
I'd be more concerned with the engine choice. My personal suggestion is a Kawasaki or a Briggs Vanguard.
robbyr
Veteran Member
I too was looking to buy my first ZTR in April. The dealer I called handled Toro, Gravely, Hustler, Scag and I think a couple more. I had my mind made up to get a Gravely. Ended up spending more than planned and got the Scag. Love it. In fact, the wife hogs all the mowing time now. My dealer had only good things to say about all those brands. We also have about two acres to mow. After having always mowed with a push mower and spending half the weekend now it gets done quickly. Go check out several and go with your gut feeling. You probably won't be disappointed. Rob
T Dew
Bronze Member
Last year I found myself in the market for my first zero turn. After kicking the tires on several brands I ended up going with the Hustler. It's a well built machine, great warranty, and a nice Kawasaki motor. I had narrowed my search to the Toro, Scag, and Hustler, and I do not think you could go wrong with any of them. After having the Hustler for a year and really beating up on it, I have to say it is a very well built machine and I'm glad I went with it.
As Bird said, the dealer plays a huge role in these decisions. If you need support or have warranty problems you will need a dealer that will stand behind the product, be helpful, and be available.
As Bird said, the dealer plays a huge role in these decisions. If you need support or have warranty problems you will need a dealer that will stand behind the product, be helpful, and be available.
robbyr
Veteran Member
I like the Kawasaki engines too. Got a DR brushcutter with Kaw and its a beast. Some Scags have Kawasaki but mine is a Kohler. So far been great.
djdicetn
Silver Member
If you consider the Gravely's; the high-end Residential ZT HD 48(48" deck) will be in your budget range with a $4999 MSRP. An upgrade to the entry level Commercial Pro-Turn 48 would be $5999. Both have the Kawa engines and I have a 2012 Pro-Turn XDZ 152 that I bought last fall and really like it(my first ZTR). You will be impressed with the build and quality of the Gravely!!
