Zero turn recommendations.

[Spike56]

No, they're usually not the same. But they can be.

The manufacturer tries to accomodate their Dealers by making them a different kind of mower. Maybe more durable, maybe.... Something. But they have to separate themselves from the Big Box stores somehow.

You can't beat "Economies Of Scale". Can't do it. At least, not in this Century. Maybe back in Byzantine times.

So they have to try to keep the smaller dealers in business by offering a niche product.

The question then becomes, "Do I need to pay more?" That is the real question. At what point do you bang your head on diminishing returns? For a pro, keeping his mower running is not an option. It has to be done.

For the Homeowner, it's usually not as important. Plus, Pros don't always do the driving of their own equipment. They often turn loose kids that just got their license revoked or just like to bang into stuff. Most kids are TTD (testtodestruction) anyway.

I am not. If I pay $3k for a ZT, I'm gonna take care of it.

I generally agree with your assessment. However, it would be interesting to note if Big Box stores can sell the same equipment cheaper *because* they sell more units or, because the unit they sell has "cheaper" components ?
It has been many years ago, but a refrigerator (whirpool I think) I bought at HD failed about 2 months after the warrantee expired. Called a repair guy, who before I said a word, said "you bought this at HD didnt you?". He said HD (being a big retailer) orders these with a different cheaper compressor, that is no where are good as the "model you'd buy at an appliance place". This has stuck with me all these years.
This effect may not be as bad today.... not certain ? But, if you look at the model / serial numbers, (it has been my experience) often you find "keys" in the numbers that may relate to component "types" ?
However, since I cannot figure out how to tell, and since this is residential (3-4 acres), I suppose I just shop local and for the best price.

 

[Spike56]

I just went through that process and i'm a world class buyers remorse person.

I bought a Gravely with a kawi motor and 52 inch deck.

Planted grass 3 weeks ago, has not rained a drop.

1 tip.....if you have never driven one, find an open area and set up some cones and practice.

IMHO, they take some getting used to!

I have been looking at Gravely - same size. Can you tell which model number you bought ?

 

[Frankenkubota]

I have been looking at Gravely - same size. Can you tell which model number you bought ?

will do, gimme about an hour.

I will say, the engine seems to me to idle pretty high. I bought it used, with 10 hours on it so no dealer for me. The seller said he did not like the zt and went back to lawn tractor.

The first thing the seller said was, it idles pretty high but the dealer says that's normal. ok...

We have gone from a rain forest to the dust bowl. This grains of this orange dirt are 1/50th the size of sand. My dogs were wrestling in it yesterday and it looked like a scene from The Grapes of Wrath.

I planted 5 acres in bermuda, weeks ago. Virtually no rain! At this rate I won't ever need a lawn mower.

My nose feels like i been sanding sheetrock without a mask.

 

[Spike56]

will do, gimme about an hour.

I will say, the engine seems to me to idle pretty high. I bought it used, with 10 hours on it so no dealer for me. The seller said he did not like the zt and went back to lawn tractor.

The first thing the seller said was, it idles pretty high but the dealer says that's normal. ok...

We have gone from a rain forest to the dust bowl. This grains of this orange dirt are 1/50th the size of sand. My dogs were wrestling in it yesterday and it looked like a scene from The Grapes of Wrath.

I planted 5 acres in bermuda, weeks ago. Virtually no rain! At this rate I won't ever need a lawn mower.

My nose feels like i been sanding sheetrock without a mask.

Understand about planting grass. Here in Central Texas, I cannot EVER consider planting seed. Usually NO rain, and IF rain, Floods. Or, worse, .01" per day to sprout seeds then nothing.

 

[Frankenkubota]

Understand about planting grass. Here in Central Texas, I cannot EVER consider planting seed. Usually NO rain, and IF rain, Floods. Or, worse, .01" per day to sprout seeds then nothing.

Mine is a ZT XL

Here's the manuals

so far, so good.....4 hours

 

[Spike56]

Mine is a ZT XL

Here's the manuals

so far, so good.....4 hours

View attachment 700050

Thanks, I know you have limited hours so far, but once *minor* concern I had about this model is the 2.8 gallon tank ? I think it would be sufficient ? I have a 3.5 gal tank and need one fill to fully mow everything. Hard to say if this is a limitation I should pay attention to... not a big deal I suppose.

 

[Lilguy]

So the Gravely is a lemon mechanically, or you just do not like the Zero turn concept? I‘m about to close on a Kubota Z.

 

[Frankenkubota]

Thanks, I know you have limited hours so far, but once *minor* concern I had about this model is the 2.8 gallon tank ? I think it would be sufficient ? I have a 3.5 gal tank and need one fill to fully mow everything. Hard to say if this is a limitation I should pay attention to... not a big deal I suppose.

I noticed the small gas tank.

So far the one thing that sticks out......

Kludgiest oil change i've ever done. i've done a few.

i still think im doing something wrong. hard to believe it was designed that way.

 

[Spike56]

I noticed the small gas tank.

So far the one thing that sticks out......

Kludgiest oil change i've ever done. i've done a few.

i still think im doing something wrong. hard to believe it was designed that way.

UGH. You have to look at EVERYTHING from EVERY angle these days. Quite maddening !!

 

[Kschwennsen]

I like my John Deere Z530M with 60" deck. It is quick, has good power and an excellent cut. I also got the toe mat and toe bars as I have some steep hills. I wanted the lights but I'm not paying $200 for weak lights so I bought a kit with 2 spots and 1 bar and mounted them myself for $30. I like the hose hookup as well. I got mine for $5,600 all said and done.

 

[SIHunter]

Before you buy anything make sure you drive a Walker! Hands down the most comfortable ZT to operate.

Walker Mowers

The Walker zero-turn commercial lawn mower is the most productive, compact mower producing natural lawn stripes and a beautiful cut.

www.walker.com

 

[goddom]

I just got the 54" Ryobi Electric zero turn. Used it once so far and I like it. No belts - no drive belts or deck belts. Each blade has its own motor. Its supposed to be able to cut 3-4 acres.

 

[metalbender]

Toro fanboy here. Bought a Titan 60 MyRide last year. Love the ride. I do around four acres. Smaller area, a Timecutter would do well. Check into the MyRide, you will not be disappointed. Local dealer's new stock was 90 % MyRide equipped, only have a few left.

 

[Katahdin]

I just got the 54" Ryobi Electric zero turn. Used it once so far and I like it. No belts - no drive belts or deck belts. Each blade has its own motor. Its supposed to be able to cut 3-4 acres.

I've been running a Toro z420 for about 15 years, but the 54" Ryobi has my eye as a possible replacement. Not sure how large my lawn is, but it takes me about 90 minutes with the 42 inch deck.

 

[goddom]

I've been running a Toro z420 for about 15 years, but the 54" Ryobi has my eye as a possible replacement. Not sure how large my lawn is, but it takes me about 90 minutes with the 42 inch deck.

I was previously using a 46" Ariens riding mower and it took more than an hour to cut my yard. With the Ryobi it took about 30min and this was very thick wet grass and had 40% battery left when I was done. Probably cut about 2 acres.

 

[Carl_NH]

It seems like an ideal application for a electric ZT - use it once a week, recharges for the next session, IF you are ready to replace or buy a new unit then it makes sense $ wise.

We are in the early adoption phase of electrification in general, and will see improvement/innovation in the next two-three years, so I am waiting likely a long time to justify replacing my 52" Ferris that has 330 hour with an electric ZT.

The early days of cordless drills 20+ years ago were great, now those 12V NICAD units are in the dustbin, replaced with new LI tools. I have all 18V and 12V Bosch LI drills and tools now, and got the HF 40V Lynx pole saw and hedge trimmer too, and really like them, so its a matter of time.

Also landscapers need 6 hours + a day mowing time, so these units have a ways to go to achieve that unless they come up with a swappable battery like they do on forklifts in warehouses.

 

[two_bit_score]

Understand about planting grass. Here in Central Texas, I cannot EVER consider planting seed. Usually NO rain, and IF rain, Floods. Or, worse, .01" per day to sprout seeds then nothing.

And you get a little more rain than those west of I35.

In East Texas lately they have been getting drenched. Already exceeded the yearly average rainfall.

Try King Ranch zoysia sod in your yard.

Palisades Zoysia - King Ranch Turfgrass

Palisades was released from Texas A&M and is fast becoming the choice for homeowners and architects who want non-traditional lawn choices.

krturfgrass.com

 

[two_bit_score]

Before you buy anything make sure you drive a Walker! Hands down the most comfortable ZT to operate.

Walker Mowers

The Walker zero-turn commercial lawn mower is the most productive, compact mower producing natural lawn stripes and a beautiful cut.

www.walker.com

Looks a lot like the Grasshopper. I like the tilt up deck. The levers look somewhat awkward. Do you find you have to lean forward a lot to operate them?

 

[Hay Dude]

I think that you really can’t go wrong with at least 10-20 worthy competitors out there. Dealership support, with a great service department and good parts man, may be more important than anything.
I was visiting a customers farm last year and watched him mow a large area with a Ferris zero turn and I hate to admit it, but it will mow faster than my Kubota. That thing was stoopid fast.
Then he let me try it. I felt like I was riding on a cloud. There were suspension components everywhere. It seemed like it was designed specifically to mow terrible ground at fast speed. Big Vanguard gas engine....like 38HP, too. It was the best ZT I ever saw. He is a wealthy guy and spares no money on his toys.
I think my Kubota may run longer with its Diesel engine and who has the tougher driveline, frame, etc. is debatable, but his was more comfortable and mowed faster.

If Ferris could make a ZT with a 35HP Kubota and a durable drivetrain, I would consider buying. But your probably taking north of $25,000..

 

[Spike56]

I think that you really can’t go wrong with at least 10-20 worthy competitors out there. Dealership support, with a great service department and good parts man, may be more important than anything.
I was visiting a customers farm last year and watched him mow a large area with a Ferris zero turn and I hate to admit it, but it will mow faster than my Kubota. That thing was stoopid fast.
Then he let me try it. I felt like I was riding on a cloud. There were suspension components everywhere. It seemed like it was designed specifically to mow terrible ground at fast speed. Big Vanguard gas engine....like 38HP, too. It was the best ZT I ever saw. He is a wealthy guy and spares no money on his toys.
I think my Kubota may run longer with its Diesel engine and who has the tougher driveline, frame, etc. is debatable, but his was more comfortable and mowed faster.

If Ferris could make a ZT with a 35HP Kubota and a durable drivetrain, I would consider buying. But your probably taking north of $25,000..

I think you are absolutely correct - can't go wrong with 10-20 competitors. I spent some time attempting to find enough difference to choose.... hardly possible to determine. My needs may not match others, and the amount I want to spend does not justify a diesel engine, a Walker (starts at 10K), or other models >4-5K. Reading the OEM websites are not much help either. I have narrowed it down to parts, service and distributors where I live. When it gets down to it, the only items I find a "real" difference are on ease of maintenance (I do not want a model where I have to find the rubber hose to drain the oil) and gas tank size (found a couple 48"-52" with just over 3 gallon gas tanks, a little small I think). Most other factors..... cannot determine enough difference, for me.