Zero turn, small compact or an economy rider?

glalonde · Jun 17, 2004

That's my problem. $$$

For my personal use, price/performance would be RFM as it's much cheaper than ZTR (since I already got the compact tractor to use with).

cowboydoc · Jun 17, 2004

I'm talking about a small subcompact not a tractor pulling a finish mower. Of course that is going to take alot longer. I had every intention of purchasing a ZTR or front mount mower and ended up with the JD 455 and it wasn't because it was slower or cut any less than the others. It was just about as fast and cut was as good. With the 4ws it's pretty close to a ZTR. Not the same but it's close.

FERRARI · Jun 17, 2004

Zero turn mowers are also very hard on you grass...in turns they can cut rings around trees......I have learned how to read the grass and what it needs is what I give it......I do not use 4 wheel drive on my new B2910 for just this reason.....it can scrub up the grass turning around trees.....If you want just to cut fast you are going to knock down alot of grass instead of cutting it....I want a good cut with extra sharp blades...and so does my grass!...So if you want to cut fast ....go ahead....But I cut HIGH AND SLOW...I get a better cut that way......I also use crossed blades to get extra lifting power to be able to cut a 7" to 8"....you need alot of lift to cut in the transport mode...and have the clippings come out very small....

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v248/GARYTUCKER/DSC00286-1.jpg

I don't mean to offend anyone...sorry if it sounds that way.....I just know for what I want, I don't want a Zero cutter or I would have gotten one instead of the B-2910....

Bob_Skurka · Jun 17, 2004

Ferrari

I'll race you! I also like my grass on the high side, but I like the front mount deck so the grass is not compressed down by the tires before it gets mowed. I don't like most ZTRs for a lot of reasons, but there is no way I would give up my Ventrac!!!!

yellowsocks93 · Jun 17, 2004

I've run a lot of mowing equipment in my day and I like front mowers over Z tracks. The 455 is a nice machine too. I like the 400 series. Front mowers are easier to trim with than Z tracks and cut better. I have used a new Deere 757 Z track and I have run may front mowers like the little Deere F525, F735, many F900s. Well my favorite mower is the 990 with 272 deck and KC HighLights for the night mowing!

FERRARI · Jun 17, 2004

HEY BOB SKURKA!
With all due respect! Man,.......How do I say this!.....You call that grass on the high side???? Now, I know I am new here.....but you guys need to learn something about Grass.....I don't want to hurt you feelings....but that is way too low to cut grass......and look how thin it is because you are encouragine weed to grow every time you cut so low.......You can cut fast and low and that is all you will get ...Now I know that anything that is GREEN is grass to 99 out of 100 people....and there are even those who cut low to avoid cutting often.....but if you want to have real grass......you need to cut much higher.....that looks like maybe 3 iinches....look how thin it is...................................I can't do this .....You keep cutting you way......

This picture was taken when I had a tornado hit 5 days earlier and I had not been able to cut.....I would not have cut anyway because it has been so dry that I stoped cutting weeks ago, because we are in the worst drought in over 100 years...and my grass is suffering drasticlly !!!This is the poorest looking lawn I have every had....You have to take my word about that...because it won't come back now , no matter how much rain I get now......But what I am trying to say is.......If you just want to cut your grass to get it over with......O.K.....But I like to have a thick tall lawn....I know this is probably going to make everyone mad.......but I can not help it.....

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v248/GARYTUCKER/DSC00286-1.jpg

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v248/GARYTUCKER/DSC00290-1.jpg

Bob_Skurka · Jun 17, 2004

No that is not tall grass, that grass was before this seasons first cutting this spring!!!

The grass hadn't even started to grow yet it was barely green, but that was when I got delivery of the Ventrac.

maxtractor · Jun 17, 2004

I have used both. The ztrs take some practice to take full advantage of their capability. You can go much faster with some experience.,so you really can't compare performance with one test mow. A good ztr does a great job, fast. My experience is with a Dixie Chopper. They are simple to operate and do a real nice job. I have used a Dixie Chopper but never owned one. I would really like to have one, but when I was faced with the need for new equipment I bought a cut so I could mow and do more. I didn't want (ok couldn't afford) two machines. I chose the cut for versatility. However, JJT has a tractor and is looking for a second machine. A ztr makes lots more sense if you already have a tractor. The truth is it will really boil down to what you like. I enjoy the comfort and feel of a tractor and it is fast enough to do the job for me. But I also enjoyed whipping around on a ztr. If speed was important, I had lots of things to mow around and if I already had a good tractor, I would buy a good commercial grade ztr. But, then if I had the funds I would have a couple of tractors, a ztr and .......... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FERRARI · Jun 17, 2004

Hey Bob, I found some pictures I took to show heavy forst on grass........

first picture is on December 26, 2003...I had just cut grass for third time in December....and low to let cold feeze kill off crab grass seed...grass is here about 3 inches...tall....brown patches are bermuda grass..

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v248/GARYTUCKER/DSC00168.jpg

Next picture was taken January 27, 2004......Grass is still at 3 inches to help root kill the bermuda grass which is a weed to me....

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v248/GARYTUCKER/DSC00170.jpg

Next picture was taken February 10, 2004...grass is now at about four inches......If I don't raise height crabgrass will germanate because if you can keep grass thick and tall enought sun can not hit crabgrass seeds and cause them to germinate..

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v248/GARYTUCKER/DSC00172.jpg

This is before normal growing season, but grass is still thick and this is the lowest I cut all year, and that is to kill off crabgrass and bermuda without using chemicals.

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v248/GARYTUCKER/DSC00170.jpg