Zero turn vs. 4X4 tractor for mowing

[stevem5215]

1268 lbs for a dry weight. That will hold a hillside. You'd be surprised at how well it does. It's the weight that does it too. My Simplicity is like that. A heavy bugger that rides well and the weight helps on side hilling.

 

[EddieWalker]

I went from a 42 inch Craftsman riding mower to my 60 inch Scag zero turn when Sears stopped supporting my mower. I couldn't get parts for it, so I junked it.

The riding mower was fun to mow with. It was slow, but I had a cup holder, and I enjoyed drinking beer while mowing. The zero turn doesn't let that happen, so there isn't anything relaxing about it.

Besides being a bigger mower with more power, the zero turn was comfortable on side hills that the riding mower wasn't. If it was dry, and I only mow when it's dry, I could climb or side hill anything on my land with comfort. I've slid into my pond a few times, but that's my fault, not the mowers. I know better, but I'm always pushing it and trying to get just a little closer!!!

Since I'm in East Texas, and we don't have mountains, I don't know what it's like to have really steep terrain. But for me, the zero turn is the safest thing that I've experienced for mowing in unsafe conditions.

 

[zzvyb6]

Ditto on the JD 1445/1435. I have the 76" rear discharge deck and the system can go 15 mph (measured with radar trailer). The rear discharge can out-do a side discharge because of high cut grass flow rate, AND it can easily handle very tall weeds, sticks, grass, vines, etc. Side discharge bogs in the same situation. I have a 60" broom for it for snow. The front deck operation is easy, and they have a steering wheel (better understood by family members). Used ones are about $3500 to 4500 depending on hours.

I also have a 84" Woods 3pt rear discharge deck that I used on a 4x4 tractor smaller than yours. No power problems.

Friend has an ExMark 72" ZTR diesel (kubota motor) and it's FAST with good ride. Sips fuel. Also has a 72" Toro equivalent uses gasoline. Same easy operation (with sticks), but fuel usage is 3x. These are commercial rated mowers, very heavy and can easily get stuck on soft ground. Used ones here are $2500 to 5500 depending on fuel, motor and deck size. The diesels are rare. Toro apparently uses better hydraulic motors according to a landscape contractor who does the neighbors yard, even though they are now the same company.

 

[Diggin It]

Quick scan I saw one mention of the Altoz.

OP didn't mention budget that I saw, but the price I got for an Altoz was around $23,000 which is more than I paid for my SCUT with backhoe.

 

[sklunk]

Quick scan I saw one mention of the Altoz.

OP didn't mention budget that I saw, but the price I got for an Altoz was around $23,000 which is more than I paid for my SCUT with backhoe.

Not trying to start a fight, just posting more info. It depends on what you need from the Altoz. The least expensive tracked ride-on model actually starts at $17K (then go as high as $25K):

Altoz TRX Series | The World's First Tracked Zero Turn Mower

The Altoz TRX has big features and even bigger benefits. Get the most from your tracked, all terrain zero turn mower. Explore the lineup!

altoz.com

In my area there are a fair amount of used ones anywhere from $9K-$14K.

Also, most larger commercial-grade ZT's will run from there the whole way up to the low-30K's, so Altoz is definitely not the only one that is more than some SCUTs.

I also agree with posts above that recommend the Deere 1400's, but not sure I agree with the rear-discharge deck. They do in fact handle the thick grass better, but they don't spread out the clippings as well as a side discharge. But again, it depends on what you are looking for/expecting as far as cut quality.

 

[WinterDeere]

That's a very interesting design, but I have to imagine a tracked ZTR is going to tear up the lawn pretty badly in the turns, no?

 

[DieselBound]

Everyone has strong opinions on this topic and is pretty well set in their position and unlikely to be swayed.

Um... It's situational! Why would I want to be "swayed" into using something other than what I've already found to work for ME and in my SITUATION? I NEVER tell people what they SHOULD use/get, I only offer why I use what I use. What I use, and how I use/operate it, most certainly wouldn't be suitable for others with different conditions/environments.