Zero turn vs hst tractor reliability

[RoyJackson]

I've had very good fortune with my Deere Z920 and recommend them. That would mow that field quite a bit quicker than a tractor/rear finish mower combo.
One thing about zero turn mowers...they tend to ride rough, so a suspension seat is a worthwhile addition. Also, with that kind of acerage, a commercial machine would be a better, more durable choice.
Now, my neighbor and I share a field (somewhere between 6-8, so we both have between 3 and 4 acres to mow) acres. I mow the field with a flail mower. He does his with his Deere zero-turn. To me, that would beat the hell out of the mower, but it keeps on mowing...
Another thing, since some guys commented on how zero-turns can tear up a lawn...when turning, you want to keep the drive wheels turn too. If you stop movement and pivot on the rear wheel(s), it will tear up the grass a bit...
About the only thing I'd change...I'd prefer a diesel, so my next will mostly likely be a used 997 or Kubota

 

[PuffyC]

Don’t underestimate what you can do with a ZTR. I have Deere 3032e and a Z540R which used to be their top of the line residential mower and that Z540R has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve bush hogged with it and dont even slow down if a branch is an inch or less. I’ve pulled small logs with it, and we also have a small, heavy duty steel wagon we pull for smaller chores like hauling corn out to the feeders. Occasionally I even use it pull a drag harrow to tidy up a quarter mile of gravel road. I’ve taken it to hell and back mowing 7 acres every week for years and it has been dead reliable and tough as nails. Point is that if you get a quality ZTR you’ll find a lot of uses for it besides just mowing. Depending on the job, grabbing the ZTR is often quicker and easier, and the operating cost is a lot less than the tractor. Even though I own a perfectly capable tractor, if my ZTR died today I’d definitely go buy another one tomorrow.

 

[RoyJackson]

Don’t underestimate what you can do with a ZTR. I have Deere 3032e and a Z540R which used to be their top of the line residential mower and that Z540R has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve bush hogged with it and dont even slow down if a branch is an inch or less. I’ve pulled small logs with it, and we also have a small, heavy duty steel wagon we pull for smaller chores like hauling corn out to the feeders. Occasionally I even use it pull a drag harrow to tidy up a quarter mile of gravel road. I’ve taken it to hell and back mowing 7 acres every week for years and it has been dead reliable and tough as nails. Point is that if you get a quality ZTR you’ll find a lot of uses for it besides just mowing. Depending on the job, grabbing the ZTR is often quicker and easier, and the operating cost is a lot less than the tractor. Even though I own a perfectly capable tractor, if my ZTR died today I’d definitely go buy another one tomorrow.

Good post, but we want to remember that ZTR's (all the ones I have knowledge of, and as written previously, I have a Deere commercial ZTR) that they use hydraulic motors to drive the rear wheels.
Heavy towing may cause the hydro fluid to run really hot, so consider that.
I tow an aerator and a lawn roller with mine...