Zero turn vs hst tractor reliability

[MagicMM]

Be sure to pick those fallen Pecan limbs up because a ZT doesn't like grinding up limbs. Bits of Pecan limbs will cause you misery with the belts/pulleys.

I know, I have to mow around Pecan trees.

 

[Chtractorman]

I have a reasonably smooth 10 acre pecan orchard I mow once every couple weeks or so.

I’m thinking of replacing my old John Deere 1120/6 ft finish mower with either a 72” zero turn or a hst tractor with 6ft finish mower and loader.


The main role would be mowing but I do have lots of landscaping chore that a loader would be nice to have.



My question is:

Does long term mowing with an HST tractor affect its reliability over more typical uses?

I have both set ups and have looked at your pictures. HST is definitely the way to go. You will be much more comfortable staying 4' above and well in front of the debris discharge instead of literally on top of it. If the pastures are ever dry and dusty, it is HUGE difference. My 2017 TYM 39HP HST has over 500 hours with zero tractor downtime although the loader has been down twice. You can trim a few inches around the base of the trees with round up and likely mow around the trees with your new tractor with one pass in each direction. My 2017 John Deere 54" zero turn has less than 150 hours and has been down more times that I can remember- usually, bad safety cut off switches that I can't find and fix myself- or bypass the ___ things. My TYM tractor finish mower has about 100 hours with zero downtime. Diesel tractor is also much more fuel efficient. My tractor mows as faster than the zero turn on straight cuts. The only advantages of the zero-turn are ease of use and cutting around obstacles. Rider comfort, reliability and fuel efficiency all go to the tractor/finish mower set up. I guarantee you, you will wonder how you survived without the loader after you have it. Go big on lifting strength though as they don't really lift anywhere near the "pivot" hinge lift weight all the manufacturers use.

 

[EddinKY]

I have a very similar tree/Yard situation, but only mow about 4 acres. The ground is rough despite rolling it. I mow the long straight areas with a tractor with a finish mower. Much more comfortable ride. Then I have hired help trim around the trees with the ZTR. My back doctor told me to stay off a ZTR, they are the source of much business for him. The high speed (and everyone flies) bouncing causes compression fracture problems. ZTR's are great if you are 30, but at 75 I can not handle the stress.

 

[Garson]

I have a reasonably smooth 10 acre pecan orchard I mow once every couple weeks or so.

I’m thinking of replacing my old John Deere 1120/6 ft finish mower with either a 72” zero turn or a hst tractor with 6ft finish mower and loader.


The main role would be mowing but I do have lots of landscaping chore that a loader would be nice to have.



My question is:

Does long term mowing with an HST tractor affect its reliability over more typical uses?

As everyone says, the zero turn will be much much faster and a joy to ride. One caution, try out competitors if you chose a zero turn. The John Deere zero turns are more expensive and difficult to control; they are too quick on the controls. I have a 54" Toro Timecutter and it is intuitive from day one. But try lots of zero turns. You'll find the one that suits you best.

 

[RancherGuy]

It’s an older mature orchard with some space.

I’m mowing with a 6 foot finish mower currently

So you are currently using a 72" mower, but one issue (from my experience) is that it is inflexible mowing while turning, whereas a ZT is designed with perfect flexibility.

I am outside of Houston and understand your environment. We have a diesel JD 997 with 72" deck. My wife is the operator and for the 6.5 acres we mow as yard, it takes her the better part of a day, every 10. Part of our issue is the lawn is not as smooth as your area, so she slows down, she picks up all sticks and twigs into piles so I can remove them, also mows driveway ditches and around the pecans along it. The JD is a beast. We bought it used, have owned it for 10 years and added 1200 hours. Benefits: extremely reliable, very tough engine that endures overheating when the mowing debris clogs radiator flow, refuel every 20 hours or so of use, no perceptable wear after all these years, deck is super tough and air/grass flow is extremely good, chops up twigs and such up to 3/4" with no concern, but I have been known to do larger. I keep telling my wife to "cut them up" - next time you won't even see them. Deck cut range is 1/2"-5".

At the current time, the only thing I wish is that the mowing width were greater to reduce time because of the acreage. I have considered doing a special design by adding a couple of 21" gas-powered hand mowers, one on each side of the rear tires. If you look at the posting by 'chim', he is using a 90" deck - great idea. There maybe multiple PTO-based mower decks with a wider path that use a hitch instead of the 3 point arms. Then you can just add a loader to your current tractor for other tasks.

If you would be happy with a taller cut, I might even suggest a batwing mower with sharp blades. My 15 footer (180") can drop down to less than 4" and if it were dedicated with blades kept sharp, you would be done in a snap and still be able to circle your trees with it.

 

[BigMomma]

If having a dedicated machine for mowing is an option, I would definitely go with a ZT. I have a 60" Hustler SuperZ with ~1000 hours - mow 7 acres - and have had no issues at all. It is a major time saver. I recommend a Comercial grade machine.

 

[espacef1fan]

Thanks for all the replies!

The wife tried a Hustler Super Z today and overall just hates the ride of the zero turn and hates the idea of being down in the dust.

So we went to the Branson dealer.

She liked the 2515h so we might be going that route and keeping the 72” finish mower.

With hst and maybe, just maybe a cab, mowing could become quite an easy chore.

 

[Smokeydog]

My wife dose most of the mowing with HST Kubota B26 with 6’ rear finish mower. Out property is steep, wooded, lots of obstacles. Being able to back under low handing bushes and cut banks where ztr can’t go. Moving limbs every time is usually needed. Mowing or working under trees having a 4 post ROPS and canopy is essential for safety. Tractor is a better fit for us.

 

[billlh]

As everyone says, the zero turn will be much much faster and a joy to ride. One caution, try out competitors if you chose a zero turn. The John Deere zero turns are more expensive and difficult to control; they are too quick on the controls. I have a 54" Toro Timecutter and it is intuitive from day one. But try lots of zero turns. You'll find the one that suits you best.

Yea I have to agree the JD zero turns pretty much suck. I have a large 27 hp one with the fixed collection system on the back, was a total waste of money. I can't use it for leaf collection cause the only time you collect leaves is when it's really wet out. And even in dry conditions it is always slipping the wheel and tearing up the lawn. I use at the farm now to cut the grass there cause I just don't care if it tears it up.

 

[jkahan]

hi - short answer is no; reliability of HST tractors is independent of what you are doing with the tractor.

FWIW - a good zero-turn mower is a game changer for lawn / field maintenance; I am very fortunate, I have 5 pieces of Kubota equipment as well as brush hogs, finish mowers, and a flail mower. My most recent purchase was a Kubota zero turn (diesel based). I maintain about 10 acres of field and lawn -- most of the 10 acres is "lumpy" and hilly. I have only used the zero turn in the last 2 years -- has cut my mowing time down by over 50% (really)... P.S. I am a huge Kubota fan but have also used the Exmark zero turn -- awesome (gas) machine but I went with Kubota (for obvious reasons) plus I wanted the deck below me (versus out front) as my land is so hilly and lumpy. hope this helps. --josh

My question is:

Does long term mowing with an HST tractor affect its reliability over more typical uses?