Zero turn

[buckshot721]

Ok thought I would look a something besides JD, so I stopped at the local TSC store. Looked at the Bad Boy Zt's. They had one left that I liked (around $6000). So I went in a talked with the sales person, I asked them who repaires them if I have problems with the Bad Boys? You have 30 days to return it to us, I asked him again where is the repair shop for warranty work. Again the same answer. So i asked what happens if I have a problem a year down the road? You are responsible for repaires unless you buy a warranty at the time of sales! A $6000.00 machine and I have to pay another $500.00 for a warranty?

 

[RollingsFarms]

Ok thought I would look a something besides JD, so I stopped at the local TSC store. Looked at the Bad Boy Zt's. They had one left that I liked (around $6000). So I went in a talked with the sales person, I asked them who repaires them if I have problems with the Bad Boys? You have 30 days to return it to us, I asked him again where is the repair shop for warranty work. Again the same answer. So i asked what happens if I have a problem a year down the road? You are responsible for repaires unless you buy a warranty at the time of sales! A $6000.00 machine and I have to pay another $500.00 for a warranty?

I would recommend not buying brand name mowers from big box stores. The dealers for those mowers won't give you the same level
of service as if you bought from them. When it needs warranty work TSC will have a designated dealer but who knows if it's near you or if it's even a shop that sells zero turns that will be working on your machine.

 

[scaredychicken]

There are many good ZTR's today. My choice would be decided if looking, in how many belts does it have. I prefer drive shafts over belts for the drive train and mower decks.

which models have a drive shaft instead of a belt, I'd like to compare - but I've only looked at ones with 3 blades and belts ? thanks for any details you might have

 

[RollingsFarms]

which models have a drive shaft instead of a belt, I'd like to compare - but I've only looked at ones with 3 blades and belts ? thanks for any details you might have

Kubota, some Scags(higher end models) and I'm sure there are others but those are the only two I know of.

 

[Creamer]

I think Grasshoppers are all shaft drive.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

All I can tell you is, I LOVE my Grasshopper mower!

Mine is Kubota diesel powered and it really good on power and fuel usage...

SR

 

[eagle628]

I actually think and have heard professionals say that Deere has one of the best if not THE best decks in the commercial industry. They like it because it performs as well in wet grass as it does it dry grass. They also like that it doesn't clump like some decks and stripes better than most mowers that have striping kits. Now, Deere mowers aren't generally perceived as the best commercial mowers, or even in the top 3 to be honest, but their decks are second to none.

I agree. I run a Deere zero turn commercially and love it. The 7 iron deck is excellent at handling almost everything that goes through it and cuts it very well. That said, it's designed for that. It is not as good at striping pure grass as some (Exmark and Walker) or at hiding clippings (Exmark again. Deere's design can mow and eject tons of grass, but it leaves it long, not chopped more finely, which means the clippings tend to sit on the surface more than blending in)). It work phenomenally well as an all purpose deck, if you mow a wide variety of grass/weeds/whatever. If all you mow is grass, no weeds and not too long, Exmark's design is more specifically designed for those conditions. It really depends on what you plan to use it for. I would say that Deere is at least the equal of Gravely and Scag, which have similar deck characteristics. I own Deere mostly because the dealer is very good and very close.

 

[scaredychicken]

good info here people. I think for me, where the country options / dealers are limited the HUSTLER is my zero-turn choice (my opinion after research and help from TBN)... Husqvarna and Snapper are the other considerations.

all I can say is ... never kick a Deere

 

[ICGREEN]

I so wanted to by a Deere zero turn but after comparing the Deere and the Hustler the Hustler won hands down. Much smoother ride, built like a tank and mows real fast. No regrets.

 

[slow84ta]

My good buddy has used a Bobcat XRZ for years with his landscaping business and swears by it. I've used it a few times on my yard and it was a great machine and did a clean cut. My yard is hilly too! It was comfortable as well. I am in the market for a zero turn as well, I think the Bobcat is just too much for me, but I think it's a great quality mower! More information here @ Bobcat XRZ Review | Top Rated Zero Turn Mower Reviews