Mowing ZT verus Sub Compact
- Thread starter askned
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RaydaKub
Veteran Member
:welcome: to TBN.
Is this just grass or is it a cemetery? I mowed a small cemetery as a teen with a tractor. Lots of turns!!! I got to the point that I'd backup and jam the hydro into forward while turning and it would do a wheelie and complete the 180 for me. I was young and stupid, but that worked for me for 5 years. :laughing:
If it is a cemetery, I'd go ZTR with a diesel.
20 acres is a LOT to do with even a 5 foot mower. The BX is more versatile, but tombstones would make the decision for me.
Is this just grass or is it a cemetery? I mowed a small cemetery as a teen with a tractor. Lots of turns!!! I got to the point that I'd backup and jam the hydro into forward while turning and it would do a wheelie and complete the 180 for me. I was young and stupid, but that worked for me for 5 years. :laughing:
If it is a cemetery, I'd go ZTR with a diesel.
20 acres is a LOT to do with even a 5 foot mower. The BX is more versatile, but tombstones would make the decision for me.
CompactTractorFan
Super Member
ShenandoahJoe
Gold Member
I just got the chance to see a commercial ZTR in action. On my front hillside with a dozen trees, the mower takes 1 1/2 hours. The ZTR took 40 minutes.
The wide area mower is definitely what we need, we also need need the $ 63,000 to,pay for it!
We really don't need to super high speed , we need something affordable that will last forever which is why I am inclined toward a small deisel sub compact like a bx series kubota
We really don't need to super high speed , we need something affordable that will last forever which is why I am inclined toward a small deisel sub compact like a bx series kubota
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
Might want to consider something a little larger with a rear finish mower for this. I would give a look at the Deere 3032 and 3038, these are economy hydrostatic tractors which should be just right for your needs.
Alan L.
Elite Member
If its just mowing I get the ZTR hands down. A commercial ZTR is designed to work 8 hours a day all summer for years.
missingstexas
Silver Member
askned said:
Kubota's diesel ZTR is the top of the line. One of our members JOHNTHOMAS has a front deck Kubota mower that sounds like exactly what I would recommend for you. Plus he's selling his at an incredible price. It has a 5' deck. Check it out in the buying/pricing forum.
rsewill
Veteran Member
Whatever you decide, get it with a Diesel. That's enough land to justify the initial cost.
MikeA57
Silver Member
I agree with rsewill, spend the bucks and get a diesel ZTR. Speed IS the issue here. You can do that 20 open acres in 1/4 to 1/3 the time with a ZTR that you could do it with a subcompact. Look at Scag, Kubota, John Deere, Grasshopper, and Bad Boy. They're expensive but proven.
If you simply can't afford a diesel just get as big of a gas engine as you can on it. The grass is most likely thick heavy field grass and you'll need every ounce of power you can lay your hands on.
With that much acreage you should talk to dealers who will bring a machine out to you and let you test drive on your turf. Running one on their constantly cut test lawn is one thing but getting it out on your ground is completely different.
Don't buy just on price alone. A dealer who offers exceptional service will be a great asset if (when) the machine needs some TLC.
The only thing that would sway me away from a ZTR is if it will be used for other chores. If you need a front end loader, pull stumps out of the ground, a grader/box blade, a sprayer, or anything like that, then you need a tractor. If all you're going to do with it is mow grass, get a ZTR. (That being said, the Bad Boy ZTR is one of the only ones I know of that is set up to accept a front mounted sprayer, a front push blade and a Class 2 hitch to pull things. I don't know how efficient it is doing all those other things because it was designed to mow grass. But, they do offer those attachments for the BB.)
If you simply can't afford a diesel just get as big of a gas engine as you can on it. The grass is most likely thick heavy field grass and you'll need every ounce of power you can lay your hands on.
With that much acreage you should talk to dealers who will bring a machine out to you and let you test drive on your turf. Running one on their constantly cut test lawn is one thing but getting it out on your ground is completely different.
Don't buy just on price alone. A dealer who offers exceptional service will be a great asset if (when) the machine needs some TLC.
The only thing that would sway me away from a ZTR is if it will be used for other chores. If you need a front end loader, pull stumps out of the ground, a grader/box blade, a sprayer, or anything like that, then you need a tractor. If all you're going to do with it is mow grass, get a ZTR. (That being said, the Bad Boy ZTR is one of the only ones I know of that is set up to accept a front mounted sprayer, a front push blade and a Class 2 hitch to pull things. I don't know how efficient it is doing all those other things because it was designed to mow grass. But, they do offer those attachments for the BB.)
MikeA57
Silver Member
Ooops, double post...
shane
Gold Member
As a non profit entity, most manufacturers give discounts, that with tax exempt can go a long way. At least that's the offers I've received when making purchases for our church.
The last item I purchase was a Stihl backpack blower. Got 20% off plus tax exempt.
The last item I purchase was a Stihl backpack blower. Got 20% off plus tax exempt.
fredhargis
Gold Member
Amen to that.......
I have a B2630 with a mid mount and a ZD28 with a 72" deck. I had other Kubota compacts and a Kubota front mount mower. The zero turn is the only way to go, in a diesel.
I haven't cut a blade of grass in over 25 years with a gas engine, no way would I start now.
I haven't cut a blade of grass in over 25 years with a gas engine, no way would I start now.
Again, Diesel. You can find real good used commercial mowers like the Kubotas in the 7 to 9k range with pretty low hours. Lots of folks that bought them figured out they really need a tractor for other things or to get around the rough ride of a ztr. When I traded mine in it had 250 hrs,,thats like new. Oh, if you go zrt make sure the 20 acres are smooth.
