ZTR or Garden Tractor?

kjsayers · Apr 25, 2005

I have around 2 acres to mow out of the 7. Hardly any off it is flat mostly rolling ground. I have gone back and forth on if I shoud get a ZTR or a garden Tractor? I can get a Husky 27hp/54" cut for 3K. All the ZTR's I have looked at (hustler, gravely, exmark, ferris ect...) start around $4,200. Would it be worth the extra money for the ZTR mower? I don't have a lot of things to mow around. Are the ZRT's built better or what?

Thanks

Kevin

KiotiJohn · Apr 25, 2005

My tractor dealer sells Hustler ZTRs, and has a residential model with 42" cut that he retails for $3200. It has a three year warranty and the frame and leading edge of deck is lifetime.

I've read some posts on here that said ZTRs are not the most stable on steep hills, but I wouldn't know.

I'm going with the Hustler, mostly because of the control and tight turning it affords. I think it's much better built than any lawn tractor I've seen, and I can sure get in close for trimming with it too.

My dealer also has the commercial grade Hustlers, and the residential ones seem to be just about as tough and well-built. His commercial models start at $5995.00

www.bigtractorsupply.com

John

Nasty135 · Apr 25, 2005

KJ, Your question all depends on what all you are planning to use this unit for? If for grass mowing only a ZTR will be a little faster even if the grounds surface won't allow full speed mowing, This is assuming you are trying to get done faster /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (maybe you like riding around outside on a mower)

Next if you want to pull around an implement ie; aerator ,de-thatcher,or perhaps push a little snow ,a tractor will probably be more suited.(do you have snow? profile not filled out) /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The answer to these questions may help in your decision /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Spiffy · Apr 25, 2005

ZTR thread

You might want to check out this thread and a do a search to find few other recent ones comparing ZTRs & tractors and different brands of ZTRs.

It sounds like you have the basic requirements figured out. I don't know about the Hustlers so KiotiJohn may be on to something, but everything I've seen, the 3K units have cheaper transmissions and other "hidden cost savers".

The commercial units ussually have heavy gage fab decks (a good stamped one will take even semi-reasonable abuse for a long time though),; higher blade speeds; "better" engines; larger wheels, spindles and bearings for long life.

Where life get's really confusing is the $4-5K area (I don't always assume you get what you pay for, but this seemed the best way to lump the catagories even if not quite accurate) has a myriad of "residential commercial" & "commercial residential" (I'd say about right for 2 acres) units where each brand puts some extra quality in the ussual areas & then adds a little quality or a few features in a wide variety of places. Things like spindle speeds ect, deck design, all over the board too.

My two cents: if you're just mowing (assuming even a few obstacles) the ZTR probably wins; if nothing else, saving a little time should get you some engine longetivey from the saved hours.

Have Fun!

Spiffy · Apr 25, 2005

As to the hill stabiliy question: I heard once the ZTRs are actually better with some experience, but I've taken a GT places it shouldn't go and survived /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif, haven't been quite as gutsy with a ZTR....may be older and wiser though! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif If anyway posible to try one out on your ground, I think that could really help.

Also, as Nasty pointed out, the GT is still the first choice for attachments.

BLUEBONNET2 · Apr 25, 2005

good afternoon,
i just this morning looked at the Hustler Fastrack 52 with a 20hp honda. i really like the warrenty they offer /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. so in about 3-4 wks i'll get it delivered........(gotta move the money from one place to another /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif).....
mower
light kit
hour meter
free delivery(25 min. away)
sales tax
$5400

i think this is a good deal....and he has a shop for mowers(tractor dealer)and mechanic for mowers....the unit has a small trailer hookup (hole in back bumper)just right for a small trailer, sprayer, etc.....

the demo he gave me was a whole lot faster the a regular riding mower/gardenden tractor....besides i've got "miss alma" for all the bush hogging i need to do.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

regards,
bluebonnet2

LBrown59 · Apr 26, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I can get a Husky 27hp/54" cut for 3K.
Thanks

Kevin )</font>

This is a MTD with a Huskey Label.No resemblance to the Original Bolens Tractors!

ChrisW · Apr 28, 2005

Blue, Did you look at the mini z at all? I just got one for $5500 and it has the Kawi 19hp engine and 52" cut. The pumps are commercial and will last longer than the fastrak pumps. Just something to think about if you have not looked at them.

Chris

Moon · May 5, 2005

I've mowed with both. What I like about the ZTR is that I have no missed grass on the corners. I can stripe the lawn by mowing a strip at a time back and forth, rather than doing a square or rectangle pattern. It's faster. ZTR's are fun to drive. Mowing gets monotanous, so the quicker I can be done the better. I mow 4 acres. 1st I did it with a old Ford 8n. Then I got an used Bolens tractor. Next was a Mitsubusi 17hp tractor. I was tired of used and could finally afford a new tractor. I got the Kubota L3010 with a 72" rear finish mower. Still have the Kubota for the heavy work (bush hoggin, box bladin etc.) but now have a Scag ZTR 61" deck. The Scag can mow circles around the big Kubota. But for utility the Kubota wins out.
So, to end up this long winded post. IF you are buying for mowing only, get a ZTR. If you want mowing plus utility to do other chores on your 7 acres get a Garden Tractor or CUT.

Good Luck,
Moon of Ohio