ZTRs and what to look out for

[Nasty135]

This may be a little late, For 1.5 acres and looking perhaps for something more traditional (ie steering wheel) I've noticed husqvarna at lowe's has this model which may fit your need? Only you can decide but it may be worth a test drive.
This husqvarna being articulated will let it turn a very tight circle and also it can go under edges of bushes although not far,It is a home owner series and won't kill the budget like a commerical unit would. The only question I would have is dependability? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Just noticed it is currently unavailable or discontinued /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[JoeDizzy]

Ok, I'll stick up for the Snapper. I spent a year researching for a good residential ZTR. I ended up buying the 18 hp 44' Snapper Fastcut. I cut about 4 acres with lots of obstacles in less than 3 hrs. I used to use a 44' wheelhorse and it took me 6 1/2 hours. I have 80 hours on it in 3/4 of a season. It was the best money I ever spent. The ride is a little rougher and you have to be careful in wet grass and around trees as it will leave marks. I have an extremely rough yard and it sort put the fun back in cutting grass. Of all the models in its class, I felt it had the best build. I also noticed that blade speed increased from what I was used to. Just go check out the models in its class and price range. I found it to be an easy choice. I also had two mechanics say they were well built machines. I am sure there a better ztr's but I believe you would have to spend more to get it.

 

[sweettractors]

Hard to beat a "Dixon" for the application you are describing. We have special winter pricing on many models. Call 270-524-0385 or Email glsweet@scrtc.com for sizes and pricing. Low cost nationwide shipping is no problem.--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Authorized Dixon ZTR Dealer Specializing in Nationwide Shipping*

 

[lrunge]

So where are the Dixon ZTRs on your web site? They are not listed in the menu nor in the mower section. Not in the new equipment section...your search engine just goes back to the main page. So, where are they hidden?

 

[sweettractors]

We are in the process of putting the Dixon info on the website and should have a nice layout in about 30 days. As for now, I listed my son's email address and phone # to get information about prices, features and shipping. You may go to he "Dixon" website for full details by clicking HERE --Thanks for the question, Ken Sweet

 

[sweettractors]

lrunge, Good news!! Our webmaster got the New "Dixon" ZTR mowers added to our website today and you may access that page by clicking HERE Review it and give us any feedback about how to make it better? We do anticipate putting some used mowers in when we get a little more time.--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New Buhler 50 and 60 Inch 3 Point Snowblowers in Stock*

 

[Durbob]

Well , i know of one person who has owned both the snapper and the dixon ztr mowers. He had the dixon until he wore it out and then moved up to a bigger more expensive snapper. He never liked the snapper because he said it had quality issues and the cut wasn't near as nice as the dixon. He said his next one will be another dixon. I have never owned a ztr , but i have owned a rer snapper and a lt12 snapper tractor and have liked both of them.

 

[sweettractors]

We have a older 20-25 Yr old Dixon machine in the shop that belongs to a fellow in his seventies. His son brought it in and wanted us to do some minor repairs. He said his dad would not consider any other brand mower. Local customer loyality is amazing to me!!--I had some experience with the very early Snappers and liked them. I dont know much about the newer Snapper machines.--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New 36 to 92 inch "First Choice" Roto Tillers in Stock Today*

 

[tractorman71]

I'll jump in on this one. I had a 28 year old wheelhorse D200,20hp hydro,48"deck. one heck of a mower,but some parts were getting hard to get.(some were obsolete,I had to do some custom work). I decided on a Ferris 1000Z ZTR,with a 27hp kohler,61" cut. it used to take me 3 hours to mow my lawn,now it takes less than 2, plus I go up the road and cut my parents lawn!! Ferris is made right here in central NY,heck, you can get 4 wheel suspension and a 31hp. cat diesel if you got the bucks(or need). here is a pic of mrs. tractorman on it.

 

[Dargo]

I'm assuming that Dixon's quality has improved. Loyalty and distaste both stick with consumers it seems. I bought a new Dixon in the mid 80's and so did my next door neighbor. Both of us agreed that it was the worst experience we have ever had with the lack of quality. The concept, ZTR, was great, but the machine was definitely lacking. The things were light blue and had some junky chain drive mechanism and only had one drive. It wasn't until after I bought it that I realized what a rigging it had. Being that Dixon is still in business, their quality has to have improved. It may sound bad, but as poor of a machine as that thing was, and as bad as Dixon dumped on their customers with troubles, I'll never own one again. Having a company and a dealer tell me "it's your mower, don't bring it back to me" is enough for me to avoid that brand for life.