ztr's

[rugs]

Re: ztr\'s

Ken--
Re: the "original" ZTR
Several of the bigger makers claim to have originated the ZTR. I've been told it was Dixie Chopper (see http://www.dixiechopper.com/about.htm), but this page is a little hedged with lawyer language like: "the first mid-mount zero turn radius riding lawn mower produced specifically for the turf care professional." They started building in 1980.
I've also been told that Grasshopper was the first. See http://www.grasshoppermower.com/03/grasshpability/ghability_main.html where they say: "Grasshopper pioneered True ZeroTurn™ technology and revolutionized an industry by originating swing-away dual control levers." Grasshopper sez they're 33 yrs old (= 1971). I think the truth of the matter is that early builders each invented parts of today's "ZTR" that quickly got copied by the competition.

I think I read somewhere that front-deck hydro-motor-driven mowers came first (Grasshopper?), and mid-deck designs later (being more compact, mid-decks appealed to commercial mowers who trailered them around). Scag started in 1983. I think their first rider was a front deck, tricycle unit that Ferris later copied.

It would be interesting to know who had the original idea of hydro pumps and wheel motors for a lawnmower. Certainly by the early 1980s there were several makers building & selling what we would recognize today as "mid-deck ZTRs" (hydro pumps, dual wheel motors, rear drive wheels, suspended decks, front casters, twin control levers). Hopefully somebody else here has more info!

 

[Moon]

Re: ztr\'s

Yep, small world KO!
We're back and forth to Athens and Columbus pretty regular. I know Nelsonville well. I still remember about 10 years ago Pat Sajack and Vanna White were in Nelsonville for the homecoming. Boy was traffic ever BAD. Just like when yall have that Paul Bunyon Festival.
Do you know of any Dealerships carrying the Country Clipper? I'd sure like to take a look. Joy stick steering sounds intriguing, but I can't imagine how it would work.
Thanks,
Moon.
ps. Emerick hill in St. Mary's was my Dad's old homestead. Spent many a weekend there!

 

[Dozernut]

Re: ztr\'s

I am going to guess the Yazoo mower, but as far as I can recollect they came out in the 60's.

 

[SilverBullit]

Re: ztr\'s

Moon,

The dealer in Watertown, made a right off 339, first left, then about, go about 2-3 mile (I think), he is on the right.

I bought a Bob-Cat from Lang's (outside Marietta) a few years ago, he currently sells Bob-Cat and Husky. Doug and family are good people, great service.

I recently looked at Fore-Timber (off Rt 50 toward Clarksburg), he sells Gravely and Yazoo-Kee's, they likewise look like a quality dealer, good selection and I am told suberb service.

Going back to the JD auction, I looked at a Grasshopper there a couple of months ago, gently used less than 75 hours. The flyer looked like there was several pieces in that category.

Good luck,

Eric

 

[Moon]

Re: ztr\'s

Thanks Eric!
I made it to Watertown and Beverly yesterday. Beverly Dealer was closed! He advertised Grasshopper, but no obvious signs that he stocked any.
I'll have to get up to Lang's. They worked on a ole Bolens I had a few years ago. I had forgot, but they tried then to get me to try out a ztr mower that they had there at that time. I've also still got to stop at Hurst tractor sales in Marietta. Going to be a busy weekend for me, shopping.
The auction sounds good, but I'm leery of it. I'd hate to go over there and drop 5 or 6k for a mower with no warranty and problems. Don't know if those are repo units or what. I haven't ruled it out, and I'd sure like to save some bucks, but to often in trying to save bucks it can cost you extra cash.

 

[milkman]

Re: ztr\'s

Moon, try the mower on the type ground you'll use it on, the ztr's are quick fast machines, if your mowing is done on rough ground, you'll want more suspension in the seat than a board with foam on it. I know my old bones don't take to a beating like they used to.

 

[Moon]

Re: ztr\'s

Good point Milkman. I'd about have to get em to bring one over for me to try on our land. We are on an old tomato field. Mostly flat, but lots of bumps. Probably no way of mowing at 10mph. I'd be lucky to be able to mow at 6mph. No dealer is going to have that same type of terrain for me to try it out on. For this reason I'm looking primarily at commercial type ztr's. They have the better seats, and hopefully better suspension.
Thanks,
Moon of Ohio.

 

[rugs]

Re: ztr\'s

Moon--

Center deck ZTRs can be rough riders because of their shortish wheelbases and smallish front caster wheels (you probably want at least 13 x 5 casters, and some mfgs use 15 x 6s). Only Ferris (to my knowledge) offers a true 4 wheel suspension system on their two bigger Zs. For info see: http://www.ferrisindustries.com/i_why.php. Their IS1000z has 2 wheel (front) suspension. See: http://www.ferrisindustries.com/mz_1000z.php. When I shopped these a month ago the IS1000z 23hp 52" deck was ~$6,800.

Instead of suspension systems, most mfgs use *suspension seats* on their larger/more expensive Zs. These are usually seats with a gas shock system to adjust for the user's weight. They do improve comfort. Often these seats are available as an option on less expensive mowers, often costing $250-350 extra (there are also aftermarket tractor suspension seats available that could be used).

In general the *front-deck* tricycle or 4 wheel mowers from Ferris, Scag, Grasshopper, Walker, etc. are softer riders because of their longer wheelbases. With any mower you'd need an unusually smooth lawn (or a truly iron constitution) to mow at anything close to 10mph. Keep us up to date on your search!

 

[milkman]

Re: ztr\'s

One other thing, if you find what you like and the price is more than you expected, it's better to flinch once when you buy than to flinch every time you go to use it for the next ten years.

 

[radman]

Re: ztr\'s

Go to lawnsite.com. Lots of info on ZTR's. Everybody is biased on what to get. A commercial unit will last you for years and years. I have a Toro Z Master 100 with a 52" deck and 23hp Kawasaki motor. Fantastic. Toro bought ExMark a few years ago. Toro is same as ExMark but have different mowing decks. I purchased mine for $5200 which was an excellent price (end of the year purchase from local dealer). I made a hitch for mine and use it for fertilizing and pulling small trailer.