zero turn mowers
- Thread starter ladder13
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Three years ago I bought some property with 5 acres to mow. The gentleman I bought it from offered his Exmark at a fairly good price. My darlin' bride said if we were going to spend that kind of money, we should research it a little.
At my age I wanted my last mower. I don't scrimp on the quality of my tools, and expected to pay more than the typical mower from the box stores. I researched various landscaper forums, and asked questions.
I actually went out and test drove several models. Living out in the country, I probably had a couple of hundred miles invested in my new mower. I got a Hustler 52" with a 20 HP Honda. They are built by the Amish, and the quality shows throughout. Wher others used stout bolt connections, the Hustler had perfect welds. I can not recommend it enough.
Hope this helps!
At my age I wanted my last mower. I don't scrimp on the quality of my tools, and expected to pay more than the typical mower from the box stores. I researched various landscaper forums, and asked questions.
I actually went out and test drove several models. Living out in the country, I probably had a couple of hundred miles invested in my new mower. I got a Hustler 52" with a 20 HP Honda. They are built by the Amish, and the quality shows throughout. Wher others used stout bolt connections, the Hustler had perfect welds. I can not recommend it enough.
Hope this helps!
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Problem with these mowers (and a MAJOR design flaw it is) is you have to use both hands when driving the darn thing. How does one drink ones beer while cutting one's grass??????
hofstet said:
This is a common misconception. They are exactly the same! They come from a local dealer who preps them for Lowe's etc. A friend of mine owned a dealership fopr quite a while. He says the same thing. Same engines etc. The advantage of buying from a dealer vs. Lowe's etc., is that the dealer will service you right away if you need it. If you buy from his competition, he has no insentive to hurry to take care of you over his own loyal customers, plus the mowers aren't hammered on nearly as badly as they are at the big box stores by everyone's idiot kid who has no manners.
I have owned a ton of John Deere tractors. I have a like new 445 right now, and an older but in excellent shape 240. I just sold my 4500 compact utility, along with all of the goodies I had collected for it. That hurt far worse than having to let any of my Smiths go by far. I bought it all brand new, and it only had 200 hours on it when I sold it. Danged economy!
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gamedic
Member
Everyone will tell you there brand is better than the others. I believe there isn,t a huge difference in most zero turn mowers. they all have the wheel motors and hydraulic pumps made by the same few companies and then the mower manufactuers buy them and put them on there mowers. most of them also use kawasaki or kohler engines. there isn,t much difference. I own a landscape company and have used zero turns for years. I think if you buy a low end commercial unit it will last you ten years or more and your lawn will look better because the blade tip speed on commercials is around 18500 fpm on all of them. and you will love the speed you can get your yard done.
I mow about 2 or 3 ac. and I bought a 19 hp., 52 in. BOB-CAT. It is a ZT219. It was bought in 2002 and I changed all the oil 1 time and the engine oil 2 times and last year I replaced the battery and thats it. I run the engine wide open and ground speed as fast as I can sit on it. I know it was money well spent. Larry
357larry
Member
Bought a Country Clipper with a 60 inch deck and a 23hp Kohler. This thing is great. My yard is a little over 3 1/2 acres with a lot of trees. Gets done quick. And the best thing about it, it drives with a joy stick and not 2 paddles so you can still enjoy a brewskie while you mow.
Super38
US Veteran
Another Hustler here. Can't say enough good about it. But be prepared for sticker shock.
And if you get the hydros adjusted properly, you CAN drive with one hand
.
And if you get the hydros adjusted properly, you CAN drive with one hand
.
I'll give a shout out for a Toro...think I am the first here. It's probably not the top of anyone's commercial list, but I have had mine for over 15 years, and my father-in-law ran it before that. Never had any major maintenance outside of oil changes and battery cable replacement. It has been solid but is showing it's age now, as it should.
Truthfully, anything you get will take care of you if you take care of it. Change the oil and filters, sharpen the blade, etc. You'll need a good dealer. This will cost you more up front but come in handy later on, and you'll be glad you've been loyal to a dealer. I call mine in February, they come get it and work it over for the coming year. The minor stuff I can do.
I would also say that the important decision here is deck size. That is my only true regret about my Toro. More width=more time in the Lazy Boy. Oh, and the new models have cupholders
Truthfully, anything you get will take care of you if you take care of it. Change the oil and filters, sharpen the blade, etc. You'll need a good dealer. This will cost you more up front but come in handy later on, and you'll be glad you've been loyal to a dealer. I call mine in February, they come get it and work it over for the coming year. The minor stuff I can do.
I would also say that the important decision here is deck size. That is my only true regret about my Toro. More width=more time in the Lazy Boy. Oh, and the new models have cupholders
Grayfox
US Veteran
I can't say what to buy, but I can tell you what to stay away from.
Jacobson
Toro
Dixie Chopper
We cut alot of grass in the city I work for. We've tried 'em all and these three just don't cut it. Constantly breaking down, parts are expensive and the dealer never has what you need in stock.
We got rid of the Jakes and Toros. Still have 6 Dixies and not a day goes by without at least two of them in the shop.
Jacobson
Toro
Dixie Chopper
We cut alot of grass in the city I work for. We've tried 'em all and these three just don't cut it. Constantly breaking down, parts are expensive and the dealer never has what you need in stock.
We got rid of the Jakes and Toros. Still have 6 Dixies and not a day goes by without at least two of them in the shop.
I just bought an Ex Mark Lazer Ultra Cut 60". I used the mulching blades all season and my lawn looks like a damn golf course. Great mowers.
S/W - Lifer
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I bought a Cub Cadet with 50 or 54 inch cutting deck. Thought it was too much money but I wouldn't be without it now. It is great on a multi-acre lawn. My next one might be commercial grade. I expect a long service life as long as I don't use it as a bush hog.
HAWKEYE10
Member
When I lived in the country I had a Scagg. Lovedit and it was good on hillsides. It's really the only way
to go. Don
I had the loan of a Husqvarna 60" for about a year. If you cut grass for a living or have very limited time available to mow your lawn, they're great. There is one issue, if you're cutting certain nasty stuff, you're right in there with it.
However, because they work on hydraulics, generally a hydraulic pump and motor unit on each drive wheel, they're expensive to buy and to service. The one I had would need a service pit (anyone remember those?) or considerable ingenuity to change the oil & filters on the drive units at the specified interval.
I've rarely seen belt drive mowers that need much more than periodic belt/brake changes.
However, because they work on hydraulics, generally a hydraulic pump and motor unit on each drive wheel, they're expensive to buy and to service. The one I had would need a service pit (anyone remember those?) or considerable ingenuity to change the oil & filters on the drive units at the specified interval.
I've rarely seen belt drive mowers that need much more than periodic belt/brake changes.
OP
If you guys/gals could give me ballpark $'s for the various mowers it would be appreciated. I've been looking on the net with varied results.
Going shopping next week.
Thanks
Going shopping next week. ThanksLead Chucker
Member
S/W - Lifer
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I've seen truckload sales of Cub Cadets for $2995.00 plus tax. You'll need to do your homework though as there are various models. I believe mine is heavy duty but falls short of being low-end commercial. It cost in the $4000.00 range several years ago. A bigger cutting deck is better, as is horse power.
The plus to this is you can cut a multi-acre lawn in a couple of hours, get in close to trees and shrubs, and never break a sweat. I never could cut my lawn effectively until I got a zero turn mower.
This late in the season you may luck into a good buy. You might want to check manufacturers' web sites for rebates or sales.
Enjoy.
The plus to this is you can cut a multi-acre lawn in a couple of hours, get in close to trees and shrubs, and never break a sweat. I never could cut my lawn effectively until I got a zero turn mower.
This late in the season you may luck into a good buy. You might want to check manufacturers' web sites for rebates or sales.
Enjoy.
TNDixieGirl
Member
If you guys/gals could give me ballpark $'s for the various mowers it would be appreciated. I've been looking on the net with varied results.
Walker = $9,000 - $10,000
If you're simply using it for residential cutting, I don't think I'd go that route. If you'll be using it commercially (landscape or lawn service), it's well worth it.
Super38
US Veteran
A couple of things to be aware of:
1.) If you get a "commercial" mower like a Bobcat, Hustler, Ferris, etc, you will need to pay attention to how you mow and the direction you mow. These mowers are heavy and will mark your lawn if you mow in the same pattern every time.
2.) Be sure to get one with separate hydrostatic drives for each wheel. It makes fine control MUCH easier and one handed steering possible.
3.) The Ferris is the only one available with suspension from the factory. At least as far as I know.
4.) Buy one with close local support. You will need filters, belts, etc at some point. No need buying something not locally available, especially if it breaks. As such things are prone to do from time to time.
5.) Look around at what the local pros are using.
Hope this helps.
1.) If you get a "commercial" mower like a Bobcat, Hustler, Ferris, etc, you will need to pay attention to how you mow and the direction you mow. These mowers are heavy and will mark your lawn if you mow in the same pattern every time.
2.) Be sure to get one with separate hydrostatic drives for each wheel. It makes fine control MUCH easier and one handed steering possible.
3.) The Ferris is the only one available with suspension from the factory. At least as far as I know.
4.) Buy one with close local support. You will need filters, belts, etc at some point. No need buying something not locally available, especially if it breaks. As such things are prone to do from time to time.
5.) Look around at what the local pros are using.
Hope this helps.
windjammer
Member
The guy that mows my yard has a Scagg. Thirty-Three H.P. with a turbo charger. He told me that he could mow at 17 mph on good ground.
I have 4 acres to mow. Somtime the grass gets pretty high. This mower leaves it looking like a golf course. Takes him about an hour.
He's had John Deere's til about 3 years ago......He's sold on the Scagg..I don't know what it cost.
I have 4 acres to mow. Somtime the grass gets pretty high. This mower leaves it looking like a golf course. Takes him about an hour.
He's had John Deere's til about 3 years ago......He's sold on the Scagg..I don't know what it cost.
