Riding Mower or ZTR Recommendations

[W_KY]

The wife and I are looking to purchase a house and currently have a bid in. The new house will have a 1.25 acre yard (so not too big but would be ALOT to push mow). Currently we are in a rental house for which I hire the yard care. I'm looking to purchase something new as I've kept an eye on craiglist every once in awhile, and it only seems to have stuff that is pretty beat up.

The yard is flat for the most part but with some thick bermuda grass for most of it. Not a ton of obstacles Ii.e. trees)in the yard yet but part of it has a wooden fence around it so I'd have to work around that. Plus I imagine was we spruce up the landscaping/outdoor area it will get more complicated.

I called this guy since I would like to buy local. He is also a RedMax dealer which is what my trimmer is. I really it.

http://www.premierlawnandpower.com/

He had 3 basic options for me.

1. a 2011 Ariens lawn tractor. Koehler engine. Not sure on HP or deck size but start at about $1800
2. 2011 Gravely ZT 50. This is a ZTR. Would have Kawasaki engine. 50" deck. Not sure on price.
3. A left over Gravely ZT 2550 from 2010. Currently asking $2900 or around there. Supposedly very similar to the 2011 except it would have a Koehler engine.

I haven't seen any of these in person and likely won't be able to till March (he isn't open on Saturday's till then).

What are you thoughts? The wife says "I trust you with whatever decision you make." I'm sure the guy also has more commercial/beefier models as well but not sure I need something of that caliber.

 

[Rosco]

I have a Gravely ZTR and absolutely love it. If I bought another it would be the Exmark quest. Gravely is a re-badged Ariens.

http://www.exmark.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProductType=23

 

[UncleJoe]

I would think the brands you mentioned are good. I went with a Deere, from the John Deere dealer, I don't know if the ones at Lowes are any different but the Deere dealer was good to deal with.

I can't believe the difference in how the lawn looks. After I am done the lawn looks groomed not just cut. That may be the same with any of the better brands. I use mine to help with the leaves in the fall as we have a bunch of tall oak trees and lots of leaves. This fall I upgraded to a new gator mulching blade and I really like it. It really cuts the leaves and grass into very small pieces and still works well with the bagging system.
The gator Blade

Notice the teeth on the back of the blade. I think this is worth doing on any tractor.

 

[danfromsyr]

I have 1.5 acres with a house, 30x50 barn 24x36 chicken shed and 36x36 fenced corral (high fenced auto/**** storage)
and I bought a Sub-compact tractor a Kubota BX with a loader & 60" mower (also post hole digger to build corral and more)

Yes it's a car payment, for ~6yrs btu man it's freakin handy
moving dead/disabled cars around/into the barn, moving engines from the barn to the shed, clearing heavy snow, digging a pond, grading the driveway or sidewalk and augering in posts for the pole barn addition.

 

[jerry j]

I have about the same area you have.. I've used my 14 hp John Deere garden tractor for years and years.. (20-25)..
3 yrs ago I finally bit the bullet and bought a Skag 60" ZTR rider.. quite pricey. 10,000...
Couldn't be Happier.. Cut the mowing time considerably, and don't have to worry about this thing breaking down.. It's a tank and very, very reliable..

My thought was if and when it's time for me to give up cutting or move, I can always sell it for a very good price.. Where as a cheaper model might be much harder to sell because they don't hold up well....

Good Luck....

 

[Buckgnarly]

Have you considered a commercial walk behind? I have about 2acres that I do with an Exmark Metro 48"....at 3k it's a happy medium between cost and efficieny.

Mower and lawn....

http://www.exmark.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProductType=2

 

[91FE]

My wife and I moved into a new (to us) house in June on 2 acres. I watched craigslist like a hawk and got a 48" Exmark LazerZ with an 18hp motor. Had 130 hours and I paid $3400. I considered a walk-behind, but so glad I got the rider. It takes me 1:30 at full-throttle... a walk-behind would be sooooo much slower.

Now I'm thinking about selling the 48" for a 60" with a bigger motor... mine feels a bit undersized for my property.

 

[PaulR]

I'm with Dan. I'm done with these mamby pamby lawn tractors. My next one is going to be a John Deere 2320. 60" center deck, tiller, bucket, blower, full cab, oh yea!

 

[larry_g]

I went from a 60" tractor mower to a 50" ZTR and cut my mowing time in half. I do have obsticals to mow around so the manuverability of the ZTR way outweighs the cutting width of the tractor. FWIW I have a Toro 5040 with a Kaw motor and I'm happy with it.

lg
no nea sig line

 

[drmoonshine]

I think a riding mower is a reasonable investment.

 

[Aberdale]

I'm not sure what the best recommendation would be for you, but I'll share my situation for you to consider:

I have a John Deere garden tractor with a 48" deck. I mow 3 acres, and it takes about 5 hours. I upgraded to a Woods 72" deck behind a Ford 8N tractor to reduce my mowing time. The problem I have is my 3 acre yard is not flat, so the wider mower tends to scalp the high spots. I also have lots of obstacles, like an orchard of 54 apple trees, utility poles, fence posts, two ponds, and several buildings with landscaping around them. There are a lot of places the 72" mower will not fit between.

So now I'm back to using the 48" John Deere most of the time. A ZTR sounds like the ticket, but I've been too cheap to spring for one as long as the JD keeps running.

In my mind, the smartest thing to do is mow less and let the excess grow . . . .

Saves money by not needing ever more expensive equipment, saves fuel and maintenance costs by mowing less, and saves time I'd rather be doing something else.

Dale

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I mow around 3 acres with 60+ mature trees, and etc to mow around in 2.5 hrs with my 60" Hustler brand mower. The 60" doesn't do to bad with the scalping problems, as mentioned above, but will in extream situations.

It was a purchase from the Hustler dealer, but used and in good shape. I have had it three years now and one spindle, a belt and fuel lines later I still only have less than 1/2 the cost of a new one.

 

[ishiboo]

Mower and lawn....

Holy **** is that a yard.

Jealous.

 

[KEH]

I have a Dixie Choppe ZTR with a 44 inch deck. I discovered when shopping for a ZTR that the heavy duty models have a floorboard that hinges up for easy belt replacement. Cheaper Models of ZTRs have the floorboard bolted to the frame since the frame is lighter and in need of additional stiffening. Be aware there is a big difference in price.

I would get whatever mower you decide on from a regular dealer and not one of the big box stores , the models they sell are cheaper ones and my understanding is if you buy, say a John Deere or Cub Cadet and need repairs the box store will just send you to a regular dealer. Not that much difference in price at a competive dealer.

A ZTR, t least the one I have , only mows grass. I previously have had a 6 foot flail mower, a Snapper riding mower, and a 6 foot finish mower. The problem with the flail mower and the finish mower was the time spent mounting and dismounting them from the 3ph tractor. The Snapper was too slow for the 2 lawns I have to mow. The ZTR is very fast and very manueverable. It will mow around a power pole. It's always ready to go, which remind sme I need to charge the battery and change the oil.

If you get a small yard tractor you can do some landscaping, haul mulch in the front end loader bucket, and plow a garden. You can also move snow. They are also expensive.

Your choice.

KEH

 

[december45]

we had about 3 acres and my wife had a John Deere LX188 that was a great mower, never missed a beat, always started, always mowed great, nice even cuts, NICE smooth ride, was a great mower all around, was spendy but worth every penny. I used an Ariens Zero turn simular to the "zoom" 42 inch cut 16 hp mower, that mower was **** from the word go! priced simular to the John Deere but wasnt even 1/2 the quality. The Ariens, was rough riding, never drove in a straight line, no matter how much the tech adjusted the foward controls, the engine was ****, leaked oil like a sieve..... I would never ever buy another Ariens Mower.... We now have a Husky and that has been about on par with the Ariens.. do your self a favor buy a good John Deere or equal, from a John Deere dealer, dont waste your money and time with HD or lowes mowers... for me there is nothing worse than going out to mow and you have to work on the dang thing first.

 

[metal1313]

http://cnj.craigslist.org/grd/2169139752.html i have talked with the owner of this one, i want it but would need a larger trailer first so its a pain...my trailer is large but too narrow to be comfortable and with other items mounted on it i dont think i have the room

 

[tdkkart]

I've got a Gravely 1944 that's about 5 years old. Really happy with it on our 1.25acre lot.
Does a nice job of mowing and is well built. Zero problems so far.

 

[RTJ49]

Hi W KY,
I mow just about one and one-half, mostly flat, acres. I have had small garden mowers, push mowers, and they all did an ok job. Just took way to much time. The past two years I have cut with a Kubota BX tractor. It is a small SCUT. It has the 60" deck. It takes about an hour and one-half. It also has a easily removeable front end loader, small back hoe. They are so handy. Moves a lot of snow. Grass looks so much better.
RTJ49
Maryland, with to much snow!

 

[KStrom]

I've got a John Deere Z445 and have used it for 3 years now.
never a problem, just changed the oil and check the filters and sharpen the blades occasionally.

It's got a Kawasaki on it unlike the Z425 which you can buy at Lowes around here.
the 445 I bought at the local implement dealer.

I figure with proper care it should last me for many years.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'm not sure if things have changed, but the ZTs aren't the greatest to pull lawn equipment with. You may want to keep that in mind. My step-dad has been using Dixons for about 20 years, but he still keeps a Wheel Horse around for the actual yard work.

 

[gabeancounter]

If it was me I would run down to Tractor Supply. The one beside me has like 6 new cub cadets that are prior year model on clearance. I think this is the mower - $1499 I think $500 off. Looks like a well built mower. Reviews are good. This is a model that has been discontinued.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/cub-cadet-reg-50-in-24-hp-cc-ltx-1050vt-lawn-tractor-4456936

 

[beltfeed]

Here is a web site with all the answers. http://www.lawnsite.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1

 

[LSVLance]

I mow about 4.5 acres in just under 2 hours with my 60" Exmark ZTR. I wouldn't mow with anything less anymore. It would take me 6+ hours to mow this with any garden tractor.

For a smaller lot, like the OP's 1.5 acre, I'd look seriously at a nice hydro drive commercial walk behind. Down side with that is...can your wife run it?

My wife LOVES to mow on our Exmark. Just sayin'

 

[keduner]

I've had a 60 inch 22 hp Dixie Chopper ZTR for almost 10 years now. We mowed about 3.5 acres in Indiana before moving to the Denver area this year. Fastest way I found to cut large areas and still get a very nice finish. We were landscape fanatics in Indiana and couldn't have done it without the Chopper. I had to replace the engine two years ago but suspect my maintenance practices were the root cause. I would also add that I have chronic back issues now (62 yrs old) that I believe have been exacerbated by the rough ride of the Chopper. We brought it to Denver with us but we have less acreage and don't need to mow near as often so we may get rid of it finally and just use the Cub 1864.

 

[W_KY]

Normally not enough snow around here to merit a tractor with loader. Of course they are calling for 3"-5" tonight Plus I'm sure it would take up quite a bit more precious space in the garage. I don't envision needing to pull too many lawn implements either but I could be wrong.

It sounds like I'm on the right path staying away from the big box store. I would consider a walk behind but time is important and I have to believe a ZTR would be quite a bit faster. I found an Exmark dealer that isn't too far away that I may go check out. I might end up "upgrading" to the mid-level model although that will depend on the cost. Buying a 4-5K mower right after dropping some serious change on a new house isn't exactly in the books.

 

[gabeancounter]

You would be surprised how often you will use a little dump cart, fertilizer spreader, aerator etc.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Never have owned a "garden tractor" or tractor type mower, but have used them and worked on them, and don't bother with them. Get a zero turn, you will never look back, even a cheaper lower quality ZT will be better than a tractor, especially at going around trees, flower beds and islands, etc.

Charles

 

[Giraffe]

W_KY,

If you are just talking about mowing the lawn, then a zero-turn is the only way to go IMO. I bought a Troy-Built, same as Cub Cadet (MTD's version) a few years back to replace my father-in-law's Dixon, which had an all-mechanical transmission, and I love it. Our lot is 3/4 acre. The ZTR has saved me plenty of time!

Since I can usually get years of service out of other people's discards, I figure this new one will last almost a lifetime, and it is not even a commercial mower. (Now, my neighbor worked at Lowe's so he got me a great deal, but I still think it is worth it.)

And if you need justification, consider what a friend told me when I was buying mine... you usually mow on the best of days, and that time is better spent enjoying the nice day!

 

[srmofo]

I have a 36" exmark hydro, a gravely 48", and a 61" yazoo/kees. These are all commercial mowers. There is a huge difference between the **** at box stores and a quality mower. I would gladly take a smaller lightly used commercial mower any day over a riding mower or home model ZT. You will tell the difference the first time you cut. A commercial mower will also last you the rest of your life if properly maintained and cared for.

All of my mowers have kawasaki engines. The only other engine I would even consider is a Honda. Never had a problem with any of them.

Im particularly fond of my Yazoo/kees. Its been a great mower.

The deals are out there if you have patience and cash in hand to jump. Check with local equipment rental places as many of them buy new stuff every year. I bought my Yazoo with 65 hours on it for half the cost of a new one and it even had 1 year warranty left on it. http://www.yazookees.com/node4056.aspx

Another option to consider is walk behind with a sulky attachment to stand on. Make sure its hydro because belt driven can be tricky and they only have reverse assist. (you still have to pull it back). Hydro costs a little more buts its worth it. My 36" exmark is too small, but it fits through any almost any gate and that is sometimes needed when doing residential yards. 48" sounds about right for your yard.

These are the sulkies I use. IMO the best there is
http://www.junglejimsap.com/junglewheels.html
If you want to save some money call them and ask for scratch and dent models. I think they just discounts because I have never found anything wrong with any of their S&D products. It all gets scratch up any way the first time you use it.

Edit- one more brand to mention that I havent seen mentioned yet. Ferris, one of the few ZTRs with suspension. I didnt think that was a big deal until I realized how bad you can get bounced around at 11-12mph

 

[Displaced Hokie]

*I work for John Deere* so I'm biased. With that out of the way, I'll tell you what I would recommend for your situation.

First rule is you get what you pay for, regardless of brand. Mowers are sort of like trucks - do you want a F150, F250, or F350? They all do the same thing, but the more you move up the more work they can do and the longer they will do it.

Then you have to decide if you want a ZTR or tractor. A ZTR is faster, but is really a one trick pony. Although some have hitches (we have a hitch kit), they don't really do well pulling trailers, aerators, etc. Since you mentioned sprucing up the landscaping, I'd recommend getting a tractor so you can do more with pull-behind attachments.

Given the size of the lawn, I'd recommend at least a 48" mower deck.

Engines are like a Ford/Chevy/Dodge debate. Everything made today is pretty good, with no one making a bad engine anymore. We run some custom-spec Briggs and Kawasaki engines. Both are excellent - as is Kohler.

I'll throw out a few options - again, biased to my company - and in a few price ranges:

New 2011 model D140. 48" cut, 22hp John Deere/Briggs twin. $1,999. Available via the dealer, or Lowe's or Home Depot. You choose, we will back it up the same via the local dealer. Dealer doesn't care where you buy, he'll treat you the same.

X300 - Our premium lawn tractor. 48" cut, 18hp Kawaski twin. $3,399. We offer this in a 42" cut for less, but I think you need the larger deck.

If you do want a ZTR, I'd recommend a Z425. 54" deck, 23hp John Deere/Briggs, and available at in the mass stores or dealer. $3,999, and it's the fastest residential ZTR on the market (8mph).

And of course there are used offerings as well, where you could get a heavier-duty lawn & garden tractor for the prices above. Just depends on what you want.

And I'll disagree on ZTR's and trimming - an All Wheel Steer tractor will out trim one anyday. They actually have a smaller uncut circle. ZTR's only provide an advantage when their speed is a factor - and you use that usually in a straight line. You can get a X320 AWS tractor with a 48" starting around $4,500 (and it has other upgrades as well). I'd own it over a ZTR anyday.

Whatever you buy, enjoy it!

 

[SPDMETL]

Hunt down a used Exmark 60" EFI ZTR commercial mower. Expensive even used, but so worth it...

 

[logical]

Cub Cadet Enforcer 48 Commercial Zero-Turn, it stripes pretty good. I paid around $4500 a few years ago. Kawasaki engine, fabricated deck, suspension seat. I cut a little bigger area than you are looking at but they make a 44 inch version that might be the ticket.

 

[John in OH]

I mow about 4.75a, fairly flat, with a 61" Scag ZTR and I can assure you that a ZTR is the only way to go if you have a lot of grass to cut. ZTRs, whether riders or walk behinds are made for one job only ... cut grass. And they do a superb job!! They are fast, efficient, comfortable to operate and leave a lawn looking sharp and well groomed. It would take a least 3 times longer - or more - to cut the same area with a lawn tractor ... regardless of brand.

Scag and Ex-Marks are tanks ... and so are some of the others. Notice the brands used by landscaping companies and you'll see other brands that are also good. Be wary of ZTRs sold by Lowes etc. Most of the lawn equipment sold by the box stores are not equal to the machines sold by the local dealers. Take John Deere for instance, the JD machines sold at Lowes are junk compared to the JD machines sold by your local JD dealer.

Now, the down side to ZTRs .... the Scag and Ex-Mark quality machines are EXPENSIVE!! Also, about the only thing you can do with a ZTR is cut grass; whereas, a lawn tractor can be a multi-use machine ... pull trailer, push snow, work a small garden, etc.

Another possibility is a ZTR walk-behind. At my last house (about 1a with lots of trees and shrubs) I used a 48" Scag hydrostatic walk-behind and I loved it. Also, built like a tank, but very easy to maneuver. And a good way to get some weekly exercise!!

Your lawn is not too big, so really either one of the cheaper ZTRs (Snapper, Toro, JD, Ariens, Cub Cadet), a ZTR walk-behind, or a lawn tractor will do the job for you. Make sure you consider if you will want to do other chores besides mowing ... that decision may push you toward the lawn tractors rather than a riding ZTR. The cheaper riding ZTRs are in about the same price range as moderately priced lawn tractors.

I'd suggest you go with a deck between 48" and 54". Smaller than 48" decks don't work well on the ZTR riders due to rear wheel interference when trimming around obstructions. For a 1-2a lot anything bigger than 54" becomes a bit unwieldy. But seriously, take a good look at the walk-behinds ... however, if your wife will be doing some of the mowing, the walk-behind may be a bit too much for her to handle. Also, get electric start on the walk-behind ... mine was a pull start and really took some a$$ to get started.

 

[slip knot]

We run 60" Scag Turf tigers at work. These things are a world of difference from the CUT tractors we were using but as mentioned all they are good for is cutting grass. we cut our mowing time from 4 days to 2 just by changing from CUTs to ZTRs. The Scags are a bit $$$ and can be a bit rough riding but they will leave a smooth cut at any speed.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Then you have to decide if you want a ZTR or tractor. A ZTR is faster, but is really a one trick pony. Although some have hitches (we have a hitch kit), they don't really do well pulling trailers, aerators, etc.

I modified an old auto hitch and mounted it on the back of my Great Dane zero turn. It does great, I pull a 5x10 lawn service type trailer or a regular homeowners lawn and garden trailer with no issues at all. I think its a huge misconception that a Zero Turn cannot do other things. Indeed, too much super heavy work will wear out the drive motors, but most lawn and garden work is not that heavy.

I would not let the need to pull a fertilizer spreader, a lawn trailer or other attachment be a reason not to buy a ZT mower.

Charles

 

[Rosco]

Go to this site and do a little reading. There are many types of equipment available and these guys are very knowledgeable. There are a lot of different ZTR mowers with different quality engines/transmissions etc.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/

 

[LEVE]

For ten years I cut two acres of field grass each week with a 24 year old Craftsman lawn tractor. I couldn't kill that thing; goodness knows I tried.

Ten years ago, when I moved to my now 1/2 acre of land, I bought a new Craftsman LT1000 lawn tractor with a 18hp engine. For seven years it plowed my driveways in the winter (during some huge storms) and the rest of the year it cut the grass, moved dirt, spread gravel and maintained my 300' driveway. Two years ago I retired it's winter duties for a plow truck. My land is steeper than a cow's face in places and I keep weights and chains on the rear wheels all year long. The lawn tractor has been a very, very good buy.

I've looked at ZTR mowers, they're expensive for my use; I look but don't buy. I can't justify the cost when I have a now ten year old lawn tractor that just keeps running. I can get parts easily. I've got a new engine, in the box, waiting in the wings on the shelf above the work bench for the day the lawn tractor dies. That lawn tractor will likely out live me.

As for a walk behind... I sure wouldn't buy one, not in Denton. Except for maybe 2 months of the year it's just too hot to run a walk behind. The mower will work fine... and you'll die unless you're running it early in the morning, or at night, and upsetting the neighbors.

As for quality... that's your call. I know a lot of people dislike Craftsman, but the brand has been good enough for me for the last 40 years. But then I do take care of my equipment. I've replaced belts and deck spindles last year. A JD would be nice, but I can't justify the costs when the Craftsman does everything I ask of it.

 

[scooterseats]

Get a Commercial ZTR and be done with it. They are fast, cut very well and will pull most lawn accessories very well. I pull a fertilizer spreader and Dethatcher with my Commercial Toro with no problems at all. On top of this, they are TOUGH. Avoid the box store stuff at all costs. They are just not built to last like the commercial machines are.

 

[ramtuff]

I have a commercial zero turn Toro Z-master...60" deck, 29 hp Kawasaki engine. It replaced a 30 year old commercial Caterpillar zero turn. I have 2.5 acres with a lot of stuff to cut around, and it takes me about an hour and half. It would be quicker if my lawn was smooth, but there are a lot of rough patches that I take it easy over. It does a beautiful job on the lawn. I tried Gator blades with it, but it looked like hell so I went back to regular blades. I pull a small dump cart with it fairly often...it pulls it just fine, and I have no issues when reversing with it.

 

[W_KY]

Thanks for all the suggestions and I appreciate any more you may have. I guess it would have helped in the beginning if I had included a map of the potential area. Lets hope the link works:

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UXH1cigNxFxXYTWTlaDOHL9P7sFBtwKjeBvSdl27oLc?feat=directlink

This machine would be for mowing only and as you can see there are quite a few long straight shots in the current yard configuration. The way I see it, if it turns out I need a lawn tractor to pull things etc, I could find an old beater off CL missing a deck or whatever and get it pretty cheap. Mowing grass is something that will come no matter what, every week, can't put off really, and from what I hear about Bermuda down here, I will be mowing more than every 7 days in the spring. Therefore dependable and fast are two main considerations. Things like pulling a trailer, aerator, etc can wait. Of course I realize that means I'd have second machine to take up storage space but I think its worth the gamble.

I really wish I could bite the bullet an upgrade to the commercial side but the practical side of me just can't justify it for 1.25 acres. Of course, if the lowest level looks like junk, I guess I'll have to. Seeing the machines in person will tell alot I think.