Time to decide on a zero turn

[byoungblood]

I have about 5.5 acres of grass to cut at my home in Northern Virginia, mostly fescue/pasture grass/weeds. I've been paying someone to cut it for the past month and a half, but once a week cuttings are getting expensive quickly. I'm looking at about a 2.5 year payback on a mower in the $5-6k price range.

Given the amount of grass I have, I am looking predominately at 60" decks. Ground is mostly open, rolling terrain, trees are scattered about but are spaced far enough apart that they're not much of an obstacle. Goal is to try to keep the mowing time down to somewhere around 2-2.5 hrs.

Current contenders are:
Gravely ZT HD 60
Bad Boy Maverick 60
Big Dog Alpha MPX
Husqvarna MZ61
SCAG Liberty Z 61"
Cub Cadet ZTX4 60
Toro Titan 60"

Those all appear to be in the same category of mower, the Bad Boy has my interest as it uses the ZT-3200 which is supposedly a little more robust than the 3100. Not completely ruling out John Deere and Kubota, but both are a good deal more expensive for machines with similar specs.

Haven't run across anything used locally that is at an attractive enough price to warrant buying an unknown machine.

 

[Barrymaxx]

My personal preference is a used commercial machine. They are built to last and are really tough. Also easier to get parts for IMO. I think your budget supports a gently used (1-2 seasons) commercial machine. Though, I do understand shopping for one kind of ***** and contractors are gearing up for mowing season now... Commercial ZT's are cheap in the fall.

 

[seber]

Don't know about John Deere but Kubota is diesel powered and shaft drive. That translates to a lot less maintenance and longer life. On the other hand, for pasture, I'd be looking at a compact or subcompact tractor, not a zero turn. ZTs are best where there are a lot of obstructions to go around. Besides, tractors are way more versatile. (And more fun)

 

[larry4406]

My wife has a Ferris IS700Z 54". Sweet machine... oh and the mower too .

We have 3.5 acres of rolling turf. Went with the 54" just because there are some tight areas and a few areas of steeper grade that we didn't want to risk scalping and the prior 54" tractor mower handled ok.

Bought it from Hamilton Equipment in Warrenton VA, not too far from you. I think it was ~$7k couple years ago.

The independent suspension really makes for a smooth ride.

 

[dkmc]

I mow about 4 acres a week in summer, with a 1993 Grasshopper zero turn, 22 HP Kubota diesel (about 40% less fuel than a gas engine). It has in excess of 3500 hours on it, and I found it on CL about 10 years ago for $600. The deck gearbox needed attention, and I was able to piece it together with the included spare parts it came with.
Commercial zero turn is the only way to fly IMHO, or use a conventional tractor with mid mount or rear mower, if you really don't have better things to do for several hours a week in summer.
The Scag I had seemed to be the toughest built mower I've ever seen. Grasshoppers are OK, built a bit lighter, but still seem to be able to take it.
Dixie Choppers are one of the fastest on the market, look to be built really simple, and I see local landscapers using them. I'd for sure steer clear of the "Belts & Tin" homeowner grade over priced junk that's out there these days at the big box stores and lawn & garden centers. No plastic trans-axles for me

 

[will335i]

I think 60" deck is the right choice bigger than that and you can get some uneven cutting and scalping if its not very flat.

I have a hustler raptor SD 54" and I am very happy with it and if you are going to go consumer grade I would push you in that direction but with a yard that size I think you should go with a commercial grade mower. My dad has a hustler fastrack and its still running even after he put it in the pound.

Another thing to look at is the motor regardless of what brand you go with. The kohler motors are junk.

Thoughts about used. Unless you are getting it next to free or you know the history I would stay away. When I was looking a lot weren't much cheaper than new and Hustler was doing 0% for 48mo so I went that route. The cheap ones were cheap for a reason, they were run into the ground by guys like me when I was in high school.

I have also used exmarks, Ferris, and Snappers and they are all good mowers.

 

[kd3pc]

I have the diesel ExMark and it has held up very well, reasonable repairs and very reliable. Slick on wet grass swales.

z830A I bought used with a busted engine base/pan so a new one will likely be in the works for my backup machine.

USed commercial would be my first choice.

Payback, not likely on any mowing machine. Just a tool to get the job done. Toro has absorbed exmark and some others, bad boy not on my list as I had one for 3 months, just not a solid machine

 

[tez929rr]

Purchased a Gravely about three years ago and I can’t believe how well it’s built. Amazing. I have a 52 inch deck with a Kawasaki engine.

https://www.gravely.com/en-us/power-equipment/zero-turn/zt-hd

I mow about 2 acres around the house with the mower in about 45 minutes. The other 14 acres I cut with a tractor and shredder. 5.5 acres seems like a lot weekly for a mower unless it’s very flat and without too many trees.

 

[byoungblood]

Let me get this back on point...

Commercial grade mowers aren't in the budget. Money or time wise.

For the same reasons, a conventional tractor really isn't either. Not looking for a project and certainly not looking to drop $8-10k on something that isn't one.

Looking more for folks that have some first hand experience with the models/brands I have listed.

 

[byoungblood]

Purchased a Gravely about three years ago and I can’t believe how well it’s built. Amazing. I have a 52 inch deck with a Kawasaki engine.

https://www.gravely.com/en-us/power-equipment/zero-turn/zt-hd

I mow about 2 acres around the house with the mower in about 45 minutes. The other 14 acres I cut with a tractor and shredder. 5.5 acres seems like a lot weekly for a mower unless it’s very flat and without too many trees.

Thanks for the input. Out of the ones I looked at yesterday the Gravelys seemed to be the best put together for the price point.

Our current lawn guys knock out the entire yard in no more than an hour and a half with two mowers. It is mostly open space, it isn't flat anywhere, but everything is a fairly gentle slope except in a couple of spots. It doesn't pose any problems for my 48" Husqvarna rider, it is just too slow to get the job done. Couple of times I have cut the yard with it I and my wife probably spend 5-6 hours out there...no thanks.

 

[tonyciambrone]

Out of those I say Husqvarna. But really in a 60" machine I think you should try to get a 30HP motor. I have a 54" Cub Cadet with a 24HP Kohler- it is not really enough motor.

Before I bought mine I asked a pro landscaper/ lawn guy what I should get.
He said, 60", 30 HP.

I said, that's like $8000 you are insane. Two years later, wish I had spent 8k and got 60", 30HP.

 

[Jagmandave]

I paid $5400 for my commercial grade Exmark with 52" deck, have not had to repair one thing in many many years of use, so they are in the budget.... just have to look a bit - also I expect dealers will be wanting to move the metal right about now, you should be able to score a deal on one. Won't be like what they do on new cars and trucks, but there should be some movement.

I can't think of why you'd need 30hp unless you let it get really long between mows or try to mow it wet.

 

[tonyciambrone]

I can't think of why you'd need 30hp unless you let it get really long between mows or try to mow it wet.

Precisely. Where I'm at and how fast it grows- you pick one. Either you mow it damp/wet, or it gets really long. Can't speak to OP's location, maybe it's not a big deal

 

[foolishpride]

I would look at Ferris also. I bought a Simplicity, which is basically the same as a Ferris. Paid $6000 2 years ago, 27 HP, 52" cut. Same mower also came with a 60" deck if I wanted. It came with the ZT-3400 Transaxle's. Good mower so far.

 

[byoungblood]

I would look at Ferris also. I bought a Simplicity, which is basically the same as a Ferris. Paid $6000 2 years ago, 27 HP, 52" cut. Same mower also came with a 60" deck if I wanted. It came with the ZT-3400 Transaxle's. Good mower so far.

I'll check out the Ferris. Looks like I can get a better transaxle than some of the others I've been looking at for not too much more money. For my purposes, I think that's probably where my money is most well spent.

 

[CJM8515]

Let me get this back on point...

Commercial grade mowers aren't in the budget. Money or time wise.

For the same reasons, a conventional tractor really isn't either. Not looking for a project and certainly not looking to drop $8-10k on something that isn't one.

Looking more for folks that have some first hand experience with the models/brands I have listed.

Getting to the point you have too much grass to cut with a home owner unit. You need to understand the home owner ones are built cheaply and compared to the commercial and will not hold up to cutting such a large amount of grass.



Buy a used commercial unit and never worry about it again. Any pro unit that scag, ferris, gravely or toro makes will work well for you. Id want 60" deck too, anything else is gonna be to small.

 

[will335i]

Let me get this back on point...

Commercial grade mowers aren't in the budget. Money or time wise.

For the same reasons, a conventional tractor really isn't either. Not looking for a project and certainly not looking to drop $8-10k on something that isn't one.

Looking more for folks that have some first hand experience with the models/brands I have listed.

Personally I think you are making a mistake by not going with a commercial. That size yard is like 20 residential lots. Commercial mowers are built to be ran all day every day versus a couple hrs once or twice a week. Just something to chew on.

That said I think the hustler raptor sdx is one of the best "residential" grade mowers. It is a very solid mower with a build quality comparable or better than other companies commercial mowers. I have about 60hrs on mine with zero issues. I can mow my yard twice with it filled to the top or about 1.25-1.5 acres per tank so something else to think about versus a commercial that will have a larger tank.

My dad as the FasTrak and it takes about 2hrs for 4 acres.

The Raptor SDX 60 is around 5K
The FasTrak SDX 60 is around 8K

They usually offer 0% for 48mo on both.

 

[PatY]

I purchased the Gravely HD Six years ago new. It has been rock solid. Just fluid changes thus far. The only negative is its a rough ride if your lawn is not smooth. No suspension seat or other gadgets.

 

[My Old Tools]

I have a low end Kubota zero turn and its built like a tank. Heavy welded deck, Kawasaki power, and its about the smallest one they make. My place is steep and rough. I put bar tires on it to take the hills. Tough little machine.

 

[Robinson1]

I've got a 2008 cub cadet z force that's been solid. It's only a 48 inch deck but I've got tons of trees to mow around. All I've done to it repair wise is spindle bearings and regular maintenance. I did put 2 flat free tires on the front after the third time I snagged a fence post and ripped the entire side wall out of a tire.

I'd buy another assuming the current crop of cub cadets are built to similiar quality. Mine is almost as heavy as a commercial mower.

I've also got a Kubota B2920 compact tractor and a finish mower. Takes me about 3 hours to cut with the tractor what I can do with the zero turn in half that time.

If speed is your main concern zero turn all the way

 

[toplessHO]

Ive had a few John Deeres,757s, 777,797,997.
All are commercial units
the last 797 I sold for $4k and it was perfect.
It had a 72 inch deck and I went to a smaller lighter mower for all the wooded areas I do.
I should have kept it and used my 757 hybrid(797 running gear) just for the smaller areas.
Look for a good used 997 and it will treat you well.

 

[mitusa]

What is the guy using that you've been paying to cut it??//

That is a lot of grass for a residential mower.......and if it's rough ground, I would definitely look for one with a suspension. Or a used tractor with a finish mower.

 

[mikegt4]

I am in the "go commercial" camp. This is my 19th season with my Walker MC zero turn. Yeah, it was expensive compared to the residential grade products that were available. I probably would have bought 2 or 3 of them in the same time frame. It has been pretty much bullet proof, a few batteries, a couple of starter solenoids (moving them off the engine fixed that problem) and a couple of $4 relays. Still even has the original tires and blades!

 

[jdl25]

You have 5.5 acres? Or 5.5 acres of grass? At least step up to a scag Patriot. Avoid bad boy. I like the gravely pro turn too but.. honestly I'd buy a scag tiger cat 2 or a hustler x one...

 

[cvairwerks]

Running a Gravely ZT HD60. It was the lowest cost unit that had ROPS capability. Takes about 20 minutes to mow the acre at one house and about 10 to mow the 1/3 acre at the other. Had it a little over 2 years now and just getting to fluid change time.

 

[byoungblood]

You have 5.5 acres? Or 5.5 acres of grass? At least step up to a scag Patriot. Avoid bad boy. I like the gravely pro turn too but.. honestly I'd buy a scag tiger cat 2 or a hustler x one...

5.5 acre lot and apart from the driveway and house, it is pretty much all grass.

 

[parks31]

Hi,

Would you consider a smaller size? I have a Toro swx4250 for sale that has been used twice. It is the smallest commercial grade mower that Toro made.

 

[STANG302]

My Gravely ZT 50 has treated me extremely well and this will be its fifth mowing season. I have one very steep hill to mow and it climbs up and over with ease. Deck has taken any and all abuse I've thrown at it. Only issues I've had is an ignition coil and battery.

 

[scooterbum46]

Since 1985 I've owned just two machines for mowing - a 1974 International Harvester built Cub Cadet 129 and a 2005 Scag 48" Tiger Cub. Both are still running fine - the Scag has had one failure - a $15.00 relay. While my acreage is less than the OP's, I have used the Scag for brush hogging to open trails, pulled tons of firewood with it and generally abused the hell out of it. I bought the Scag because I wanted the reliability of the old IH built Cub (nothing after 1983 or so - that's all MTD ****).

I like some of the advise that's been given: Look at what the real commercial guys are using in your area, find a friendly dealer and buy used commercial (private if you can) - keep in mind a lot of college kids buy in the spring, sell in the fall..

 

[amalik]

Since 1985 I've owned just two machines for mowing - a 1974 International Harvester built Cub Cadet 129 and a 2005 Scag 48" Tiger Cub. Both are still running fine - the Scag has had one failure - a $15.00 relay. While my acreage is less than the OP's, I have used the Scag for brush hogging to open trails, pulled tons of firewood with it and generally abused the hell out of it. I bought the Scag because I wanted the reliability of the old IH built Cub (nothing after 1983 or so - that's all MTD ****).

I like some of the advise that's been given: Look at what the real commercial guys are using in your area, find a friendly dealer and buy used commercial (private if you can) - keep in mind a lot of college kids buy in the spring, sell in the fall..

I like when someone says "Don't buy that new junk -- the 1983 and newer" -- this could be a poster on a shop wall.

 

[MattN03]

I'd focus on local dealer support, welded fabricated deck, serviceable with filter hydro's and a Kawasaki engine. Toro makes some heavy duty homeowner units like the Titan you mentioned that looks well built.

I've had great luck with Toro myself and run a Toro Series 3000 Commercial mower to mow my 4-6 acres (depending on if I cut it all or not). I also do a few yards on the side.

 

[White Shadow]

I had a Gravely ZT-HD that worked well for several years. It's not commercial, but it's also not your basic residential mower either. It's somewhere between. I'm only mowing two acres though, so it's not like I'm going to put a ton of hours on a mower.

I just purchased a Toro Timecutter 50" this year and I have to say it's by far the most comfortable mower I've ever used. It has the "My Ride" suspension seat that's fully adjustable and it's like floating on air. Really nice mower and it's still not what I'd consider a full residential grade mower. It has a commercial engine and a 10-gauge fabricated deck. I just wish the hydros were more towards commercial quality, but I'll take my chances with the amount of grass I'm mowing.

 

[Minnesota Steve]

I would focus on finding a local dealer that provides good service and see what they sell. And talk to them what their advice might be.

The ones you listed are mid-level mowers... semi-pro. Honestly they'll probably work well for you. As long as they have serviceable transmissions(i.e. you can change the oil and filter), they'll last a good long time. The residential models tend to have "maintenance free" transmissions.

But find a good dealer. They'll have some advice on what others in the local area tend to buy.

 

[haneyrm]

Currently have two Gravelys. A ZTX 42 and a Pro Turn ZX 60.

Both are great machines for their intended purpose and price points. I had the dealer add the air ride seat to the Pro Turn and it was worth the money. Excellent ride and very comfortable.

 

[scooterbum46]

I like when someone says "Don't buy that new junk -- the 1983 and newer" -- this could be a poster on a shop wall.

Not to put too a fine of a point on it, but in my little shop, MTD stands for "More Trash Daily" . They build to a price point and I've had the non-pleasure of working on some of their newer products.. (BTW - I'd buy a new commercial Scag, Exmark and some of the others brands that are built to a performance standard, not a price point . You couldn't pay me to take a Cub Cadet brand ZTR)..

 

[brummy]

I mow about 2.5 acres with rolling terrain, and ended up buying a Snapper Pro S150xt. I'd have to look, but it has either the zt-4400 or zt-5400 pumps, which is uncommon in the price bracket. 52" deck may not be what you need, but I think its a good build vs others in its price range.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

 

[JOE.G]

My young son mows a few lawns He is ( 12 ) We currently use a https://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/zero-turn-mowers/m-zt61/967177008/

and a https://www.bobcatturf.com/products/zero-turn-riding/xrz/ with a 54 inch deck.
Both mowers are well made, Both have Commercial transmissions / hydraulic system that are serviceable. Both Mowers have solid steel decks, I would say the Husqvarna cuts slightly better, Both mowers seem well made and I think you would be well severed with either of them. I believe the Bob cat would be a touch cheaper new.
There are other well made machines, Scag/Ferris/Commercial JD/Exmark. I would lean towards the Kawi engine and I think i'd stay away from the diesel units.

I would also choose a well respected easy to deal with and relatively easy to access dealer, That goes along way when you have a issue.

I am lucky and have a very good family friend who owns a JD/Scag/Stihl dealer and another Family friend that has a Husqvarna/Stihl/Bob Cat/Ferris Dealer, Both are less then 10 Mins from me and I will in the country.

 

[cashishift]

Whatever it is - make sure your local dealer is one you like and can live with as the unit will eventually need service. If you can see yourself trading in or up or whatever you wanna call it - make sure they offer that.

Also - find one that's made in the USA..

While I've never used them.. I might be partial to Exmark because they are made in Nebraska I believe they did get swallowed up by Toro, but are still made in Beatrice, NE.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My personal preference is a used commercial machine. They are built to last and are really tough. Also easier to get parts for IMO. I think your budget supports a gently used (1-2 seasons) commercial machine.

I agree with buying a commercial unit, but finding a "gently used" one is going to be difficult.

Things to watch for. Grass clogged under the deck will cause it to rot, even in just a couple of years. Pulley and bearing need to be checked closely. They wear out, but the price should be adjusted accordingly. Same with wheel bearings.

ZTRs do not like bumps and dips, so spend some time and take care of those first.

 

[byoungblood]

Ok...I think I have narrowed it down a little.

Local ACE has the Gravely Pro Turn Z 60 for $5900 and change. Kawasaki Engine, ZT-3100 axle. 10 gauge deck. 5 gallon tank. 4 year warranty.

Local landscape/garden/equipment supply about two miles down the road sells the Spartan RT-Pro 61" for $6400. Briggs Commercial 27hp, Parker HTE integrated pump wheel motor. Cutting height can be adjusted on the fly. 7 gauge deck. 9.5 gallon tank. Built like, and looks like a tank. 3 year warranty.

I'm leaning towards the Spartan as the Parker drive unit seems to be a step up from the normal hydrostatic units found in comparably priced equipment. Only hesitation is that they've only been on the market since 2016. Are they going to be around in 5-10 years?This is the 3rd season the dealer has been selling them, and said they've sold quite a few of them in that time, and haven't had any come back for anything that would be a cause for concern. Haven't found many independent long term opinions on them. Which may not be a bad thing.

Of course the Gravely is a more known entity and isn't likely going anywhere anytime soon.