Zero Turn Mowers - Too Many Choices, Need Help!

[BoylermanCT]

I currently mow 4 acres of lawn and field every week, and made the mistake of borrowing my father-in-law's Hustler Fastrack 54" zero turn mower. What normally takes 4.5 hours with my 46" Craftsman lawn tractor took 2 hours with the zero turn. So now I want one of my own. But which one? My budget is $3500-$4500, I know I want a ZTR with a 52"-61" deck , serviceable ZT2800 or ZT3100 transmissions, a nice cut and one that is reliable and will last 10-15 years based on 60 hours of mowing a year. I like the idea of a 60-61" mower, any issues with a larger deck? I had no issues with the Hustler 54" deck scalping etc. No gates and space between trees no issue either.

Based on the dealers near me and my budget of $3500-$4500, I have narrowed it down to the following models:

1. Hustler Raptor SD 54 - $3800 - ZT2800, 25 hp Kohler 7000 engine, 54" deck, 20" / 13" wheels, 3 year warranty, 650 lbs, 3 gal gas tank
2. Hustler Raptor SD 60 - $4300 - ZT2800, 26 hp Kohler 7000 engine, 60" deck, 20" / 13" wheels, 3 year warranty, 685 lbs, 3 gal gas tank
3. Husqvarna MZ52LE - $4400 - ZT3100, 23 hp Kawasaki FR engine, 52" deck, 22" / 13" wheels, 3 year warranty, 740 lbs, 5 gal gas tank
4. Husqvarna MZ61 - $4700 - ZT3100, 27 hp Briggs Endurance engine, 61" deck, 22" / 13" wheels, 3 year warranty, 770 lbs, 5 gal gas tank
5. Scag Liberty Z - $4400 - ZT2800, 24 hp Kohler 7000 engine, 52" deck, 20" / 11" wheels, 5 year warranty, 640 lbs, 5.5 gal gas tank
6. Simplicity Courier - $4000 - ZT2800, 25 hp Briggs engine, 52" deck, 20" / 11" wheels, 3 year warranty, ??? lbs, 3 gal gas tank, built in suspension and cargo bed

The lawn is one 2 acres field, and then 2 acres broken into small parcels due to driveway, trees, buildings etc. Mostly level, with some slight grades. Lawn is decently smooth, field is a bit rougher, but I plan to smooth out the field in the next year so I can mow at full speed. See below.



Looking for expert advice. All seem to be decent machines, but looking for something that would make one better than the others. Increasing the budget is not really an option, and I want a local servicing dealer, so that ruled out Bad Boy, Cub Cadet, Gravely, Ferris, Dixie Chopper, Grasshopper and others.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Not an expert here but the Husqvarna's with the ZT 3100 to me would have the edge because of the transmission. I have no experience with either transmission and don't know the differences between either. The 3100 should be heavier duty but again this is an assumption and no real world experience.

 

[widefat]

I feel your pain - looked for months at ZTs, and found them to be very close and competitive.

The big standout for me was engines - I consistently 'heard' that the Kawasaki engines led the field.
I ended up going a different direction, no ZT at all - now have a tractor with a Kawasaki engine.
The other thing I learned - the tranny. Again went with a heavy duty transmission.
BTE, The warranty on the machines with the KAW engines was usually better/longer coverage.
Buy the engine and transmission- FWIW.

 

[Redfred1]

Will definitely agree with WF! Go for the Kawasaki My '12 Cub has been trouble free. Changed the oil and filter every 50 hrs; has over 300hrs cutting 7 acres.

 

[JMER817]

I too was looking and comparing ZTR's recently. The husqvarna MZT looks like a good value. My suggestion is to sit on all of them. Take a look at the wheel base (longer = smoother ride), width of rear wheels and engine placement for stability on hills. I don't think you can make a bad decision on any of the choices out there. I agree look for the Kaw engine and the better transmission.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Look in to the Kohler 7000 series a bit more: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/showt...wins-blowing-up-with-less-than-15-hours-on-em

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

Look in to the Kohler 7000 series a bit more: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/showt...wins-blowing-up-with-less-than-15-hours-on-em

I have about 40 trouble free hours on one. If they truly had a bad batch of castings like the link suggested and they fail with low hours then that is what warranties are for.

As far as mower I'd go with the MZ52, great mower for the money.

 

[dragoneggs]

Will definitely agree with WF! Go for the Kawasaki My '12 Cub has been trouble free. Changed the oil and filter every 50 hrs; has over 300hrs cutting 7 acres.

+1 on the Kawasaki engines. I have owned two riders going back 25 years and not a single issue with either. I'm convinced they are one of the best.

 

[MF283]

I like the KAW engines myself, last GT was 19 years old when i sold it, routine maintenance was all that it required & that was running the "E" fuel.
Then there was the old weedeater that the KAW engine out lasted & a couple of mowers my mom-n-law had with them.
Current JD ZTR is KAW powered as well, now the old Kohler powered TroyBilt tiller has been fantastic, so i know they make good engines.

Ronnie

 

[Midniteoyl]

I have about 40 trouble free hours on one. If they truly had a bad batch of castings like the link suggested and they fail with low hours then that is what warranties are for.

As far as mower I'd go with the MZ52, great mower for the money.

I have several Kohler engines with many hours. Not knocking Kohler, just that there are reports of problems with some recent ones. They are being taken care of.

 

[droptop]

Each of the models that you are looking at are high end "homeowner" grade mowers, when I was looking for a ZT I went in a different direction. I went for a used commercial grade mower. I was able to find a used SCAG that was 8 yrs old that only had 1000 hrs on it for the same money that you are looking at. The commercial units are just so much better in every area.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Each of the models that you are looking at are high end "homeowner" grade mowers, when I was looking for a ZT I went in a different direction. I went for a used commercial grade mower. I was able to find a used SCAG that was 8 yrs old that only had 1000 hrs on it for the same money that you are looking at. The commercial units are just so much better in every area.

Agreed. Those mowers the OP listed are homeowner grade, which means cost cutting on transmissions, motors, decks, etc. A gently used commercial grade mower is a smarter buy that will last longer and work better the entire time.

 

[txdon]

Of the ones listed I'd pick # 3.

 

[BoylermanCT]

Each of the models that you are looking at are high end "homeowner" grade mowers, when I was looking for a ZT I went in a different direction. I went for a used commercial grade mower. I was able to find a used SCAG that was 8 yrs old that only had 1000 hrs on it for the same money that you are looking at. The commercial units are just so much better in every area.

I've thought of buying used, but the thought of putting down $4500 and then possibly having repairs in the near future greatly worries me. A 3-5 year warranty gives me much peace of mind. That said, a friend of mine is the shop manager at the local Deere dealer, and he said they just took in 2 commercial Scags as trades, and he is getting into on them for me. Once I find out the models, hours and condition, I will let everyone know.

 

[dragoneggs]

Of the ones listed I'd pick # 3.

No personal experience with #3 but looking at weight (quality?) and size of gas tank along with a Kawasaki engine, I would vote for it as well.

 

[TMGT]

I did the same as droptop and bought a used Hustler Z this year, only 600 hrs 60in, Honda, with the BacVac for 4k, put a couple bucks into changing fluids and filters etc. And it's as good as new.

The ones you listed are decent but as stated do compromise some to meet a price point. I like the Hustlers, they seem simple and very well built for the money.

 

[dragoneggs]

I did the same as droptop and bought a used Hustler Z this year, only 600 hrs 60in, Honda, with the BacVac for 4k, put a couple bucks into changing fluids and filters etc. And it's as good as new.

The ones you listed are decent but as stated do compromise some to meet a price point. I like the Hustlers, they seem simple and very well built for the money.

Yes, compromise but buying a commercial mower for personal instead of their intended business use is the question. Low hours on a commercial mower could be a steal. Need to look at your projected hours you will put on the machine as well. 30 hrs a week or 3 hrs?

 

[KWentling]

I went the used commercial route also, mainly because I wanted a diesel engine, since I already keep diesel for my tractors. In three years of use I've spent less than $100 in repairs. Happy with that decision so far. Like was said, you get a lot more machine for the money, but you do risk repair costs.

Kim

 

[1quik70]

I'd vote for the Hustler with a Kawasaki on it! I just went through the ZTR battle last month, and looked at most the available options. I was mowing roughly 5 acres with a 42" Cub ZTR and it took forever, plus the cut looked terrible. I had my mind made up that I was going to buy a Skag, but a friend loaned me his for a couple days and I mowed everything with it, hated every minute.

Mentioned it to a friend and he offered me a deal I couldn't refuse on a 60" Hustler Fastrak. He had purchased it with 100 hours on it and couldn't use it do to the noise (he is on call 24/7 and couldn't hear his phone.) I borrowed it for a couple days and fell in love with it. I gave $4500 for it with 150 hours. Warranty is one of the best in the business, and the thing just mows so well. I think you would be very happy with Hustler if you have a local dealer.

 

[arto98607]

I went the used commercial route also, mainly because I wanted a diesel engine, since I already keep diesel for my tractors. In three years of use I've spent less than $100 in repairs. Happy with that decision so far. Like was said, you get a lot more machine for the money, but you do risk repair costs.

Kim

Same here, I bought a used Grasshopper Diesel mower with 750 hrs. about 13 years ago and it now has about 1500 hrs.

I see most of my neighbors replacing homeowner grade mower after few years, but at least they look pretty and shiny when new!