SCUT Service Life

[ryan86754]

Hi everyone,

I am still working to convince myself that a SCUT is the best route for what I want rather than a ZT for quicker mowing. I need one more win for the SCUT though. Assuming proper care and maintenance, how many hours should I expect to get out of a SCUT vs a ZT? I have heard ZTs start costing you money after 1,500 hours, but I would like some more opinions on this.

Thank you,
Ryan

 

[RickB]

Air cooled gas engines can become less reliable after they pass 1500 hours. Compact Diesel engines can easily double that figure with appropriate care. There are exceptions and I’m sure we are about to hear from some.

 

[WranglerX]

A big factor is care and maintenance and not abuse it (stay within manufacturers operating parameters) ....... But there is always a chance you get one (not brand specific) that does not go the distance....

Dale

 

[Diggin It]

Personally, I see no advantage to a ZT unless you're mowing wide open flat areas and have a need for speed and have no need for any other function. From what I've seen, a SCUT is a far more universal tool and will handle an infinitely wider range of tasks. In my short search, I've seen 5-10 year old SCUTs with hours well over 1,000 hours that still look decent and probably have a great deal of life left in them. If I had $10K cash and didn't need financing or wasn't concerned about warranties, I'd probably already have a used one.

 

[newbury]

Another big factor is how long you live.
If you bought a quality diesel ZTR w/ a 3,000 hour life expectancy and used it for 100 hours a year would you last 30 years?

It seems about the average non-commercial usage of SCUT's on TBN is around 200 hours per year. Would you last 15 years?

What is the 3 pt lift capacity on the ZTR's?

How much service life can you get out of a SCUT moving dirt, carrying 94 lb bags of cement, carrying loads of plywood, etc. ?
What about a ZTR?

ZTR's excel at one thing. SCUTs are primarily limited by attachments, what you can afford.

 

[ryan86754]

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm not looking to compare based on capabilities, the SCUT is like a swiss army knife with everything I can use it for, which is why the SCUT is way ahead of the ZT option. I am hoping that service life will be the last nail in the coffin for the ZT. My yard isn't that big (2.5 acres) and I can't imagine mowing will take too long with the SCUT, plus a lot of it is at a 25 deg slope, so neither is going to travel at top speeds.

 

[RoyJackson]

I can't say much about the other brands, but the Yanmar engines used in many John Deere SCUTs (and the Deere 997 ZTR) are tough, long lasting engines. You can expect >3000 hours, if maintained reasonably well.

 

[Diggin It]

plus a lot of it is at a 25 deg slope, so neither is going to travel at top speeds.

That could be the nail in the coffin for a ZT. I have a severe slope and I've been told that a ZT would not do well on it. I've been told they will freewheel down the slope and steering control will be severely limited to near impossible if trying to cut across the slope. I've never tried one though. Neighbor has a ZT and also a severe slope and he does NOT even try the slope with the ZT. He leaves it uncut.

 

[aczlan]

That could be the nail in the coffin for a ZT. I have a severe slope and I've been told that a ZT would not do well on it. I've been told they will freewheel down the slope and steering control will be severely limited to near impossible if trying to cut across the slope. I've never tried one though. Neighbor has a ZT and also a severe slope and he does NOT even try the slope with the ZT. He leaves it uncut.

It depends on the Zero Turn. A zero turn will not freewheel down the slope, but it could slide if the tires lose traction. A good commercial zero turn with decent tires on it will go as far as a Kubota BX series will on a slope and it will (in my opinion) be less likely to tip over as it has a wider stance and lower center of gravity. Good tires are the key though.

Aaron Z

 

[SCWOOD]

I would not give up my BX1800 it is 18years old close to 1600 hrs only changed deck belt this year.I can put this tractor with 4x4 that a zt could not even think about look for used compact I see them on Ebay for 5-7-thousand dollars.

 

[RoyJackson]

It depends on the Zero Turn. A zero turn will not freewheel down the slope, but it could slide if the tires lose traction. A good commercial zero turn with decent tires on it will go as far as a Kubota BX series will on a slope and it will (in my opinion) be less likely to tip over as it has a wider stance and lower center of gravity. Good tires are the key though.

Aaron Z

I agree...I hit one area that's pretty steep with my Deere Z920. I just have standard tires (whatever it came with when the previous owner first purchased it) on it. I do run relatively slow and stay off it when it's wet (including morning dew).
However, a ZTR is pretty much a one-purpose machine. I've seen ads for snow plow mounting, but I doubt that would be much good except for very light snows.

 

[Diggin It]

and it will (in my opinion) be less likely to tip over as it has a wider stance and lower center of gravity.

That was my initial reason for asking about them. While that's probably true, everybody I talked to including those that use them all recommended against trying to use one on anything more than a moderate slope. I cut mine with an X-300, but I have the issue of sliding downhill with Turf tires and chains. Along with an older transmission with 1,000 hours, it just doesn't do well. It will climb, but it overs stresses the trans. Previous owner used to cut this hill with a JD 4020 with a trailing brush mower. He says he had ot do it uphill because the tractor would slide downhill. Obviously that a whole lot more weight than a SCUT. I'm hoping that a 1,500 pound machine with Ag tires and a strong transmission will both climb and descend in a controlled manner without sliding or tearing turf.

 

[RjCorazza]

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm not looking to compare based on capabilities, the SCUT is like a swiss army knife with everything I can use it for, which is why the SCUT is way ahead of the ZT option. I am hoping that service life will be the last nail in the coffin for the ZT. My yard isn't that big (2.5 acres) and I can't imagine mowing will take too long with the SCUT, plus a lot of it is at a 25 deg slope, so neither is going to travel at top speeds.

Safe bet a diesel scut will outlast even a commercial gas ztr.
I run 2 diesel ztr mowers and an L4060 tractor... I prefer diesels for longevity, reliability, torque, and easy fuel handling.
Since you mentioned a 25 deg slope, I use a walk behind mower on anything over about 20 degrees.... life is short enough.

 

[RickB]

Pity the OP couldn’t see his way clear to tell us about the slope consideration component of his mowing needs. I’d say a SCUT with 4wd is the only reasonable option for him. Until this critical info came to light the responses lacked relevance because those posting lacked a critical element of the discussion.

 

[atsah]

Yup, a 4WD SCUT is the tool for the job..

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

OP stated he wanted "quicker mowing." The z-turn wins that contest hands-down. Tractors are slow, heavy (hard on your lawn), and you have to remove the FEL for tight spaces. OTOH if you need a tractor, get a tractor. If you want to reduce mowing time, how about reducing the size of your lawn?

As far as slopes, the OP mentions a 25-degree slope. Are you sure you don't mean a 25-percent slope? See chart below.



Some theoretical difference in engine life 20 years down the road seems an odd way to choose a machine. Get the right tool for the job.

 

[Diggin It]

Based on that graphic, I'd say mine is 20 degrees, so the OP may be correct.

I drop about 20 feet over about 60 feet or so.

 

[RickB]

OP stated he wanted "quicker mowing." The z-turn wins that contest hands-down. Tractors are slow, heavy (hard on your lawn), and you have to remove the FEL for tight spaces. OTOH if you need a tractor, get a tractor. If you want to reduce mowing time, how about reducing the size of your lawn?

As far as slopes, the OP mentions a 25-degree slope. Are you sure you don't mean a 25-percent slope? See chart below.

View attachment 569505

Some theoretical difference in engine life 20 years down the road seems an odd way to choose a machine. Get the right tool for the job.

But considering the limitations of operating conditions is not an odd way to choose a machine.
You are entitled to your opinions but the indicated slopes do not lend themselves to a zeroturn mower in my opinion.

 

[dragoneggs]

I have a Kubota Z turn and a BX and a JD riding mower. With my Z turn, I can mow 25deg slope going up and down. 20deg side to side but steering is tricky. Z turns are much faster mowers and can turn on a dime and mow tight spots. I went with a 42in gasser as I have about an acre to mow. I do wish it had better traction. Wet grass and turf tires will slide/spin some times. I know it is a luxury but having a dedicated mower and tractor is the way to go if you can swing it.

 

[Diggin It]

This on-line calculator tells me I'm at about 18 degrees or just under 30% grade.

Gradient, Slope, Grade, Pitch, Rise Over Run Ratio Calculator