Zero turn thoughts on common models

[Sawyer Rob]

Sure someone has already mentioned Grasshopper but if not here it is: Grasshopper Mower

I DO love my Grasshopper, it's been a great cutting machine!

SR

 

[Bullwinkle123]

I have a Kubota Z724 with a 54 inch deck, they make them with larger decks too.
Built like a tank, top speed 11.2 mph. Seat very comfy. 11.2 mph on a mower feels very fast. Anyway, just another brand to consider. Mine was about $9k, can't remember if that was with taxes or not.

 

[BigBlue1]

Sure someone has already mentioned Grasshopper but if not here it is: Grasshopper Mower

I appreciate the alternative suggestions, but the brands I listed are the ones around me I'm considering. Unless there is something significant that sets apart this one or the others mentioned I'm not going to broaden my search. This is not a 'start from scratch' search for all possible options. Thanks though. I just don't want the thread to diverge that way.

Rob

 

[tradosaurus]

I saw the Toro 6000 series on your list.
Toro 6000
Have you read the reviews on this one? I don't know how accurate the claim is on parts availability.
Toro HD 2000
This is the one I've had (not the Myride version) for 3 yrs but only have 100 hrs on it. My only regret is not getting the MyRide version.

 

[RSKY]

Let us know what you get once you buy. Lots of good brands out there. Pick the features you want, pick a good dealer, and have fun.

Gonna eat some breakfast and as soon as the dew dries up I'm gonna crank the Bad Boy and mow three yards for the first time this year. Somewhere between six and seven acres with about five miles separating them. My wife made her sad face last night when I told her my plans. She enjoys mowing on our ZTR as much or more than I do. But she has other things she must do this morning. If I time everything right she can meet me at her father's house and use his old Cub Cadet ZTR to help me finish the last yard.

RSKY

 

[MoKelly]

If you have a Hustler dealer near you, check them out. They built the first zero turn 50+ years ago. They are all made in USA (Kansas) and my experience is they provide excellent service and warranty work. My 60" X-One will mow 6 acres an hour, if you can mow at full speed. I have an air ride seat and front suspension, so I can mow fast, but still not full speed. I mow 5 acres and went from 5 hours with my lawn tractor to 90 minutes with the zero turn.

I second the Hustler recommendation. Mine is great and easy to service - both oil changes and hydro changes.

MoKelly

 

[ideaman]

I have a Toro Titan 60 inch Myride. Full suspension and you don't feel the bumps. Commercial quality and only $6K. Mow about 4 acres per week. Perfect for home owner with large yards. Love it! And the price!

-Matt

 

[RancherGuy]

... I have a JD x758 with 60" deck that works well ... I have almost 7 acres ... I'm looking for a commercial quality unit ... I want at least a 60" deck ... My yard is mostly flat ... I'm pondering a 72" deck.

Rob,
I don't know about the other machines, but I can tell you about my experiences. 'kthompson' has some good points about suspension.

I bought a JD X749 w/ 60". Sold it after a while - wasn't using it and hated the deck. For more than 10 years I have used, well, actually my wife has used, a JD 997. Bought used w/ 69 hours and now has 1200 more. We cannot tell you how pleased we have been with it. Extremely good and reliable design. Pretty bullet proof. We are mowing a 6.5 acre area around the house, but my wife likes to run up and down the very long driveway w/ ditches, so it may be more realistic to say 8 acres. Then she likes to rake the clippings to give to the cows. That's her idea, NOT mine.

Pro:
72" nearly indestructible deck.
Great deck flow.
Diesel engine goes and goes and endures overheating all the time when light dry grass clogs the radiator.
Plenty of power. Can cut some pretty heavy stuff. Sometimes I have to tell the wife that it is not a pasture mower.
After 1200 hours the ability to finely control motion and detail is still there.
The deck flow is great. On the contrary the X749 was horrible.

Cons:
The radiator clogs up when grass cuttings are dry and light.
Tires are 4 ply, so they puncture easily if mow something like barbed wire. I keep a handy supply of Slime. I ended up replacing the front tires with more plies and that helped those a lot. Back tires are still OEM with plugs and Slime.
In ditches, it is easy to have the deck edge dig into the side of the ditch, but this is the result of such as wide deck.
The deck is so wide that it is sensitive to the rear tire pressures. I have to keep them no more than 0.5 psi of each other. I keep pressure at 12.0 so ride is not too bumpy because there is no suspension.

Over the years, other than scheduled or normal maintenance, I have (1) replaced both front tires, (2) replaced bearings for front tires, (3) replaced deck spindle bearings, removed and cleaned out fuel tank to get rid of debris. That's about it. Oh, and I have disabled the seat safety switch so the engine does not cut off if operator should shift or stand up. We also keep the roll bar down to keep from removing tree limbs. I am using "predator" blades to try to chop/mulch the grass a bit more than just cutting. Because soft ant mounds can be part of mowing, the deck can clog w/ mud and grass, so I have built drive-up ramps to tip the mower back to be able to thoroughly pressure-wash deck underside. That also helps to keep deck rusting down.

 

[Waco Branson]

First Priority is to be close to your dealer or competent service that you can trust. You already know that every one of those are nice machines. Sooner or later you'll need service.

Personally, I really like our Bad Boy -- just below commercial grade.

 

[PuffyC]

Thought I'd chime in since I've been there already. I mow over 7 acres each week for 6 months out of the year with a Deere Z540R and it has been nothing short of amazing. It has the 54" HC deck and going bigger might save you a bit of time but maneuverability will start to become an issue. I'm not sure I'd want one any wider. At half the price of some of their commercial models, I'd definitely go this route again. And don't tell Mr. Deere but I've put this thing through all kinds of he11 it was never designed to do and it just keeps going without failure. I've bush hogged abandoned pasture that was 2 feet tall, cut fence rows, pulled a harrow maintaining about a thousand feet of gravel road, dragged logs and other stuff around the woods, etc. I don't have a tractor - yet - so it does it all. It's only 5 years old but considering what I've done with it, if it died tomorrow I wouldn't be surprised nor dissatisfied at the longevity yet it still runs and looks like new, not counting the front roller I ripped clean off hitting a stump or the tree branch that ripped a giant gash in the seat back (luckily I ducked just in time). I took it to the dealership last year for the first time just so they could give it a going over, adjust the valves and put on new belts, I do the rest myself. Based on their assessment and my experience so far, I fully expect to get another 10+ years of brutal use out of it before all the pasture ruts, gopher mounds, bush hogging and overloading finally take their toll, and for the $5,000 I paid new I consider it an absolute bargain.

 

[BigBlue1]

The Z997 is a cadillac and seems like the perfect option for me (liking JD and having other diesel equipment), but the fact that it doesn't have any frame suspension surprises me. Does its suspension seat really do that good of job?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[CarlL]

I've been casually looking at adding a zero turn mower for a couple years. I have a JD x758 with 60" deck that works well for me but since I have almost 7 acres to mow it does take me about 4.5 hours. I know a zero turn can shave some time off of that. I love mowing but I could still love it mowing 2.5 or 3 hours a week... doesn't have to be 4.5.

My first thought was to look for a Deere ZT but I rapidly realized how much they want for them (new at least). I've researched other brands in the past and come up with a short list of ones I'd consider that seem to be fairly well respected. Being spring I'm back at it and figured I'd query folks here to see if there are any notable pros or cons of the ones I'm considering.

I'm looking for a commercial quality unit because I want it to last and I don't tend to buy lower-end equipment. But I certainly don't need the absolute best/biggest/fastest stuff out there. If we ranked ZTs from cheap-o to cadillac on a 1-10 scale, I'm probably looking for a 7 or 8. I want at least a 60" deck. My yard is mostly flat with a few slight hills and almost 800' of road ditch and similar sloped driveway to mow. I've mowed it all with a Deere z930M ZT a few years ago so I know none of it is too much for a ZT, slope-wise. I'm pondering a 72" deck.

Here are a few of the brands and models I'm looking into right now. They all seem to be in that $9-10k range, either for a sub-400 hour used model or new model. I'd be happier only spending $6k but I don't think that gets me to the features/quality I'm looking for.

eXmark Lazer Z X-series - several 2020 commercial models with under 400 hours available for a bit over $9k
Toro 6000 series - new
Bad Boy Outlaw Rogue - new, upper $9's for 61", low $10's for 72"
Deere Z997r - several used ones with ~300 hours from a local city trading in for about $11k
Scag Tiger Cat - new, upper $9's

I know the Deere is an outlier in features but because these happen to be close in price I'm considering them. I already have diesel equipment so another diesel would be nice - but not required.

The Bad Boy seems like it has some extra features that are kind of nice, like a rear suspension in addition to a suspension seat and separate hydraulic system for each motor/side, as well as extremely thick deck material. And more aggressive tires that are closer to HDAP than the typical turf tires. I'm sure that helps traction but that may also scuff more?

The Deere would be sweet, because it is a much higher caliber unit and diesel.

Scags get talked up quite a bit for their cut. I think they're known for high lift, which would help with my dandelions.

Anyway, appreciate any constructive feedback on pros & cons.

Thanks,
Rob

Everyone has their own preference and they will usually recommend what they own. I have a Scag Cheetah 61 since it first came out. Mow three acres in 1.5 hours. However, my recommendation is to find dealers that are near you and see if they will bring a unit out to your property for you to try. I went through John Deere, Bad Boy, Ferris and Scag, before making my choice. The old Bad Boy and Deere units had no suspension and nearly bounced me off. The Ferris bounced the mower deck a little too much and I didn't like the seat as much as on the Scag. Years of ownership and I think I made the right choice for me, but you are really the one who should have some seat time, if possible, before deciding.

As far as mower size, it would depend a little on how open your land is. If you have to mow close to a lot of things, the 61" will get you closer, avoiding having to go back to hand mow or trim. If you have mainly open fields, i would recommend the 72" to keep your mowing time low. Also, remember that the larger the mower, the more it will bridge over uneven spots.

 

[lorandroehl]

I have an eXmark Radius Ultracut series 3 with a 52" deck. 708cc V-Twin commercial engine. I bought this new in the spring of 2019 so have used it 2 full years. Paid $6,300 including tax at that time. It has the suspension seat which you can adjust for your weight. I had never had that type of seat before and now at 63 years old I will never be without it. I mow about about 5 acres which is mostly flat, but has quite a few trees to spin around. In the open areas I can mow at up to 8 mph and still get a nice cut. If your grass is thick a little slower will yield a nicer cut.

I love this mower, but the zt I had before was a low end Cub Cadet so this is a big upgrade. I actually like mowing my lawn again. Maintenance is easy and I have had no problems. I take good care of it, but use it heavily. It also seems very easy on gas. Don't have actual gallons/hour of mowing, but subjectively it seems very good.

I would buy another eXmark in a heart beat if I needed another mower. I have no experience with the other brands mentioned so can't comment there. I do know buying a much higher end model was definitely worth the money.

 

[droptop]

As others have said, everything you are looking at seems to be of decent quality. Whichever brand you decide on focus on the seat, I put a new air ride seat on my Scag Wildcat a couple of years ago and it was the best money I've spent in a long time. My back thanks me every time I mow.

 

[Martin Roper]

Try a Ferris, Zero turn or Stander, for that acreage you deserve the best money can buy (you body will thank you ).

 

[CalebHummell]

I've been casually looking at adding a zero turn mower for a couple years. I have a JD x758 with 60" deck that works well for me but since I have almost 7 acres to mow it does take me about 4.5 hours. I know a zero turn can shave some time off of that. I love mowing but I could still love it mowing 2.5 or 3 hours a week... doesn't have to be 4.5.

My first thought was to look for a Deere ZT but I rapidly realized how much they want for them (new at least). I've researched other brands in the past and come up with a short list of ones I'd consider that seem to be fairly well respected. Being spring I'm back at it and figured I'd query folks here to see if there are any notable pros or cons of the ones I'm considering.

I'm looking for a commercial quality unit because I want it to last and I don't tend to buy lower-end equipment. But I certainly don't need the absolute best/biggest/fastest stuff out there. If we ranked ZTs from cheap-o to cadillac on a 1-10 scale, I'm probably looking for a 7 or 8. I want at least a 60" deck. My yard is mostly flat with a few slight hills and almost 800' of road ditch and similar sloped driveway to mow. I've mowed it all with a Deere z930M ZT a few years ago so I know none of it is too much for a ZT, slope-wise. I'm pondering a 72" deck.

Here are a few of the brands and models I'm looking into right now. They all seem to be in that $9-10k range, either for a sub-400 hour used model or new model. I'd be happier only spending $6k but I don't think that gets me to the features/quality I'm looking for.

eXmark Lazer Z X-series - several 2020 commercial models with under 400 hours available for a bit over $9k
Toro 6000 series - new
Bad Boy Outlaw Rogue - new, upper $9's for 61", low $10's for 72"
Deere Z997r - several used ones with ~300 hours from a local city trading in for about $11k
Scag Tiger Cat - new, upper $9's

I know the Deere is an outlier in features but because these happen to be close in price I'm considering them. I already have diesel equipment so another diesel would be nice - but not required.

The Bad Boy seems like it has some extra features that are kind of nice, like a rear suspension in addition to a suspension seat and separate hydraulic system for each motor/side, as well as extremely thick deck material. And more aggressive tires that are closer to HDAP than the typical turf tires. I'm sure that helps traction but that may also scuff more?

The Deere would be sweet, because it is a much higher caliber unit and diesel.

Scags get talked up quite a bit for their cut. I think they're known for high lift, which would help with my dandelions.

Anyway, appreciate any constructive feedback on pros & cons.

Thanks,
Rob

I have a 2014 Lazer Z with Kawasaki and 60" deck. Mow about 4 acres and around lots of trees and other obstacles. Love it for open spaces, but up close to the house, a ztr makes bad divots in the grass, so i have to watch it.

 

[CalebHummell]

As others have noted, at least get a suspension seat. Love mine.

 

[devodad]

I've been casually looking at adding a zero turn mower for a couple years. I have a JD x758 with 60" deck that works well for me but since I have almost 7 acres to mow it does take me about 4.5 hours. I know a zero turn can shave some time off of that. I love mowing but I could still love it mowing 2.5 or 3 hours a week... doesn't have to be 4.5.

My first thought was to look for a Deere ZT but I rapidly realized how much they want for them (new at least). I've researched other brands in the past and come up with a short list of ones I'd consider that seem to be fairly well respected. Being spring I'm back at it and figured I'd query folks here to see if there are any notable pros or cons of the ones I'm considering.

I'm looking for a commercial quality unit because I want it to last and I don't tend to buy lower-end equipment. But I certainly don't need the absolute best/biggest/fastest stuff out there. If we ranked ZTs from cheap-o to cadillac on a 1-10 scale, I'm probably looking for a 7 or 8. I want at least a 60" deck. My yard is mostly flat with a few slight hills and almost 800' of road ditch and similar sloped driveway to mow. I've mowed it all with a Deere z930M ZT a few years ago so I know none of it is too much for a ZT, slope-wise. I'm pondering a 72" deck.

Here are a few of the brands and models I'm looking into right now. They all seem to be in that $9-10k range, either for a sub-400 hour used model or new model. I'd be happier only spending $6k but I don't think that gets me to the features/quality I'm looking for.

eXmark Lazer Z X-series - several 2020 commercial models with under 400 hours available for a bit over $9k
Toro 6000 series - new
Bad Boy Outlaw Rogue - new, upper $9's for 61", low $10's for 72"
Deere Z997r - several used ones with ~300 hours from a local city trading in for about $11k
Scag Tiger Cat - new, upper $9's

I know the Deere is an outlier in features but because these happen to be close in price I'm considering them. I already have diesel equipment so another diesel would be nice - but not required.

The Bad Boy seems like it has some extra features that are kind of nice, like a rear suspension in addition to a suspension seat and separate hydraulic system for each motor/side, as well as extremely thick deck material. And more aggressive tires that are closer to HDAP than the typical turf tires. I'm sure that helps traction but that may also scuff more?

The Deere would be sweet, because it is a much higher caliber unit and diesel.

Scags get talked up quite a bit for their cut. I think they're known for high lift, which would help with my dandelions.

Anyway, appreciate any constructive feedback on pros & cons.

Thanks,
Rob

Probably not what you wanna hear since it sounds like you’re pretty well set on a zero turn. IMO you will not shave two or maybe not even one hour off by going to a zero turn. The amount you do shave off will not be worth the amount of comfort you will be giving up. I’ve used both XMark and JD garden tractor X485 w/62” deck. The zero turn can mow fast but to do so much faster than your JD will result in you practically bouncing out of the seat. That, combined with having to constantly hold the sticks forward while cutting make for a pretty uncomfortable mowing experience. If you want to still enjoy mowing, stick with the comfortable seat, power steering and cruise control unit. Just my 2c worth. Good luck.

 

[tradosaurus]

Probably not what you wanna hear since it sounds like you’re pretty well set on a zero turn. IMO you will not shave two or maybe not even one hour off by going to a zero turn. The amount you do shave off will not be worth the amount of comfort you will be giving up. I’ve used both XMark and JD garden tractor X485 w/62” deck. The zero turn can mow fast but to do so much faster than your JD will result in you practically bouncing out of the seat. That, combined with having to constantly hold the sticks forward while cutting make for a pretty uncomfortable mowing experience. If you want to still enjoy mowing, stick with the comfortable seat, power steering and cruise control unit. Just my 2c worth. Good luck.

I can only speak from anecdotal experience as I have only driven a zero turn since I moved to the country. Going from a 48" to a 60" deck in the same model I saved 45 minutes of mowing.
If I lived close to the OP I would loan him my 60" Toro HD 2000 just see how much time he could shave off.
If he's mowing 7 acres in 4-1/2 hrs I call that a win as it takes my about 2-1/2 hrs to mow 2-1/2 acres but mine is mostly mowing around trees and very few long runs.

 

[rat51]

Scag me with a spoon. w/ Kawasaki engine