Zero turn thoughts on common models

   / Zero turn thoughts on common models
  • Thread Starter
#41  
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 appreciate the feedback and I know of some of the issues you mention. My lawn is somewhat bumpy and that will make it so I cannot mow at full speed of a zero-turn. But I've actually used a zero-turn on my property (Deere Z930M) two years back for a full mow so I am familiar with the differences. During that demo, which was the first time I ever ran a zero-turn, I was able to cut my mowing time from 4.5 hours to about 3.5 hours. And that included my learning curve and taking time to bag several sections of my lawn (the Z930M had a bagger I had to connect in the midst of the session to try that out too). So I know for sure my mowing time will decrease notably. I'm fine shaving an hour off, doesn't have to be cut in half.

Plus, the zero-turn I buy will have some type of suspension. A seat at least, but possibly frame-based too like the Bad Boy. My x758 has nothing (except springs under the seat). So the zero-turn has to be an improvement. Also, my arms did OK with the demo I did so I'd expect that the more I use one the easier it gets. There are certainly a lot of people mowing with zero-turns so using the sticks can't be that awful.

Thanks,
Rob
 
   / Zero turn thoughts on common models
  • Thread Starter
#42  
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.

Thanks. Appreciate the offer. I've actually demo'd a 60" Deere Z930M on my property before so I know that it is an improvement over my x758. Cutting time will go down for sure. I'm OK with just shaving an hour off of my 4.5 normal time, but it may be more. And I'm hoping the higher blade tip speed and possibly better suction of the deck may help my rough cut issues (when dandelions are blooming the x758's 60HC deck does a crap job unless I'm running really slow).

Rob
 
   / Zero turn thoughts on common models
  • Thread Starter
#43  
Try a Ferris, Zero turn or Stander, for that acreage you deserve the best money can buy (you body will thank you ).
What is it that makes a Ferris stand out?
 
   / Zero turn thoughts on common models
  • Thread Starter
#44  
OK, so I checked around for Hustler since it was mentioned several times here. I don't think it is a great choice for me because their presence in MN seems sketchy. The only places I found that are 'dealers' are things that are primarily repair shops, farmers co-ops, forklift businesses, etc. None of them I'd consider ag or lawn equipment specialists. None of them closer than 30 miles. And apparently Hustler has some blackout on posting prices online, because every single place I looked (MN and elsewhere) just says 'call for price'. Sorry, but if you can't even allow MSRPs to be posted then this leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'd rather buy from a local dealer that has mowers as a primary offering and I want a company that isn't so tight on information. That, and I don't think I've ever seen one in use before. Maybe MN is just dominated by brands like Toro, Deere, Exmark and Bad Boy.

Rob
 
   / Zero turn thoughts on common models #45  
Speaking of posted MSRP pricing, Scag apparently has some kind of promotional pricing on the 52" Tiger Cat with Kawasaki EFI engine. Might be worth a look.

 
   / Zero turn thoughts on common models
  • Thread Starter
#46  
I couldn't find a reference to the promotion on that page or in a quick Google search. If it is only on 52" that won't work for me, but thanks for the suggestion.

Rob
 
   / Zero turn thoughts on common models #47  
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.
I've had a Toro Zmaster for about 15 years, it's indestructible. I added a suspension seat to mine at a cost of about $500 and it was worth it. I looked at the new Toro models this winter and they now suspend the seat from the frame above it, kind of like those swings you put in your lawn that are suspended from springs so they kind of bounce up and down. This setup has a hydraulic damper to keep you from bouncing all over, but the idea of hanging the seat seemed like a great idea to me. Haven't driven it because there was 3' of snow on the ground at the time, but if I were looking I'd check that out.
 
   / Zero turn thoughts on common models #48  
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

It may cost you a little more but look for a 997 with the Deere suspension seat then buy ZGlides for the front and Tweels for the rear. You will have a bullet-proof diesel machine that you already are leaning towards but the ride will be amazing with those enhancements. Just don't buy the ZGlides and Tweels directly from the Deere dealer - you can find them much cheaper at other places online.

I know you already narrowed down your choices but you may want to also look for a used Altoz XC. They are great mowers and have an extremely smooth ride. But they are above what you are looking to spend if you price a brand new one.

 
   / Zero turn thoughts on common models #49  
Also, my arms did OK with the demo I did so I'd expect that the more I use one the easier it gets. There are certainly a lot of people mowing with zero-turns so using the sticks can't be that awful.
Its a non issue IMO.
I've always felt quite comfortable mowing with a zero turn. I don't find a steering wheel any more comfortable.
 
   / Zero turn thoughts on common models #50  
Funny how regional mower brands are. Here in CT all the commercial guys use Scag and some Hustler. Never seen a GrassHopper or Dixie Chopper here in CT. We have Deere and Husqvarna, but mostly residential, not commercial. Tractor Supply sells Bad Boy but does not service them. Of the brands you mention, Toro, Deere, Exmark and Bad Boy, I would choose based on how good the dealer support is.
 

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