Time for a Zero Turn

[fried1765]

Oh my. The environmental folks will be marching in front of your place now!

MoKelly

Yeah....but with that 2 stroke....no mosquitos within miles!

 

[RalphVa]

Through happenstance maybe promoted by what we cannot control, I'm off the gasoline powered ones. Here's what I told the wife:

I guesstimate added costs for a gasoline zero turn to be about $200/yr in gas vs kw, oil, spark plugs, air filter, belt. Just a lot more hassle to run get gasoline, change oil, spark plugs, air filter, etc.

Difference in price is $4200 + 21 vs 2600 + 149 (adds for mulch kits) = approx $1400 or 7 years to pay out. (Turns out the Ryobi comes with a mulch cover. Remove the $21.)

Thinking battery on Ryobi might last that long as would the starter battery on the Toro. (Except 4 batteries on the Ryobi are $200 apiece vs. probably about $100 for a starter motor battery for Kawasaki engines. After 7 years, the savings continue though.)

Ryobi reviews, etc. are very impressive. Can get at HD. Lowes has the EGO ZT with lithium ion batteries (vs. the 4 lead acid for the Ryobi). With veteran discount of 10% at Lowes, it brings the price of the EGO to within $300 of the Ryobi. Wife will check to see if HD has a card that gives veteran discounts as well.

In meantime, I'll check out reviews and battery replacement costs for the EGO.

 

[RalphVa]

Yeah....but with that 2 stroke....no mosquitos within miles!

Don't have a mosquito problem here. Had to give away all the 2 strokes back in 2013 when I got the ICD in my chest. Loved my 2 stroke Lawnboy; just could no longer get them.

 

[fried1765]

Don't have a mosquito problem here. Had to give away all the 2 strokes back in 2013 when I got the ICD in my chest. Loved my 2 stroke Lawnboy; just could no longer get them.

I have a 2 stroke Lawn Boy, that I need to either sell, or give away.
I haven't used it in ten years, but it is in perfect condition.
Think I might get $75 for it?

 

[Diggin It]

Wife will check to see if HD has a card that gives veteran discounts as well.

They do not. Their policy is flexible and up to each store manager. In store only and only on in stock items, no special orders, plus other exceptions. Present ID and see what they say.

I have a 2 stroke Lawn Boy, that I need to either sell, or give away.
I haven't used it in ten years, but it is in perfect condition.
Think I might get $75 for it?

There are collectors who obsess over them. Search some of the other forum websites and they'll pop up.

 

[fried1765]

They do not. Their policy is flexible and up to each store manager. In store only and only on in stock items, no special orders, plus other exceptions. Present ID and see what they say.




There are collectors who obsess over them. Search some of the other forum websites and they'll pop up.

Oh my gosh!
I see used Lawn boy 21" mowers now on E-Bay for $300, and up!
I think I'll list it, as a for bid item, and see what happens.
Thank you!

 

[Bullwinkle123]

I don't have any small engine equipment that's 25 years old (though my chain saw is getting there), but yeah, 4 strokes shouldn't need plugs very often. 2 strokes, well maybe a different story.

I've heard that, but no one's ever elaborated. Is it that they have a higher center of gravity than, say a lawn tractor making them tippy or is it a traction issue?

As far as box store mower vs one from a power equipment dealer, much depends on your age and how much use it'll get. I've had decent enough luck with box store mowers in the past, not sure a pro model is worth the extra money for a homeowner.

I'll elaborate. I have a Kubota ZT. Like most ZT's all the weight is in the back, and where you sit doesn't cancel that. Sure, you're forward of the engine, but still near the rear third of the mower.

I have hills and it really doesn't take much slope to make me nervous. You have these hairtrigger controls and the ZT's can really accelerate, and I definitely pull uphill wheelies without meaning to, and have had the whole thing attempt to turn over on me if not for the fact that I was trying to get out of a ditch I was mowing such that the rear of the mower was halted by one side of the ditch.

Very. Sensitive. To. Hills. More dangerous than my tractor. Would never dream of asking my spouse to drive it.

Maybe some ZT's are better, or maybe people's idea of "hills" vary. Some people also use weights on the front of the mower. Even without the rollover factor there are other issues with ZT's on hills, e.g. those hydraulics are your brakes. No hydraulics, no brakes!

Anyway, careful, and if you have hills, take it seriously and test what you're buying on some hill. For my mower and yard at least it is no joke. Like the tractor, consider mowing in reverse to go uphill if rollovers are a concern. Though I have horrible luck with my tires and traction when I try to back up, which has nearly left me stuck from time to time.

On the bright side, out on the flat straightaway, I'm flying and it's a hoot.

 

[Mike9166]

I have an Ariens Ikon X 52 and if I had to do it over Id go with a Badboy.

 

[RalphVa]

I have a 2 stroke Lawn Boy, that I need to either sell, or give away.
I haven't used it in ten years, but it is in perfect condition.
Think I might get $75 for it?

I'd advertise it for maybe $120. When we get the Ryobi, the wife says the old JD 14SB has to go. Think I'll advertise it for $150. I replaced the blade brake on it a couple years ago. There's a local Nextdoor thing online here that is good for selling stuff like these.

 

[RalphVa]

I'll elaborate. I have a Kubota ZT. Like most ZT's all the weight is in the back, and where you sit doesn't cancel that. Sure, you're forward of the engine, but still near the rear third of the mower.

I have hills and it really doesn't take much slope to make me nervous. You have these hairtrigger controls and the ZT's can really accelerate, and I definitely pull uphill wheelies without meaning to, and have had the whole thing attempt to turn over on me if not for the fact that I was trying to get out of a ditch I was mowing such that the rear of the mower was halted by one side of the ditch.

Very. Sensitive. To. Hills. More dangerous than my tractor. Would never dream of asking my spouse to drive it.

Maybe some ZT's are better, or maybe people's idea of "hills" vary. Some people also use weights on the front of the mower. Even without the rollover factor there are other issues with ZT's on hills, e.g. those hydraulics are your brakes. No hydraulics, no brakes!

Anyway, careful, and if you have hills, take it seriously and test what you're buying on some hill. For my mower and yard at least it is no joke. Like the tractor, consider mowing in reverse to go uphill if rollovers are a concern. Though I have horrible luck with my tires and traction when I try to back up, which has nearly left me stuck from time to time.

On the bright side, out on the flat straightaway, I'm flying and it's a hoot.

Yeah. Thinking its safest to back up a hill. I'm not getting for the speed, just maneuverability. The Ryobi has a "slow" button that you can push to avoid some possible jolt by the drive system taking off too fast.

 

[MoKelly]

Yeah....but with that 2 stroke....no mosquitos within miles!

Ha! I like your sense of humor!

MoKelly

 

[RalphVa]

Here's some comparison of EGO vs. Ryobi that I did this morning:

More comfortable/adjustable seat on EGO.

More capable, the EGO.

No discharge closure yet for the EGO for mulching. (online says "it's coming")

EGO comes with 4 of the 6 battery slots filled. Unclear exactly what the price is, VERY expensive.

Batteries (4) on the Ryobi are $213 each.

Local HD has Ryobi. Lowes has EGO. HD will give veteran discount but have to take copy of DD214 and do in person with ID (driver's license) vs. Lowes allows with their card online.

Think the Ryobi is the winner with price, mulching closure and less expensive batteries. Don't need the extra capability of the EGO but may miss the more comfortable seat.

 

[Diggin It]

HD will give veteran discount but have to take copy of DD214 and do in person with ID (driver's license)

Do you have one of these?

How to apply for a Veteran ID Card | Veterans Affairs

A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a digital form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. Find out if you’re eligible for a Veteran ID Card—and how to apply.

www.va.gov

 

[fried1765]

Do you have one of these?

How to apply for a Veteran ID Card | Veterans Affairs

A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a digital form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. Find out if you’re eligible for a Veteran ID Card—and how to apply.

www.va.gov

Sure do!
Have used it extensively at both Lowe's and HD, for at least the past 16 years.
Built a new house, and saved a lot of money on building materials, and fixtures.

 

[RalphVa]

Rats. Waynesboro store (don't have HD in Charlottesville) says they don't have it, and you have to place order in store with your military discharge copy and ID (driver's license) to get the 10% discount. The HD in Glen Allen (70 miles vs. 35 to Waynesboro) has them. Guess I'll have to pop over there after my tractor is delivered here tomorrow. Worth it for $420 off.

 

[Hay Dude]

So this is just one of the steep hills I cut with my ZT (ZD331). I used to mow across it, but found it was much better going up and down.
Pictures dont do it justice, but it’s pretty steep. Lose control and you go for a swim with the snapping turtles.
I have never felt like I couldn’t stop, under control going straight down at the pond. Going uphill, it’s easy as a walk in the park.

 

[RalphVa]

So this is just one of the steep hills I cut with my ZT (ZD331). I used to mow across it, but found it was much better going up and down.
Pictures dont do it justice, but it’s pretty steep. Lose control and you go for a swim with the snapping turtles.
I have never felt like I couldn’t stop, under control going straight down at the pond. Going uphill, it’s easy as a walk in the park.

Do you go uphill forward or reverse.

 

[Hay Dude]

Do you go uphill forward or reverse.

Forward 99.9% of the time

 

[RancherGuy]

Do you go uphill forward or reverse.

I believe it has a lot to do with the mower's weight distribution. Some have a lower % weight on the rear driving wheels, so going up would not be a problem, some have higher % so they may be 'more tippy'. I have an 1800 lb JD 997 and can do anything I want, except get the "lower" wheel close too close while driving along the edge of the pond (gets soft or muddy and looses traction). I have determined that for mine the front gets very light once it points uphill at 40-45 degrees (that is not 45%, it is 45 degrees). Side cutting is not an issue and when the banks of my pond are completely dry and hard, have even been known to drive along the edge to trim at close to a 45 degree angle, because my rear track is wide. But on wet/damp grass, watch out even on gentle slopes for the front wheels will want to head downhill.

Some mowers with a narrower rear wheel base (i.e. HD or Lowes or cheaper priced units) will have a difficult time turning or controlling the direction of the front - too much left-right torque required with not enough traction leverage. Add to that their cheap smoother drive tires and they may turn out to be very disappointing.

Ralph - I don't recall hearing how much acreage you are mowing. Must not be much if you have been putting up with a walk-behind. I would be careful to evaluate how much space/acreage each electric mower claims to cut per charge, then cut those sales/optimistic numbers in half for reality, before making a final decision. For now you may even consider finding a used gas mower (zt or standard) to see how it works for you. Some people may buy something and realize that what they have does not match their situation. Buying used means you will have a lower investment should you decide it doesn't [work], and have to re-sell. You will gain knowledge to make a more informed decision on your next mower.

 

[RalphVa]

Well, the Home Depot store has to have them and you live within 45 miles of the store for them to give you the veteran discount and ship it to you. If you have a trailer like you carry your tractor on, you could pick it up. I ordered from Home Depot online. Expected shipment date is June 1.

Otherwise, you go online to amazon, and they are $6122.

Hopefully get the RY48ZTR100 by June 1. Just not able to do the mowing myself, and the wife cannot do it when it gets really hot. Probably will use it to mow my trails and the "blueberry patch" down the hill, too. Just use the tractor for real bush hog work and chipping in the fall, winter.