Sick of cheap box store riding mowers. 1500-3k budget used zero turns?

[tomplum]

Here is the thing that most don't consider when buying an inexpensive zero turn. They really fall into the same class as the dreaded box store mower. I'm not saying that box store mowers are bad for everyone, but if you want to stay away your choices are to go to a brand that is up the food chain, but isn't an odd ball. Out of the first list, the only one I would touch is the T1870. A high hour zero turn can leave you open for double exposure on transmission problems.

 

[MoKelly]

Are ZTR’s getting scarce?

My dealer called yesterday and wanted to buy the mower I bought from them 3 years ago. Offered $300 less than what I paid.

He said they are running low on used mowers.

MoKelly

 

[blee03]

I just upgraded my 50” cub cadet zero turn to a 60” exmark lazer z.

The old cub cadet served me right and for the $3000 it cost originally, I think it was a good deal.

For a zero turn on a budget, I’d get their new 50” cut model with the fab deck and 23hp Kawasaki. (My old one had a Briggs and it was fine, no issues)

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 in. Fabricated Deck 23 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin Gas Engine Zero Turn Mower with Lap Bar Control-ULTIMA ZT1-50 - The Home Depot

Introducing the new ULTIMA ZT1 SERIES. Step up to the ultimate all-around mowing experience. The Cub Cadet ULTIMA Series ZT1 50 FAB 50 in. 23 HP Kawasaki FR691V series Twin-cylinder OHV Zero-Turn Riding

www.homedepot.com

 

[p0opstlnksal0t]

I think I'm going to go check out the simplicity mower thanks for all the help folks

 

[Username Taken]

I bought a Husqvarna 54" ZT from Lowes. Has the Kawasaki engine. I'm a Vet so I got it for $2,700.

I don't quite understand why so many prefer old and busted to new and works. But then, there's a lot of things I don't understand --

 

[5030]

My take on used is... It's for sale because it most likely has issues. People as a rule, don't sell equipment that is perfectly fine. They sell equipment that needs fixed. Not always but it's usually the case.

 

[5030]

I'll take a Kowalski over a Kohler V twin every time. My wife has the Kohler on her zero turn and it's an oil burner and always has been. The Kowalski I have don't use a drop.

 

[Username Taken]

I'll take a Kowalski over a Kohler V twin every time. My wife has the Kohler on her zero turn and it's an oil burner and always has been. The Kowalski I have don't use a drop.

You're pronouncing it wrong. It's 'kakasuki'

 

[Midniteoyl]

I bought a Husqvarna 54" ZT from Lowes. Has the Kawasaki engine. I'm a Vet so I got it for $2,700.

I don't quite understand why so many prefer old and busted to new and works. But then, there's a lot of things I don't understand --

View attachment 699310

My understanding is that that pic was a joke..

 

[Username Taken]

My understanding is that that pic was a joke..

I should hope so.

Fire Fighters are one of the few, very few...... Very, Very, Very few, groups of government workers I have respect for.

I'll think of another one sometime today and post it when I do......

Lemme see...... IRS? Nope. I'll let you know......

 

[Citydude]

You can get a new Toro Timecutter with the 14 hp engine for $2,600.

I just bought a new Toro 50" Timecutter with the 23hp Kawasaki engine. $3400.00 out the door from a Toro dealer. The fabricated deck is beefy. Solid built machine and cuts very nice.

 

[herm0016]

make sure you take them all for a spin and engage the PTO before you buy. haha.

the dealer cub cadet stuff is still well built. i would be looking at that exmark and the simplicity. my dad has a 25 year old exmark and it runs great with the 23 kaw on it. i think he has about 1000 hrs on it now.

 

[ning]

I like my "box store junk" (Sears) craftsman dys 4500 54" kohler engined mower. It's mowed 30" grass, blackberries, lots of pine cones... Just had to replace the drive belt for the first time after 15 years. Wife drags a cart all over with it and mows our small orchard, bought on craigslist ages ago.

YMMV

 

[Username Taken]

What I like about my ZT is that it's a fabricated deck. When I ran over a branch or something like that (neighbor's dog, whatever) on the old, raggedy-arse JD 62 stamped deck MMM, it sounded like a demented, rock-filled cement mixer on steroids.

I guess it's my fault. I usually figure, if I can run over it........ Why not run over it? I mean, unless it's a rock, a piece of concrete, my own dog, whatever

 

[coobie]

IMHO buy once cry once.I had to bit the bullet many years ago a by a heavy duty mower. This was my first one 1996 Ingersoll 4020.

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[coobie]

You're pronouncing it wrong. It's 'kakasuki'

Maybe he means Kowalksi sausage ..

 

[uga1988]

I have a two year old JD S240, 48" deck. Very pleased - I bought the lawn tractor because I haul stuff around the property and its easier for my wife to use with a trailer for gardening, etc. It is an upgrade from the JDs in Lowes/HD. Cost was $3000 with a mulcher attached.

 

[azbinder]

I've got 2 Simplicity Broadmoor Hydro 14's. Both are mid-late 90's machines. I use one strictly as a tractor to pull carts and such. The other has a 38" deck and catcher. Both have the Kohler Command Pro 14hp engine. My only issue is with the mower one. Starting to use oil and smoke quite a bit. Just bought a new Simplicity Regent 38". Was going to get a 42" but would have been a few months before it would have come in.

 

[kenmbz]

I found with the older engines that the smoking can be the head gasket.
I replaced the one on my Vanguard and it was involved, but other then the valves, not too difficult if you take some pictures during disassembly.

 

[SPMMD]

My Cub Cadet ZTT 1046 had the HST replaced during second season of use, and the crap mower deck spindles and starter crapped out at 200hrs.
All tolled, $700 in repairs for a machine with bagger in the $3k range.

last year I picked up a Kubota G1800 that was used commercially with 1800 hrs for $1200. Best $1200 I ever spent. Best lawn machine I have ever owned, ate a 2/3 buried cinderblock without any significant damage!!!!! Only mildly blunted blades. I do however have to manually shut it done, even tough I replaced the fuel shut off selenoid.

And fast...... OMG