GeneV
Elite Member
I got the G5 blades, they're great! Had them on all season, haven't had to sharpen them one time.
Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn
- Thread starter drumminj
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NoTrespassing
Elite Member
ZTR's aren't necessarily faster because of ground speed. It's the maneuverability that makes them faster. I'd recommend a good zero turn with good tires for the slopes.
How recent, and what "level" of equipment (residential vs commercial)?
Not doubting you, there's just bad stories out there about every manufacturer. Oftentimes machines are "great -- mine lasted 15 years" and 10 years ago they shipped production overseas so the same product isn't as good as the one the person is raving about, etc.
I did think about a walk-behind, but I think that's a no-go with the significant other...
One thing about blades (and gator blades) -- looks like Cub Cadet has a proprietary spindle design on some (all?) of their machines so the blades use an 'S' mount. Doesn't look like Oregon supports that currently.
I need to confirm with the dealer/parts department, but it appears the "commercial" versions just use circular holes/mounts, so it's not a concern. But on the residential equipment you're stuck with Cub's replacement blades.
Looks like it won't be until Friday that we can go test-drive and make a decision. Set on a ZT vs a garden/lawn tractor, just need to figurte out which one.
Thanks all for the input and appreciate any other thoughts/experiences/insights.
I need to confirm with the dealer/parts department, but it appears the "commercial" versions just use circular holes/mounts, so it's not a concern. But on the residential equipment you're stuck with Cub's replacement blades.
Looks like it won't be until Friday that we can go test-drive and make a decision. Set on a ZT vs a garden/lawn tractor, just need to figurte out which one.
Thanks all for the input and appreciate any other thoughts/experiences/insights.
Carl_NH
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Many of the residential have the * star configuration then the round hole 3/4 " diameter is typical for commercial applications as they have the heavier greaseable spindles. Then spindles, even tho they state greaseable , they are sealed bearings on the residential units - defeats the purpose.
On the Cub Cadet comment, yes they have had and do have some lemons, but also some very good machines too. I have had the 1811 Garden Tractor since 1989 and still runs fine, original spindles on the deck at 750 hours. When they sold to MTD and in the 2000-2014 they had up and down years and models - some good some bad. Much of what you see at box stores is MTD with JD or CC labels- good for 400-600 hours.
I would take that comment with a grain of salt, and just do your due diligence in buying a mower - doesn't matter the brand as long as you get "near commercial grade" they are all pretty good today.
On the Cub Cadet comment, yes they have had and do have some lemons, but also some very good machines too. I have had the 1811 Garden Tractor since 1989 and still runs fine, original spindles on the deck at 750 hours. When they sold to MTD and in the 2000-2014 they had up and down years and models - some good some bad. Much of what you see at box stores is MTD with JD or CC labels- good for 400-600 hours.
I would take that comment with a grain of salt, and just do your due diligence in buying a mower - doesn't matter the brand as long as you get "near commercial grade" they are all pretty good today.
Duds13
Platinum Member
The products I owned were "residential" grade but a former co-worker bought one of their "almost commercial" grade ZTRs and that too was junk. The frame on the 33" walk-behind I bought cracked, same thing happened to former co-workers ZTR. The 33" walk-behind was purchased at an independent dealer, not a big box store so luckily they worked with Cub and got about 90% of my money back. I then purchased a used Scag walk behind which was well worth it.
I now live on 5.5 acres and mow probably 2.5 of that. First year I mowed with a Kubota BX2200 and it took two of us about 4 hours (me on Kubota, her on her Cub lawn tractor). Not only did it take forever, I felt like I just rode a bull for hours when I was done. So I went out and bought a Ferris ISX2200. Night and day difference. Mow faster and MUCH more comfortable due to the suspension. 2.5 acres doesn't seem like much, but I would not want a homeowner grade ZTR, it would get destroyed in a couple years. If you can, increase your budget and get full commercial, or like others have said buy a lightly used commercial grade. I have a pretty steep hill that I wont use the Ferris on, so I still have my Scag walk behind. I think it's probably 20-25 years old. Great mower!
tradosaurus
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I mow about 4 acres with my zero turn. I have a Toro HD2000 Titan with 24 hp motor that cuts 60" width. I've had the ZT now for 5 yrs and its held up great.
Whatever you do go sit in each ZT you are interested. Check the comfort of the seat and the suspension.
Get a commercial grade deck. The ROPS should fold down easy.
Plan on getting bar tires for the rear for traction (look like AG tires on a tractor).
I know you already have a tractor but you should be able to mow the other 5 acres with the ZT.
Buy once, cry once. Don't cheap out. I would plan on spending about $9K.
Whatever you do go sit in each ZT you are interested. Check the comfort of the seat and the suspension.
Get a commercial grade deck. The ROPS should fold down easy.
Plan on getting bar tires for the rear for traction (look like AG tires on a tractor).
I know you already have a tractor but you should be able to mow the other 5 acres with the ZT.
Buy once, cry once. Don't cheap out. I would plan on spending about $9K.
I appreciate the additional info.
Totally hear you on "increase your budget and get full commercial". Unfortunately funds are limited/have plenty of other things I need to spend money on (fencing, barn, etc etc). I've already bumped my budget to get in the residential/commercial hybrid with 10 gauge deck, servicable hydros (ZT-2800 or ZT-3100), ROPS, etc. There's always something better for just a little bit more
tradosaurus
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Awesome post. Commercial grade is the way to go with a good suspension.
I remember when I moved out to the country 6 yrs ago and bought a 48" ZT. Took me 3 mows to trade it back in for a 60".
CH4Ohio
Veteran Member
I bought a CC Z Force S (Steering wheel) about 9 years ago. This was the middle of the road "residential" unit. It has the Kawasaki engine and 60" deck. Did all my own maintenance. Had to replace a couple deck spindles and both belts and keep blades sharp or changed. The engine has never had a single problem. It still mows great. I plan to keep it in the family -- too good to sell at a "used" mower price. Couldn't replace it for what I'd get for it. I've mowed several acres with it all that time and it has been taken care of, but not babied. (This uses a standard generic blade size and hole.)
Saw a really good deal on a new CC Pro ZT S due to a dealer going out of business this past spring. Travelled a few hundred miles to pick it up and couldn't be happier. The seat and the power steering are two of the upgrades but overall it's just a lot more mower. Still 60" deck though. (Uses a standard generic blade size and mounting hole.)
Never had Cub Cadets prior to this, but I think mine have held up as good as any other brand. Dealer parts are expensive but the same MTD or generic parts can be found much cheaper in most every case. What led me to CC was the combination of Zero-Turn and Steering Wheel.
I would not consider a stand-up mower to mow my own place.
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As long as I'm bloviating . . . . On the NEW vs. USED question . . . .
---- My philosophy is that no one sells a good lawn mower that they're happy with. (Or chain saw, as another example . . . ) And it's not easy to really "test drive" a used ZT or riding mower. There is the occasional rare event where there's a death or divorce and some "cherry" used mower suddenly needs a new home, but even then it usually gets snapped up by family or offered at auction where it sells way higher than it should. Some things I just don't buy used. There are always exceptions, but I'm pretty sure that I could not go out and find a USED mower that would suit me.
(I have to qualify the above by explaining that I typically ONLY buy USED for cars, trucks, tractors, snowblowers, and other specific items. Some "tools" are often found with low hours and are routinely traded-in for new. In fact, that's the "business model" for some people with their vehicles or farm equipment. So I do search for USED stuff where it makes sense.)
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Good luck with your search. This does seem like a good time of year to buy a mower, but the local dealers here are still having trouble with getting inventory. That might still be a problem.
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NoTrespassing
Elite Member
I purchased a 10 year old commercial mower (Walker brand) with almost 1000 hours on it and have been running it for over 10 years with no major repairs. I think I paid about $3k. New they cost $15K. It has a 20 hp Kohler Command. I probably have around 1200 hours on it now. I bought it from a dealer that used it as a loaner which did concern me at the time of purchase, but it's been a great mower.I appreciate the additional info.
Totally hear you on "increase your budget and get full commercial". Unfortunately funds are limited/have plenty of other things I need to spend money on (fencing, barn, etc etc). I've already bumped my budget to get in the residential/commercial hybrid with 10 gauge deck, servicable hydros (ZT-2800 or ZT-3100), ROPS, etc. There's always something better for just a little bit more
Had I tried to buy a $3k homeowner zero turn at the time, I'm sure I wouldn't have been as happy with it and I doubt that it would still be running. I'm sure I could sell it for almost what I paid for it just checking prices on Ebay. I have a dealer about 30 miles away that stocks parts and does repairs if needed.
Duds13
Platinum Member
Highly recommend a Kawi as well!
Duds13
Platinum Member
I hear ya! If money was no object I'd have the ISX3300!I appreciate the additional info.
Totally hear you on "increase your budget and get full commercial". Unfortunately funds are limited/have plenty of other things I need to spend money on (fencing, barn, etc etc). I've already bumped my budget to get in the residential/commercial hybrid with 10 gauge deck, servicable hydros (ZT-2800 or ZT-3100), ROPS, etc. There's always something better for just a little bit more
CH4Ohio
Veteran Member
Both of mine have been Kawasaki and no problems so far. And both of the dealers that I've talked to say they prefer the Kawasaki engines.
No personal experience with the Kohler engines.
tradosaurus
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I have a 23 hp Kohler engine that's been great. Once you go commercial grade I just don't believe the engine brand is that critical.
Duds13
Platinum Member
I will add that my older Scag walk-behind that was mentioned in my previous posts has a Kohler Command engine that has been free of any issues (knock on wood!)
Yander
Elite Member
Hustler and Gravely both make a light commercial mower that will fit your purposes. I think you are in the right frame of mind with the hydro hear hydros. They are bullet proof.
I still think with Gravely's long reputation for quality mowers, they are hard to beat for the price.
I still think with Gravely's long reputation for quality mowers, they are hard to beat for the price.
RSKY
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5030
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Don't really matter as the Kawasaki and Kohler and Briggs pressure die cast aluminum block engines all have a finite life and they all have their issues as well, mostly lack of proper maintenance and timely valve adjustments. Besides, you don't get a choice of engines in the first place unless you buy a different brand of mower as a certain brand will come with whatever engine they install. My philosophy is, buy a mower with a diesel engine, they will far outlast any gas motor so long as again, you maintain them. problem with that is, of course, they cost appreciably more and only come with commercial grade mowers.
