60" Zero Turn Mower advice

[djdicetn]

No disrespect intended, but I believe you may be wrong. From everything I have read the only difference between the Gravely ZT HD and the Ariens Max Zoom is the color paint. I believe the part numbers on the parts are the exact same and parts interchangeable between the two from what I read. Of course what I read could have been wrong also. Don't get me wrong though, I'm considering getting a Gravely ZT HD or Pro-Turn soon myself. One thing I think is important to look at with the Gravely is that you are purchasing from a dealer instead of a big box store. It will probably be a lot easy to receive support should anything go wrong. Although, if something does go wrong with the Ariens then you'll probably have to take it to a Gravely dealer for support anyways. But you might get better service since you bought from them if you go with the Gravely. I think for the OP it is going to come down to what he can afford. I don't think the price difference is going to be that much though.

Oh and when I looked into the Bad Boys I read the same thing about the overall quality of the other components. Some of the reviews steered me away also.

No offense taken(I too reserve the right to be wrong:0)
IMHO, though...to support my statements, if you compare comparable Gravely & Ariens models/series that have similar major components(engine series, trannies, same deck size, etc.) look closely at the specific details like deck gauge/mount reinforcement, deck height adjustments(settings and ease) and hanging system, anti-scalp wheels and their brackets, frame tube sizes(and whether the Ariens has the same "Frame Warranty), spindles(aluminum versus cast-iron and explicit "Spindle Warranty" just to name the ones I consider important. If all of those are identical....then I agree it's whether you want a red ZTR or an orange one. I trully believe you will find several differences in some of those details though.

 

[djdicetn]

Thanks all. First a correction - the Cub Cadet I borrowed has a 48" cut, not a 60". I guess I was impressed with how much faster I got the job done that I just assumed it was much wider.

I've been kind of leaning toward the Kubota ZG127S (54"), although I budget may drop me down to the ZG123S (48"). Opinions? Is it too much mower for my needs?

Kubota "don't make no junk".....but I have some personal reservations buying a "first year model" and their first Residential/Homeowner offering. There have been some initial bugs(like a recall on the belly mounted gas tank) and my "jury is out" until a couple of seasons of the ZG100 series proving itself.

 

[iptman]

Any opinions on the smaller Scag ztrs?