Another NEWBIE

[cyafishin]

I live in Oregon and recently purchased 10 acres. 6 woods/ 4 grass. 90% of the work will be maintaing the grass. I plan on keeping 1/2 acre as a yard, and the other 3.5 as a pasture.
If I could save some significant money buying a Lawn mower (z or f series or other) than I could rent on the other chores.
My concern is this ground is sometimes soft (it rains in Oregon) someplaces a bit rough and in some areas sloped. Is this too demanding for the small front wheels of these mowers?
If I go w/ a tractor do I go w/ a mid mount or rear?
Thanks

 

[KeithInSpace]

My cousin has a ZD21 and mows 5 acres. His yard gets soft in places and he has never complained. I think the front wheels are generally "light" since there is minimal hardware up there and the machine is somewhat 'cantilevered' by the engine hanging off the back. Can't speak for all ZTR's (I'm sure the Home Depot/Lowes brands aren't quite as "engineered), but I'd be surprised if you had a big problem with this.

MMM or rear mower is up to you. Most folks that have yards that big have rear mounts, but you need a larger tractor to run 5 and 6 foot rear mount mowers. Whereas my BX, while possibly undersized for your needs, runs a 5' mid mount finish mower with power to spare.

If you went with a tractor, you'd be somewhere in the middle of the B series for starters. Can't stress enough just how much utility one of these machines has, just in case you've never owned anything like this. I have had mine for a year and had never set foot on a tractor before that. I am simply amazed by how my little BX has changed my life...that sounds like strong words, but it is true. I can get done in 2 or 3 beer-sipping hours what would have taken me all weekend to accomplish sans tractor.

If you decide on a tractor, don't consider it a "lawn mower"...take the plunge and get the FEL at a minimum. I promise you'll use the heck out of it. If you get a HST, you're utility in mowing will be quite good...obviously not quite a ZTR, but when combined with power steering, your mowing enjoyment will be miles beyond any "regular" lawn mower.

Hope this helps to get your thread started.

 

[Thomas]

Welcome to TBN cyafishin.
If you have local lawn care company maybe they could give you a better feel also test drive in what your seeking....just a thought.

 

[cyafishin]

Keithinspace, thanks for the opinion .
I went to school in C'ville. (This week, even us Cavaliers are rooting for the Hokies)
I think I'm leaning toward a B series.
Thanks, Cyafishin

 

[KeithInSpace]

A-men. Most of my contemporaries are Hokies who knew two of the professors (required classes).

The B series sounds like a very good fit. My cousin who owns the ZD regularly borrows a neighbor's B series or asks me to come over to help with various projects. His machine is a wonder at mowing, but not much else.