best zero turn $3000

bigballer · Apr 17, 2015

What is the zt mower for 4 acres with some slope? I have a JD LA145 and looking to speed up the Process.

Thanks.

dragoneggs · Apr 17, 2015

Tagging along... I don't have that much to mow but I got tight spaces, all different slopes and obstacles. Eying the Kubota Z122 myself and the 42in is $3899 a bit more than your target and their 48in is $4500. Sounds like you need a bigger deck than I do. Good luck.

LD1 · Apr 17, 2015

Best ZTR for $3k-$4k IMO is a used commercial grade unit. Scag, Exmark, Hustler, Bobcat, Bunton, Toro, etc. Many out there.

rgr33 · Apr 17, 2015

I wouldn't buy anything from the big box stores, they just aren't the same machines you find at the dealers, and when something goes wrong, they are no help.
I agree, if you can find a used commercial model that isn't worn out you will have a better machine to attack that much grass.

Sawyer Rob · Apr 17, 2015

LD1 said:
Best ZTR for $3k-$4k IMO is a used commercial grade unit. Scag, Exmark, Hustler, Bobcat, Bunton, Toro, etc. Many out there.

Someone needs to come get my Grasshopper 721-D (Kubota diesel powered) with 61" deck for $4,200.00 bucks..... It's low houred, ready to go, and works just fine...

THAT'S the best deal for a good mower I know of, or even heard of for any where near that money...

SR

dragoneggs · Apr 17, 2015

Sawyer Rob said:
Someone needs to come get my Grasshopper 721-D (Kubota diesel powered) with 61" deck for $4,200.00 bucks..... It's low houred, ready to go, and works just fine...

THAT'S the best deal for a good mower I know of, or even heard of for any where near that money...

SR

Wow... that does sound like a great deal. What year and how many hours (just curious)?

Sawyer Rob · Apr 17, 2015

It has around 800 hours on it, I'd have to look and I've owned it about 8 or 9 years... I can't remember the exact year...

SR

dragoneggs · Apr 17, 2015

Sawyer Rob said:
It has around 800 hours on it, I'd have to look and I've owned it about 8 or 9 years... I can't remember the exact year...

SR

Then that sounds like a heck of a bargain... good luck!

Poopdeck Pappy · Apr 28, 2015

SR, which transmission is in your 721D - the Gemini or the G2?

4570Man · Apr 28, 2015

IMO a used commercial machine. Every $3000 new zero turn I have seen is junk. Diesel powered would be nice, but you won't find one for $3000.

Coyote machine · Apr 29, 2015

3K is not enough $ for what you want to buy. You need at least 1.5K more for a good, long lasting, used mower.

Sawyer Rob · Apr 29, 2015

Poopdeck Pappy said:
SR, which transmission is in your 721D - the Gemini or the G2?

I have no idea? I've never looked or thought about what brand it is.

SR

ae_ted · May 2, 2015

I very much agree with LD1
I was facing same decision when needing to replace a motor on a ztr( was going to run ~2000.00)

I very much disagree with 4570man....I bought a used Kubota ZD21 diesel for $3500.00(jumped on the deal) with 700 hrs.
been a great mower over the last few yrs with no trouble...getting close to 1000 hrs and i expect this will be the last mower this 62 yr old will ever own.

note: my BIL bought a new JD residential grade and my nefew bought a new (cant rember the brand) ZTR when i got the Kubota.
Both of them are starting to have rouble with them now.

Again i agree With LD1 ...shop and buy good used comerical grade

4570Man · May 2, 2015

I bought used F2560 diesel for $3500, but $3500 and $3700 is more then $3000. I have seen several diesel machines around $4000.

Gafn · May 2, 2015

Hustler has recently introduced the Raptor - it's a lighter version of their commercial mowers, and $3k should get you one.

To the OP - you said slopes.... I have ridden a ZT down a few slopes - with no control.... just like a 2WD tractor... once the ZT breaks traction, you are just a passenger, and if there is water at the bottom, your a swimmer, if you can get the seat belt off.
For that reason I mow my 5 acres with a 6' finish mower, and have an old used commercial belt driven walk behind, with a velkie for all the close up work, and slope work - this thing cost me $800, and I am in my 4th year with it, with out any issues.

farmer2009 · May 2, 2015

Have you looked at the Bad Boy mowers? I know nothing of them. Just seen a 60 inch cut yesterday for $4995 new. Good price point. While probably not commercial it makes a guy think.

I use a 60" Dixie Chopper. It's a commercial machine and has held up well. Mow about 6 acres with it.

For slopes and ZTR's put a set of bar lug tires on them. Really stops the sliding even on flat ground. Helps them handle mud better to. If by a wet ditch mow across it instead of down the sides. Assuming it's not too deep.

Sawyer Rob · May 2, 2015

farmer2009 said:
For slopes and ZTR's put a set of bar lug tires on them. Really stops the sliding even on flat ground. Helps them handle mud better to. If by a wet ditch mow across it instead of down the sides. Assuming it's not too deep.

I agree, I put new bar lug tires on my Grasshopper 721-D and it made quite a bit of difference...

SR

Gafn · May 2, 2015

Bar Lug tires - seem very aggressive, and several forums don't recommend them for keeping yards nice.

The forums are dedicated to lawn-care by lawn-care professionals, are stating that using the ZT to make a zero turn with the bar lug tires tears the grass up, and leaves marks even when performing gentle turns on damp, or wet grass.
here is a post from one of the guys on those forums:

I have bar tires on a Super Z.
I got them for mowing on slopes etc. They are shocking at digging up turf! Have to be so carefull when zero turning and turning on slopes inst much better than turf savers. They still slide but also dig up the turf.
Turning them backwards, while a little better with traction, was even worse when doing a zero turn.

Only get them as an absolute last resort.

What are your experiences?

farmer2009 · May 2, 2015

I have actually been doing less damage with them. Even when making zero turns. The turf tires in spots would cause me to be sliding and reverse spinning the length of the mower or longer. I have places where I have to make zero turns and its slopes two directions. And not steep. The bar lugs just tear up the foot print of the tire in these places. Even on flat ground my mower wouldn't do a zero turn with turfs. More of a drift. But I try not to do zero turns because I try to keep the inside tire moving even if it's not much. This greatly reduces damage.