Buying Advice Best zero-turn in the $4K-$6,500 range?

[Buckweet]

Hello - advice please,

Will be mowing about 2 1/2 acres that is fairly heavily treed. About 20% of the property has moderate slopes.

I've test driven the following:

John Deere 445 (with 54" deck) - priced at $4400
Gravely 52HD - priced at $4600
Gravely 60HD - priced at $4900
Bad Boy Outlaw 5400 - priced at $6499

I realize I've likely skipped a class (or price point) between the Gravely and the Bad Boy, but my search has only been going on for about a week.

One important point, I'm 6'4". Based on this, I've found that shallow foot-decks make the seating position pretty uncomfortable. I sat on a SCAG and it was literally too short for a comfortable ride.

Initially, I liked the JD, but I think I've seen the virtue of heavier frames and the differences in decks (fabricated vs stamped).

I do like the Gravely 52HD and 60HD - but found them a bit weak on holding the slopes - perhaps the issue is that I simply need a better angle for mowing.

I took the Bad Boy out this morning - really liked it, massively powered and fast. Seemed to hold the hills angles really well, but the closest dealer is 75 miles (one way).

I'm open to all feedback and perspectives (as well as any critical feedback of what I've overlooked).

Thanks all!

Darren

 

[Big Bri]

I just bought the gravely 160. While i think it's a nice mower if i had it to do over again i would have bought a 52". I find i scalp my yard a little too much w/the 60" deck.
other than that i think they are all good mowers.
good luck
brian

 

[LD1]

Basically, when it comes to ZTR mowers, the main things you want to look for are:

1. Fabricated deck (you already seem aware of this)
2. Most HP you can afford. This helps keep the speed up in thicker grass.
3. INDEPENDENT pumps and wheel motors. And NOT the combo hydro-trans type set-ups. MOST ALL commercial grade equipment is this way. Most ALL residential grade stuff is NOT.

Aside from that, there isnt a ton of differences. Some may be heavier (thicker steel) in some areas, and thinner in others.

IMO (an I am not a professional mower), all of the big name commercial grade mowers are nearly identical, except for a little styling.
There are 3 main motor options, Kawasaki, Kohler, Diesel. And a Kawasaki on one is not going to be any different than a Kaw on another.

And most all of the Commercial grade units use GOOD NAME brand pumps and wheel motors. And probabally even from the same MFG. So like I said, aside from that, there is little difference other than style. There isnt much difference between my SCAG wildcat and Dads Bob-cat ZT223 when they are sitting side by side. Just a different color. They are both built to last.

So now that we have covered that, have you considered used?? Because IMO, when it comes down to it, a Good used Commercial ZTR for $4500 is much better money spent than $4500 for a non commercial grade unit.

 

[amaxwell]

:thumbsup:1+ go commercial new or used.

 

[Buckweet]

I just bought the gravely 160. While i think it's a nice mower if i had it to do over again i would have bought a 52". I find i scalp my yard a little too much w/the 60" deck.
other than that i think they are all good mowers.
good luck
brian

Stupid question, but does the 60" scalp the lawn because the 60" deck is too wide for the wheel width of the tractor? Put another way, why would the 52" not scalp?

Thanks!

 

[LD1]

Hard to answer that one.

ZTR's are pretty good about NOT scalping and giving an even cut because there are several anti-scalp wheels/rollers plus the fact that it is a Mid mower deck (wheels in front of and behind deck)

But in general, a smaller deck will ALWAYS give a better/more even cut no matter what. Because the degree of change in the lawn is always going to be smaller over the shorter distance. A 36" mower will even give a more even cut than a 52". It's a trade off. You give up a good bit of speed and efficency with a smaller deck though.

In the real workd though, unless your lawn is EXTREMELY un-even and rolling, you arent going to notice a bit of difference between the 52" and 61" decks.

 

[Mpking]

I just bought a Hustler Fastrak yesterday. I paid $5,500 no tax. I drove a Gravely ZTHD 52", Scag freedom z 52", JD 445, and the Hustler. I felt like it had the best features sub $5,500 - 24hp Kawasaki, 54" deck fabricated deck, ROPS, comfy seat, Full rear bumper/engine protector/hitch. I also liked that I had an option to get Flex Forks (their version of a front suspension) if the ride got to be too bumpy with just a suspension seat. I really wanted to have the seatbelt so I decided I needed a mower with ROPS. While I was demoed the Gravely, I hit a bump going full speed and it nearly threw me out of the chair.

I would like to have driven a Ferris, but I don't have any dealers in my area. Take a look at the Hustler Fastrak or Fastrak Super Duty. Of the models you listed though, I'd stick with a Gravely or Badboy if the Scag really didn't work for you. That price on the Gravely 52" was a couple of hundred bucks better than what I got quoted. They gave me the same price for the 60" though .

 

[Diamondpilot]

I maintain a commercial mowers equipment He has tried them all and now runs Ferris. 60" decks and Kawasaki engines are the only way to go. He has tried them all and still has a Scag as a backup mower but the Ferris is top dog in our area with great support and plain and simple, they are the Cadillac of ZTR's

That being said if I were to buy a ZTR for my home I would probably look at Bad Boy. Simple design and good price. Last summer you could get a 35 HP Cat Diesel in the 60" unit for $6500. It was a steel for a diesel unit.

Chris

 

[franklinute]

I bought a slightly used Hustler Super Z 60" last year. I cut my yard and 2 other properties so roughly 25 acres per week. On open, smooth ground I can cover 3-4 acres per hour. Love the mower very well built and no problems. I would highly advise to get the best suspension seat that you can get because rough terrain will get you in the lower back.
I am very intriqued by the Ferris and the front suspension it offers. Many high end cutters use this but there is not a dealer in my area.

 

[Big Bri]

Stupid question, but does the 60" scalp the lawn because the 60" deck is too wide for the wheel width of the tractor? Put another way, why would the 52" not scalp?

Thanks!

you know i don't know what the reason is. I went form a exmark 48" to this gravely. the exmark had a great cut, and did all i ever asked of it but she was old,15 years and it seemed every year i was putting 3 to 4 hundred bucks into her. 3 years ago had to have the trans fixed (that was $700) last year we replaced all the deck pulleys, and this year it was going through spark plugs on every cut. Took it in and was told that the engine would have to be rebuilt and would be about a month before they could get to it. . . they were grate on selling me a new one.

anyway i bought the 60 because it was only $100 more than the 52 and came with 2 more hp. After getting it home and cutting with it i find i scalp the yard a lot. Now my yard is not a golf course, but i am just dissipated in the way the deck cuts.