Brain Hurting over Zero Turn Mower

[Sockwell]

Made the decision earlier this year to try to find a new mower. I mow about 3 acres of uneven country yard. Thought it would be no big deal to find what I wanted, with a budget of $5k. This decision is harder than buying a tractor. Too many choices. When I start leaning toward one, a search will show that model has problems. Help.

I'm trying to find a ZT with a minimum cutting width of 48". We have the typical options of HD and TSC, but would prefer to use servicing dealer. In the area (<30 miles), we have SCAG, Husqvarna, ExMark (same dealer I bought L3240 from), Grasshopper, Hustler, and Snapper dealers that have good reputations. We have a CC dealer that, IMO, is not a selling point. They seem to concentrate on internet part sales. There is also a Bad Boy dealer that I know nothing about.

I was looking at the CC, but saw several posts where there have been problems with the HydorGear EZT transmissions on Cubs and other brands. Because of this, I started looking at models that have ZT2800's or larger.

Started looking at a Husqvarna EZ5224, then read about their ZT's having issues. I'd like to hear from some of you guys that own the brands mentioned above, pro and con. I'm also wondering if the posts are truly representative, or if they represent a small percentage of lemons. Your feedback is appreciated. Please.

 

[jayhawkerroy]

My sister and brother in law own a SCAG. Are very happy with its performance. Plus is that the dealer is closest to them. One repair in 5 years track record so far. Gets bare minimum annual maintenance.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Scag and Bad Boy are both great machines with a strong following in my area but Ferris is the king.

Chris

 

[Bird]

About 5 years ago, it seemed to me that most of the commercial operators I saw were on Skags. But in the last couple of years, nearly everything I see in this neighborhood is Toro. But I recently visited the nearest Kubota dealer, which also sells Skags and during our conversation, the salesman said the Skag was the best gasoline powered ZTR and the Kubota the best diesel. Of course, I know that's what you expect, since that's what he sells. But they do appear to be fine machines.

 

[sweettractors]

Made the decision earlier this year to try to find a new mower. I mow about 3 acres of uneven country yard. Thought it would be no big deal to find what I wanted, with a budget of $5k. This decision is harder than buying a tractor. Too many choices. When I start leaning toward one, a search will show that model has problems. Help.

I'm trying to find a ZT with a minimum cutting width of 48". We have the typical options of HD and TSC, but would prefer to use servicing dealer. In the area (<30 miles), we have SCAG, Husqvarna, ExMark (same dealer I bought L3240 from), Grasshopper, Hustler, and Snapper dealers that have good reputations. We have a CC dealer that, IMO, is not a selling point. They seem to concentrate on internet part sales. There is also a Bad Boy dealer that I know nothing about.

I was looking at the CC, but saw several posts where there have been problems with the HydorGear EZT transmissions on Cubs and other brands. Because of this, I started looking at models that have ZT2800's or larger.

Started looking at a Husqvarna EZ5224, then read about their ZT's having issues. I'd like to hear from some of you guys that own the brands mentioned above, pro and con. I'm also wondering if the posts are truly representative, or if they represent a small percentage of lemons. Your feedback is appreciated. Please.

We sell the "Dixon" (Owned by Husqvarna and their top end mower) and it has been strong in our area for over 20 years and have been in business for over 35 years. Call My Son at 270-524-0385 Munfordville, Ky and I bet he can fix you up with a nice mower including shipping and save you some dollars. I think He may have a new 52 inch cut for little over $3K + shipping. Ken Sweet

 

[CurtisG]

Scag and Bad Boy are both great machines with a strong following in my area but Ferris is the king.

Chris

:thumbsup:I have a Ferris and really like the shocks on it, it reduces the jarring of uneven ground. Of course if you don't have a nearby Ferris dealer that is of no use to you. Exmark and Gravely are real strong in my area also.

Curt

 

[trouble007]

i would lean against a ZT after a while of cutting the grass burn marks will appear where u are always turning

 

[MMagis]

You realize that by posing the question to everyone, you will increase your confusion? Everyone has their favorite, usually based only on their limited experience, and every brand will have problems from time to time. I think you're right that you tend to hear more about the problems than about the good machines that never have issues.

 

[sweettractors]

The fellow that mows my yard is a retired school teacher, He mows 37 other yards per week and he only works 3 days a week. Fishing or hunting the other 4 days. Never ran anything but a Dixon ZTR mower. Been doing this for 17 years and he is NOT mechanically inclined. Ken Sweet

 

[Nitro-Fish]

i would lean against a ZT after a while of cutting the grass burn marks will appear where u are always turning

Only if you don't know how to operate one! I've been using one for several years and don't have any burn marks, you may drag some turf (very minimal) while getting used to the operation of a ZTR, but it doesn't take long (my other half mows most of the time & if she doesn't tear the turf, anyone can master the ZTR). On a side note, you shouldn't be cutting in the same direction everytime you mow the grass anyway, it will get "trained" by any mower if you continually cut in the same direction; its good to cut a different pattern each time.