BUying advice - Zero Turn? Good, Bad, what to look for and avoid? Prefer Used?

[MossflowerWoods]

Guys,

I'm afraid the LX266 42C deck may not be able to successfully be re-welded again... This time the entire wheel assembly fell off.

I've got maybe about 5 acres we mow, some of it is nice lawn, some of it is trails and old pastures, some of it is rough but needs more than a bush hog.

The wife is an awesome mower driver and I've basically promised her a new Zero Turn with a wider deck.

Problem is I really don't know that much about mowers and based on the last 2 equipment purchases I've made (both rusty old snow plow trucks) I seem to miss serious problems in used equipment.

There is no better place than TBN for a n00b like me to learn A LOT very fast about the good, bad, and ugly in rural equipment.

So thanks in advance for any and all pointers...

Be well all,
David

 

[riptides]

I prefer new when it comes to mowers. Some people just are, shall we say, hard on equipment. A mower during the season is an absolute turn key and go machine. Cannot have to baby something for minutes to hours getting it to work. IMHO.

That said, new, absolutely comfortable seat, know what you plan to cut, and then go sit on them. I preferred speed and a nice big hearty deck. Wide too. Deck depth is important, as is the engine and blade tip speeds. Transmissions on the ZTR's are also a top consideration. If you go gas, think eye and ear protection. Some are loud as all.

Good luck with your hunt. There is quite a selection out there. I went with a local brand name dealer, had good service from them over the years and they have been around for a good long while.

 

[4570Man]

What’s the budget?

 

[thepumpguysc]

Seat comfort is widely talked about.. & seeing your working w/ 5 acres, I would keep an eye out for that..
Engine quality is another.. it seems some engines have more quirks than others & some just plain blow-up..
Just take your time & do the research on the engines & drive train..
I would find one or 4 that "I like".. write down the specs.. engine manuf, size, transmission type.. things like that & go back home & search it..
Take your time.. they'll be there tomorrow.. good luck

 

[4570Man]

I’d look at the Ferris line. They ride a whole lot smooth IMO.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

You do plan on spending 7 thousand +, don't you?

I like the mowing deck out front and a longer lasting cheaper to run engine, like a Kubota diesel...

IF, I'm spending that much money, I want it to last!

SR

 

[MossflowerWoods]

You do plan on spending 7 thousand +, don't you?

I like the mowing deck out front and a longer lasting cheaper to run engine, like a Kubota diesel...

IF, I'm spending that much money, I want it to last!

SR

Budget is an evil word. I'm not really looking to spend THAT much. $3,000 is a closer target.

I'm fine with a diesel, I don't want the blade out front. My land is not flat, and I was a nimble sturdy large deck.

David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

I prefer new when it comes to mowers. Some people just are, shall we say, hard on equipment. A mower during the season is an absolute turn key and go machine. Cannot have to baby something for minutes to hours getting it to work. IMHO.

That said, new, absolutely comfortable seat, know what you plan to cut, and then go sit on them. I preferred speed and a nice big hearty deck. Wide too. Deck depth is important, as is the engine and blade tip speeds. Transmissions on the ZTR's are also a top consideration. If you go gas, think eye and ear protection. Some are loud as all.

Good luck with your hunt. There is quite a selection out there. I went with a local brand name dealer, had good service from them over the years and they have been around for a good long while.

I'd like new and was planning new AFTER we got the home bulldozer remodel at least started....

At the moment I'm still trying to save $$$$ for the $200,000 delta between appraisal and construction costs...

I looked at a Toro on sale for $2,800 about a year ago and spent that on a used quad instead (her choice, it was her Birthday).

I'd rather spend $3K on a commercial grade used mower as long as it's not a secret basket case like some of my more recent purchases...

Thanks,
David

 

[4570Man]

You do plan on spending 7 thousand +, don't you?

I like the mowing deck out front and a longer lasting cheaper to run engine, like a Kubota diesel...

IF, I'm spending that much money, I want it to last!

SR

Better double that for a new diesel. But for 3k he won’t have to worry about what he’s missing with a front deck diesel.

 

[RSKY]

Look around at what everybody else in your area are using. In my county most run Bad Boy. In the next county over (where oldest daughter lives) everybody uses Gravely. It all depends on the local dealer who sells the most. THAT dealer will have the reputation for the best deals and the best service.

Unless somebody has just bought a new home with a huge yard or they have decided to mow commercially most people will not get a new mower unless they are having trouble with the old one. People don't just go out one day and say, "I think I will drop a bundle on a new mower to cut my grass!" They wait until their old one is not doing the job. Mowers are one thing I will not buy used. Some people have good luck. Others buy used and spend enough getting things right that they could have bought new.

It your ground is rough do not get the widest deck available for a particular model. You will end up scalping the ground all the time.

Father in law has a Cub Cadet zero turn that is fourteen years old. He had to have the blade clutch replaced this spring. Other than that he has done nothing but routine maintenance and new belts/blades. It is not a commercial unit but a light duty residential. I don't particularly like Cub Cadets but he has had good luck with his and he mows three to four acres a week.

I highly recommend buying new for ZTRs. A Kawasaki engine in something else I would look for. Mine takes less fuel with my 24-hp/54" than it did with my Kohler 17-hp/40". Also big rear tires are a must, have had one with little tires and it just wasn't any fun.

If it works out for you like it has for me I seldom get to mow unless I trailer the mower somewhere else. If I say the yard needs mowing my wife will be in the shed and on the mower before I can get out the door. Especially since we got the bigger Bad Boy. She loves mowing yards.

Good luck with your choice. You don't have to spent $7000 and get a high grade commercial mower. You will probably have to spend $3500-$5000. But if you take good care of it with regular oil/filter and AIR FILTER changes the mower will last you for many years.

RSKY