bx or zero turn

[Botabill]

The BX can go fast but frankly, unless you have a real smooth lawn it will be a rough ride. I read one poster complain a while back about the BXs rough ride. Hey... it's a tractor, no suspension (for a reason). If you want a mower get a ZTR mower. If you want versatility... a BX.

 

[LBrown59]

1*The BX can go fast but frankly, unless you have a real smooth lawn it will be a rough ride.
2* If you want a mower get a ZTR mower. If you want versatility... a BX.

1*Same goes for a Z T R.
Wise Words.

 

[have_blue]

You're not going to beat a specialized grass cutting machine with a multi purpose machine. Keep in mind that a MMM detracts somewhat from the versatility of a tractor.

 

[dangerdoc]

The BX can go fast but frankly, unless you have a real smooth lawn it will be a rough ride. I read one poster complain a while back about the BXs rough ride. Hey... it's a tractor, no suspension (for a reason). If you want a mower get a ZTR mower. If you want versatility... a BX.

Agree with above except if the ground is rough, you want big tires. As big as you can find and bouncy is good.

I pull a finish mower with an old M5400 in those spots that just beat the tar out of me on a ZTR. The wheels on the tractor are at least 3 times taller. I'm not sure a BX would be any more or less comfortable on rough ground than the ZTR.

 

[Modn]

I'm one of those people that are "against the grain" on this one. If I was in business it would probably be different, but as a homeowner that mows 2+ acres I will take a riding mower/mid mount mower any day. My father has a 54" zero turn and I have tried it numerous times, mowing while he is gone. It seems to beat the crap out of my lawn. Circles around the trees and on a slope, it just skins up the grass as I try to turn. Driver error? Maybe a touch, but I'm pretty comfortable with it as far as normal operation goes. I have noticed many other people that have them and have the same "rings" around the trees and same problems with the side hill problem. Basically for double the expense I would be hoping for better. As far as saving me time.....why are we in such a hurry for anyway? Just my opinion of course, but I will be having anything but a zero turn although I would like to try the ones with the mower out front and see if they are any different without spending the coin to find out otherwise.

 

[LBrown59]

I want your thoughts on what to do. I have roughly 3 acres to mow and am doing so with a cubcadet lawn tractor with 50 inch deck. its 26hp and only has a ground speed of 5.6MPH.. takes about 2 hours to mow lawn. Not a lot of trees but two Big willows and some big ditches near the road.

Borrowed freinds zero turn and mower complete lawn in under 1 hour. 48 inch deck but twice as fast.

I already have a kubota l3400 for loader work and backhoe work when i need it and its not normally stored at my home. Soo... I was thinking of a BX series with as large of deck as I can find? 72"? I know I will not have manuverability but figure with the larger deck it should offset the time? Plus I figure I can mow faster than 5.6 mph?

or should I just stick with the zero turn? Opinions please and feedback.

Be nice to have a smaller loader for the occasional chore istead of trailering the big boy over.

I'd go for the more versatile BX;besides what's the mowing hurry any how?
Take time to stop and smell the roses.

 

[KeithInSpace]

The biggest BX deck you can get is 60".

I faced the ZTR vs. BX question and you can see what won out.

I mow about an acre of grass in about 45 minutes. WITH grass collection. That doesn't include trimming, but I can get so close with the BX, I only trim every other or third mow.

A ZTR would mow faster, sure. But you can't do ANY of the stuff I do with my BX on a regular basis.

My cousin mows 5 acres and has a ZD21 ZTR. I'd MUCH rather have his ZTR in his situation...faster and more comfortable. The tractor can bounce you around a bit (sitting square over the wheels with a tractor seat vs. his spring-loaded setup). But he also needs a B21 on his property to do the "other stuff". I've combined both into one. And on my heavily tree'd 1 acre, I'd pit his ZD21 against my BX any day. I bet he'd get done about 5 or 8 minutes faster than my BX. Not worth the trade-offs in my book.

My two cents.

 

[LBrown59]

i owned a commercial toro z master 100 w/19 kawasaki twin and a 52"sfs deck. outrageous manuverability, dangerously quick and gave me a superb quality of cut. alas, it was only a spring to fall machine.
i sold her and miss her, however i now own a bx1850. true- more money-
but a hughly more capable machine. i'm glad i switched over. you've got a tough decision--good luck with it. shrekbelly

A ztr can't be a tractor but a tractor can mow.

 

[LBrown59]

You're not going to
*beat a specialized grass cutting machine with a multi purpose machine. Keep in mind that a MMM detracts somewhat from the versatility of a tractor.

*Why is it so urgent to beat it or even come anywhere near matching it anyway?

 

[workinallthetime]

Dads got a jd455 w/ 60" cut, and about 4 solid acres to mow out of 10, lots of trees, ponds, hills, and piles of "stuff". best time on the 455 was just under 4 hours to do everything. I have a b3030 tlb , no mower, and a kubota zd326 60" diesel ztr. I just mowed the place today so he would not have to be out in the 100+ degree heat in just over 2 hours. A ztr is a mower and thats it, if thats all you want to do with it then its by far the best way way to go. I was a commercial operator and the diesel 26 hp 60" was by far the best way to go. i feel 60" cut is the biggest you should go to keep from scalping on uneven terrain. speaking of uneven only a ferris will give you a plush ride from what I hear mine will through you just about out of the seat at 12mph when you hit a big bump.

good luck and buy what YOU want !!!