Tractor Sizing Down sizing decks?

[esbwn]

I have a cub with a 50" deck *LT1050 which I have no complaint about!* and Im thinking about trading for a z-force to save on time, which is about 2.5-3 hrs right now mowing of about 2.7 acres of mostly flat land with 9 trees and three buildings. If I trade for a z-force with a smaller deck, 44", 48", will that be defeating the purpose of me trying to save time? Or, will I still save time vs my LT 1050? Thanks for your input!

 

[PBinWA]

Do you really think that the 2" is going to make that much difference?

Technically, it's only going to take 1.04 times longer if you downsize your deck to 48". I think a good ZTR can more than make up for that in speed.

PB

 

[esbwn]

maybe not the 2" difference but more the 6" difference on the 44" deck.

 

[JTKub]

Even going to a 44", I bet you make up the time just with the zero turn speed and manueverability.

Joel

 

[OldMachinist]

Ether of the Z-Force mowers should cut your time down to about 1 hour once you get used to them. The 48" will cut about 3.4 acres per hour and the 44" about 3.1 acres at 100% efficiency. With the things you have to cut around you'll probably be at about 80% so the 48" will do it in 1 hour.