Help in deciding on new Zero Turn Mower

[NWGreen]

I知 new to the forum and would like some help in my decision on a ZTR model. I apologize for the length of this note. I am upgrading from a poor performing Sears 50 ZTR. I mow about 2 acres plus I occasionally help my elderly neighbors with their lawns, about another 1 ｽ acres. The properties are flat (not so smooth) with some trees and plantings and the grass varies from nice lawn (generally on my neighbors) to not so nice but working on it. I have looked at numerous models, driven most, at least in parking lots, and searched the web extensively. I have narrowed it down to four models based on a variety of criteria, including reliability, general construction quality, size, operator comfort, engine and transmission, deck construction and depth and cost and eventual resale value. I prefer a new machine with local dealer support. I expect to put 50 to 75 hours a year on the unit. I will also use the unit to tow an Agri Fab leaf vacuum unit (380 lbs empty) during the fall and I want the unit I select to do a good job at picking up large amounts of leaves. My short list:

Toro Titan ZX6000 - $4,300 Kohler Pro 25hp engine, fabricated 60? 4 ｽ depth deck. Good local dealer, best price and appears to be good build quality. The deck height adjustment is my least favorite of the four and the frame appears to be a little smaller than the rest.

John Deere Z445 - $5,000 Kawasaki 25 hp, separate pump and wheel motors, stamped 41/2 deck, 22 rear tires. I like the engine and transmission, good reputation for quality and I like the large rear tires. Concerned that JD parts and service are higher than others.

John Deere Z510A Estate series - $5,400 Kohler 22 hp, 48 cut, heavy frame with ROPS, Parker hydrostatic drives, 22 rear tires, unique dial depth cut, 7 Iron high capacity deck. Longest unit at over 80 and tallest unit. Most expensive of my choices but highest discount from original price of near $7,000. Will cost me an additional $150 to add a trailer tow hitch. This is also the heaviest of all the mowers at over 1000 lbs.

Gravely ZT2552 - $4,800 Kohler Courage 25 hp, 52 cut, 5 deep fabricated deck, heavy frame construction with 10 gauge deck material. A little concerned about engine quality compared to others, transmission release levers very hard to get to but general construction is very well done. I like the deck underside design.

I believe all units would work for me well but I am looking for some advice or comments which might put one of these models over the top in my decision making process. I have also looked at Hustler, Scag, Bobcat, exMark and others and I believe the above four meet my needs best for the price. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[ae_ted]

My vanguard motor on my Woods 6180 went bad late this summer. I looked at all ZTR mowers. I really like several, but all I thought were decent were 8 to 12 thousand commercial mowers. I REALLY want a new mower but money is a issue. I looked at the residential quality mowers in the 4 to 6 thousand dollar range but did not compare to commercial quality at all. Had one honest dealer tell me to fix the Woods($2000 for motor and install) and i would have commercial quality that would probably outlast a new residential quality mower. Bottom line... go commercial quality and don't look back.

 

[MoKelly]

I have the Gravely ZTR. I've had it 3 seasons and put on roughly 200 hours. My wife is the primary user (she loves to mow on the thing). Our experiences:

--- engine has been great. Maintenance is easy (oil change and filter change).

--- sharpening blades is a chore.

--- transmission is good but we did have an issue with the left side. Dealer fixed under warranty.

--- another issue was where the oil tube is connected to the engine. The tube got loose and oil dripped and made a mess all over the engine. Turned out you needed to remove the engine to get the tube tighened. Again, the dealer fixed under warranty.

--- last issue was the left rear wheel got loose and actually fell off as my wife was mowing. The holes for the lug nuts became distorted. This was not covered under warranty but th edealer picked-up the cost as they didn't re-install the wheels tight enough after they removed them to fix the oil tube problem.

So, all in all, we have been very happy with the mower's performance. It is a workhorse.

But, at least to me, it also shows have key a good dealer is in the process. Without a stand-up dealer it could have been a whole different story.

I hope this helps.

MoKelly

 

[DmansPadge]

Of those four I would be opting for the Z510A. Most "commercial" of all the machines. Fast ground speed, large tires, good engine and deck, ROPS, etc. Sounds like a pretty good price as well.

 

[Will_C]

My brother has put 7 years of use on a Toro like you described (different model number-the best residential model avaliable then, like your choice is now) without a problem. I would pick that or the John Deere Estate, given your choices.

Will

 

[Steve C]

I知 new to the forum and would like some help in my decision on a ZTR model. I apologize for the length of this note. I am upgrading from a poor performing Sears 50 ZTR. I mow about 2 acres plus I occasionally help my elderly neighbors with their lawns, about another 1 ｽ acres. The properties are flat (not so smooth) with some trees and plantings and the grass varies from nice lawn (generally on my neighbors) to not so nice but working on it. I have looked at numerous models, driven most, at least in parking lots, and searched the web extensively. I have narrowed it down to four models based on a variety of criteria, including reliability, general construction quality, size, operator comfort, engine and transmission, deck construction and depth and cost and eventual resale value. I prefer a new machine with local dealer support. I expect to put 50 to 75 hours a year on the unit. I will also use the unit to tow an Agri Fab leaf vacuum unit (380 lbs empty) during the fall and I want the unit I select to do a good job at picking up large amounts of leaves. My short list:

Toro Titan ZX6000 - $4,300 Kohler Pro 25hp engine, fabricated 60? 4 ｽ depth deck. Good local dealer, best price and appears to be good build quality. The deck height adjustment is my least favorite of the four and the frame appears to be a little smaller than the rest.

John Deere Z445 - $5,000 Kawasaki 25 hp, separate pump and wheel motors, stamped 41/2 deck, 22 rear tires. I like the engine and transmission, good reputation for quality and I like the large rear tires. Concerned that JD parts and service are higher than others.

John Deere Z510A Estate series - $5,400 Kohler 22 hp, 48 cut, heavy frame with ROPS, Parker hydrostatic drives, 22 rear tires, unique dial depth cut, 7 Iron high capacity deck. Longest unit at over 80 and tallest unit. Most expensive of my choices but highest discount from original price of near $7,000. Will cost me an additional $150 to add a trailer tow hitch. This is also the heaviest of all the mowers at over 1000 lbs.

Gravely ZT2552 - $4,800 Kohler Courage 25 hp, 52 cut, 5 deep fabricated deck, heavy frame construction with 10 gauge deck material. A little concerned about engine quality compared to others, transmission release levers very hard to get to but general construction is very well done. I like the deck underside design.

I believe all units would work for me well but I am looking for some advice or comments which might put one of these models over the top in my decision making process. I have also looked at Hustler, Scag, Bobcat, exMark and others and I believe the above four meet my needs best for the price. Any help would be appreciated.

You might want to look at one of these.

Swisher Max Z ZT2660B zero-turn mower Review: Powered by ConsumerGuide and HowStuffWorks

Our local tractor supply has one on clearance for $3500. I bought one last year and I like it a lot.

Since you require dealer service you might want to look around to see if any of your local dealers handle them.

 

[Ron D.]

NWGreen, I not sure of your location or what shipping would cost, but an Azle Tx dealer has a new Gravely ZT2448XL for $3,499 (retail of $4,899) and a new ZT1842XL for $3,349 (retail of $4,299). I bought a commercial Gravely from this shop and love it. He lists his mower specials on Craig's List, and we're not suppose to post CL links on this site, so I won't. In case your interested, his number is 817-237-5592.

If nothing else, it may help you negotiate a better price at your local mower shop.

Good luck and let us know what you buy.

 

[Dargo]

I知 new to the forum and would like some help in my decision on a ZTR model. I apologize for the length of this note. I am upgrading from a poor performing Sears 50 ZTR..

The sad fact is that there really isn't a high quality, durable and reliable ZTR made that is going to fit in the price range you want. I've gone through plenty, so I'll just say it, as far as mowers go, Craftsman stuff is complete junk for anything other than a small yard. My dad went for the John Deere that really isn't a John Deere and has regretted it ever since. I'd suggest looking for a good deal on a late model used that can be found in the winter if you look enough. Otherwise, you'll just end up with more Crapsman junk.

 

[NWGreen]

I'm still in the market for a ZTR and I'm trying to narrow my search a bit. I have read this forum and many others and I appreciate the interest and dedication most contributors have to the various "commercial" machines. However, I find myself facing the certain realities in my search and believe that what I need is a high end residential mower and I should be able to find a new one for $5,000. What I want to know is what componants or considerations are most important given my financial price point. Is the engine brand, say Kawasaki vs Kohler, more important than say the type of drive motors, integrated hyro drives vs seperate wheel motors. Are larger tires, say 22" compared to 18", going to make a difference the average user will notice? I understand that a heavy fabricated deck is important to the commercial user but should it be a significant consideration for someone who will only put 90 to 100 hours a year on the machine?

 

[Slice]

Nwgreen, I have a fab deck on my Cub cadet and its worth it i cut 1.5 acres from march till nov ( texas) mostly flat and a stamped deck would not have lasted.. Kawasaki is the better engine tires ?? its a personal prefence read the lawn mower forums good info there from the guys in the field everyday.....

 

[Steve C]

I don't know what catagory this fits in. It big, heavy and a bit unrefined. It doesn't have any stylish plastic covers or decorations. If you read the review in the attached link you will see that Consumers guide rated as a best buy.

I have no affiliation with Swisher or any of their dealers and I have little experience with consumer zero turn mowers. I do have a professional 36" walk behind Zero turn mower that weighs 500# and the construction details of the swisher look very similar. I am very pleased with mine.

Swisher Max Z ZT2660B zero-turn mower Review: Powered by ConsumerGuide and HowStuffWorks
http://products.howstuffworks.com/swisher-max-z-zt2660b-zero-turn-mower-review.htm

Our local tractor supply has one on clearance for $3500. I bought one last year (used for $1500, had 8 hours on it) and I like it a lot.

Since you require dealer service you might want to look around to see if any of your local dealers handle them.

It has a 60" deck, 26 HP and weighs 910 lbs

 

[DK35vince]

I'm still in the market for a ZTR and I'm trying to narrow my search a bit. I have read this forum and many others and I appreciate the interest and dedication most contributors have to the various "commercial" machines. However, I find myself facing the certain realities in my search and believe that what I need is a high end residential mower and I should be able to find a new one for $5,000. What I want to know is what componants or considerations are most important given my financial price point. Is the engine brand, say Kawasaki vs Kohler, more important than say the type of drive motors, integrated hyro drives vs seperate wheel motors. Are larger tires, say 22" compared to 18", going to make a difference the average user will notice? I understand that a heavy fabricated deck is important to the commercial user but should it be a significant consideration for someone who will only put 90 to 100 hours a year on the machine?

I was looking for a high end residential ZTR last summer in about the same price area.
I got a Hustler Fastrac for around $5300 + tax.
4 year warranty
Lifetime warranty on frame
21 HP Kawasaki motor
54" heavy guage welded mower deck
Commercial duty Hydro Gear ZT 2800 transmissions
10 gallon fuel tank
Arm rests
Seems to be a solid built machine and should last me a long time.

 

[rvaitor]

I was looking for a high end residential ZTR last summer in about the same price area.
I got a Hustler Fastrac for around $5300 + tax.
4 year warranty
Lifetime warranty on frame
21 HP Kawasaki motor
54" heavy guage welded mower deck
Commercial duty Hydro Gear ZT 2800 transmissions
10 gallon fuel tank
Arm rests
Seems to be a solid built machine and should last me a long time.

I'll put another plug for the Hustlers. I bought a pretty well used(surplus FL(IE 12 months a year use)) Hustler SuperZ with a knocking motor. I had the motor rebuilt $800 and the machine is awesome, tremendous acceleration, great cut, heavy, Heavy, HEAVY. I've got about three grand in it and hope it will last the rest of my life.

 

[MilesToEmpty]

We had a 5k home owner 60" Encore... Was a great mower that did a great job on our 5 acres of grass... However we ended up selling it because we felt like we were abusing it and bought a Scag... INCREDIBLE unit. Got a 08 model when they were trying to get rid of them, think it cost $8400?

 

[westbrooklawn]

Of the ones you've listed, the Gravely would be my choice. I would look at a Hustler fast trac... they can be had for a little over $5k.

 

[rvaitor]

We had a 5k home owner 60" Encore... Was a great mower that did a great job on our 5 acres of grass... However we ended up selling it because we felt like we were abusing it and bought a Scag... INCREDIBLE unit. Got a 08 model when they were trying to get rid of them, think it cost $8400?

My brother in law has run Scags and loves them. I drool over them at my outdoor center. Still pretty comfortable with the Hustlers as well.

 

[milkman]

Might try used, I got this one for less than $4500 including tax. Should last me as long as I need a mower.

 

[fountain42]

NWGreen I upgraded from a residental mower to comercial faster blade speed which resulted in not being able to use our lawn vac? mower deck had to much air and debris the vac couldn't suck it as fast as it came out.

 

[Alan L.]

I have that same Scag Wildcat (mine is a liquid cooled 26 hp kaw) and it is a great machine, but did cost about $8300. I am putting so far just about 100 hours a year on it, and it seems like pretty heavy use that I wouldn't trust to a residential model. Of course thats not much use at all for a commercial grade ZTR.

The only drawback I have found is that the ZTRs with all that blade speed and their ability to just eat up acres of grass EAT blades. I remove and sharpen about every 20 hours. Not a huge deal, but with the old Craftsman those blades got sharpened maybe once a season. But of course we are mowing about 10 times as much acreage with the Scag.

By the way, neither of the 2 Craftsman riders I have owned were junk at all. Well worth the little that they cost and both lasted 10 years or so mowing an acre or so every couple of weeks.

By the way I am pretty sure it just does a better job in addition to be sturdier. If I had a $5000 budget I would try to find a used commercial, I do realize its not that easy because I tried.

The Hustler residential seemed pretty solid to me, but I never did try it out. Just looks solidly built in person and the 4 year warranty is great.

 

[RickB]

I paid $4000 for a used Scag Freedom Z with 80 hours on it last spring. 26hp Briggs engine (they also offer a 26hp Kawasaki and 54 inch deck) and 48" deck. New list was around $5200, I believe. Not up to Turf Tiger or Wildcat specs, but suits my needs very, very well.