How fast is your mower?

Syncro · May 20, 2006

Now I ain't gonna drag race a riding mower, but speed is important to me on the flat straight lawn I have. Getting ready to buy a new machine and really like the looks of Cub, but, I see the factory specs only 5.2 mph top speed, regardless of model. That seems slow to me. The high end Toro's run ~7 mph, but they are also priced several thousand more. My current machine is an ageing manual shift with a Brigs twin, it cooks right along pretty good, but I have no idea how fast its really going since I have no way to clock such low speeds. Any suggestione here? Or what about that 5.2 mph, does that seem slow?

I see where HD has Cubs with a $200 rebate, but they won't take em back once they've been fueled and run, so it could be an expensive gamble if I find I need more ground speed.

Syncro · May 20, 2006

Now I ain't gonna drag race a riding mower, but speed is important to me on the flat straight lawn I have. Getting ready to buy a new machine and really like the looks of Cub, but, I see the factory specs only 5.2 mph top speed, regardless of model. That seems slow to me. The high end Toro's run ~7 mph, but they are also priced several thousand more. My current machine is an ageing manual shift with a Brigs twin, it cooks right along pretty good, but I have no idea how fast its really going since I have no way to clock such low speeds. Any suggestione here? Or what about that 5.2 mph, does that seem slow?

I see where HD has Cubs with a $200 rebate, but they won't take em back once they've been fueled and run, so it could be an expensive gamble if I find I need more ground speed.

JoshJ · May 21, 2006

A few questions for your questions:

Can you test drive either? I'm sure you have some sort of feel as to how fast a mower oughta go, and what is "fast" and what is "slow". And which mower is which.

Can both mow effectively at top speed? When I mow, I like to run flat out for ground speed, anything less is too hard to control with any sort of bumps, esp with a foot control.

If you have a manual now, any hydrostat mower will shave a lot of your mowing time (unless you mow a drag strip...), so you will gain either way.

JoshJ · May 21, 2006

A few questions for your questions:

Can you test drive either? I'm sure you have some sort of feel as to how fast a mower oughta go, and what is "fast" and what is "slow". And which mower is which.

Can both mow effectively at top speed? When I mow, I like to run flat out for ground speed, anything less is too hard to control with any sort of bumps, esp with a foot control.

If you have a manual now, any hydrostat mower will shave a lot of your mowing time (unless you mow a drag strip...), so you will gain either way.

Syncro · May 21, 2006

"Can you test drive either?" 

Unfortunately HD won't have any demos until after the rebate ends.

 "Can both mow effectively at top speed?" 

When you say 'both' I assume you mean my old mower vs the new Cub, in which case the old machine cuts just fine in top gear at about 1/2 throttle. As far as the hydro goes, I don't back up a lot and would actually prefer a manual, problem is the better mowers are all hydro. Ihave liked the old mower except that now the venerable Briggs 18 hp horizontal twin is starting to make funny noises when its cold, so before it quits and I get into a really big rush to replace it I thought I'd start looking.

Syncro · May 21, 2006

"Can you test drive either?" 

Unfortunately HD won't have any demos until after the rebate ends.

 "Can both mow effectively at top speed?" 

When you say 'both' I assume you mean my old mower vs the new Cub, in which case the old machine cuts just fine in top gear at about 1/2 throttle. As far as the hydro goes, I don't back up a lot and would actually prefer a manual, problem is the better mowers are all hydro. Ihave liked the old mower except that now the venerable Briggs 18 hp horizontal twin is starting to make funny noises when its cold, so before it quits and I get into a really big rush to replace it I thought I'd start looking.

Birdman · May 21, 2006

A few months ago I bought a handheld GPS unit and I have been carrying it when I mow. I learned that I mow about 7.25 miles each time I mow my yard. My max speed has been 8.2 MPH with the blades disengaged and 7.2 MPH with the blades engaged. But I don't mow at top speed, it is too rough of a ride and the cut quality is not as good. I would guess that I mow somewhere around 4 MPH.

Birdman · May 21, 2006

A few months ago I bought a handheld GPS unit and I have been carrying it when I mow. I learned that I mow about 7.25 miles each time I mow my yard. My max speed has been 8.2 MPH with the blades disengaged and 7.2 MPH with the blades engaged. But I don't mow at top speed, it is too rough of a ride and the cut quality is not as good. I would guess that I mow somewhere around 4 MPH.

RollTideRam · May 21, 2006

Until my 62d deck shows up for my 2520, I'm mowing with a JD x475, 8.5 mph in the smooth parts of the yard. JC

RollTideRam · May 21, 2006

Until my 62d deck shows up for my 2520, I'm mowing with a JD x475, 8.5 mph in the smooth parts of the yard. JC

Gatorboy · May 21, 2006

My 48" walk-behind Scag will do about 6 mph. Even with the sulky pulling me (which won't now do 6mph), it's faster than I want to cut.

Gatorboy · May 21, 2006

My 48" walk-behind Scag will do about 6 mph. Even with the sulky pulling me (which won't now do 6mph), it's faster than I want to cut.

jcmseven · May 21, 2006

My JD 757 ZTR will mow (nicely) at 10 mph, which is its top speed. The average speed I mow would be about 6-7 mph and that gives me a smooth ride and cut in most cases. We had a brief discussion in an earlier post. The difference between the higher end ZTR type mowers and the economy/non-commercial mowers is not just their speed. They can mow efficiently and more comfortably due to their heavier duty components. I doubt that CC would mow that much faster than a nice lawn tractor with a slightly wider cut. The Toro or equivalent ZTR of a higher end would be more like my JD and would cut two or three mph faster on average. It would also likely turn quicker and last about four times longer. There is a major difference in the cut speed and quality at that speed between the two. In my opinion, if you are looking, save up and look at the special promotions that each company will have. My friend, the dealer, says for some reason lawn and garden sales have been slow this year, where farm sales have been average. This might allow one to get a nice deal on a nicer machine. You would not regret waiting until you can step up a bit on the mower.

John M

jcmseven · May 21, 2006

My JD 757 ZTR will mow (nicely) at 10 mph, which is its top speed. The average speed I mow would be about 6-7 mph and that gives me a smooth ride and cut in most cases. We had a brief discussion in an earlier post. The difference between the higher end ZTR type mowers and the economy/non-commercial mowers is not just their speed. They can mow efficiently and more comfortably due to their heavier duty components. I doubt that CC would mow that much faster than a nice lawn tractor with a slightly wider cut. The Toro or equivalent ZTR of a higher end would be more like my JD and would cut two or three mph faster on average. It would also likely turn quicker and last about four times longer. There is a major difference in the cut speed and quality at that speed between the two. In my opinion, if you are looking, save up and look at the special promotions that each company will have. My friend, the dealer, says for some reason lawn and garden sales have been slow this year, where farm sales have been average. This might allow one to get a nice deal on a nicer machine. You would not regret waiting until you can step up a bit on the mower.

John M

Syncro · May 21, 2006

Well from all the replies I gather that 5.2 mph is too slow, right? I'm looking at a CC 1055 ($1999 less rebate) I don't want a ZTR, just a riding mower strictly for flat. smooth lawns with few obstructions.

When I use the CUT for bush hogging the pasture I run it at 10 mph or faster, but thats completely different using a real tractor capable of any speed thats suitable/comfortible.

My real concern is that 5.2 mph on the Cub, and thats at full throttle. Trouble is, who makes a reasonably priced riding lawn mower that is faster? Far as I can find looking on line the current crop of all brands <2k all have top speeds ~5-5.5 mph. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Syncro · May 21, 2006

Well from all the replies I gather that 5.2 mph is too slow, right? I'm looking at a CC 1055 ($1999 less rebate) I don't want a ZTR, just a riding mower strictly for flat. smooth lawns with few obstructions.

When I use the CUT for bush hogging the pasture I run it at 10 mph or faster, but thats completely different using a real tractor capable of any speed thats suitable/comfortible.

My real concern is that 5.2 mph on the Cub, and thats at full throttle. Trouble is, who makes a reasonably priced riding lawn mower that is faster? Far as I can find looking on line the current crop of all brands <2k all have top speeds ~5-5.5 mph. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Gatorboy · May 21, 2006

( Far as I can find looking on line the current crop of all brands <2k all have top speeds ~5-5.5 mph. ) 

From a quality standpoint, any tractor less than $2000 is not going to be very good. Running these tractors any faster will cause more problems quicker.

Gatorboy · May 21, 2006

( Far as I can find looking on line the current crop of all brands <2k all have top speeds ~5-5.5 mph. ) 

From a quality standpoint, any tractor less than $2000 is not going to be very good. Running these tractors any faster will cause more problems quicker.

century3045 · May 23, 2006

I have a Hustler Super Z with 25hp. Kawasaki. They say the top speed is 15mph, I have a handheld gps but haven't tried it. Normaly thats too fast for cutting but I make runs down the highway to cut my other property and cut the sides of the road between propertys. The speed comes in handy. It surprisingly cuts smooth as fast as you want to try and go unless the grass is extremelyhigh but I have so many obstacles to dodge I probably run about half speed. The thing is, I know you said you didn't want a zero turn but a ZT running slow will out cut a lawn tractor at any speed. I practicall gave my Husqvarna away with less than 125 hrs on it. I was constantly bending blades on the husky and replaced both spindles also. I've hit a few nasty things with my hustler and couldn't see any visible damage to blade or alterations in my cut. If you have very much grass and very little time to cut it in I strongly recommend A ZT, and would highly recommend a hustler to anyone. I love it.

century3045 · May 23, 2006

I have a Hustler Super Z with 25hp. Kawasaki. They say the top speed is 15mph, I have a handheld gps but haven't tried it. Normaly thats too fast for cutting but I make runs down the highway to cut my other property and cut the sides of the road between propertys. The speed comes in handy. It surprisingly cuts smooth as fast as you want to try and go unless the grass is extremelyhigh but I have so many obstacles to dodge I probably run about half speed. The thing is, I know you said you didn't want a zero turn but a ZT running slow will out cut a lawn tractor at any speed. I practicall gave my Husqvarna away with less than 125 hrs on it. I was constantly bending blades on the husky and replaced both spindles also. I've hit a few nasty things with my hustler and couldn't see any visible damage to blade or alterations in my cut. If you have very much grass and very little time to cut it in I strongly recommend A ZT, and would highly recommend a hustler to anyone. I love it.