I have no idea what to buy

[shooterdon]

For just mowing… I’d get a ZTR.

I finish mow 2 acres with plenty of trees and a couple buildings, and I take my time. It takes me 75 minutes on my Hustler X-One 72”.

I really like the mower. It’s commercial duty with serviceable drive units and a commercial 29hp motor. It will outlive me, I’m pretty certain.

You do not need a commercial ZT for 1.8 acres in MI.

I have a about the same size lawn and live in northern MI. My old rider got the job done in under two hours...I had a Husqvarna 48". I upgraded to a Bad Boy 54" ZT and it takes about an hour. I have a lot of trees or it would be quicker.

I put 35 hours on my ZT last year. Any decent engine and transmission will last 1000 hours. So, it will last 30 years. More apt to rust out than wear out.

BTW, the Bad Boy has a 7 ga deck. serviceable hydros, and suspension for $5300...last years price. You cannot get a commercial mower for under $10k and most are over $13k. Just silly to spend that to mow 2 acres of grass once a week.

But the truth is a decent $2-2.5k rider is going to last 15 years or longer if you do not mind the extra time to get the job done. My Husky was $1800 in 2012 and sold it last year for $1000 when I upgraded. It was still running great but I hate cutting grass and wanted to buy my last mower. At 70, the Bag Boy will outlive me and I spend about half the time to get the job done.

Just saw you want to move snow as well. So you need more than a machine to cut grass. Plowing snow is not always a good option...been there done that...you need a place to push it. Using a FEL works for some but it is slow. Unless you have a long driveway to clear, something like an Ariens walk behind snowblower will work well. I have one and have had to use it when my old beater plow truck would failed me. I have a blower for my tractor now so it does not get much use.

Maybe one of the sub compact tractors will work for you but you need to think about your needs.

I am too lazy to read 11 pages.

Wait a couple of days, get your wants and needs established and start a new thread. If you do not give good information, you will not get good advice. Sorry if I come across a bit harsh but that is reality.

You need to know your regular duties and how often you will do them. Then a list of one time or rare jobs that might be better off using rented equipment. Length of driveway to clear and if you have space to push snow. Also, average yearly snow fall. Lastly your budget.

 

[Williy]

I cut 5 acres with a push mower until my wife
said I was taking too much time to cut the grass
so had to get a riding lawn mower. Then she
told me I needed a tractor with a cab because the
dust was covering me up. She didn't like to see
me come in the house covered in dust. Had to
wear a mask and didn't like that at all and had
to wear safety glasses to keep the bugs and dust
out of my eyes.

willy