Lawn mower blues

lizardman · Jun 23, 2009

Well, I really hoped to be getting a new tractor with MMM, but right now I just cant justify $25k+ for one equipped the way I want it. So, for now, I will just buy a mower with the idea of saving up for a tractor later.

I want a big deck, and really like the ZTRs.

Due to being a traditionalist, I looked at tractors first. I have been looking at a new Cub GT2554, and they seem like a good machine for $4,400, but I have read several reviews that concern me saying it eats belts and the deck wheels fall off. The last may not be serious, but makes me think. And then all this I see about the terrible oil drain. Is this a good machine to consider?

JD and Kubota lawn tractors are much more pricey to get shaft drive and pwer steering. Are there any other good quality lawn tractor manufacturers. If a machine costs much more than $5-6k, I will likely just go with a ZTR instead.

So, on to the ZTRs. Kubota really loves there machines, and can keep em. JD has the 810a in 54' for right at $7k. I would really love a 60', but it is only offered on the 820a for substantially more $.

I know these brands quality, but tell me about some more name brands, possibly some I havent even considered.
-Cub Cadet Zs - I seem to remember bad reviews about these. Are there quality issues with CC. I dont have clue how much they are, but if even close in price, I would likely go with JD.

-Great Dane- Has a big dog paw on a yellow mower. Appears to be very similar to a JD, but actually has a manufactured .25" plate steel deck. @$7k. Dont really know anything about it.

-Bad Boy- Saw a 60" at TSC, but I know nothing about them. I saw the other thread on BBoy, but I am not sold yet. There is a dealer fairly near that offers the other models. Should I try there for better models.

Please offer more choices. And your opinion of what I have already considered in my search.

Thanks,
Rod

LBrown59 · Jun 23, 2009

lizardman said:
I have been looking at a new Cub GT2554, and they seem like a good machine for $4,400
1*but I have read several reviews that concern me saying it eats belts and the deck wheels fall off.
2* Is this a good machine to consider?
3*If a machine costs much more than $5-6k, I will likely just go with a ZTR instead.

Thanks,

Rod

1*Never heard of that.
2* Hard to beat for the money.
3*I have a like new CC GT2554 less than 90 hours.
54'' mower deck.
I have a new front blade and a new rear tiller for it.
To bad you're not closer to me as I'd let it go for $6495.
To add a blade and tiller to the new one you looked at would jack the price on it to over $9000.

x595 · Jun 24, 2009

lizardman said:
Well, I really hoped to be getting a new tractor with MMM, but right now I just cant justify $25k+ for one equipped the way I want it. So, for now, I will just buy a mower with the idea of saving up for a tractor later.Due to being a traditionalist, I looked at tractors first.
JD and Kubota lawn tractors are much more pricey to get shaft drive and pwer steering. Please offer more choices. And your opinion of what I have already considered in my search.Thanks,Rod

Hi Rod ,

Does the Tractor have to be new ??? There are some very capable used
Tractors out there , on Used Farm & Agricultural Equipment - John Deere MachineFinder I saw a couple of JD 430's
and JD 455's , both Diesel , power steering , shaft drive , 60" MMM , 3 pt.
hitch , for under $6000.00 , maybe that could get you by until you have the
funds for a CUT and still give you the Tractor feel ...

Later,x595

Baucom · Jun 24, 2009

I don't know how dealer support is in your area, but don't neglect to check out new or used Simplicity Prestige and Legacy machines. They have power steering and differential locks--really nice machines, at the top with Deere and Kubota in the garden tractor world. Also, if you consider used GTs, the Toro 5xi series was also a good 1, but is out of production now.

kf4uda · Jun 24, 2009

I recently found myself in the same situation that you are in now. I went to my local New Holland dealership with all intention of buying a new tractor for multi-use including mowing. After pricing what I wanted, I left with my tail between my legs.

After a brief recovery I developed a new plan. I purchased a SnapperPro S150x zero turn with 25HP Kaw/52" deck. Since this is the only ZTR that I have owned I can't say if it is any better/worse than the other brands. I can say that this thing will cut grass like there is no tommorrow

The main reason that I bought Snapper is the dealer. I have known him for many years and trust what he says explicitly.

I will still buy a new tractor a little later on but it will probably be an ag tractor with no concern for mowing with it.

Just my experience
Chris