Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn

   / Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn #71  
One thing about blades (and gator blades) -- looks like Cub Cadet has a proprietary spindle design on some (all?) of their machines so the blades use an 'S' mount. Doesn't look like Oregon supports that currently.

I need to confirm with the dealer/parts department, but it appears the "commercial" versions just use circular holes/mounts, so it's not a concern. But on the residential equipment you're stuck with Cub's replacement blades.

Looks like it won't be until Friday that we can go test-drive and make a decision. Set on a ZT vs a garden/lawn tractor, just need to figurte out which one.

Thanks all for the input and appreciate any other thoughts/experiences/insights.


I bought a CC Z Force S (Steering wheel) about 9 years ago. This was the middle of the road "residential" unit. It has the Kawasaki engine and 60" deck. Did all my own maintenance. Had to replace a couple deck spindles and both belts and keep blades sharp or changed. The engine has never had a single problem. It still mows great. I plan to keep it in the family -- too good to sell at a "used" mower price. Couldn't replace it for what I'd get for it. I've mowed several acres with it all that time and it has been taken care of, but not babied. (This uses a standard generic blade size and hole.)

Saw a really good deal on a new CC Pro ZT S due to a dealer going out of business this past spring. Travelled a few hundred miles to pick it up and couldn't be happier. The seat and the power steering are two of the upgrades but overall it's just a lot more mower. Still 60" deck though. (Uses a standard generic blade size and mounting hole.)

Never had Cub Cadets prior to this, but I think mine have held up as good as any other brand. Dealer parts are expensive but the same MTD or generic parts can be found much cheaper in most every case. What led me to CC was the combination of Zero-Turn and Steering Wheel.

I would not consider a stand-up mower to mow my own place.

_______
As long as I'm bloviating . . . . On the NEW vs. USED question . . . .

---- My philosophy is that no one sells a good lawn mower that they're happy with. (Or chain saw, as another example . . . ) And it's not easy to really "test drive" a used ZT or riding mower. There is the occasional rare event where there's a death or divorce and some "cherry" used mower suddenly needs a new home, but even then it usually gets snapped up by family or offered at auction where it sells way higher than it should. Some things I just don't buy used. There are always exceptions, but I'm pretty sure that I could not go out and find a USED mower that would suit me.

(I have to qualify the above by explaining that I typically ONLY buy USED for cars, trucks, tractors, snowblowers, and other specific items. Some "tools" are often found with low hours and are routinely traded-in for new. In fact, that's the "business model" for some people with their vehicles or farm equipment. So I do search for USED stuff where it makes sense.)

__________

Good luck with your search. This does seem like a good time of year to buy a mower, but the local dealers here are still having trouble with getting inventory. That might still be a problem.
 
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   / Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn #72  
I appreciate the additional info.

Totally hear you on "increase your budget and get full commercial". Unfortunately funds are limited/have plenty of other things I need to spend money on (fencing, barn, etc etc). I've already bumped my budget to get in the residential/commercial hybrid with 10 gauge deck, servicable hydros (ZT-2800 or ZT-3100), ROPS, etc. There's always something better for just a little bit more :)
I purchased a 10 year old commercial mower (Walker brand) with almost 1000 hours on it and have been running it for over 10 years with no major repairs. I think I paid about $3k. New they cost $15K. It has a 20 hp Kohler Command. I probably have around 1200 hours on it now. I bought it from a dealer that used it as a loaner which did concern me at the time of purchase, but it's been a great mower.

Had I tried to buy a $3k homeowner zero turn at the time, I'm sure I wouldn't have been as happy with it and I doubt that it would still be running. I'm sure I could sell it for almost what I paid for it just checking prices on Ebay. I have a dealer about 30 miles away that stocks parts and does repairs if needed.
 
   / Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn #74  
I appreciate the additional info.

Totally hear you on "increase your budget and get full commercial". Unfortunately funds are limited/have plenty of other things I need to spend money on (fencing, barn, etc etc). I've already bumped my budget to get in the residential/commercial hybrid with 10 gauge deck, servicable hydros (ZT-2800 or ZT-3100), ROPS, etc. There's always something better for just a little bit more :)
I hear ya! If money was no object I'd have the ISX3300!
 
   / Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn #75  
Highly recommend a Kawi as well!

Both of mine have been Kawasaki and no problems so far. And both of the dealers that I've talked to say they prefer the Kawasaki engines.

No personal experience with the Kohler engines.
 
   / Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn #76  
Both of mine have been Kawasaki and no problems so far. And both of the dealers that I've talked to say they prefer the Kawasaki engines.

No personal experience with the Kohler engines.
I have a 23 hp Kohler engine that's been great. Once you go commercial grade I just don't believe the engine brand is that critical.
 
   / Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn #77  
I have a 23 hp Kohler engine that's been great. Once you go commercial grade I just don't believe the engine brand is that critical.
I will add that my older Scag walk-behind that was mentioned in my previous posts has a Kohler Command engine that has been free of any issues (knock on wood!)
 
   / Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn #78  
Hustler and Gravely both make a light commercial mower that will fit your purposes. I think you are in the right frame of mind with the hydro hear hydros. They are bullet proof.

I still think with Gravely's long reputation for quality mowers, they are hard to beat for the price.
 
   / Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn #80  
I agree, Kawasaki all the way!!

RSKY
Don't really matter as the Kawasaki and Kohler and Briggs pressure die cast aluminum block engines all have a finite life and they all have their issues as well, mostly lack of proper maintenance and timely valve adjustments. Besides, you don't get a choice of engines in the first place unless you buy a different brand of mower as a certain brand will come with whatever engine they install. My philosophy is, buy a mower with a diesel engine, they will far outlast any gas motor so long as again, you maintain them. problem with that is, of course, they cost appreciably more and only come with commercial grade mowers.
 

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