Lawn Tractor vs Zero Turn

[drumminj]

Get two pieces of tire tread and inch or so larger than the pedal then with two bolts each side and one on top with locknuts - put enough tension to slip over the pedal tightly - you can layer them to make thicker too.

Interesting suggestion. Leaves me with two questions though:

1) where to get random tire tread? Maybe craigslist?
2) how to cut it?

 

[jyoutz]

Interesting suggestion. Leaves me with two questions though:

1) where to get random tire tread? Maybe craigslist?
2) how to cut it?

Tire shops or junkyards. Reciprocating saw with demo blade.

 

[LittleBill21]

How does it do on hillsides? Will it slide or tumble down?

supposedly awd and 45% capable. I have 25%, we shall see

 

[dj1701]

I mow VERY steep slopes with my zero turn (ZD-331) and it is much more stable than the tractor I previously used (BX2200). As far as traction goes, yes a tractor will get better traction. But Zero turns are more stable on hillsides once you learn how to drive one.
The speed at which a zero turn can cut compared to a tractor is like comparing a sports car to walking.
As far as a “one trick pony” goes, I use my zero turn to pull a leaf vacuum.
Others use them for running a spreader. I also pull an aerator and a de-thatcher.


There’s many attachments they can run. They can do more than just mow grass.

Yes, they can do more than mow grass. I have seen them pull carts. I have even seen them with a snow plow. (I laughed my ass off when I saw that) Just because they can be fitted with such ridiculous things don't mean they are a capable alternative.

Zero turns were invented to mow grass. they don't do anything else very well. Actually, quite poorly.

If you live in the south and can mow all year, then it might be a good option for you. However, I did not want a mower setting in my barn all winter long taking up room. I wanted something that I could use all year long, and for many more tasks.



Summer version.

Winter version.

Mowing in the summer is not all that hard.

Let's see a zero turn do this.

 

[Hay Dude]

I just used mine to sweep my 3 acres of grass with a 48” grass catcher. Very fast & effective. With a 31 HP diesel, it’s a breeze. I also aerate and dethatch with ease.

I see you like PA’s Yuengling. I enjoy it, too.

 

[MoKelly]

Time is valuable. At least for me. I can cut my grass 3x faster with a 60” zero turn v a 60” finish mower.

The Z-turn does sit unused from Nov- March but that is fine. I also sit much more in the winter v the summer.

 

[drumminj]

Tire shops or junkyards. Reciprocating saw with demo blade.

Thanks. I'll keep this idea in mind!

 

[tradosaurus]

I knew I was going to have trouble sitting in Toro with the MyRide system.
The local store near me had a Toro Z Master 2000 with a 60" cut on display. After I sat in it my all caution was thrown to the wind and I traded my 6 yr old Toro Titan 2000 for the Toro Z Masters 2000.
About the same tractor except for larger rear tire and Kawasaki engine. But the MyRide is why I bought it. The dealer brought the new mower to my place and took my old one. Mowed for 2 hrs and and the ride was excellent. Could barely feel the bumps and holes that would normally jar my spine.

 

[GeneV]

Yes, they can do more than mow grass. I have seen them pull carts. I have even seen them with a snow plow. (I laughed my ass off when I saw that) Just because they can be fitted with such ridiculous things don't mean they are a capable alternative.

I've seen snow blades mounted more on stander mowers than on sit-on z-turns. Toro Grandstand for instance, their Multiforce has a pretty cool setup with hydraulics to lift/tilt the blade. They seem pretty effective so long as the operator keeps in mind the limitations of a fairly light machine pushing too much snow...like you're not going to be plowing down the length of a 100' driveway with 6" on the ground. The upside is the maneuverability and compactness off the machine, being able to clear sidewalks/walkways and stuff. Plus, standers are super fun, can't beat em in that department.

 

[kozal01]

Yes, they can do more than mow grass. I have seen them pull carts. I have even seen them with a snow plow. (I laughed my ass off when I saw that) Just because they can be fitted with such ridiculous things don't mean they are a capable alternative.

Zero turns were invented to mow grass. they don't do anything else very well. Actually, quite poorly.

If you live in the south and can mow all year, then it might be a good option for you. However, I did not want a mower setting in my barn all winter long taking up room. I wanted something that I could use all year long, and for many more tasks.



Summer version.
View attachment 826974

Winter version.

View attachment 826976

Mowing in the summer is not all that hard.

Let's see a zero turn do this.

Besides a the snowplow you mentioned ZTR's are in fact very capable of pulling attachments and in my experience do so much easier than Lawn Tractors as they attachments follow much closer to the path behind the ZTR, are easier to turn and maneuver with and in many cases (with exceptions of course) the hydro motors on most high end residential and into the commercial grade ZTR's are significantly stronger than that found in most residential lawn tractors. My JD Lawn tractor could not pull my small yard trailer full of wood up my hills in my yard but my Exmark ZTRT does it with ease. What ZTR did you have and what attachments did you pull with it for comparison?