Mower Shopping...

TMR · May 28, 2016

I have been "working" toward a B or BX tractor for what seems like forever. Primary questions have been size of tractor (i.e. B or BX) AND wether to have a tractor with a mower deck. While in the meantime the fellow that cuts my home yard died (I concentrate on working in the woods and have had my home yard mowed for many years) and there are few who seem to be willing to mow a lawn...the two I know that have a small business essentially are fully booked and not prepared to add a "job" at this time.

SO I am shifting my hunt to a mow only product. In addition to my yard...which has many trees...I also mow a cabin lot, over a mile of pretty wide trails and a 1-2 acre field (a couple of times a year). Other than the yard I have always mowed the other property as part of my "avocation"/retirement.

As some may have read before, I have used/abused a Sear's 42"/25HP/wheel weights and chains lawn mower for the last 12-14 years. I have learned spindle repair/belt replacement/blade replacement as well as the art of "re-bending" many damaged parts. Seems like I kind of used the mower as a brush hog at times. while, assuming no brush hog use I am looking for a heavy duty lawn "mower" than bears little likeness to my 42" Sear's...even though it did an admirable job. My thoughts of choices...

1) A lawn/garden tractor with a much sturdier transaxle than those offered in the big box stores...maybe a JD X500/X700 series Kubota GR 2010 series or such. Also, pretty much settled on max of 48" mowing deck due to tree obstruction. Kind of uncomfortable with the seat height and maneuverability of the larger frame and tires of these machines...would have lots of branch cutting to do!...maybe need to do anyway.

2) Also considering a zero turn...my previous lawn guy had a 42" cheaper ZT and really ripped around my yard in short order. My thought is (based upon my history and experience) is that I believe a commercial grade (maybe entry level commercial) may be better for my use? Specifically, I want a "commercial" grade transaxle, larger commercial grade spindles, preferably a commercial grade Kawasaki gas engine, low center of gravity and seat height (maybe all ZTs have this?) and strong deck not over 48"...both to move between trees and to get into my storage shed which has a 50"++ door width...I think most 48" will work with chute up...also likely need folding ROPS.

I do think the ZT would be great to mow with but I have a couple of "unknowns"/concerns...others may add issues/positives I am not aware of as I have never mowed with a ZT?

First...how bad will it be when I mow over an area that is essentially gravel?...will I just learn to slow the motor/blade down as I approach these none grass areas...particularly small parts of my trails. actually have a few feet with sand.

Second...I will occasionally hit the blade on a small stump stub or maybe a dirt high spot. Again, I am committed to NOT use as a brush mower but my terrain does still have some problems lurking and try as I might I am likely to occasionally hit one. On the mower, first the deck belt slipped a bit and second the blade may have bent and maybe once a year I would break a spindle. Much of what damaged the old Sears is now not there as mowing most of this property for close to 20 years has significantly reduced the problem areas. Just what will happen if/when I hit something with the blade going around at 16K+ revolutions????

Third...thinking about trying to find an HDAP set of tires for the rear if I get a ZT...anyone done that? Problems?

Fourth...With gas motor, smaller deck...but commercial transaxle(s), spindles, deck, etc. It seems from early "looking" that I will likely be above $5K but below $10K...maybe right in the middle.

Fifth...would prefer Kubota unless I learn that they are "lesser" than similarly equipped competitors...Hustler another choice my "preferred" Kubota dealer also carries. Example might be the Z724XKW...Kawasaki/Parker GT 14 Transaxles and I believe entry level Commercial components? Promo price on "build it" at $8K...toward the high side of my purchase range...but much more commercial than say the Z100 series????

While that took a bit...any thoughts to add.

BTW...John Thomas...I KNOW I am going to die pretty soon if I don't buy something!

(I appear to be the exact opposite of JT...during my six years on this forum I have bought no "tractors" and JT has bought what 8-10++

) In the meantime I have bought an 18HP DR Brush mower and a Polaris Ranger XP 800...both of which I love and use regularly.

Thanks Guys...I HAVE learned a lot reading TBN posts for six years...just need to execute now as I will be out mowing my large yard with a 21" walk behind this weekend.....TMR

JOHNTHOMAS · May 28, 2016

I guess you've read the posts here in Kubota Lawn and Gaden so you know I'm going to say buy a F2690 4wd first and if nt that a ZD326 and if not that much several of us have bought the ZD121/122 with Kawasaki engine (under $4000) and seem to like them. The Zs are more for level ground. A B for higher ground clearance with a rear finish rear discharge deck is also a favorite of mine as is a BX with MMM. My favorite BX for just mowing is the BX1500 MMM.

TMR · May 28, 2016

JOHNTHOMAS said:
I guess you've read the posts here in Kubota Lawn and Gaden so you know I'm going to say buy a F2690 4wd first and if nt that a ZD326 and if not that much several of us have bought the ZD121/122 with Kawasaki engine (under $4000) and seem to like them. The Zs are more for level ground. A B for higher ground clearance with a rear finish rear discharge deck is also a favorite of mine as is a BX with MMM. My favorite BX for just mowing is the BX1500 MMM.

Hi John...I think the Z724XKW...Kawasaki/Parker GT 14 Transaxles...is priced between the Z100 series and the ZD326 and the F2690...the last two are both well over $10K. I think the Z724XKW may be a non-diesel "Commercial grade" and at about $8K w/48 months zero interest could be an option. Also the 100 series you mentioned...the KOMMANDER Z121S...could be a nice entry level compromise about $5K.

BTW...I do like the front deck models...but they are both quite large for going between my many trees and they are very pricey. Thanks...TMR

TMR · May 28, 2016

No one else have any thoughts on my Original Post below?? Ya I know I wrote too much detail

TMR

TMR said:
I have been "working" toward a B or BX tractor for what seems like forever. Primary questions have been size of tractor (i.e. B or BX) AND wether to have a tractor with a mower deck. While in the meantime the fellow that cuts my home yard died (I concentrate on working in the woods and have had my home yard mowed for many years) and there are few who seem to be willing to mow a lawn...the two I know that have a small business essentially are fully booked and not prepared to add a "job" at this time.

SO I am shifting my hunt to a mow only product. In addition to my yard...which has many trees...I also mow a cabin lot, over a mile of pretty wide trails and a 1-2 acre field (a couple of times a year). Other than the yard I have always mowed the other property as part of my "avocation"/retirement.

As some may have read before, I have used/abused a Sear's 42"/25HP/wheel weights and chains lawn mower for the last 12-14 years. I have learned spindle repair/belt replacement/blade replacement as well as the art of "re-bending" many damaged parts. Seems like I kind of used the mower as a brush hog at times. while, assuming no brush hog use I am looking for a heavy duty lawn "mower" than bears little likeness to my 42" Sear's...even though it did an admirable job. My thoughts of choices...

1) A lawn/garden tractor with a much sturdier transaxle than those offered in the big box stores...maybe a JD X500/X700 series Kubota GR 2010 series or such. Also, pretty much settled on max of 48" mowing deck due to tree obstruction. Kind of uncomfortable with the seat height and maneuverability of the larger frame and tires of these machines...would have lots of branch cutting to do!...maybe need to do anyway.

2) Also considering a zero turn...my previous lawn guy had a 42" cheaper ZT and really ripped around my yard in short order. My thought is (based upon my history and experience) is that I believe a commercial grade (maybe entry level commercial) may be better for my use? Specifically, I want a "commercial" grade transaxle, larger commercial grade spindles, preferably a commercial grade Kawasaki gas engine, low center of gravity and seat height (maybe all ZTs have this?) and strong deck not over 48"...both to move between trees and to get into my storage shed which has a 50"++ door width...I think most 48" will work with chute up...also likely need folding ROPS.

I do think the ZT would be great to mow with but I have a couple of "unknowns"/concerns...others may add issues/positives I am not aware of as I have never mowed with a ZT?

First...how bad will it be when I mow over an area that is essentially gravel?...will I just learn to slow the motor/blade down as I approach these none grass areas...particularly small parts of my trails. actually have a few feet with sand.

Second...I will occasionally hit the blade on a small stump stub or maybe a dirt high spot. Again, I am committed to NOT use as a brush mower but my terrain does still have some problems lurking and try as I might I am likely to occasionally hit one. On the mower, first the deck belt slipped a bit and second the blade may have bent and maybe once a year I would break a spindle. Much of what damaged the old Sears is now not there as mowing most of this property for close to 20 years has significantly reduced the problem areas. Just what will happen if/when I hit something with the blade going around at 16K+ revolutions????

Third...thinking about trying to find an HDAP set of tires for the rear if I get a ZT...anyone done that? Problems?

Fourth...With gas motor, smaller deck...but commercial transaxle(s), spindles, deck, etc. It seems from early "looking" that I will likely be above $5K but below $10K...maybe right in the middle.

Fifth...would prefer Kubota unless I learn that they are "lesser" than similarly equipped competitors...Hustler another choice my "preferred" Kubota dealer also carries. Example might be the Z724XKW...Kawasaki/Parker GT 14 Transaxles and I believe entry level Commercial components? Promo price on "build it" at $8K...toward the high side of my purchase range...but much more commercial than say the Z100 series????

While that took a bit...any thoughts to add.

BTW...John Thomas...I KNOW I am going to die pretty soon if I don't buy something! (I appear to be the exact opposite of JT...during my six years on this forum I have bought no "tractors" and JT has bought what 8-10++ ) In the meantime I have bought an 18HP DR Brush mower and a Polaris Ranger XP 800...both of which I love and use regularly.

Thanks Guys...I HAVE learned a lot reading TBN posts for six years...just need to execute now as I will be out mowing my large yard with a 21" walk behind this weekend.....TMR

TMR · May 30, 2016

Bump...

Tractorrr · May 30, 2016

I think it's hard to respond to your post as it is unclear what amount of acreage you will be mowing, and if you have many hills. Also if you are only mowing an area twice a year you will likely need a bush hog. Are you going to mow the mile of trails and your cabin field with the DR brush mower? You also say that someone used to mow your yard yet somehow you managed to abuse a sears lawn tractor. Unclear what you would have been using the sears lawn tractor for.

Mowing over gravel shouldn't hurt your mower much but it might be possible to throw gravel out the discharge chute. Hitting stumps is a terrible idea using a mower so just don't do it. Raise the deck, mark them somehow, or just learn where they are so you don't hit them.

If your previous mower guy used a cheaper ZT you could get this or upgrade to a Kubota Kommander.

check 6 · May 30, 2016

I have had the same kubota ad 1800 diesel with a 54 in deck for ten years doing only normal maintain and blade changes . I mow one acre at least weekly and like today help in mowing 17 more acres. I'm looking at getting a new kubota ZD with a 48 in deck and a 60 in middle mower deck for my B series tractor or handle the large jobs I could not be happier with the trouble free mowing I have gotten from my ZD and I'm fighting off several people that want to buy it from me. The new ones have better seats, an inspection panel to easily check the mower deck transmission and several other improvements. Great mowing machines.

TMR · May 30, 2016

Tractorrr said:
I think it's hard to respond to your post as it is unclear what amount of acreage you will be mowing, and if you have many hills. Also if you are only mowing an area twice a year you will likely need a bush hog. Are you going to mow the mile of trails and your cabin field with the DR brush mower? You also say that someone used to mow your yard yet somehow you managed to abuse a sears lawn tractor. Unclear what you would have been using the sears lawn tractor for.

Mowing over gravel shouldn't hurt your mower much but it might be possible to throw gravel out the discharge chute. Hitting stumps is a terrible idea using a mower so just don't do it. Raise the deck, mark them somehow, or just learn where they are so you don't hit them.

If your previous mower guy used a cheaper ZT you could get this or upgrade to a Kubota Kommander.

The Sears mowed all of the above...except for our home "yard" that was mowed for us for something over maybe 15 years until last summer...still looking for someone to mow it.

The poor Sear's has performed beyond what could be expected...it mow my field once a year in September after the grass and weeds turned color after freeze. Also, I could only mow maybe 6-10" wide at a time...but it really did do a good job although it DID take quite a time! Maybe the better part of two-three partial days. I am considering working to make the field a bit more like a lawn by mowing more often. I have learned that mowing my field after the grass/weeds have turned brown is much easier than mowing when healthy and green. Not sure the Sear's could have handled full, which green...like it did the "dead" brush once a year in September...think you are right...either mow more often or use a brush hog.

Mt Dr Brush mower is mostly for widening trails and opening new trails...it works well but is like driving a mule! Also, only 27" so not a "production" machine.

I also mow my trails maybe 3-4 times per year...the trails are now quite mature and are mostly grass and weeds...with some small roots to deal with and some high spots in the dirt (although most high spots are now not high anymore

I mow our cabin yard which while it looks like a lawn it is mostly weeds and grass...again maybe a few tree roots to contend with and a bit of gravel/grass/weeds. The cabin from yard is a moderate hill with many trees to works around...young trees and mature...primarily pine...front yard is a bit more brought with small obstacles.

I guess what I want/need is a 42-48" deck on a relatively premium built mower...either a heavy duty version of my old Sears or a near commercial relatively narrow Zero Turn. I also have quite a few branches that I fight with and think a zero turn my help me dodge around the problems...also plan to branch "up" more trees. In the riding mowers...both the decks and the tire sizes get larger as they are spec'd with better decks/spindles/motors and transaxles.

Example...I would consider a 7XX John Deere but I don't think it would deliver the dexterity of movement I would like with my tree laden property. Maybe the 5XX series JD is a possibility (but even at that near the top of the 5XX range to get a strong transaxle. Kind of same with the GR 2120 series.

Which leads to my question about zero turns...particularly regarding mixture of gravel/grass and weeds on some parts of my property. Will the ZT create even a worse storm of dirt and sand than a riding mower??or maybe similar...I assume I could throttle down a bit in the marginal areas?

I do not have much in hills and think I could work around the moderate up and downs I do have.

In either riding mower or zero turn I DO want to find the upgraded spindles and transaxles...even though multiple mowings have greatly reduced the "challenge" and I am committed to more attentive obstacle avoidance...I mow very little that is more than grass and weeds that have been turned into "lawn" by slowly eliminating the problem areas...thus the two decks and multiple spindles/blades I have replaced...and the many parts on the Sears that I have straightened more than once. I call that low end commercial...don't need diesel or 72" decks...just not entry level "working" parts.

Not sure if this helps...Thanks...TMR

timswi · May 31, 2016

I have a 1 year old Z724 54" deck and a Kohler motor...Good compromise between full commercial and a residential machine and has ROPS which most resi's don't..It really cuts some grass and so far I'm very happy with it.