Mowing 10-15 acres/week, which residential mower?

[robersml]

Hi guys, my basic dilemma is, does anyone make a residential ZTR that will hold up to ~10-12 acres/week? And if so, which model is it?

Will your standard troy-bilt 50' ($2899), cub cadet 50'' ($2999), or bad boy 48'' ($3499), hold up to that much work?

I'm starting up my own lawn care company, so I bought a bad boy 48'' at TSC, but then I found out it is only rated for 3-4 acres/week, and even though I'm only doing 2-3 acres/week right now, I need something that will do more next summer when my business get's bigger

I then checked on a cub cadet z-force 50, and one guy told me the z-force would go for 10-15 acres week, another said no way.

I don't really have the money to buy a straight out commercial rated bad boy CZT for 5500, which I would if I had the money, so I'm forced to buy the toughest residential mower that's as close to a commercial mower as possible, as far as it's ability to mow acres per week.

Any suggestions on a residential ZTR that can definitely do that much work in a week?

How much weight should I put on the manufacturer suggested acres/week? bad boy is 3-4, but can you do 10-15 and have the machine not break down at an exponentional rate?

I know I've asked a lot of questions, but I would appreciate any help you guys can give me. I'm sure there's a TON of knowledge out there in these forums, so that's why I've come to you. Thanks y'all

-Mark

 

[Coatesvegas]

I would recommend looking into Dixie Chopper. They are made to handle commercial use. I mow 5 Acres in one day each week, and have done so for 4 years with no problems, other than a deck belt that broke. Other than that it starts reliably week after week and cuts the grass quick.

 

[sld]

I'm no expert but I would think you would get 700 -800 hours out of a residential unit. Looking at the cut rate per hour in acres this will tell you how long it might last, or at least close.

The main difference is going to be the commercial will last many years when mowing several acres a day. A residential will not, but it might last a 2 or 3 years.

 

[RickB]

If you truly have to mow 15 acres per week, a residential duty mower isn't what you need. It may be what you want to buy, and they may be in the range of what you want to pay, but ultimately a residential machine won't last long or be troublefree under those conditions.

 

[rekees4300]

John Deere's top of the line zero-turn is the Z465. Dunno if it could handle 10-12 acres. :confused3:

John Deere products for homeowners: Features for EZtrak Z465