Need something for mowing 2+ Acres

[JohnFourteenSix]

I'm in need of something to mow my 2-5 acre "lawn" here in Florida. Most of it is either current or former pastureland, so kind of rough. There's 2 acres with the house and another 3 in the back which I wouldn't do weekly but bushog and mow occasionally. We just bought this place and the grass is already growing even without the rain!

After doing way more research than I've wanted to do, I'm gravitating towards used mowers; I see a few used John Deere 757, 737, etc. in my area going from 2-4k with 800-1500 hours. Ideally I'd get some kind of Ferris but that's out of my price range. Buying new, the mowers that make me feel comfortable are in the 6-7k range (and then add some for tax, delivery, etc.), and this would be for entry-level commercial.

I was also thinking about getting a finish mower for my tractor, but then I'd have issue making turns (and I don't have power steering). Can someone guide me in the right direction? I don't care for a nice cut, just something that'll look half decent and walkable

 

[2ndhalf]

I would go to home depot and buy a

Toro TimeCutter HD with MyRIDE 6 in. Fab 24.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed-75213 - The Home Depot

Or a Hustler Raptor

or Gravely ZT HD Lawn Mower | Zero Turn Mowers | Gravely

All high quality $5k range mowers that should hold up to mowing your acreage for years. Trust me, buying something cheaper than $3k will not hold up.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

I should also note that the previous owner used a Gravely ZT HD and said that he thought the ride was too rough -- and he didn't even mow the rougher parts (He had that fenced off in the pasture).

 

[Ortimber]

I agree with what 2ndhalf said, but I would add that a good suspension or air seat is a good investment on a ZTR.

I have about 4 acres that I mow, some a little rough, some smooth. I never liked mowing until I bought a zero turn. Lawn tractor was too slow, and my 40HP tractor with a finish mower wasn't easy to maneuver around the 100's of trees that are in the way, but the ZTR seems to be just right. I truly enjoy mowing with that thing.

 

[2ndhalf]

I should also note that the previous owner used a Gravely ZT HD and said that he thought the ride was too rough -- and he didn't even mow the rougher parts (He had that fenced off in the pasture).

Yeah, I have a ZT HD and it is ok on most of my yard but some of the rought areas it makes you aware... so to speak! But this is why you also need a tractor; to fix those rough areas.. Mine are gettting fixed this year!

I agree with Ortimber good seat makes a big difference. I would check out those Toros with their suspension platform.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

I see there's a similar thread with another guy asking about six acres. Quite interesting.

One thing about the seat though -- does the seat/suspension just smooth out the ride, or is it indicative of a generally better build quality (making it last longer on rougher terrain) - I don't want to destroy my mower while feeling that the ride is really smooth.

2ndhalf - how simple of a matter is it to get a rough yard smoothed out? I've read something about an aerator and rollers, but don't know where to get started and how much $$$ it would cost.

Currently I'm leaning towards Ferris as it seems everyone seems to like them (would need to check on the price). I guess "how rough" is another question.

Oh, did I mention that the grass here in FL is consistently very thick and wet?

 

[Sonny580]

Thick and wet is gonna be a problem for any lawn type mower.--It will stick under the deck and plug the out hole, etc. --- your best bet is big tractor and a Woods mower, (3-pt. or pull type they make both) thanks; sonny580

 

[Ortimber]

I see there's a similar thread with another guy asking about six acres. Quite interesting.

One thing about the seat though -- does the seat/suspension just smooth out the ride, or is it indicative of a generally better build quality (making it last longer on rougher terrain) - I don't want to destroy my mower while feeling that the ride is really smooth.

2ndhalf - how simple of a matter is it to get a rough yard smoothed out? I've read something about an aerator and rollers, but don't know where to get started and how much $$$ it would cost.

Currently I'm leaning towards Ferris as it seems everyone seems to like them (would need to check on the price). I guess "how rough" is another question.

Oh, did I mention that the grass here in FL is consistently very thick and wet?

I don't know if the seat is indicative of better build quality, but it seems that most equipment that is considered higher end/commercial do have more seat options.

 

[2ndhalf]

2ndhalf - how simple of a matter is it to get a rough yard smoothed out? I've read something about an aerator and rollers, but don't know where to get started and how much $$$ it would cost.

Currently I'm leaning towards Ferris as it seems everyone seems to like them (would need to check on the price). I guess "how rough" is another question.

Oh, did I mention that the grass here in FL is consistently very thick and wet?

I think I accidentally deleted my former response...

It depends upon how rough you are talking about. If your ruts are deep and over a large area, your best option is to spray with roundup to kill all vegetation. Then wait at least one week; two is even better. disc it, level it (Box blade), drag it to final smooth seed bed, re-seed it, run empty roller over it after seeding to get good seed/soil contact, straw it and water it for two weeks. Not a cheap or low effort endeavor on 2 acres; I have done this on larger areas.


If it is not that rough you could roll it out to some extent and in the really bad areas just fill with top soil and re-seed. I have done all of the above depending on severity. If you do the nuclear option (Ripping it out) it gives you a reason to go buy your own tractor : )