New ZTR'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

Scaper · May 26, 2001

New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

Hello folks, I have been trying out the new ZTR's for the past month and a half. So far I have been on the Kubota ZD 18 54" deck, MTD Pro. 60" deck, and the Grass Hopper M225 with the 61" deck. These are all supposed to be top of the line with the exception of the MTD. I also have demoed the new 721D Grasshopper front mount 61" deck with the new G2 hydro motors. Well here goes my 2 cents. The Kubota was very nice to look at but didn't cut worth a hill of beans. I was so disappointed with the machine I took it back after two hours of use and I could have used it all day if I have wanted. The MTD kept cutting out on me while I was moving forward at speed over bumps or when I made a tight right hand turn. Cut quality was the worst of all I have used to date. The Grasshopper 225 was the best cutting of the ZTR's I have been on and no problems with the mechanics. The one thing I will say that all the ZTR's had in common was that they beat the dog crap outta me on anything but the smoothest ground around and they all tore the turf up when turning. Boy was I ready to get off these machines at the end of the day and some, as I have said as early as possible. I also tried the Grasshopper 721D (20.9 hp Kubota diesel) with the 61" quick mount deck that tilts up for cleaning. I found this mower to have buy far the best cut quality of all the units. It handled extremely well and rode like a large easy chair compared to the ZTR's. I loved the ability to get under trees and bushes to trim closer to edges then I could with the ZTR's because of the fact that I had a clear field of view. The 721D also disturbed the ground some when I turned around but no where near the damage of the ZTR's especially the ZD 18. Has anyone else done this type of comparison between the ZTR's and the front mounts? I cut about 15 acres a week this year and I would like to make a new purchase for my business some time soon. The 721D with 61" deck and 14 hours on the clock was $9.800 and the 725 25Hp gas Kubota 3 cyl. with the 61" deck and no hours is $10.000 even. I think I can beat these prices since they came from a dealer known for the highest prices in my state. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Grasshopper G2 hydro pumps. Well I hope someone takes the time to read this and get back with me you have all been a great deal of help in the past. Thanks, Scaper

Anonymous Poster · May 26, 2001

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

Scaper, Have you tried out an Exmark Lazer. Highly recommended machine. Or a Dixie cutter.

Scaper · May 26, 2001

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

I haven't tried a Lazer Z yet but the dealer I git the grasshopers from said it rides about the same as the 225 GH. I asked for a demo on the Lazer and was told ExMark had changed their poilcy on demos, You can no longer take an Exmark and put hrs on it on the job site. You have ton drive it at the dealers yard. Sounds like a pile of crap to me but that came from twom ExMark dealers in the area. I hope to find someone who will let me use it in the real world for a couple of hours some time soon. I did see that ExMark has a full suspension seat for their larger top[ of the line Z mower. Thanks Scaper.

Snell · May 27, 2001

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

Any chance to check out the Dixon 7000 series commercial mower?

cowboydoc · May 27, 2001

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

I don't know if they make a big enough one for you but I tryed out one of those new john deere ztr and they are by far the best that I have been on. If I can get a good enough of a deal I'm going to trade mine for one.

Scaper · May 27, 2001

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

I think the JD ZTR is made by Exmark for JD. If I remember right thats what I have been told. Although I may be wrong it may be MTD that makes them for JD. Which ever one it is they also make Lesco's mowers and they are the same as JD's ZTR. I think that the only differance between the three is the decks that are hanging under them. Does anyone own the Grasshopper 721 or 725 mower. If so how do you like them and do they seem heavy enopugh for commercial mowing?
Thanks Scaper

Anonymous Poster · May 27, 2001

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

A few weeks back, a Grasshopper 725 sold for $3000 at a local auction. My landscaper friend was @ Myrtle Beach that week and was "sick" when I told him...

cowboydoc · May 27, 2001

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

Scaper,
The one I was talking about was the new sst, super spin steer, model that came out. That thing will spin on a dime and give you some change! According to the deere dealer it's the first design of it's kind. I don't know if that's true or not but that's what he said.

Bird · May 27, 2001

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

Richard, my brother just asked me this afternoon whether I'd seen or driven one of those spin steer machines. He tried one out at the dealer's and was quite impressed with it.

Bird

schlepkus1 · May 27, 2010

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

I have used front mount grasshoppers since 1999, they are far and above faster, smoother, and better cutting than mid-mounts (you refer to mid mounts as ZTRs) it is just plain physics that make them work better. We bought a really good mid mount grasshopper in '03 and returned it after 5 minutes of mowing. Exmark lazer z stormed the market and is a good mower. Price is lower and you can fit more on the trailer but nothing compares to the ride and the mauverability of a front mounted deck!!!

Scaper said:
Hello folks, I have been trying out the new ZTR's for the past month and a half. So far I have been on the Kubota ZD 18 54" deck, MTD Pro. 60" deck, and the Grass Hopper M225 with the 61" deck. These are all supposed to be top of the line with the exception of the MTD. I also have demoed the new 721D Grasshopper front mount 61" deck with the new G2 hydro motors. Well here goes my 2 cents. The Kubota was very nice to look at but didn't cut worth a hill of beans. I was so disappointed with the machine I took it back after two hours of use and I could have used it all day if I have wanted. The MTD kept cutting out on me while I was moving forward at speed over bumps or when I made a tight right hand turn. Cut quality was the worst of all I have used to date. The Grasshopper 225 was the best cutting of the ZTR's I have been on and no problems with the mechanics. The one thing I will say that all the ZTR's had in common was that they beat the dog crap outta me on anything but the smoothest ground around and they all tore the turf up when turning. Boy was I ready to get off these machines at the end of the day and some, as I have said as early as possible. I also tried the Grasshopper 721D (20.9 hp Kubota diesel) with the 61" quick mount deck that tilts up for cleaning. I found this mower to have buy far the best cut quality of all the units. It handled extremely well and rode like a large easy chair compared to the ZTR's. I loved the ability to get under trees and bushes to trim closer to edges then I could with the ZTR's because of the fact that I had a clear field of view. The 721D also disturbed the ground some when I turned around but no where near the damage of the ZTR's especially the ZD 18. Has anyone else done this type of comparison between the ZTR's and the front mounts? I cut about 15 acres a week this year and I would like to make a new purchase for my business some time soon. The 721D with 61" deck and 14 hours on the clock was $9.800 and the 725 25Hp gas Kubota 3 cyl. with the 61" deck and no hours is $10.000 even. I think I can beat these prices since they came from a dealer known for the highest prices in my state. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Grasshopper G2 hydro pumps. Well I hope someone takes the time to read this and get back with me you have all been a great deal of help in the past. Thanks, Scaper