Newbie Intro - ZTR or CUT??

[JPinnell]

I'm closing on a small acreage with house and such next week. It's 9.2 acres with most of that being grass that is finish mowed currently. It's fairly flat with the buildings, pond, and a few trees to mow around.The PO purchased an Exmark Lazer ZTR w/72" deck and 27hp liquid cooled gas engine. He claims to have paid $14K new for it a year ago, but I'm getting it for a price I almost feel guilty about. It has around 150hrs on it and looks brand new

The wife eventually wants to put in a veggie garden. I'll need to maintain the driveway, mow, and do snow removal. I'm wondering if I'd be better served with a CUT like JD 2210/755 or similar Kubota with a mower deck. Ideally I'd like to be able to mow 6 acres n 2-4hrs which I know the ZTR will do, but that's all it does. We don't see serious snow fall often so a blower wouldn't be necessary, but a blade of FEL would be. I hate the idea of having a separate tiller, mower, etc. all taking up shop space with engines to maintain.

I don't think I could afford both a ZTR and CUT right now. What type of sale/tradein price migh I expect to get for the Exmark?? Since I'll be mostly mowing grass would the ZTR be the best option and look at a big Troy Tiller/Blade for garden and snow??

Thanks,

JP

 

[beenthere]

I never knew how handy a FEL was until I got one. Irreplaceable, IMO. Just the 2210 size or similar, with FEL.
The Exmark is a good rig too, but to me they are the handiest when just mowing, but not much more. If you have a lawn service, then go for it. Other than that, the ZTR will be great to get the lawn mowing out of the way, so you then have time to get the wheelbarrow out and get to the real work.
Me? - no question what I would do.
Good luck with your decision. I see it won't be an easy one. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Will_C]

JP; It sounds to me that you really need that ZTR. I think that you may well be a candidate for a used compact or even a used utility sized tractor. It does not appear that you will be putting all that many hours on a tractor (plowing, garden tilling, road maintaining etc.), so I think the used route may be a possibility for you.
I have a sub-CUT with a 60" MMM and FEL, and I have been very happy with it. My needs are similar to yours (4.5 acres to mow, 300'of driveway to plow, other assorted chores), but as my old tractor was getting unreliable, and I had to do something ASAP.In that circumstance, the new tractor was my best and only choice. I think you have the luxury of having the ZTR for your mowing, and taking your time to find a used tractor. For me, the new sub-CUT was the answer then. I am now planning to add a ZTR next year for my mowing.
I hope this post makes some sense to you.
Will

 

[slowrev]

A ZTR like you have will outperform a CUT for finish mowing, especially if there are any obstacles.

I would recommend keeping the ZTR, if it a good enough deal, and then take you time looking for a good deal on a used tractor that fits your needs. Convince the wife that you NEED both.

 

[MuncyBob]

I would have bought a ZTR if my land was not so hilly...in your case(with level land to cut) and esp. for the bargain you're getting I would go with the ZTR.....but you def. do have a need for a tractor. Just got mine this year and now I wonder how I have lived without an FEL for so long! Mine cuts and loads, etc. and has saved me hours of work! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

I also like the idea of the FTR for mowing (that is what you will be doing most of the time) and a used tractor/FEL later. A 18hp Yanmar may be just the ticket for the CUT. Do some research on grey market tractors and Yanmars so you know what you are getting yourself into.

 

[JPinnell]

I'm getting the Exmark ZTR for $5K which seemed like a steal. I'd figured I'd use it for a year or so and since I got into it for cheap should be able to get that out of it easily enough when trading in for something else. Maybe keeping the ZTR and later getting an old 8N or Cheap Asian for doing Tractor Duties would be the best bet?? I'd really like to convince the wife that I "need" a ZTR and a CUT but my negotiating aren't up to the task. Convincing her that we needed 9 acres and I needed a workshop was a big enough task She's Scottish and Town whereas I'm Country and a Hick. She doesn't understand buffer zones from the neighbors, the benefits of country living, etc. but I have convinced her that I really do need powertools. So we get along fairly well for it being the firts year

Any idea what a yr old Exmark Lazer Z with a 72" Deck 27HP Liquid Cooled Kohler with 150hrs is worth??

- JP

 

[slowrev]

Not sure what the ZTR is worth, but I think get the ZTR now and later she might convince herself you need a tractor to help with her outdoor interests /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Remember the idea has to be hers in the end /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[bontai_Joe]

I'd contact Exmark and see if it can be fitted with a snowblower and tiller. Some ZTRs have additional attachments, but I'm not familiar with the Exmark line to give you a definite answer. I do know enough that you are getting a bargain on the ZTR.

 

[MuncyBob]

"I'd really like to convince the wife that I "need" a ZTR and a CUT"


This is why I decided on a Power Trac...I really needed both a mower and a FEL but could not afford both and the used FEL's I did find around here were either too expensive or "rust buckets". Wife agreed and even likes the PT...although she has no seat time in it yet!