Opinions on Selecting a Zero Turn Mower

[Beedo]

I was thinking of a ZT mower, 60" for 5 acres. I mow with a Kubota B2150 with 60" mid-mount mower now. It takes me about 2 1/2 hours (not including trimming). The zero turn would be much faster, or so I'm told. But I've been here a long time and am getting older and I can't justify $6-8,000 (or more) for a new commercial so was looking at used. I will do a dump of my brain and look for opinions, just let me know if I'm all wet.

I don't know decent specs as far as hours, I know in general you take a chance when buying someone elses stuff. I do know the hydros are outrageous expensive and, I've been told, practically not serviceable. I've been sticking with Hydrogear or Parker. Engines Kawasaki FX or Kohler Command. I've seen a Ferris (which I always thought was a high-quality commercial brand) with 230 hrs and a Vanguard big block 30 HP on it (happens that B&S owns Ferris). So I've been, looking at, Gravely, Husqvarna, Ferris, (maybe) Hustler, Kubota, Exmark, Scag, Walker (but don't see many of those). Haven't really considered Deere just a personal thing.

Generally people speak poorly about Hustler, Big Dog, Bad Boy, etc. but some of the models have really good engines and high-end hydraulics on them. Outside of engine and hydrostatics the rest of the machine is just metal and a few spindles, which doesn't concern me.

I haven't heard anything much good about Country Clipper (if you have parts issues), but that joystick drive is pretty attractive. I like Grasshopper and Woods, because you can put a snowblower onto some of them, and they seem spec- and parts-wise to both be pretty good. I guess at one time Grasshopper built the Woods units. The Cub Cadet Tank on paper looks good, but opinions aren't that high plus it is obsolete and I don't think CC really has a commercial replacement.

Any opinions that might guide me or should I just scrap the idea of "pre-owned"? I've been trying to stay with residential used machines and avoiding the lawn maintenance guys used stuff . . . most of them look totally trashed.

 

[Jimc295]

I bought a Ferris and was very happy, it has a suspension system which smoothed out the bumps. You can get them with a Kawasaki engine. 60 inch cut with twin hydro fans. Cut my mowing time in half.

 

[shovelmike]

I have mowed with a Hustler Super Z powered by 25 HP Kawasaki, 52 in. deck. I mowed with it commercially for 3 years and it has been indestructible, it will likely outlast me.
The Super Z is superior to the Z in that you get a higher volume pump and hydraulic oil cooler with fan.
Mine was a low hour demo for which I paid $6500, saving about $1,500. Perhaps you can find a used one to fit your budget.

 

[shooterdon]

When I buy one it will likely have the Kawaski engine. They seem to get good reviews.

Like you, I find it difficult to justify a high dollar commercial mower, but luckily I have only about 2 acres of grass so longevity is a lesser concern. I might only be able to cut grass for another 15 years which will be about 300 hours with a ZT. Might be beneficial for you to run the numbers for your situation. If you need a machine that will see 1500 hours, it makes sense to invest in a more costly machine.

 

[AllDodge]

I have a 20+ year old Huster FasTrack with Honda 20hp and 52 inch deck. Only thing other it has needed in all those years were

Spark plugs after 1 year, kept bogging down and wouldn't run, changed from factory Denso to Champion all good ever since
Change spindle deck bearings last year and bought new belts. Didn't need new belts but changed them anyway.
Had some flats on front tires from thorns
This year one of the steering rods had a stress fracture. I made a new one for $12

If I ever need another, I'll look close at Hustler, but have also noticed even the Hustler is being made cheaper. I have metal covering all pulleys and new ones have plastic. It does cut faster but also note it will bounce you around real good if the ground is not fairly smooth

 

[seville009]

Bought a diesel Ferris is5100z zero turn back in 2009. Had been using a 3 pt finish mower on a MF1540. Mowing time went from 3 hours to 1. My back loves it too.....

 

[F3506]

Just keep in mind that basic physics still comes into play. Being able to go faster doesn't mean it will be comfortable enough to do so. The lighter the machine, the more it's going to bounce. If you have a machine without an independent suspension, then the smaller zero turn is going to rattle your kidneys at full speed unless you've got really smooth ground. Minimal PSI in the tires will help some. They sell a suspension seat that makes a bid difference as well.

I've had a Hustler for years and thought it was a great mower. I recently got a deal on a used Scag commercial model. It has a floating frame suspension, better hydraulics, and is capable of going too fast, even on smooth ground. Both have the same Kawasaki motor. If I had to do it over again, I'd have bought the Scag instead of the Hustler (if they had all those options back then)

 

[Code54]

Another Ferris guy here - bought it new this year and am very pleased with it. Cuts FAST and does a great job. I personally went with a stander - mainly for better maneuverability, smoother ride, and the ability to step off if I have a problem on a steep hill.

 

[RustyA]

15 year old hustler fastrack 52 with 20hp honda I bought new. Bulletproof machine for me. One drive belt and a few sets of blades. Serviceable twin hydros and its been a great machine for me. Really cuts down on trimming time too.

 

[Maxify55]

Bought Ferris diesel last year.
Drove my 2003 {1000Z} until 2018.
It's probably still running today.
I'm a stickler for proper maintenance

 

[DK35vince]

I have a 2013 Hustler Super Z (35 HP Kawasaki with 72" deck)
The thing mows FAST. Out mows my 35 HP tractor w/84" rear mount mower by a good bit.
Cuts my 8 acre lawn in around 2 hours. (averaging 4 acres per hour)
Very heavy built mower. Never a single issue so far after 6 years (other than a couple flat tires).

 

[BoylermanCT]

I have a Hustler X-One and love it. It is built like a tank, weighs over 1,200 lbs and mows really well and really fast. 29hp Kawasaki engine. Its rated for 6 acres an hour, but you have to have a really smooth lawn to mow at that pace. I have owned 2 Hustlers, and would highly recommend them. I traded in my first one for a bigger faster mower.

 

[DK35vince]

I have a Hustler X-One and love it. It is built like a tank, weighs over 1,200 lbs and mows really well and really fast. 29hp Kawasaki engine. Its rated for 6 acres an hour, but you have to have a really smooth lawn to mow at that pace. I have owned 2 Hustlers, and would highly recommend them. I traded in my first one for a bigger faster mower.

Same here. On my second Hustler.
Sold my Hustler FasTrak to upsize to the bigger, faster Super Z.
Picture from 2013 when I got the Super Z (my old FasTrak is on the left)
Super Z weights 1600 lbs and can mow up to 14 MPH.
Awesome mower.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I was thinking of a ZT mower, 60" for 5 acres. I mow with a Kubota B2150 with 60" mid-mount mower now. It takes me about 2 1/2 hours (not including trimming). The zero turn would be much faster, or so I'm told. But I've been here a long time and am getting older and I can't justify $6-8,000 (or more) for a new commercial so was looking at used. I will do a dump of my brain and look for opinions, just let me know if I'm all wet.

I don't know decent specs as far as hours, I know in general you take a chance when buying someone elses stuff. I do know the hydros are outrageous expensive and, I've been told, practically not serviceable. I've been sticking with Hydrogear or Parker. Engines Kawasaki FX or Kohler Command. I've seen a Ferris (which I always thought was a high-quality commercial brand) with 230 hrs and a Vanguard big block 30 HP on it (happens that B&S owns Ferris). So I've been, looking at, Gravely, Husqvarna, Ferris, (maybe) Hustler, Kubota, Exmark, Scag, Walker (but don't see many of those). Haven't really considered Deere just a personal thing.

Generally people speak poorly about Hustler, Big Dog, Bad Boy, etc. but some of the models have really good engines and high-end hydraulics on them. Outside of engine and hydrostatics the rest of the machine is just metal and a few spindles, which doesn't concern me.

I haven't heard anything much good about Country Clipper (if you have parts issues), but that joystick drive is pretty attractive. I like Grasshopper and Woods, because you can put a snowblower onto some of them, and they seem spec- and parts-wise to both be pretty good. I guess at one time Grasshopper built the Woods units. The Cub Cadet Tank on paper looks good, but opinions aren't that high plus it is obsolete and I don't think CC really has a commercial replacement.

Any opinions that might guide me or should I just scrap the idea of "pre-owned"? I've been trying to stay with residential used machines and avoiding the lawn maintenance guys used stuff . . . most of them look totally trashed.

Get the Ferris. I have one with an air seat and it is like riding a cloud that makes more noise and mows.

 

[Sigarms]

I was thinking of a ZT mower, 60" for 5 acres. I mow with a Kubota B2150 with 60" mid-mount mower now. It takes me about 2 1/2 hours (not including trimming). The zero turn would be much faster, or so I'm told. But I've been here a long time and am getting older and I can't justify $6-8,000 (or more) for a new commercial so was looking at used. I will do a dump of my brain and look for opinions, just let me know if I'm all wet.

I don't know decent specs as far as hours, I know in general you take a chance when buying someone elses stuff. I do know the hydros are outrageous expensive and, I've been told, practically not serviceable. I've been sticking with Hydrogear or Parker. Engines Kawasaki FX or Kohler Command. I've seen a Ferris (which I always thought was a high-quality commercial brand) with 230 hrs and a Vanguard big block 30 HP on it (happens that B&S owns Ferris). So I've been, looking at, Gravely, Husqvarna, Ferris, (maybe) Hustler, Kubota, Exmark, Scag, Walker (but don't see many of those). Haven't really considered Deere just a personal thing.

Generally people speak poorly about Hustler, Big Dog, Bad Boy, etc. but some of the models have really good engines and high-end hydraulics on them. Outside of engine and hydrostatics the rest of the machine is just metal and a few spindles, which doesn't concern me.

I haven't heard anything much good about Country Clipper (if you have parts issues), but that joystick drive is pretty attractive. I like Grasshopper and Woods, because you can put a snowblower onto some of them, and they seem spec- and parts-wise to both be pretty good. I guess at one time Grasshopper built the Woods units. The Cub Cadet Tank on paper looks good, but opinions aren't that high plus it is obsolete and I don't think CC really has a commercial replacement.

Any opinions that might guide me or should I just scrap the idea of "pre-owned"? I've been trying to stay with residential used machines and avoiding the lawn maintenance guys used stuff . . . most of them look totally trashed.

For the most part, look at what your local dealers carry and see how long they have had the line.

My local guy carried Ferris, got one for around the house and love it. That said, he knows be by name and he has always treated me good for service on everything else as well.

Ironically enough I had a country clipper. Got about 1000 hours out of it before I traded it in on the Ferris. BUT... you hit the nail on the head, I got a good deal on the mower, the small guy was about 45 mintues away, then went out of business. Parts were an issue because I couldn't find a dealer locally, and once I found a guy, he either went out of business, and my last dealer dropped the line. This is why I went local 10 minutes up the road from me. The joystick on the country clipper was great (let my neighbor try it out for a cut around his lawn and he said it was the first time he could smoke and drink mowing LOL), but what I loved more about that mower was accessing the blades under the deck. Litterally about 2 minutes and the deck was up.



Honestly, not certain why more people don't look at a joystick design. Another reason I got the country clipper (back then) was my dad liked it a lot more than the "twin stick" design of a conventional zero turn.

That said, as noted, very happy with the Ferris as well.

 

[Jimc295]

Get the Ferris. I have one with an air seat and it is like riding a cloud that makes more noise and mows.

That is the reason I purchased mine. I have arthritis and mowing with one that had no suspension was not much faster because I had to run slow to keep from getting serious pain from the rough ride. With my Ferris is was a different story, I could fly across rough ground.

 

[whistlepig]

I have a Ferris. No regrets.

 

[dalola]

Probably worth test riding a few different brands, to get a feel for the differences. Regardless of brand, just make sure it's a commercial unit, then anything under 1K hours is worth considering. Also make sure the unit has individual pumps & wheel motors, not a transmission. Beyond that, get what appeals to you. I wish YK was still in business, used ones are few & far between.

 

[BoylermanCT]

Beedo, have you looked at Kubota zero turns? If you like their tractors, chances are you will like their zero turns. I also just saw an ad for Kioti zero turns, looks like they are jumping into the zero turn pool as well!

 

[nyone]

Most of these ZT manufacturers buy there hydraulics from the same manufacture. You really should pick out a hydraulic series you want and what engine. That will dictate what manufacturer you buy.

For me i wanted a commercial grade zt and not a briggs or kohler engine. I bought a used bobcat CRZ, there lowest grade mower. Il never own another home owner grade mower again. These are built better out of thicker materials and the blade tip speed is way way faster.