Opinions on Selecting a Zero Turn Mower

Beedo · Oct 19, 2019

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 The Cub Cadet Tank on paper looks good, but opinions aren't that high plus it is obsolete and I don't think CC really has a commercial replacement.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 · Oct 19, 2019

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 · Oct 19, 2019

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 · Oct 19, 2019

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 · Oct 19, 2019

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 · Oct 19, 2019

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 · Oct 19, 2019

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 · Oct 19, 2019

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 · Oct 19, 2019

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.