Pros to having a riding mower over a zero-turn

[WVH1977]

Ok, I have been using a zero-turn for 17 years. I am happy with my current one as well because of the nice seat and the speed it cuts. However, I still sometimes like the idea of a nice, big, comfortable, riding mower to cut grass with. It seems the consensus on here is that zero-turns are the best and a riding mower is big, bulky and slow (outdated).

So, what are the positives (if any) to owning a riding mower over a zero-turn? I am not talking about a sub-compact with mower deck but a dedicated riding mower.

 

[Hay Dude]

Ok, I have been using a zero-turn for 17 years. I am happy with my current one as well because of the nice seat and the speed it cuts. However, I still sometimes like the idea of a nice, big, comfortable, riding mower to cut grass with. It seems the consensus on here is that zero-turns are the best and a riding mower is big, bulky and slow (outdated).

So, what are the positives (if any) to owning a riding mower over a zero-turn? I am not talking about a sub-compact with mower deck but a dedicated riding mower.

Better choice for the summer tractor parade?

 

[quicksandfarmer]

You can pull a wagon.

You can drive with one hand.

 

[4570Man]

You can pull a wagon.

You can drive with one hand.

I hauled firewood in a wagon pulled with my zero turn for years. Mowing the whole yard with one hand might be a struggle but I can easily drive the zero turn with one hand. I’d never go back to regular riding mower. The zero turn is vastly superior.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Most ZTRs have hitches, and Cub Cadet makes one with a steering wheel as well.

 

[Hay Dude]

You can pull a wagon.

You can drive with one hand.

You can do that with a zero turn, too.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I don't think most find regular riding mowers "comfortable". They are cheaper though, there is that

 

[zzvyb6]

My front mower runs a 76" high offset mower deck, rear discharge. It runs a broom that clears my 800' driveway of snow in 2 passes. It pulls my hayrake without the deck or broom attached. With a 2200 to 540 gear reducer, it nicely runs my 45/25 Winpower pto generator even though it's a bit under-powered. If the house power does go out, I just refrain from firing my railguns and phazors both at the same time. A LOT quieter than when it was hooked to my 1070.

 

[2manyrocks]

Traditional riding mower is usually about $1,000 less than a ZTR. If someone is mowing an open field with no obstructions, a ZTR won't be any faster cutting than a riding mower of the same cutting width and ground speed. A riding mower with normal steering is easier to control on a steep slope than a ZTR with front caster wheels. But my own experience is I nearly always go right back to my ZTR, and my riding mower just sits.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

My ZT wins in all categories. The rider is in the shed.