shooterdon
Elite Member
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2012
- Messages
- 4,084
- Tractor
- 2019 LS XR4140 HST Cab; 2020 Kawasaki Mule SX; 2021 Bad Boy 54" ZT Elite
Well so far in 30+ months I'm at 667 hours:shocked:.
I:
667 hours in 30 months to cut 2 acres???
If you cut every week, that works out to 129 cuts (4.3 wks/mo x 30). Hard to believe it is taking you over 5 hours a week to cut 2 acres. One thing to consider....on my "cheap" Husqvarna rider, the hour meter keeps running if I leave the ignition key turned on. I did that one winter when the battery died and I put it on charger, and now have over 1100 hours on the clock. But maybe you are cutting 2-3 times a week?
My advice is look at the number of times you cut, and how long it normally takes you. Then figure a 40-50% reduction in time using a ZT. In my case, I am going from 48" to 52" and have a lot of stuff to mow around so I used a 50% reduction in seat time.
This old dinosaur is lazy, and I will never change the transmission oil unless it it easy. If the "sealed" system transmissions will run 450 hours, they will stay sealed. My ground is level and I will not be using the ZT to pull anything. You situation should be evaluated.
Short story...I went into the dealer to have the transmission on my Mercedes serviced at 100K miles. I am a bit **** about servicing stuff. Wanted a new filter and fluid. Dealer told me it was "not recommended". Car went 265k miles before I totaled it when I hit a doe and fawn simultaneously. I sold it to a hillbilly who banged into drivable condition and he put another 35k on it before his gf totaled it for good.
BTW, like you I started looking a "mid range" $5-6,000 ZT because of what I read here about guys using commercial grade mowers and raving about them. But the numbers did not make sense...at least in my situation. Many suggest getting a used commercial ZT but I do not want to buy a "project". YMMV
My stupid Husqvarna rider keeps on doing its thing, and every year it runs means less time the ZT of my dreams will need to last. If I did not hate cutting grass, I would just buy another $2000 rider when it eventually craps out.
Last thing for you to noodle. I am leaning to the Country Clipper because of its flip up deck. Makes servicing blades so much easier. I am not getting younger. My fiancé really liked the joy stick controls on the CC. She has never cut the grass but if I get hurt she will need to.