Buying Advice Residential ZTR advice

[mdbelt]

I've got 2.5 acres, mostly flat with a ditch & some minor rolling heaves on property. I mow every 10-14 days (sometimes every 7 in Spring if warranted). I don't have any plans for commercial mowing. I'll be replacing a 6 year old Husqvarna YTH2148 that gave me 300 hours then threw a push rod last weekend (yes I'll try & fix this as a secondary tractor in the "fleet"). I'd like to get a ZTR to help reduce mow time & spend more time with kiddos. After some great reading on transmissions, price ranges, & the lot, I've narrowed it down to the following three:
Cub Cadet RZT 54 25 HP Kaw - ZT 2800 Transmission $3,499.00
John Deere Z425 48 23 HP B&S - Kanzaki Dup-10 Transmission - $3,899.00
Cub Cadet Z-Force 48 22 HP Koh - ZT 2800 Transmission - $3,999.00

I'm sort-of leaning toward the RZT 54. I don't like the smaller tires, but it is 500 cheaper with a larger deck & similar transmission. Then again the RZT tops @ 6.5 MPH instead of 8. These top out my budget so I can't afford to move into a commercial unit, & I'm not sure I really need to. I've made a trip to the different dealers & taken a look at each of these units & plan on purchasing from a dealer when I pull the trigger.

This is a huge financial investment for me, & I believe in seeking the counsel of others. Any advice would be so greatly appreciated.

 

[rmasonjr]

I have the JD Z445 54" - Kawasaki 25hp - I love it. I have ~3acres and it runs great and never have any problems. The only thing I dislike is that sharpening the blades requires either dropping the deck, or jacking the front end up, but I suppose you would have to do that with any of those you have listed unless you go with a Grasshopper or Bad Boyz - those have hydraulic decks I believe.

 

[TonyKoehler]

If you're looking at dollars, consider the Dixon SpeedZTR 54...$3300 or a SpeedZTR46 for $2850.

 

[Lyrch75]

Make certain that the Cubs are not using the cheesy hydraulic wheel motor coolers that the "Tank" units had. THey would go tu when they ate debris and then you would end up having to replace the seals in the wheel motor due to overheating.

 

[zukota]

I just went through this exact search. I would recommend adding the Hustler Fastrack sport 48 to your list. It's msrp is $3400 with the B&S engine and it's built MUCH MUCH better than anything you listed. The big problem with the residentials (including the sport) is the transmissions.

I ended up buying a used commercial. If you can find a well maintained commerical mower with sub 1000 hours, it will last much longer than any residential.

 

[zukota]

Make certain that the Cubs are not using the cheesy hydraulic wheel motor coolers that the "Tank" units had. THey would go tu when they ate debris and then you would end up having to replace the seals in the wheel motor due to overheating.

I believe that cub is an mtd with an integrated EZT trans. At least the tanks had seperate weel motors and pumps.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

spend a hair more and buy a nice used commercial mower...

heck, you may not even have to spend more.......i didn't, spent quite a bit less....

there are some good deals out there right now, just have to be patient and keep looking.....

 

[Diamondpilot]

I know a couple with a Cub and its junk. Not sure what model but they paid $4K and has a Briggs. Its always broken and I have welded things back on it 3 or 4 times.

I would look at a Ferris also. What ever you get buy something with a Kawasaki. My neighbor is a commercial mower and has had by far the best luck with them.

Chris

 

[Kernopelli]

I have to agree with Zukota and Flatheadyoungin. We just went through this with my sons mowing business and the vast majority of $3k range ZTR's are not built like the commercial models. Decks, pumps, drive motors, frames and engine models are different than the higher priced units...they're just built better and of higher quality.Two years ago we picked up a Grasshopper that he's been using since for half the price of a $3K+ ZTR's and he just found a commercial JD ZTR with 800 hrs and new factory engine for $2000 on Ebay. I'll admit very unusual circumstance concerning the new engine and price etc on this mower but the point is, deals are out there, especially at this time of year.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

i just saw ferris has ztr's starting at 4999 (i'm sure they are small, maybe no suspension but for $1000 more, 3 times the mower)

and the best part they have 1.9% financing for 5 years.......that's a good deal....

i gave 2250 for my ferris ztr......he thought it had a bad wheel motor or hydro pump........it needed a $75 belt....

it has a oil leak that i'm trying to trace down but other than cosmetics, it's great.......

 

[LRTX1]

I agree with the others about trying to find a good deal on a commercial unit. The difference between the two is night and day. In the long run, the commercial unit would be cheaper. Instead of buying a new mower every 6 years, you can buy one and last you for 20+ years. Like mentioned the deals are out there.

What happens a lot of times, is guys buy a commercial mower to start a business and decide it is too much work or can't get the clients to pay for their invesment. Those are the deals to be looking at. A lot of times they are package deals. A friend of mine bought a packaged deal, enclosed trailer, weedwackers, blower and a 60" Ferris. After he sold off the extras he had just under 3 Grand in a 200 hour Ferris. It can be done cheap. I guess it takes a little patience, a lot of luck, and the willingness to take a risk.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

not their biggest/baddest model but for 500 more....twice the mower....looks like a dealer that's willing to deal....probably new to the market....

Ferris Commercial Zero Turn Mower w/Full Suspension

 

[pilot-werx]

not their biggest/baddest model but for 500 more....twice the mower....looks like a dealer that's willing to deal....probably new to the market....

Ferris Commercial Zero Turn Mower w/Full Suspension

I was just going to post a link to Scott's website, Scott's Recreation: Travel Trailers, Toy Trailers and much more! Manchester, ME

I have done business with Scott and you will not find a more stand-up and honest business man.

 

[Dargo]

not their biggest/baddest model but for 500 more....twice the mower....looks like a dealer that's willing to deal....probably new to the market....

Ferris Commercial Zero Turn Mower w/Full Suspension

Ferris does make a darn good machine. Even though that's their entry model, I feel confident it is far better than a box store residential machine and likely better than Cub Cadet's top model. After working on one for a relative, I'm extremely unimpressed with the machines Cub Cadet puts out.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

yeah, i was thinking the $500 difference would be VERY noticeable in the build.....but, i'm not looking at them.....i just know from experience about the big box store stuff........and it ain't gettin' no betta

Ferris does make a darn good machine. Even though that's their entry model, I feel confident it is far better than a box store residential machine and likely better than Cub Cadet's top model. After working on one for a relative, I'm extremely unimpressed with the machines Cub Cadet puts out.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I have a Cub. It is just not high quality. The Ferris is a much better mower. Grasshopper ,Toro,X-Mark,Scag,Bad Boy make some good stuff also. I have never had a mower motor fail. I have three transmisssions go bad. I Have always heard that buying a mower by weight is a good place to start. More metal means more weight means replaceable parts means longer service.

 

[Rob-D]

I have the Deere 445 with the K not the Briggs and I also opted for the hi cap deck. It's a mowig machine, has no problems and is easy to maintain but it did cost more. I think it came in around 5,000 or so if I remember but you get what you pay for. I can't see in not lasting, it's made very well, the deck is a brute.
Lousy on hills though, drove it into the pond last year!
I originally had the MMM deck for my tractor but it was a pain. I like the dedicated mower.
Rob

 

[sld]

I have been using a Toro 50 inch Timecutter for the past 2 years and it has been flawless.

There may be a huge difference in residential and commercial but I am only mowing 60 hours per year to maintain 3.5 acres of grass. Even at residential quality, this thing will last a long, long time. I don't abuse it and when parts of the yard get completely out of hand I will mow with the rotary cutter on the tractor.

It is a tough decision on what to buy. You just have to step back and look at the initial price and yearly usage and make the decision. I usually try and buy the best machine, period. But after running some numbers, this Toro came out pretty good as long as it lasts around 10 years and 600 hours. I am pretty meticulous on maintenance so I feel pretty safe about the 10 years.

 

[donn12]

I have a John Deere 717a 48 comm mower. It is a beast. Great cut and will last forever. You should be able to find a used on close to your price.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

hahaha, i think he left us.......

but we've sure had a good time shopping and telling about our mowers!