Residential ZTR, which one to look at:

[Safetyfast]

Looks like I'll have to ante up a bit more than I originally planned. Like to still stay in the $4000 range for my almost 2 acres. Keep hearing bad things about the Cub ZTR50 that sales for $3k. Wondering what else is out there. Looks like I could get a lower line Snapper, a Simplicity Javelin, Ariens or Toro. Also interested in Gravely at home line, but can't find out prices or what transmission they use. The closest Gravely dealer is about an hour away, so I can't just pop in. Any thoughts on which one, or other suggestions to look at. I notice most in that price range have either a IZT or EZT transmission. Is one rated at longer life than the other. I'm guessing I'll have probably 40 hours or so mowing time a year.

 

[Gatorboy]

... this seems to be a continuation of this thread

 

[Safetyfast]

Yes. Figured I'd suck it up and pay a bit more, so I figured that changed the question a bit.

 

[Sigma]

I just bought a Cub Z Force 50 to mow approx. 1.5 acres. Very pleased with my decision.

I like the looks of the bigger heavier commercial models, but the z force is plenty for mowing a few acres once a week.

There are plenty of posts to read about the Z Force models on the TBN Cub forum.

 

[Spiffy]

For 2 acres, I'd say the extra 30% is money well spent. In and of itself I'm not afraid of Cub Cadet, but know they aren't like the CubCadets the name was built on - of course, almost every big name is now making "econo-line" stuff.

The $1000 LTs or a $3000 ZTRs out now are the cheap models matter what name it is, color it's painted or what the brochures say.

You won't get a straight answer from a mfg or HydroGear, but I still think the IZT looks heavier. Also, HG's specs and the fact that the heavier ZTRs are more likely to have IZT, somewhat confirm it. Finally, the heaviest ones (barring a commercial hydraulic system), are based on an IZT design.

More than names, I'd trust the specs, eyeball comparisons, and test drives. Also, I don't care what brand it is, big box stores have a reputation for messing up machine set-ups, and a few dealers aren't the brightest bulbs around either, so if you find a dealer you trust, he'll probably get you a solid machine no matter what color he sells. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Safetyfast]

Thanks for the response. I'll look around. We've got a dealer that has Snapper Toro Exmark and Simplicity, so those will be simple, and I know the main sales lady. Another dealer has Cub. Then about an hour away I can look at Hustler and an hour the other way I can look at Gravely and Ariens.

 

[cperky]

I bought a Hustler brand ZTR in your price range. seems to be well built.

http://www.hustlerturfequipment.com/home.html

 

[Safetyfast]

I was reading up on a Hustler mini fast track yesterday. Frame and deck looks sturdy for its price range, but noticed it still just has the EZT transmissions and lower horse engine than the $3k Cub Cadet zt150

 

[Redneck_Randy]

Have you thought about looking at the Dixon line of ZTR's? I have the Ram50 and just love it. It's more then you need but they make smaller models as well.

Randy

 

[Safetyfast]

No, not sure if there is a Dixon dealer around here, but I'll check.