Riding Mower - Lawn Tractor for Big Guy?

BigGuy · Mar 3, 2011

Hi All,
I have a 13year old Toro riding mower (18HP, 38") and it's time to replace it. The Toro is just too small, I am not comfortable on it and it has a tought time going uphill with me driving it.
Been looking at zero turns but since we have some hilly areas I am not sure they'd be the best choice.
I am now thinking about a "man size" riding mower/lawn tractor and would appreciate your recommendations re. models, etc.
Parameters:
Approx. 1/2 acre lawn
Approx. 2 1/2 acres pasture type area (apple orchard)
Some cleared 10 ft. wide trails with pasture-mix grass in the woods
Oh, and I am 6'7" and around 360 lbs.
Don't have a budget set, want to see what's out there first.
Thanks for your input!
BigGuy

8086bruce · Mar 3, 2011

Try a John Deere X7XX series.

beenthere · Mar 3, 2011

If the Deere X7XX series are out of your price range, might consider the 455, 445, or 425 older models with 54" deck. Find low hours (500 - 1000) for neighborhood of $4k - 5k.

I find they work well on heavy grass and rough ground, as well as woods trails, and work well to get the lawn like a golf course.

radioman · Mar 3, 2011

try kubota BX series.

BigGuy · Mar 4, 2011

Thanks guys - I appreciate the input.
I've looked at the 5xx and 7xx series by JD and a GR2110 by Kubota today. They are bigger than my TORO, but not by that much, still a bit crammed even with the seat all the way back.
I'll have another look at Z-T's this weekend after all.
(Still having a hard time justifying $8K+ for a lawn mower).
BigGuy

nybirdman · Mar 4, 2011

Zero turns aren't real great on hills,try before buying.

Ray_Fort_White · Mar 4, 2011

Why not go to Home Depot and buy a riding mower, a couple pieces of flat iron and a few bolts? You should be able to move the seat back 6" without much work.

jenkinsph · Mar 7, 2011

Big Guy,
I suspect you will find all of the mowers and tractors to be cramped. For your size I think I would stay with a regular rider instead of a zero turn. Rayfort makes a good point about modifying the seat. Pick one that you can move it back far enough to fit you.

Molerj · Mar 8, 2011

I would suggest not buying a cheap mower from the box stores. The 3 acres that you will be cutting will beat that mower up. Couple that with your size & you won't make it through one season. Others may disagree, but believe me, the low end mower will not hold up. As beenthere says, try to find an older one in good condition if you can't or don't want to buy new. And, like others said, the ztr's aren't very good on hills.

radioman · Mar 8, 2011

I agree- try to stay away from big box stores. They really don't last. Have you looked and sat in the BX model instead of GR models? I think the BX is much more roomier and great place for legs to stretch out since it has a wide platform.

The BX will be more then 8k but it will LAST alot longer then the big box stores making your money worth it.