My name is Justin Edmonds. I'm from New Market, TN and live on my family's 2 farms. I have to rather large yards, about 6 acres each, to mow and have been looking for a 60" diesel powered ztr mower to do the job. Out of the ones I've sat on, the ones produced by Toro and Gravely seem to be the most comfortable. I'm just wondering if anybody out there might have any pros or cons concerning these two mowers. Also, should I go with the 25hp Kubota or the 27hp Daihatshu diesel engine? I'm looking forward to your input. Thank you!
Toro vs Gravely Diesel ZTR
- Thread starter JustinE
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milkman
Elite Member
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- Tractor
- BX2200, BCS 735
We have a local Gravely dealer and he's sold a lot of them in this area, the ones I know of have not been impressive and he has recently picked up the Snapper Pro line and a neighbor has already had a problem with one of them throwing the belt. That's one of the reasons I went with the ZD, shaft drive and several other features, you are in the Kubota ZD mower price range, have you considered them?
6thgpSF
Gold Member
Justin,I've got the 28hp Kubota in my Grasshopper and have had no problems.IMO if you are going to spend big $ on a ZTR you should check out the front mount decks. russ
koolbotaman
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Call your local dealers and request to demo various units. Toro, gravely, badboy, kubota, grasshopper and scag all make excellent diesel mowers.
I own a tor 60" with the 25hp kubota engine. Very fuel efficient and does a great job.
Buy what you like the best. Rider comfort should be a large factor too.
I own a tor 60" with the 25hp kubota engine. Very fuel efficient and does a great job.
Buy what you like the best. Rider comfort should be a large factor too.
American Bulldog
Gold Member
For 12 acres of lawn to mow, a 60" deck seems a little small. IMO the best mower on the market bar none is the Ventrac 4200 series with the 84" contour mower. You can get the tractor with either the 31HP Diesel Daihatsu or 31HP Gas Daihatsu. (They call it a Briggs Vanguard, but it is a Daihatsu) The Ventrac is articulated, and it won't rip up the grass as much as a ZTR. It is 4WD, and has many other attachments if you want them. It is much safer than a ZTR on hills as well.
I have a Deere 60" ZTR and the Ventrac 84" with dual wheels, and the Deere rarely comes out of the barn.
Ventrac - 4000 Series Compact Tractors
I have a Deere 60" ZTR and the Ventrac 84" with dual wheels, and the Deere rarely comes out of the barn.
Ventrac - 4000 Series Compact Tractors
Thanks! I was a little warey on the Graveley when I saw in there catalog that their spindles are "maintenance free." I asked an engineer buddy of mine, and he said that that translates into being quickly replaceable. The reason I was considering the Gravely and Toro is that they are the two I found to be most comfortable other than Deere, which doesn't have too good of a reputation as of late. All of the others have seats that set too low and cause me to have to dangle my feet over the front. Another factor is that my only choices, as far as dealers goes, around here are Husqvarna, Snapper, Scag, Gravely, Cub-Cadet/MTD and Toro. Out of those, the ones I like and has a diesel engine are Toro and Gravely.
I wouldn't mind the 84" deck if the yards were conjoining. Also, I have concerns as to whether or not it's just to big to fit into certain locations in the yards. I may look into those and see, if I can find a place with one. I think the largest anybody has around here is 72". I'll have to do a little more research
I wouldn't mind the 84" deck if the yards were conjoining. Also, I have concerns as to whether or not it's just to big to fit into certain locations in the yards. I may look into those and see, if I can find a place with one. I think the largest anybody has around here is 72". I'll have to do a little more research
natem
Silver Member
Too bad you dont have a ferris dealer around. They have one at work use it daily in the growing season about 800 hrs on it now and no problems, except ones caused by operator. It is a 72" 5000 series. Thats alls I got
American Bulldog
Gold Member
The 84" deck obviously can't get into the real tight spots. They do have a 72" deck though. That 84 sure cuts nice, but it isn't cheap.
I have never seen the Ferris, but it sure looks like a nice mower in pictures. I love that Cat Diesel that they put in them. Independant front suspension must help the comfort level as well. Dixie Choppers have quite a reputation as well, as they can cut really fast. Never seen one of them either.
I was knocking my Deere, but it is a good solid ZTR. Never had any problems with it at all.
Best of luck getting the mower you want... keep us posted.
