Toro vs Gravely vs Cub Cadet ZTR

[tiger275]

Hello all,

I have been lurking for a while and am finally ready to ask a stupid question.

I have 3.2 acres of grass with multiple trees, a pool, a small hill and lots of corners. I have found the following ZTRs near by and think that one of the three is the choice for me.

2004 - Toro Z-master Z300 - $4999
2005 - Gravely 44Z - $5199
2005 - Cub Cadet - Z-force 44 - $3499

Obviously the CC is not commercial grade and the other 2 are but for a $1500 savings, I could replace it sooner.

Comments?
Is the Toro a good value at that price (last year it listed for $5999)?
Are either of these mowers worth the extra $1500?
Should I be considering any other mowers (I am already at my maximum $$)?
Should I just scrap the idea of a commercial grade and go to lowes and buy an RTZ-42 for 2200 (2499-10%)?

Thanks for any feedback...and let the comments flow.

tiger275

 

[KiotiJohn]

Well, if you want a commercial grade mower that has a lifetime warranty on the frame and hydraulics, and I think 3 years on the bearings, check out the Hustler Zero Turn mowers.
My dealer has a 42" in stock for $3200, and it's well worth it.
I tried out a Woods, Bad Boy and the Hustler, and it won hands done on maneuverability and build.
It has one of those foot operated height adjustments that you can simply push down on to make a fast lift if you encounter a problem, and I really liked that feature. It beats the Toro non-commercial Zero Turn all around. I haven't seen the others, so can't answer about those.
In what part of the country do you live? You should go to my home at the top of page, click on that, and the personal settings and fill out your profile. People who live nearer to you may be able to give better advice, and may know of deals near you that others would not.
Welcome to TBN, and your question is not stupid in the least.
To sum up, I wouldn't pay that much money unless it was a really heavy duty, commercial mower, and I'd go with the Hustler Brand as so many lawn care guys I know have.
If you're anywhere near Jacksonville, FL., check out my dealer.
www.bigtractorsupply.com click on Hustler at the bottom of the home page.
John

 

[Spiffy]

3.2 acres: I'd take the RZT out of the equation. After that, your quandry sounds similar to one I just had.

My taste (assuming even relatively close "estimated costs of ownership") always falls toward longevity. That being said, expecting some abuse I looked at the "true" commerical units and "a good deal at the right time" made my decision, else the ZForce would have won. Unless you have some real rough areas or like to push the limits of equipment, I don't think the frames (on these choices) will be the deciding factor.

For 3 acres I'd lean towards individual pumps, motors, resivoir(s), over the IZT, but I haven't heard of ZForce IZT failures around here.

Will you have enough abuse to need a fabricated heavy gage deck? Also, may want to compare blade tip speeds; this (and potentially other deck factors) will determine your finish and the ground speeds you can achieve it at.

Do you have an engine preference? I'm cynical, but the way small engines are rated "these days" more HP is probably better too (in the same engine; you'd need to compare torque curves between brands).

I couldn't find anything on Toro's site about the Z300, but if the $5999 was the actuall price of the Toro (and assuming there isn't a "reason" they no longer list it); $1000 off a mower is pretty good.

And maybe the first and last thing to look at; does one just "feel" or handle better for you?

Chad