JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
Post deleted by JimMorrissey
Walk Behind vs. ZRT *DELETED*
- Thread starter JimMorrissey
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Re: Walk Behind vs. ZRT
The quality of cut will be virtually the same as they are both commercial mowers and have good deep decks with fast blade tip speed. My quality of cut between my old walk behind and my 2001 ZTR is the same.
The biggest question is how large is your yard? I have a 2 acre yard and I bought a new Scag SW48 walk behind in the Spring of 1998. I walked behind that thing for 7 seasons and I finally got tired of all the walking. I tried using a Velke a couple of years ago and it caused me lower back pain, so I went back to walking. The walk behind mower was taking me right at 2 hours to cut my lawn. Last fall I decided to sell the walk behind and upgrade to a ZTR. I couldn't be more happy. It's a load of fun to ride and it now only takes about 45 minutes to cut my grass. Granted I did jump up in deck size from a 48 to a 72 but the ZTR is also so much faster than the walk behind. Most walk behinds will only go about 6 mph top speed but the ZTR will top out above 10 mph. However, if your yard is rough it will beat the snot out of you at that speed so it may not be much difference for you.
Another thing to keep in mind. My walk behind was a belt drive and if I had to buy it all over again I would insist on a hydro unit. They are so much easier to control and maneuver. Good luck with your decision.
The quality of cut will be virtually the same as they are both commercial mowers and have good deep decks with fast blade tip speed. My quality of cut between my old walk behind and my 2001 ZTR is the same.
The biggest question is how large is your yard? I have a 2 acre yard and I bought a new Scag SW48 walk behind in the Spring of 1998. I walked behind that thing for 7 seasons and I finally got tired of all the walking. I tried using a Velke a couple of years ago and it caused me lower back pain, so I went back to walking. The walk behind mower was taking me right at 2 hours to cut my lawn. Last fall I decided to sell the walk behind and upgrade to a ZTR. I couldn't be more happy. It's a load of fun to ride and it now only takes about 45 minutes to cut my grass. Granted I did jump up in deck size from a 48 to a 72 but the ZTR is also so much faster than the walk behind. Most walk behinds will only go about 6 mph top speed but the ZTR will top out above 10 mph. However, if your yard is rough it will beat the snot out of you at that speed so it may not be much difference for you.
Another thing to keep in mind. My walk behind was a belt drive and if I had to buy it all over again I would insist on a hydro unit. They are so much easier to control and maneuver. Good luck with your decision.
Gatorboy
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Re: Walk Behind vs. ZRT
There is nothing wrong with a walk-behind. As Rob asked, how large of a lawn do you have to maintain? I think anything over an acre starts to get into the Walk/Ride thought process if you are not a young buck.
I also have a Scag SW48 and it will cut at a much faster speed than I wish to run behind it at. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif That's most likely where the ZTR will make up the time on you over the walk-behind. I have a sulky, but generally don't use it -- it really puts a workout on your grip for your legs no longer are able to aid you in helping with the turning.
There is nothing wrong with a walk-behind. As Rob asked, how large of a lawn do you have to maintain? I think anything over an acre starts to get into the Walk/Ride thought process if you are not a young buck.
I also have a Scag SW48 and it will cut at a much faster speed than I wish to run behind it at. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif That's most likely where the ZTR will make up the time on you over the walk-behind. I have a sulky, but generally don't use it -- it really puts a workout on your grip for your legs no longer are able to aid you in helping with the turning.
OP
JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
Re: Walk Behind vs. ZRT
Yeah, it's over two acres, so I guess the walk behind is out. I'm just worried that I'm not going to like the short wheel base and getting thrashed around on a residential ZRT with little wheels.
Yeah, it's over two acres, so I guess the walk behind is out. I'm just worried that I'm not going to like the short wheel base and getting thrashed around on a residential ZRT with little wheels.
