Want a New Mowing Machine

[JESSE1]

I have a '99 4400 With a 60" MMM. Tractor has about 620 hrs. on it. Basically have only used it for mowing. I do use a fertilizer spreader with it. I'm getting ready to make a change and right now I'm seriously considering a 997 zero-turn mower. The 997 has a 31hp Yanmar diesel and can be equipped with a 60 or 72" mower. My concern is that I would be going from a multi-purpose machine that mows very good but is really too big to a single purpose machine that will mow great but that's all. I've thought about a 3520 but they are physically the same tractor as the 4400. If I buy another tractor I wanted a rear mounted finish mower. If I read the specs correctly the 2000 series only come with a MMM. Anyone had any experience with a Zero-turn mower compared with a tractor?

 

[RollTideRam]

Lots of people have zero turns and love them. I mow with a x495, which is an older version of the x700 series. It has a 24 hp diesel, 62 inch cut and power steering. You can get a rear finish mower for the 2000 series also.
I'm sure you can use a 72'" rfm on a 2520. JC

 

[JESSE1]

I looked closer at the attachments for the 2520 and it does show a 60 and 72" rear finish mower. I like the idea of the zero-turn mower but I've heard they ride a lot rougher than a tractor plus you get more dust from the zero-turn than the tractor. Probably not much difference in cost between the two.

 

[JiminGa]

get a zero turn and a 2000 series, the cost of an rfm is close to a box store zero turn.

 

[EddieWalker]

Jesse,

I went through the same thing this past season. I had a 6ft rotary mower and a craftsman ridealong mower for all my mowing needs. Both are fine for what they do, but neither is great for what I wanted to do. My first thought was to buy a nice zero turn mower. From what I've been told by those who have them, it's like night and day how fast and smooth they are. That's just what I want!!!! The price tag is the big hurdle for me when what I have works right now and if I bought a zero turn, I'd want to go all out and get a good one that will last for a decade at least. That means $8,000 to $10,000 for new or a little less for used. I've seen a few amazing deals on Craigslist and in the American Classifieds, but still more then I want to spend for something that I really don't need.

Then in the spring time, I got lucky and was offered a 7ft Land Pride finish mower for $600 from a client who said he didn't use it anymore and wondered if I was interested. I hadn't really thought about a finish mower for my tractor since I really wanted a zero turn mower. The price was too good to pass up. I had to fix the flat tires and replace the blades, but otherwise, it was ready to go.

7ft is on the verge of being too big for my 35hp tractor when picking it up. Pulling it and mowing with it is easy and I think hp wise, a smaller tractor could handle it too. In fact, it pulls and cuts so easily that I'm mowing the same amount of grass in half the time compared to my 6ft rotary cutter. The results are much nicer and I'm having fun mowing with it. I think it's the four wheels at each corner that make it so much nicer to mow with because I don't have to pay attention to the deck height when going up or down. It just follows along behind me and cuts beautifuly. I can also cut in wet ground that I would sink in before with the rotary cutter. Those wheels carry all the weight of the finish mower and the tractor is lighter now.

It might not be what you're looking for, but for me, it's worked out great and I no longer have that desire to buy a zero turn mower.

Eddie

 

[Wesdor]

I'm looking at purchasing a ztr next spring. Was able to demo an Exmark this past September and loved it. I have a large number of small trees planted on some hillsides. When I try to mow them with my Deere 4310 and 5' mower, the hills are so steep the I have to go up and down. With the ztr I was able to any direction I wanted. They are really like a goat.

EddieWalker makes some excellent points about price. If you have something that is working, do you really want to spend $8,000 - $10,000?

One thing about the Deere ZTR, I understand they are bringing out a totally new machine this spring. Personally, I am more inclined to locate one of the previous models, but so far I haven't found one. The good news is that they tell me the price will stay the same. The local dealer told me they would sell me the new 757 for a little under $8500.

The Exmark I tried runs about $10,500. While it is certainly the industry standard, I am not sure I can justify the additional money.

 

[jcmseven]

Jesse,

I have used them all and like everyone else, have an opinion regarding which I prefer. I will try to outlay the benefits of each. The tractor RFM combination is great. It mows almost as fast as a ZTR in open terrain, but will lose time in twisty terrain. The new RFM's cut great, on a par with most ZTR's. It also would allow you to keep your current machine or go with a mid frame and RFM combo as a new package. I really liked my 3720 and 6' RFM but no longer have enough grass to justify it. An x series tractor is another option. The mow great, not as fast as a ZTR but really well. On my parents' property I could mow within minutes of a ZTR and still have a machine that offered other capabities. Finally, nothing beats a ZTR for absolute mowing speed and quality of cut, but it is at a price. The 997 is an expensive machine. It would be the fastest cutting of the three options, but the time difference to me is not as great as advertised. I also do not like with my ZTR (that I gave to my dad) the fact I was covered in clippings. I have some seasonal allergies and looked like Pigpen from the cloud of clippings which got all over me and in my sinuses from the ZTR. This seemed to be less of a problem with the tractor due to sitting higher. I also do not feel the diesel ZTR would offer that much over a gasoline one, so if you decided to go ZTR I would consider gas for the money savings. In my opinion, though, you would be happiest with a new tractor and RFM, especially if your property is fairly open. For the record, my understanding is the 2008 997 will remain unchanged; the gas ones will have a redesign.

John M

 

[JESSE1]

I talked with my dealer a few days ago. He's used both and likes the ZTR for the speed. He really leans toward a tractor over the ZTR mainly because the tractor rides better and you're somewhat more protected from the dust compared to the ZTR. John Deere is supposed to come out with Estate models of the ZTR mowers that are a different line from what they have now.

I've used everything from Cub Cadet lawn tractors, Kubotas in a variety of sizes and John Deeres from a 455 & 4100 to the 4400 I have now. The 4400 is really too big and will cut up the yard if you turn too sharp but it's been a good tractor. It's a hard decision. I like the 997 because it's a diesel. I don't really want a large gas engine mainly because of the fuel consumption. Of course the price of the diesel compared to the others could buy a lot of fuel. John Deere needs to offer a wide range of diesel models like Kubota does.

 

[skidoo]

I thought about a zero turn too. But, I did not feel comfortable with the serious slopes I have. If you don't have any, then that should not be an issue. You may also want to consider the X729 and X749. My new X749 will be delivered on Monday!! It has an uncut radius of 6". Not quite zero turn, but I expect it will perform well for my purposes.

 

[jcmseven]

Jesse,

It sounds like you may have your heart set on a ZTR. I can say I have owned three of them and had good performance from each. That said, I just sold my dad's 757 yesterday, with plans of getting him an X series if this means anything. I know that ZTR's are popular and it is true they are faster cutting. I just must say, I do not like them as well as a tractor--even for mowing. I am young (fairly) and have good coordination. I am not a commercial mower, but I bet I can operate one almost as well as a full-time commercial user (I have mowed a lot with them). My point is that many times we hear, "Oh, that guy won't use a ZTR because he can't get used to it" and such. This is not the case for me. I embrace new technology, but I would choose a good mowing compact or sub-compact tractor any day over a ZTR for my personal use. I am not trying to talk you out of the ZTR, just to express that I have been in this situation and the glamour has dulled some toward them the more I use them.

John M

 

[B8FISH]

Jesse--how much total acreage are we talking about mowing? I went from a 2520 w/62" deck to a 757 ZTR and 3320 with MX-5. Mostly because I spent way too much time swapping between having the mower deck on and then taking it off, putting the loader back and then attaching the MX-5. I was doing this pretty much every week and it was costing me a lot of time (mowing about 2 - 2 1/2 acres). I now hop on the ZTR, mow the lawn, and still have plenty of time to go cut more of the pasture or clear more in the woods with 3320/MX-5 in the same time it used to take to do all the switching. The ZTR cut is superior, the ride is great in most areas of my "lawn" but where it is is not smooth if you don't slow down you better be wearing the seatbelt!

 

[JESSE1]

I don't really have enough work for the 4400 to do to justify another CUT. About the only tractor chores I do with it are putting out fertilizer on the yard and digging postholes. Anything heavier I use my 6400. If I had my druthers I'd get a 4720 with a cab but that's wayyy overkill for what I have to cut. I guess it's going to come down to getting a ZTR (997) or a 2520 with a rear finish mower.

 

[ddivinia]

I talked with my dealer a few days ago. He's used both and likes the ZTR for the speed. He really leans toward a tractor over the ZTR mainly because the tractor rides better and you're somewhat more protected from the dust compared to the ZTR. John Deere is supposed to come out with Estate models of the ZTR mowers that are a different line from what they have now.

I've used everything from Cub Cadet lawn tractors, Kubotas in a variety of sizes and John Deeres from a 455 & 4100 to the 4400 I have now. The 4400 is really too big and will cut up the yard if you turn too sharp but it's been a good tractor. It's a hard decision. I like the 997 because it's a diesel. I don't really want a large gas engine mainly because of the fuel consumption. Of course the price of the diesel compared to the others could buy a lot of fuel. John Deere needs to offer a wide range of diesel models like Kubota does.

The 997 is BIG money. I wanted a diesel, but could not justify it when I looked at the numbers. I went with the 757 - it was cheaper. The 60" cut is enough and the ZTR is so fast - it will throw you off of it if you don't watch it.

In regards to the ride - it can be hardsh. Get the spring loaded seat - makes a huge difference.

If you want to finish mow grass around a house, tress, etc - a ZTR is hard to beat. It is a purpose built machine that really does it well.

72" decks tend to scalp a lot. You might want to consider a smaller one.

What else do you need to do around your place that justified the 4400?

I heard the next ZTRs will have a trailer hitch. Which would be nice for people that want to use trailers for sprayers, etc.

D.

 

[JESSE1]

I figure the 997 wouldn't be any more money than a CUT equipped the same way. Downside is you're limited to just mowing with the ZTR. I bought the 4400 to try to do several jobs, mowing and pulling a hay rake being the main uses. Got tired of bouncing around the hay field so I only use the 6400 for all my field jobs now. I wish JD would make a ZTR diesel with maybe 25hp and a lower cost.

 

[jcmseven]

Jesse,

You , like me, are pro-diesel. I like diesels and think they in general are better for work duties. That said, I have a hard time recommending a 997 ZTR over a 757 or 777. The difference is simply not great enough to justify the additional cost, IMO. My dad's 757, which we recently sold, would cut about three acres plus per hour in real world conditions and was actually not too bad on fuel. That model would also be much easier on the wallet. I think the 997 is too expensive for a "purpose-built" machine.

John M

 

[ddivinia]

I figure the 997 wouldn't be any more money than a CUT equipped the same way. Downside is you're limited to just mowing with the ZTR. I bought the 4400 to try to do several jobs, mowing and pulling a hay rake being the main uses. Got tired of bouncing around the hay field so I only use the 6400 for all my field jobs now. I wish JD would make a ZTR diesel with maybe 25hp and a lower cost.

I wish they made a smaller one - they don't so far. Other companies make some fine ZTRs. One that I just saw recently is Ferris., It has suspension so it won't beat you to death.

On your 6400 - I suspect my 4720 open station will never make it into the hay field except if somebody else is driving - I like my 5525 cab too much.

Maybe somebody can sneak us some insight into JD's 2008 offerings.

D.

 

[ddivinia]

Jesse,

You , like me, are pro-diesel. I like diesels and think they in general are better for work duties. That said, I have a hard time recommending a 997 ZTR over a 757 or 777. The difference is simply not great enough to justify the additional cost, IMO. My dad's 757, which we recently sold, would cut about three acres plus per hour in real world conditions and was actually not too bad on fuel. That model would also be much easier on the wallet. I think the 997 is too expensive for a "purpose-built" machine.

John M

I went thru the exact debate. I have a 757 and I recently added a material handler to it. Man - it is one serious mowing machine. My wife loves to mow with it. She would never mow with the 2210. I can't keep her off the 757.

D.

 

[JESSE1]

I have to use a walk-behind mower to trim aroung trees and other close areas before mowing with the 4400. A ZTR mower should eliminate most trim mowing. I've never been a big fan of the Kawasaki engines. Had one in a JD JX85 walk-behind mower and never did like it. Not saying they aren't good engines, just really don't want one. The 997 may be overkill but if I get a ZTR that probably will be the one, unless they come out with a smaller model. The drawback to the ZTR mower is I'll have to find another way to spread fertilizer on the yard.

 

[ddivinia]

I have to use a walk-behind mower to trim aroung trees and other close areas before mowing with the 4400. A ZTR mower should eliminate most trim mowing. I've never been a big fan of the Kawasaki engines. Had one in a JD JX85 walk-behind mower and never did like it. Not saying they aren't good engines, just really don't want one. The 997 may be overkill but if I get a ZTR that probably will be the one, unless they come out with a smaller model. The drawback to the ZTR mower is I'll have to find another way to spread fertilizer on the yard.

I didn't like the idea of a kawasaki engine either. I talked to the JD folks and it is supposed to be a JD designed engine made by Kawasaki. That might be a line, but oh well.

D.

 

[JDPN]

I have a '99 4400 With a 60" MMM. Tractor has about 620 hrs. on it. Basically have only used it for mowing. I do use a fertilizer spreader with it. I'm getting ready to make a change and right now I'm seriously considering a 997 zero-turn mower. The 997 has a 31hp Yanmar diesel and can be equipped with a 60 or 72" mower. My concern is that I would be going from a multi-purpose machine that mows very good but is really too big to a single purpose machine that will mow great but that's all. I've thought about a 3520 but they are physically the same tractor as the 4400. If I buy another tractor I wanted a rear mounted finish mower. If I read the specs correctly the 2000 series only come with a MMM. Anyone had any experience with a Zero-turn mower compared with a tractor?

There's only one solution to this.

Put a batwing finish mower on your 6400, then everyone will be happy.