Which Zero Turn Mower?

[CJ4]

Ok, I'm sure i'm not the only one having the delima on 0-turn mower decision. Here's what i've discovered so far:

1. The box stores sell several brands all around $3,000......

2. My "gut" only from my limited experience tells me I don't like Briggs engines or at least prefer something else.....not sure if the new ones are good engines or not??

3. Although i've never owed a JD I think they are good machines but at the box stores it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that JD gives you less for more $$$$$.....and quality on the ones they are selling sure isn't any better than the rest of the field.

4. The only one that has an electric lift for the deck that i've found is Sears Craftsman, but read the reviews......appears 90% or more of the reviews have had numerous troubles with Craftsman machines.

You'd think for that kind of $$$ you'd see something other than manual lift decks.....

5. Tractor Supply has an interesting one.......Swisher.......has a squared built deck, looks like a "shop" made deck but looks very heavy constructed.....wonder what the quality is like???? The machine is around $4,000 for 60" deck......

6. Haven't looked at JD dealer.....suppose i can find a heavy bigger one for twice the $$$$ though.....

7. Appears there are many other brands around.........any of these stand out from the CROUD??????

I have at least 5 acres of rocky rough and trees to mow.......i want something that can stand use....but not abuse.....

 

[CJ4]

PS.....What is this "deck washing" system out??? I've seen it on the Cubs and I think on some of the others.......does this work well??? What about rusting????

 

[BTDT]

This place has several different name brands that are used in the Metroplex by lawn care company's. There is one called a "Grasshopper" (didn't see it listed), but I have heard good things about them.

Plano Power Equipment - Lawn and Garden Equipment

 

[MarkV]

This is what I found when shopping for zero turn mowers. The 3k box store mowers are residential mowers and I would feel to light weight for 5 acres of rocky yard. When you get into the 4k range you are entering the heavy duty residential category. That is where I ended up with the Cub Z-force mower for 11/2 acres of smooth mowing. I’ve been happy with it so far. Then you get to the 5k light duty commercial mowers and prices climb from there. For 5 acres that are rough I would bite the bullet and get a commercial mower. Stronger frames, better hydraulic motors and better seats are needed for your situation.

MarkV

 

[OKnewguy]

I hear you, I have been wondering about that swisher myself. It looked like a comercial mower (but I fully admit my eye is untrained in ztr's). It was pretty heavy duty, but pretty low on the bells and whistles that some of the other ztr's have. Which I personally like basic no frills get the job done approaches to things, less to go wrong and worry about in the future. As I get my hardscape done, I am starting to research these and I will be currious what people think about them. BTW, did you see them at the Edmond store?
Dave

 

[MadDogDriver]

...7. Appears there are many other brands around.........any of these stand out from the CROUD??????

I have at least 5 acres of rocky rough and trees to mow.......i want something that can stand use....but not abuse.....

CJ4, check out the ExMark brand. It's a commercial brand and pretty heavy duty, more $$ too but you get what you pay for. My neighbor cuts a little over 4 hilly acres with his and it's served him well. He's got an orchard that he weaves through and is quite happy with it. I don't have any details on which model, but will try to get it from him if you're interested.

 

[Spiffy]

How did I wind up here, paging through PT..... and worse, now somehow compelled in two cents?

MarkV's rundown points you in the right direction better than I could do writting half a page.

Things to look for:
The easiest one to find is the tranny configuration: All the small units have integrated pump motors [marketed as less power loss - possibly true, but definitely cheaper]. The full commercials all have pumps and wheel motors: good cooling, remote tanks, component maintance. Where it does get confusing, there are now "commericial duty" integrated trannys; and a couple manufactures using fairly small pump and wheel motors. No idea which is compromise is better.

Obviously frame construction. Sometimes a great design definitely trumps simply more metal, but test drive or just sit on a couple commercial units, then the box store units and short-cuts become apparent pretty quick.

Deck: if you're hitting tree stumps rocks etc, or need a deep deck, fabricated decks are often a good sign (I'd want at least 10gage [lower # is thicker] regardless for your area). Again, there are some really shallow fab decks (not a bad thing for a well manicured area), some poorly designed deep ones; opposite scenario, I know of one unit that has a 7gage stamped deck [probably a great deck]. Bearings too: tappered roller is probably the premium, but a good quality ball in sufficient size should be fine.

Engine: Many mfgs now have several grades, so a little research upon narrowing is in order, moreso than "my last Briggs sucked" Kohler must be better. I'm enjoying the Kawasaki so far; many commericals use it, but IIRC there was a thread comparing fuel consumption, where the Kohler Command (or was it the Briggs Vangard) had it beat.

After that what features do you really nead, who's the best dealer in your area, and just how far does the budget stretch!

 

[CJ4]

OKnewguy,

Yes I did....i'm actually in Edmond neighbor!!! That's cool to meet you....

 

[CJ4]

MadDog,

Thanks I'll ck that one out and let you know if I want to explore futher into those.

 

[wushaw]

You have a Hustler dealer there in Edmond. You would be best to look at all the commercial units before making a decision, They may even let you drive one on your property to see if you like it.
They (commercial units) do cost more but will last and take the abuse any home owner should put one through.
I have a 61" Grasshopper with a Kubota diesel and a 36" Hustler residential unit that is built very well but has residential pumps and engine, It doesn't get the time the Grasshopper does so it should last a long time.