Would a zero turn be faster than a B2601?

[JayGee59]

I have 3 acres to mow, i use a 60" mid mount mower on my B2601 it takes me about a hour 20 min to mow the yard. I have been told a zero turn could cut that time in half is that true?

When i mow i do not back up i mow at a angle to reduce the wasted time backing up.

Thoughts?

I have a 60" Z-Turn mower and I can mow my ONE ACRE in three hours if it is mid-summer and dry. Of course, mine is goverened, but, it still cuts a mean swath when conditions are right. When the grass is tall and/or wet I have to stop and unplug the grass from the deck shute, even when the baffle is fully UP with no closure on the ouput.

IF you're doing 3 acres with that belly mower - and you're happy with the results - I would suggest you think very long and hard about any other mower.

 

[nickzim]

We bought 6 acres and I figured getting a tractor and 3 point PTO mower was the only way to go. I wish I would have figured out a zero turn is faster, more fun to drive, and a whole lot less expensive to maintain than the big 'old tractor. We would have gotten the tractor regardless for other things but it wouldn't have the more expensive hours on its meter now, they would have been on the cheap zero turn instead. Something to think about.

My Kubota has fluid filled rears. Just a lot of as you say, expensive hours on a great little mini-tractor. Lawn mowers are cheap enough. I try to get 5 yrs out of them. Rarely happens.

 

[OzarkChris]

I have 3 acres to mow, i use a 60" mid mount mower on my B2601 it takes me about a hour 20 min to mow the yard. I have been told a zero turn could cut that time in half is that true?

When i mow i do not back up i mow at a angle to reduce the wasted time backing up.

Thoughts?

I believe it would really depend on your property. If your property is fairly flat without a bunch of rocks, stumps, etc it would Indeed be faster (obviously it would depend on the zt), with a lot of rocks, low stumps, etc. It may well take longer getting around them. Most bush hogs of that size typically are sold with stump jumpers so the bigger rocks & stumps aren't as big of a deal (you still want to avoid if possible). ZT's can get high centered, break blades easier and generally tear stuff up (on ZT) easier than on a small tractor.

Just my cent & a half worth..

 

[Ken Kegris]

I guess its how important you time is, and if you can justify the cost, remember ZT are not tractors As for me I enjoy my tractor time. If all you care to do is a little mowing and pull a small trailer a ZT would be great for you.

 

[Alien]

Yep!
Went under a low hanging branch a few years ago...WOW!! Almost flipped the mower over assbackwards!!

My ROPS caught and snapped a branch off that managed to wedge me between the tree and mower. Result... broken rib.

Anyway I use my ZT a lot more than my tractor and flail mower now since I have lots of trees. It is much faster and of backing up required like with the tractor. I still have a couple of acres + only suitable for the tractor.
Of course the ZT is a lot more fun.

 

[Hay Dude]

Whats worse is when the branch snaps back, whacks you in the back of the head, and gives you a concussion.
Thats how I got my 7th or 8th (lost count-prolly due to concussions-lol) 2 years ago.

 

[Pleease]

Yep!
Went under a low hanging branch a few years ago...WOW!! Almost flipped the mower over assbackwards!!

Oh yeah, I've done that type of wheelie before on my subcompact Kubota - lucky it didn't cause a heart attack!

By now though my ROPS has "trimmed" several of the lower limbs at the lake cabin where I mow.

 

[Alien]

Zero Turn tires

I installed tires similar to these on my zero turn and I don't get stuck in slightly damp grass.

Boy, I bet they rip the ground up on turns.

 

[RoyJackson]

Whats worse is when the branch snaps back, whacks you in the back of the head, and gives you a concussion.
Thats how I got my 7th or 8th (lost count-prolly due to concussions-lol) 2 years ago.

Every year before the mowing season, I trim any low hanging branches, saplings, etc...anything that could cause harm to the ZT or me
Same thing on the field...don't want to break any of that expensive cab glass
If my neighbor wants the wood for his camp site, he's welcome to it. Otherwise, I gather in one place and chip it

 

[Alien]

My Kubota has fluid filled rears. Just a lot of as you say, expensive hours on a great little mini-tractor. Lawn mowers are cheap enough. I try to get 5 yrs out of them. Rarely happens.

You must be hard on mowers.
My 20 + year Husky ride-on tractor has only cost me 2 spindles and a few sets of blades and 2 spark plugs. It still goes like a charm. Kawasaki twin.