Comparison Zero Turn Mower Shopping

[dragoneggs]

I just purchased a Hustler Raptor Zero Turn three weeks ago. Dealer is nearby, but the main reason I chose this unit is the flip up mowing deck!

I'm 70 years old and just had a hip joint replaced last week. I sure wasn't planning on getting down on my hands and knees to change blades or wash out the deck. Move one pin and pull a lever. Then press the switch to flip the deck to a straight up and down position. I can change blades from almost a standing position. Kohler 26HP engine.

It might not last as long as some commercial models but to me the convenience is a worthwhile trade off.

That's sounds like a very nice feature to have! Enjoy that convenience... I'm jealous. I figured out how to use my tractor FEL to pick up the front end with ease but I still have to crawl under it to take a look.

 

[GaryM]

Country Clipper is another Zero Turn with the flip up deck, but theirs is manually operated. The Raptor is just pressing the same switch that raises and lowers the deck.

I had been mowing with a 60" rear discharge mower behind my tractor but it was getting too hard to get on and off with my bad hip. I always keep three sets of blades. One set on the mower and two sharp sets. I change after about three cuttings. After the last sharp set is installed I sharpen the other two. Rinse and repeat.

 

[timswi]

I have a Kubota Z724, and so far I love it...Kohler Command Pro...Dealer kinda talked me out of the Kawasaki motor that was available on other models, something about camshafts or something.. I was agnostic to the difference between the 2 as I've had great luck with Kohlers and would expect kaw's to be every bit as good or better...Took the tech's advise and went with the Kohler..

54" deck, 11MPH top speed and a very comfortable seating position....Eats up the grass like nothing I've ever owned.

 

[smstonypoint]

I do believe that Kawasaki recommends 20w-50w oil in all their mower engines. []

last thing I read from Kawasaki is to use 20w-50w oil

FWIW, the manual for my Kawasaki FX850V (purchased in 2011) recommends 10W-30 or 10W-40 for temps between -4F and 90+F.

Steve

 

[DK35vince]

FWIW, the manual for my Kawasaki FX850V (purchased in 2011) recommends 10W-30 or 10W-40 for temps between -4F and 90+F.

Steve

Some on Lawnsite claim Kawasaki recently changed their recommendation chart.

http://www.lawnsite.com/threads/kawasaki-changed-oil-grades-recommendations.447650/

 

[smstonypoint]

Some on Lawnsite claim Kawasaki recently changed their recommendation chart.

http://www.lawnsite.com/threads/kawasaki-changed-oil-grades-recommendations.447650/

Thanks. Here are the old and new recommendation charts lifted from that link:

I have been using 10W-30, but I plan on switching to 10W-40 or 20W-50 when I change oil this fall.

Steve

 

[man00]

As I posted on another forum, I changed to 20w-50w and my engine sounded like a sewing machine..I drained it out..mine never used any oil in the past..I think the 20w-50w is for slowing down oil use...dunno

 

[HillStreet]

I am actively shopping for a zero turn mower. Got quotes from Deere and Kubota, and I am partial to Kubota. Lawn around the house may be one acre, but also have 7 acres of apple orchard to mow. I am new at the orchard so won't mow the entire property for maybe 2 years. Looking at 54 inch deck, I think that is a good size.

I suppose the cost will be nearing $6000, could spend more, could spend less but 6k is about right for the budget. I have never driven one, think I will do that pretty soon.

 

[hawkeye08]

Lots of good ZTs out there. My advice, locate some dealers close by and see if you like what they have. I went with Ferris IS700Z, some for the suspension, some for the quality build. Try mowing if you get a chance... see what you like. Some of them did not have comfortable seats for me.

 

[dragoneggs]

As I posted on another forum, I changed to 20w-50w and my engine sounded like a sewing machine..I drained it out..mine never used any oil in the past..I think the 20w-50w is for slowing down oil use...dunno

Boy that takes me back to my old 69 Camaro switching to 20-50 hoping not to burn so much oil! Then is was the honey something oil thickener before I resigned myself that I had to rebuild my first engine.