ztr for smaller yard

[61554]

Hi I have a yard that is 3/4 acre including the house.I have 30 or so trees an inground pool and lots of landscaping to mow around.I am currently using a push mower.I would like to buy a rider and am leaning towards a ZTR of some sort.Is this overkill for my yard size. I am going to look at Cub Cadet and Husky under $3000.Any advice would be appreciated.Thanks Steve

 

[Moon]

From your description a regular garden / lawn tractor would not be the best tool for the mowing duties.

A ZTR might be overkill, but it would handle the obsticles with ease. Your price point seems low for the ZTR's I looked at.

Another possiblity would be the bigger commercial walk behinds. I'd guess you've seen landscaping companies use them. They sometimes have a stand plate that the driver can stand on rather than walk. They turn on a dime and would make short work of your 3/4 acre, even with all the obsticles. I think you could get one for 3k or less, but I haven't priced one recently. Another advantage of these is that you can get them in 38 or 44 inch width which means you could fit into tight spots that a ZTR or Garden Tractor couldn't.

Moon

 

[Nasty135]

61554, Interesting screen name /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Welcome to TBN, If you don't have need of lawn tractor for any other purpose such as pulling lawn cart or leaf sweeper. I wouldn't be afraid of looking into the cubcadets ZTR sold by lowes because of your special circumstances with all the trees... But thats why I ask about the lawn(leaf) sweeper. A little more money than a normal rider but should cut mowing time... Best advice is to first test drive one at a place that will let you try it out. because buying and finding out you really don't like it wouldn't be any fun... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

But I have no idea about the quality or longevity of these NEW homeowner units.... I you get one let us know how you like it... I've seen one at Lowes for $2999.

Hey if you like staying in shape a push mower for your size lot is a great work-out,You are your own ZTH-uman

 

[Gatorboy]

I would agree with Moon. I would look into a commercial walk-behind mower. I have a 48" Scag with a 17 HP Kawasaki engine. It can really cut alot of grass quickly and can maneuver like nobody's business. You could probably find one in your price range.

I do have a sulky for it, but don't use it much at all.

Here are a few older pictures of my Scag: 1 | 2

 

[61554]

Thanks for the replies.61554 is a zip code!Not very origianl.It was the first thing that popped in my mind.My trees are all Blue Spruce so not too many leaves.I just got back from my Cub Cadet dealer it was like pulling teeth to get info.Didn't seem very knowledgable.Anyway I looked at the RZT and the Z-FORCE.Both very nice I think a 50" deck is too big but I want a twin cylinder so looks like the Z-FORCE 44 might be the one for me.Any thoughts? Thanks again Steve

 

[gamble77]

The Z-Force and the RZT are two totatly different animals. The Z-Force is twice the machine, stouter deck, better drive system, fully welded boxed frame...

Now, if all you have is 3/4 and acre the RZT will do just fine, thats what they were intended to do...cut small residential lots. The Z-Force on the other hand is recommended up to 3 acres and light commercial use. Obviously the $ issue will have to be your call.

I would also recommend buying from an independent dealer if you have one in your area rather than Lowes. Good luck.

 

[Spiffy]

Don't know if you have woodchips or something to the edge of your evergreens or mow under them, but in the latter case Moon and Gater boy may have your ideal solution (this argument may not exist if you trim the trees really high or not at all; though still a good solution).

In the former case, or if you want to look cool (all other things being equal this can be a valid consideration! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif ) riding around your new ZTR, I don't think you have too many wrong choices. I really enjoyed reading your situation, because it is one of the first I've seen on TBN so far that really makes sense for a resisdential unit (I think Bird and a few others have them, but would have posted before my time).

That being said (and assuming you're still looking at ZTRs), since you want twin cylinder and the 44 sounds like it fits you anyway, Gamble is definitely right about the comparison, so I'd say Zforce 44.

 

[Bird]

A ZTR for 3/4 acre with your obstacles sounds good to me. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Like Spiffy said, I have this one for a little mobile home park lot. Of course I routinely mow 3 lots; mine, my daughter's, and the elderly lady neighbor's next door. In fact, I mowed 4 today. I think I got the right thing for me; might not be for you. You say you want a 2 cylinder, and in general, I agree with you, but I purposely wanted something small and cheap, and so far it works great.

 

[viking65]

For well under $3k I saw a White Outdoors 38" ZTR (MTD) at a Cub Cadet dealer for $2399. They also had a Toro 38" ZTR for $2499. I think it was the one that Bird has.

 

[bigtractor]

Look at the Hustler Mini Fastrak. Alittle more than the economy store units. BUT
With the Hustler you get a Fabed deck, lifetime on the frame and deck leading edge, tires have slim in them, and a 3 year overall warranty.
These units are not bolt togetther puzzles but smooth fabricated machines.

 

[MesquiteMan]

My Z-force 44 is sitting on a truck at Lowes waiting to be unloaded tonight. I should be picking it up tomorrow. Look for my thread "Ordered my Z-force 44 today" to see how I bought mine with a discount from Lowes.

I looked at lawn tractors first, then garden tractors, then decided on a ZTR due to all the trees on my property. I was planning to buy the Cub RZT until members of this forum helped me change my mind and go with the Z-force. I am glad that I did so far. It is much better built and the 2 cylinder was also a big point for me.

I looked at the Hustler and the Toro as well but for some reason preferred the Z-force. I drove all them and liked the way the Z-force performed best.

Anyway, good luck with your decision!

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> Look for my thread "Ordered my Z-force 44 today" to see how I bought mine with a discount from Lowes.
</font>

To save people from searching, here's the link: Ordered my Z-force 44 today

 

[Jagmandave]

I have about 3 acres to mow, plus my home in a residential neighborhood. I bought an 52" Exmark Lazer CT, it's a little more money than your budget , but my reasons for getting it over trying to mow with my Yanmar were similar to yours - lots of trees plus a variety of slopes to contend with, to me the ZTR's are the answer. One thing I liked about the Exmark I bought vs. some of the other machines was the fact that the deck stood proud on the left side about 6" which lets me get in close to the trees or other obstacles without catching the rear tire as I mow around them. It now takes about as long to load and unload my ZTR off the trailer than it does to mow the lot at my house!
I'm sure you'll like using your ZTR, they're great machines.

 

[61554]

OK I 'm getting buyers remorse and I havent spent a dime yet.I have decided aI want a Cub Cadet. My issue is the RZT42 is only 2499.00.The Z Force 44 is $1000 more.I am questioning whether I need th twin cylinder and the heavier duty. Any thoughts Thanks Steve

 

[moss2940]

That sounds like a lot of money when you post it like that.
I went and drove myself crazy looking at all of the consumer line ztr's.
I wound up buying the Z force 44". Now you have me suffering from buyer's remorse and I don't get it till next Friday.

 

[Spiffy]

I don't know your area and "abuse factors", but I doubt you'll regret the Z-Force.

61554, I don't think you have a bad decision, if you opt for the ZF it will be a good machine, but if you decide to save the money, the RZT was made for small gental lots like yours and should be fine. If you still want 2cylinder you can opt for the RZT50 assuming it's not too wide and you don't have an engine brand preference.

Not the definative response I'm sure you wanted, but go with the heart or go with the checkbook; either way I don't think you have to lose sleep. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[CCRZT50]

I've had my RZT50 for a couple of weeks now and mow 2-3 acres with it with several trees. No regrets for the money and no regrets between the decision between the RTZ and the ZForce. Quality looks as good as my 1985 Wheelhorse which lasted 20 years until retired. I expect the RZT to last as long. Most of all, my wife loves it.