ZTR Purchase. Picking between a few local available brands.

[bhepper]

My yard is not big. 1/3 acre. However there are a number of smaller areas that require constant gear changes on our current JD GX75.

Any opinions or thoughts for these? Want something that is going to last. Won't have a ton of hours so length of warranty is a plus.

Looked at the Alpha 42 and the Country Clipper Avenue (54" w/ Kohler) but would be looking at 42" w/18hp Kawasaki FR. Here are pros/cons as I see them:

Big Dog Alpha 42

Pros (over CC): Lower to the ground or so it seemed which might make it easier to get under lower branches, engine guard, hour meter, larger motor, more comfortable seat, smart choke, longer albeit pretty limited parts warranty to 7 years, a little cheaper (3199 vs 3399)

Country Clipper Avenue 42

Pros (over Alpha): Flip up deck, joystick control

I also checked out a Simplicity Courier (48 but would be looking at 42) at another dealer. It didn't offer much more over the others other than their 'Comfort Suspension' and I did not take a ride as the salesman wasn't working yesterday. It also has the Briggs Professional 23hp (of course) and am not sure of quality on those. Pricing is within $50 of the Alpha 42. Did not get pricing on the Snapper 360z.

I am leaning towards the Alpha 42 as while the flip-up deck on the Clipper is neat I am not sure how often I would actually need to clean out the deck. Though blade removal would be easier. I have considered a Raptor SD 48" but was wondering how big a deal not having the rear engine guard would be or whether it would be worth the additional $600-700 over the Alpha 42 for my usage.

Thoughts?
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[MinnesotaEric]

You'll be well served with a Toro TimeCutter MX4250 with a 42" deck. You can get a fabricated deck on them as well as a Kawsaki engine. For the price, it is tough to beat and you don't need anything with heavier HST drives because your yard is small and you'll spend the next 20 years putting 300 hours on the thing.

https://www.toro.com/en/homeowner/riding-mowers/timecutter-mx4250-74760

I used a 2x4 jammed between the frame and the deck to lift my old Toro Timecutter that I rested on the top of one of my steel lawn chairs, but if you need something better to lift a zero-turn for servicing the blades, then consider a Mo-Jack.

 

[Wagtail]

My yard is not big. 1/3 acre. However there are a number of smaller areas that require constant gear changes on our current JD GX75.

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Why the constant gear changes? I ask because Zed-turns are not generally known for handling steep slopes as well as a lawn tractor.

Enjoy the site.

 

[bhepper]

Unfortunately there are no Toro dealers in the area at the moment. And the gear changes were more forward and reverse.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Unfortunately there are no Toro dealers in the area at the moment. And the gear changes were more forward and reverse.

The Snapper 360Z is the equivalent and from what I hear, it is a good mower.

 

[Turbys_1700]

My son just purchased a Bobcat 48" zero turn from our local dealer. It is the CRZ model with ZT 2800 hydro drives. Fabricated deck and Kawasaki engine. A tick over $4K. I'm contemplating a 61" for $5K. Zero financing for 48 months is certainly attractive.

 

[bhepper]

I have gotten pricing on the Hustler Limited 52". At $3199 w/ Kohler it's priced the same as the Alpha 42" with everything but longer parts warranty and has a 52" deck. My shed opening is just wide enough just have to fix the doors so they open all the way. The Limited is available with Kawasaki FR for $300 more. From what I've seen from looking online its not worth paying the difference.

 

[kthompson]

We have used ZTR for several years with a Bushog and a Ferris now two years. For that size yard I would not buy a large deck. Oh Ferris and Snapper have much in common on most models as same parent company.

My thoughts are: sit on the mower, operate the foot or hand lever to raise the deck. You will find some are easy and other take horse power to. I always lift my deck to drive into garage not a level drive there and to load on trailer. Try the park brake operation from the seat, you have to operate it every time you crank up. With the seat where it feels comfortable pull the drive or steering control arms in. Do they clear you when you pull them full back for reverse? How about when you push them fully forward do you have to reach? Remember you will be doing one or the other all the time. If anyone else will be using how easy is the seat to adjust? What size tires does it have? Bigger is BETTER ride much better. Are the spindles grease-able and easy to reach? Compare the HP per inch of cut. How are the blades to reach to change? Do compare the seats and seat belts. An very important as you are sitting the seat with levers in operation position look at the left side of the deck, you will trim with it as the discharge is on the right side, is it easy to see while seated or must you learn up or over if so not a good set up. Does the left side of the deck extend past the wheels, again you will trim with this side and need it to especially if you have a ditch.

I would read the MPH and blade tip speed just in case one is way different and be sure you can buy blades other than the dealership.

Then in the middle of a large flat area with eye and ear protection on begin slowly driving it without blade on till you get use to the steering. It is easy to get confused and if that happens take hands off the controls and it will stop quickly. AND ENJOY, best cutter design for fun.

 

[bhepper]

There is a dealer approx. 90 miles away which carries Aries/Gravely. I see Aries has their 5 year promo going and the Icon X 52" is priced below 3k. It is just under 54" wide with chute up according to the sales rep (shows wider on Aries' site) so it might fit in the shed. There is a local mower service shop which is listed as a dealer but doesn't sell who says he can warranty it an Aries for sure so wouldn't have to make the trip to the dealer. Is it worth looking at vs the mowers I am already considering or am I not gaining anything? Any help with the comparison would be great!

 

[dragoneggs]

I like my Kubota Z (look under my avatar for model)... can't remember at the moment. Kawasaki engine, 42in deck, simple, agile, and fast if you want. Not the cheapest but I have an old old Deere lawn tractor with Kawasaki that is still running great with little maintenance with no issues since early 90's! Mowing about 3/4acre. If you have significant slope Z turns can be a challenge though.