ZTR 's ?

GrayBeard · Aug 26, 2004

ZTR \'s ?

I need advice on a good "mid" priced ZTR.(if there is such a thing)
I have a 5' finish mower on the back of the tractor but it really doesn't always suit my conditions.
I've got about 3 ac to mow and it's pretty much irregular shapes with some trees and hills.
I've looked at many brands, some very cheap and some off the charts, money wise. I don't need a 8-10,000 dollar mower.
I'm looking more at 3-4000 range. There really aren't many "middle" market ZTR's. (IMHO)
Does anyone know about Snapper (Fastcut) ZTR's ?
Any suggestions appreciated.
GrayBeard

Birdhunter1 · Aug 26, 2004

Re: ZTR \'s ?

My dad just bought a ZTR made by Bobcat for I think in the $4k range. It has either a 48" cut or a 52" I don't remember and it has either a 25 or 26 hp Briggs and Stratton vanguard engine. Sorry I don't know everythign about it but I did not reseach it, I have used it a few times (mostly playing) and it is one hell of a machine. A few guys that we bothknow that do alot of commercial mowing told us that the machine he got is a great machine for what he will do. Dad looked at grasshoppers, scags and ex-mark mowers and when he looked at price v. size v. features v. engine he chose the Bobcat brand. Scag made a mower called the Cub (I think) that was the smallest one they made that dad looked at with the same size deck and comparable Kawasaki engine and it was $1000 more, with Honda engine add another $1000. From what he found Scag, Grasshopper and Ex-mark are the top three around here but for the mowing he does, hills and landscaping he was better off with a 48" - 52" deck v. a larger one. He saw a Toro, Husky and another brand and they just weren't built to his specs, I would call this Bobcat a mid range/mid price mower like you are looking for.

WVBill · Aug 26, 2004

Re: ZTR \'s ?

Graybeard,

I just bought a Country Clipper JAZee (19HP Kawasaki, 52" Cut) for about $4,500.

I describe my selection process in This Thread where I listed a number of choices that are as close to your 3 - 4K range as I think you'll get in a "Good" ZTR for 3 acres.

Nasty135 · Aug 26, 2004

Re: ZTR \'s ?

GrayBeard, Gravely makes a nice one PM-152Z which is a 52" but it is probably closer to $5-6k ?(not sure) they all list price high but when all is said and done a little haggiling and the price can drop a good bit..Also the Hustler manufacture makes one called FASTTRACK Z which is a nice unit.. When buying make sure you get one with good pumps.The gravely has maintenance free spindles,no greasing. I should qualify my knowledge base on the below 60" ztr's is limited because I have been researching the 60" units and decided when I buy it will be a Hustler super Z(in my area $7K)The Gravely 260Z is a very close 2nd.
I'm not a salesman and I can't spend your money, But You do get what you pay for. I look at pumps (longeivity)ease of regular maintenace oil filter location and oil drain. Get a test drive. I have 3 neighbors who 2 had riding mowers and 1 had a tractor cutting 3 to 6 acres and now they all have ztr's 1 has gravely 50" 1 has kubota 60" 1 has a kubota 72" and they all love them. Comments are cut mowing time in half plus it looks better /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I assume since your using a 60" RFM now and want to keep your price down you will be looking for something in the 48"-52" range which will also help in the trimming department.
The ztr's are faster but can only go as fast as your lawn surface permits ,so if its bumpy with your tractor it will be bumpier with a ztr, OH BTW the weight adjustable seats on the gravely 260z & Hustler super Z are standard on both machines and I wouldn't have beleived it but what a difference they make! It takes a lot of the jolt out your ride!
Well Hope this helps and wasn't too long of a read /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

'

GrayBeard · Aug 26, 2004

Re: ZTR \'s ?

All good comments, thanks.
Most of the areas are "reclaimed" wooded areas on my place except for my small lawn aroung the house.
Surfaces are reasonable but not "golf course" quality.
Albeit I can mow with the larger tractor; it's just clumsy.
Tlme is not a great big factor, I actually enjoy being out away from the phone and other issues. So , I'm not looking for super speed.
I've even thought of getting the "throw away" Dept. store lawn tractor. I could probably get 2 or 3 of these over the years and most likely finish out my "mowing career" for about the same money.
Thanks again,
GrayBeard

OkieNCognito · Aug 26, 2004

Re: ZTR \'s ?

Graybeard,
Your post caught my attention because I am debating whether to go with a finish mower for my 28 hp tractor or go ZTR before next spring.

I'm currently mowing next to the house with a Murray 30" rider and doing the rest of the 3.5 acres with a brush hog. The BH works ok to the extend it will mow close but it's too easy to scalp the ground. The small rider leaves a nicer cut but way too small to mow it all.

I've been leaning toward a finish mower since it would be far less expensive plus it seems a waste not to utilize the hp I've already got with my tractor.

Can you explain a little more why your turning from the finish mower to the ZTR? Is your problem with the finish mower mainly getting around the trees? I'm mowing a mostly flat and open area.

sweettractors · Aug 26, 2004

Re: ZTR \'s ?

Email my son at glsweet@scrtc.com for pricing on the New Dixon ZTR mowers--I think there is a end of season sale about to start--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Authorized Dixon ZTR Dealer and Can ship Nationwide*

GrayBeard · Aug 27, 2004

Re: ZTR \'s ?

Okie,
The finish mower works great .It's a Ford 930B that I got a tremendous price on last spring.
Most of my "green space" is in pieces. That being long narrow spaces or small round ones.
I have used the 5' rfm but it's made for areas that are "large" with not to many trees. I also use a DR brush cutter for some spaces to confined to get the tractor into.
I can always sell the RFM but I'm not sure about which way to go after that.
If I had more "open" mowing, the RFM would be perfect.
GrayBeard

dkb1215 · Aug 27, 2004

Re: ZTR \'s ?

GrayBeard,

I started out with a 3510 35hp Branson tractor with a 72" finish mower for my five acres and now I own a Ferris 3000IS ZTR. The Ferris is the cream of the crop for mowing comfort, quality of cut and Heavy duty built. It is more than your indicated price range, the Hustler super z would be my second choice with a Scag bobcat or gravely as my third choice. One of my neigbors has a Husavana 52" and I believed he paid around $4800.00 at Lowes and he likes it a lot. Hope this helps.

db

Nasty135 · Aug 30, 2004

Re: ZTR \'s ?

dkb1215, When you got your ferris did you drop to a 60" cut or stay with 72" as your RFM had?? Reason I ask is I am currently using a 6' RFM and the ztr I would be looking at is a 5' The thinking here is the speed and manueverability would more than make up the 12" I'd be losing in width. I would keep my RFM as Back-up or part-time use. Just curious /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif