ZTRs and what to look out for

[Simpleton]

For my personal residence, which has 1.5 acres of land, I'm looking to buy either a new/used zero turn radius model.
I've looked at the Snapper, and Husquavarna, but I'm kind of leaning towards a Snapper.
Specifically I was looking at the Snapper Scrambler.
Reasons:
<ul type="square">
[*]Joystick operation which should prevent lawn tearing
[*]Large deck capacity (up to 48" I believe)
[*]Faster than traditional lawn/garden tractors
[/list]
I wanted to get something that's very maneuverable but better than the current lawn/garden tractor that I presently have.
I want something that would allow me to cut the yard in about an hour, and this seemed to be the best fit. Presently, it takes me almost 3 hours to cut with a regular garden tractor (42" deck, 18hp Craftsmen model).
So, is this a good purchase (evidently their web site mentions starting prices at $3,100 for the smaller deck/less HP mower).

Here's the URL I found: web page

 

[Dargo]

For numerous reasons, I'd lean towards practically anything except the Snapper. It is pretty well unanimous among reports that the Snapper line is the most repair prone models and customer satisfaction is low. I actually bought a used Snapper once and disliked it so much that I gave it away to my father. A month later he tried to give it back! You would be way ahead with the Husky you mentioned besides the dozens of other entries in this line.

 

[Simpleton]

I did notice that the Husky site didn't mention any ZTRs that weren't the "two-armed" models.
Are there any others that might be slightly easier to operate (i.e. via the Joystick method).

 

[Simpleton]

Oh, and are the Scags a good buy (in this category of course)?

 

[65hoss]

You can't get any simpler than the "two armed" types. You have complete control over each wheel.

 

[Simpleton]

<font color="blue">You can't get any simpler than the "two armed" types. You have complete control over each wheel.</font>

Sure ya can. The easier way would be not having to control both wheels, but having a joystick to steer it, and gas/brake pedals to speed it up/stop it.

 

[WhiteRock]

I am with Dargo, I'm not much of a Snapper fan. But my experiences are from long ago, and Snapper may have changed.

There are a lot of ZTRs out there these days. Depending on your budget, type of cutting, grass, etc., here are some things that are important to me.

Understand that I HATE doing yard work. So if I am going to do it, it needs to be fun. I have very strict rules about flower beds, where trees go etc., all lines must be speed lines. ZTRs are great for maneuvering.

I bought a ZTR to be able to cut my yard quick. I have an old TORO 40 something inch cut. I mow about 12,000 sq.ft. (1/4 acre) of Bermuda TIFF 419 excluding tree islands. I can cut it in 20 to 30 minutes. The TORO is built like a tank. I have used it for 10 years and hardly done anything to it.

Must haves:
Pressurized oiling engine
High blade tip speed
I wish I had a better anti scalping deck
Deck should have ball bearing pulleys with zerks
good forward speed, 7-10 MPH (Yard had to be very smooth to use)
dual lever steering on the hydro
I would try for low psi foot print, but would not sacrifice machine quality, minimize rutting
Nice deck height adjustment

You will probably pay a lot for this mower, but you may never buy another one. I bought mine used. It had 600 hours on it. I still have not hit 700 hours.

I like the dual steering handles. This is a personal preference. I had rather push than have a joystick. But, you can drink a beer with a joystick. You'll probably have to have some hours to do it with the dual steering. It can be done. Also you will quickly learn to control the mower without cutting up the yard. ZTR can present some challenges if you yard is hilly. If hilly you should understand them.

This is about all I can think of at the moment. Hope this helps

Have you looked at Toro, eXmark, SCAG? Actually these are pretty high end machines.

 

[Simpleton]

<font color="blue">Have you looked at Toro, eXmark, SCAG? Actually these are pretty high end machines.</font>

I have looked at the SCAG. I just haven't found any pricing information on it yet.
Sounds like you have a pretty sweet deal there. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
But, my worry would be making sure the mower won't kill itself cutting 65,530 feet of yard. OK, minus the area for a 2300 sq. ft. house and a 12x16 shed (former farm land, so not much in the yard itself).

 

[WhiteRock]

I wouldn't worry about the mower killing itself. They are nearly indestructable. The TORO, SCAG, eXmark class are comercial and mow all day long everyday. If that is all the yard you have and you take reasonable care of the mower, I doubt you wear it out in you lifetime.

You can break a lot of other things. You can mow all flower beds in seconds.

Saw a SCAG shear a 4x4 mailbox post once.

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> But, my worry would be making sure the mower won't kill itself cutting 65,530 feet of yard. </font>
The one item to worry about with a ZTR, is it beating you to death if your land is not smooth.