How important is the transmission for residential units?

[Jake in CT]

The reason I ask is most of the mowers under $4k have EZT's, and I've had to replace one on my current mower at 212 hours.

I'm thinking it may be worth it to go to the next level of mowers with a better transmission like the zt3100. Current ones I'm looking at are HusqvarnaMZ5424s, Kubota Kommander(big cash, but nice), or Hustler Fastrak.

 

[jimrs]

212 hours is not many hours. I would guess it all depends on how much area you mow, how many hills, and all round mistreatment that you put it through.

The Transmission is a major part of the machine so I guess it is important to have a good set for your mower, like engine, deck, blades they are all important at some point.

 

[RatRacer]

For residential use, it's really a matter of $$ value to you.

The 2 use needs that I see that really bring them to the top are:
1) Terrain- Hilly terrain puts a lot of extra pressure on the gears, and moving up gets you better, more durable, quality metal gears and serviceability.

2) Speed- The further up you go model and $ wise, the faster forward speeds they are able tune the machines for. Plus, consider the weight these machines get to be as you move up the range. You need the trannies to be able to stand up to that also. The more solid the construction, the more weight gets added to the party.

 

[Jake in CT]

212 hours is not many hours. I would guess it all depends on how much area you mow, how many hills, and all round mistreatment that you put it through.

The Transmission is a major part of the machine so I guess it is important to have a good set for your mower, like engine, deck, blades they are all important at some point.

I think you are right jimrs.

I only have one or two slight inclines, but I do mow fairly quick. Hey, if the machine wasn't mean to go that fast, they should put a governor on it

 

[txzrider]

This is an interesting question to me since I have the EZT's. I am expecting a long life tho since I am expecting no more than 25 hours a year or so. I had eaton 7800's on my last mower and they lasted 15 years and would still be going except for the motor went. they whined a little but that was all they ever did.

 

[djdicetn]

The reason I ask is most of the mowers under $4k have EZT's, and I've had to replace one on my current mower at 212 hours.

I'm thinking it may be worth it to go to the next level of mowers with a better transmission like the zt3100. Current ones I'm looking at are HusqvarnaMZ5424s, Kubota Kommander(big cash, but nice), or Hustler Fastrak.

So how many years and how much acreage has that Gravely mowed to get 212 hours? And what model is it and what was the warranty? The HydroGear EZT's are designed for "light residential" use, and from what you described("one or two slight inclines"....but no acreage, etc.) you have a lot of hours compared to user txzrider who sates he puts an average of 25 hours/year on his(that is "light residential"). So if your ZTR is 8 years old(at 25 hrs/year) that's one thing, but if it's 3-4 years old that's a little more like heavy duty residential. If you've had it less than 3 years it might still be covered under a Gravely 3 year/1,000 hour Warranty. I have a 1.5-2.0 acre lot and that's why I invested in a Pro Turn 100 XDZ Commercial with the ZT-3400 trannies because I didn't want to wear out the non-serviceable EZT trannies that come on a light duty residential unit. Give us more information about what you are mowing and we'll try to give a recommendation(that Husqvarna MZ ZT 52 that user RatRacer has would not be having the prolems you are having at 212 hours)...but like you said it didn't cost $4K either.

 

[Ric]

The reason I ask is most of the mowers under $4k have EZT's, and I've had to replace one on my current mower at 212 hours.

I'm thinking it may be worth it to go to the next level of mowers with a better transmission like the zt3100. Current ones I'm looking at are HusqvarnaMZ5424s, Kubota Kommander(big cash, but nice), or Hustler Fastrak.

You don't have to go to the 3100 if your just using it for home use, you can step up to the 2800 and it would give you all you would want and save you a few dollars. I've been using the 2800 for years commercially and never had any problems. The EZT is really light use it only has a 10cc seven piston pump and a 10cc five piston motor and for someone who puts like someone said maybe 25hrs a year it would probably last for years. If your doing a lot of mowing and maybe using any type of light weight trailer or anything they wont last long.

 

[Brucebotti]

You don't have to go to the 3100 if your just using it for home use, you can step up to the 2800 and it would give you all you would want and save you a few dollars. I've been using the 2800 for years commercially and never had any problems. The EZT is really light use it only has a 10cc seven piston pump and a 10cc five piston motor and for someone who puts like someone said maybe 25hrs a year it would probably last for years. If your doing a lot of mowing and maybe using any type of light weight trailer or anything they wont last long.

That's what I did. I went with the Toro MX5060 with the 2800's. It also has a Kawasaki motor and a fabricated deck. I have a one acre lot with slight inclines and I will probably put 25-35 hours per year. With proper maintenance, I am looking to get 15-20 years of service. The best part, it was under $4k (barely). Good luck in your search.
Bruce

 

[djdicetn]

That's what I did. I went with the Toro MX5060 with the 2800's. It also has a Kawasaki motor and a fabricated deck. I have a one acre lot with slight inclines and I will probably put 25-35 hours per year. With proper maintenance, I am looking to get 15-20 years of service. The best part, it was under $4k (barely). Good luck in your search.
Bruce

Yep, you thought that one through pretty thoroughly Brucebotti!!! Me, a lot of folks question my sanity buying a Commercial ZTR for a 1.5-2.0 acre lot personal use. But I considered it a "retirement investment" where it won't break down on me a lot when I'm on a "fixed income".....and.....with 25-50 hours/year kinda like you I picture my grandson inheriting it long after I'm gone:0)

 

[Brucebotti]

Yep, you thought that one through pretty thoroughly Brucebotti!!! Me, a lot of folks question my sanity buying a Commercial ZTR for a 1.5-2.0 acre lot personal use. But I considered it a "retirement investment" where it won't break down on me a lot when I'm on a "fixed income".....and.....with 25-50 hours/year kinda like you I picture my grandson inheriting it long after I'm gone:0)

I certainly can't fault your logic. The only time it wouldn't make sense is if you go out and buy something like this while your family is starving. Based on all your posts, I can tell that you do your homework prior to purchasing...:thumbsup:
Bruce