Main differences between the ZT HD and the Pro Turn, or next higher level mower?

[bassadict69]

I have decided on Gravely but am having a hard time deciding between the HD and the Pro Turn, which I think is the next higher level mower. What are the main differences?

I only have 1 1/2 acres to mow, but it is far from a highly manicured lawn and I want to make sure I buy something that will last for MANY years!

 

[Justwookin]

I have decided on Gravely but am having a hard time deciding between the HD and the Pro Turn, which I think is the next higher level mower. What are the main differences?

I only have 1 1/2 acres to mow, but it is far from a highly manicured lawn and I want to make sure I buy something that will last for MANY years!

The pro turn has the roll bar, higher grade hydros, higher grade Kawasaki engine, and bigger drive tires.

 

[GGOSSLER]

I have had the ZT/HD 52 for two and a half years now. mow approx. 2 acres, absolutely

the best machine I have ever owned.... It replaced a 12 year old JD 345 with 54" deck.

 

[Justwookin]

I have decided on Gravely but am having a hard time deciding between the HD and the Pro Turn, which I think is the next higher level mower. What are the main differences?

I only have 1 1/2 acres to mow, but it is far from a highly manicured lawn and I want to make sure I buy something that will last for MANY years!

I was just in the same boat as you, trying to decide which to get. I ended up buying the Gravely Pro-Turn 52. My primary reason was due to the roll over protection since I have some hills. Both are great machines.

 

[djdicetn]

I have decided on Gravely but am having a hard time deciding between the HD and the Pro Turn, which I think is the next higher level mower. What are the main differences?

I only have 1 1/2 acres to mow, but it is far from a highly manicured lawn and I want to make sure I buy something that will last for MANY years!

I can tell you from experience that if you buy that Pro-Turn and put the Gravely Mulch Kit on it...you WILL have a highly manicured lawn:0)

 

[BigUgly]

I recently purchased the ZT HD to cut 2 acres and it has exceeded my expectations; also shaved 1.5 hours off of my mow time. The HD is listed as the high end residential unit, but it shares some of the attributes of the commercial series. I recommend the HD, it will handle your needs and it will last you a long time with proper maintenance.

 

[RustyBoy]

I can tell you from experience that if you buy that Pro-Turn and put the Gravely Mulch Kit on it...you WILL have a highly manicured lawn:0)

If you don't me asking, how much did the mulch kit cost and what is involved in installing it?

 

[RustyBoy]

I have decided on Gravely but am having a hard time deciding between the HD and the Pro Turn, which I think is the next higher level mower. What are the main differences?

I only have 1 1/2 acres to mow, but it is far from a highly manicured lawn and I want to make sure I buy something that will last for MANY years!

In addition to what was said regarding the differences between the HD and Pro-Turn, the seat on the entry level Pro-Turn is a step up better than the standard HD seat. However, getting the optional suspension seat on the HD would be a step up from the Pro-Turn's seat. I have the entry Pro-Turn and I'm very satisfied with it, seat included. For the few hundred dollars extra, I thought the money was well worth it.

 

[djdicetn]

If you don't me asking, how much did the mulch kit cost and what is involved in installing it?

I have bought several things from my dealer and he has always given me his best price(same as his Commercial customers). I got the bimini top first, then the mulch kit and last Fall got the Hex Striper kit. He actually sold me the mulch kit last Spring at the 2012 price he gave me when I bought the mower from him which was $156 plus tax. I'm thinking it was around $180 MSRP for 2013 but you will have to check with Ariens.com or your dealer for the current price(most likely, still < $200). It took me about an hour after jacking up the Pro-Turn with the MoJack to completely clean up the belly of the deck, install the mulch blades that came with the kit and install the baffles(approx. 8 bolts). Cleaning the deck took most of the time. The baffles are VERY heavy gauge steel and the deck accumulates VERY LITTLE if any clippings underneath after mowing. I am very pleased with the resulting cut(with no trace of clippings). I haven't used the striper but a couple of times but am impressed so far!! So now....are you working on your Christmas gift list for your wife????:0)

 

[djdicetn]

In addition to what was said regarding the differences between the HD and Pro-Turn, the seat on the entry level Pro-Turn is a step up better than the standard HD seat. However, getting the optional suspension seat on the HD would be a step up from the Pro-Turn's seat. I have the entry Pro-Turn and I'm very satisfied with it, seat included. For the few hundred dollars extra, I thought the money was well worth it.

I hear ya...I consider myself fortunate to have gotten the deal that I did on my Pro-Turn XDZ100!!! I tell everyone that the best time to shop for a new ZTR is September and October. Most dealers get their new year models in around the middle of November and they are willing to make extremely good deals to get rid of leftover inventory of current year models. I figure I saved around $1,300 from buying a new 2013 in November of 2013 versus buying my 2012 in September 2012. Looking at the 2014's mine would cost me almost $2,000 more if I bought it now(so, therefore I probably would have to go down a series). Of course the downside to shopping in the Fall is that the dealer may not have the exact model you are interested in getting and won't give any deals on something he has to order. Like I say, I was lucky he had one left that was exactly what I was looking for.