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2 acres and a $5,000 budget for a new ZTR....looking for some wisdom

#1

P

paul95se

I know there are not enough of these requests but perhaps I'll put in a little information in this thread to make it more interesting.
Currently have a JD345 (54 inch deck) that I use to cut almost 2 acres with just a small hill toward the rear of the property so terrain is not really a factor.
Like everyone else, I want to cut quicker and better. Right now it probably takes close to 1.5 hours and quite sure I can cut that down with a faster ZTR mower. I talked the wife into a budget of 5G max with the understanding this might last till I'm 60+ (43 right now). So, having difficulty deciding if I want a very nice residential mower or a cheaper commercial mower. I am not even sure if I should be concerned with buying a commercial mower as I am not mowing 6 days a week with it.
So far, only talked to a Salesman at Weingartz about a couple different models. Seemed to be high on the Exmark Quest S Series. I know I see many crews using that brand around my area. The 60 would be ~4800 out the door. Haven't researched their self-made engines to this point. I know it seemed incredibly easy to change the oil.
While he was looking up the price for a bagger, I found a Cub Cadet ZF L60 which would be about $4100. The reviews seemed pretty damn good.
Then I found the Hustler Raptor SD60 today and that seemed like it would work as well. Looked like there was some suspension mods i can make as well. Yard can get a bit bumpy in areas.
And in addition, been looking now at the Ariens IKON models and the JD535's as well. The Gravely's and Scags....those don't have bad reviews either. So many choices.
That said, I know there are some important factors to look at however. Seems like transmissions are talked about most. Read that some have hanging decks and some have fixed decks. My JD has what I think is a hanging deck? I assume that would keep the ride smoother if that has some room to wiggle around?
Some decks can be detached quicker than others which would be nice. Not exactly easy to get to the blades on my JD

So, guess I'm asking if you had 5G burning a hole in your pocket and needed a new ZTR, what would you buy?
Thanks!


#2

D

Darryl G

Exmark makes great machines but they tend to be expensive for what you get. I have 2 of their commercial units and have had an excellent experience with them.Their self-branded engines are made in China by Loncin but so far they appear to be good engines. Cut quality tends to be excellent and they hold their value well.

I'd add the Bob-Cat CRZ to your list too https://www.bobcatturf.com/products/crz/

Spartan is a relatively new brand that I'd check out if you have a nearby dealer. Some great features and price point. And they look way cool!

There are a lot of Raptor owners on this forum and a search will pull up several threads. They seem to have quite a few issues to me but maybe it's because there are a lot of them in service. You'll also find a lot of Gravely owners and threads here too. Seems to be a lot of issues with belts breaking and getting tossed on those.

Happy shopping to you!


#3

J

John Fitzgerald

If you could raise the budget just a little you could get a Hustler Fastrak or Big Dog Stout (same mower). It's a good upgrade from the Raptor SD.


#4

P

paul95se

Darryl G said:
Exmark makes great machines but they tend to be expensive for what you get. I have 2 of their commercial units and have had an excellent experience with them.Their self-branded engines are made in China by Loncin but so far they appear to be good engines. Cut quality tends to be excellent and they hold their value well.

I'd add the Bob-Cat CRZ to your list too

Spartan is a relatively new brand that I'd check out if you have a nearby dealer. Some great features and price point. And they look way cool!

There are a lot of Raptor owners on this forum and a search will pull up several threads. They seem to have quite a few issues to me but maybe it's because there are a lot of them in service. You'll also find a lot of Gravely owners and threads here too. Seems to be a lot of issues with belts breaking and getting tossed on those.

Happy shopping to you!
Click to expand...

Thanks.
Yes, the cut quality is important. Not happy with how my JD is cutting now and prior to having a home with 2 acres, my grass looked like a golf course. Now I get the weeds treated but am at the mercy of the rain gods. The grass would look pretty damn good if I can get a nice mower.


#5

S

SidecarFlip

If I had 5K in my pocket, I'd invest it and hire a lawn care service and dispense with the mowing all together. My buddy gets his lawn mowed and trimmed every week for 40 bucks. Let someone else maintain a machine, put gas in it and do the work.


#6

P

paul95se

SidecarFlip said:
If I had 5K in my pocket, I'd invest it and hire a lawn care service and dispense with the mowing all together. My buddy gets his lawn mowed and trimmed every week for 40 bucks. Let someone else maintain a machine, put gas in it and do the work.
Click to expand...

:laughing::laughing:


#7

D

Darryl G

The new Quests seem really nice! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRjeuh0L6Mc

I don't know about that exhaust burning grass though. What were they thinking?


#8

kblackmer100

kblackmer100

FERRIS Z1, brand new they are about 6k, Stand on mower is better for the back this mower has a super cushin spring platform, zero turn mowers are good but the key is high back seat and suspension, FERRIS has a F60Z for about 5k or give or take, no springs but not back to ride.


#9

D

denk

i have never used one & can't attest to the cut, but it seems the bad boy sold in the TSC stores is right in your price range. it has a 60" cut that will get the job done quickly. the deck is very strong and it appears to be very heavy duty. this is a good quality in mowers.

maybe you could rent one somewhere for a while & buy one if you like it?


#10

RajunCajun

RajunCajun

87B0C676-E13E-4D02-9A57-7D1327EF2D71.jpeg
FERRIS 400S Model 5901705 Kawasaki
Available with either a Briggs & Stratton® Commercial Series or Kawasaki® FR series engine, Equipped with a 10-gauge 48″ mowing deck, large coil-over independent progressive rate shocks, dual Hydro-gear® ZT-2800® transaxles, Compatible attachments like a bagging system or a tow/hitch kit.


#11

D

denk

not trying to get into a 'mower wars' contest here, but i did drive a ferris before upgrading to a hustler super Z. the handling of the hustler Z & SZ are superb. i can make both dance. i like grasshopper, but they cost too much for me. the ferris drove much like a tank and it was very expensive.

durability, ruggedness, and support (if you need it) are of utmost importance in buying most anything. but you want a 'best of breed' product, which means this one (best of breed) might not ever require any service!

i believe that hustler and grasshopper are best of breed. there are others, but i haven't tried them. the bad boy seems to have the ruggedness in construction. many of the components in the mowers - wheel motors & pumps are made by competitors or even the same company.

and he did say $5k, not $6k. so the ferris is out unless you will sell it for $5k. also the ferris is ONLY 48". the bad boy is 60". huge difference!


#12

D

denk

SidecarFlip said:
If I had 5K in my pocket, I'd invest it and hire a lawn care service and dispense with the mowing all together. My buddy gets his lawn mowed and trimmed every week for 40 bucks. Let someone else maintain a machine, put gas in it and do the work.
Click to expand...

if you calculate the cost: $5k vs $120/mow, it is easy to see that in 4 years $5k has been spent. it is more cost effective if you buy a mower & change the blades when needed.


#13

D

Darryl G

Regarding deck size. In my opinion a 52 or 54 inch compact Z is more suitable for residential mowing than a 60 incher in general. They're more agile, fit more places, do less turf damage and provide a better cut.


#14

U

ukrkoz

OP, I have Hustler SD 60 inch. If your property is FLAT - it'll do OK, but you will ahve to start replacing bolts in short mowing time. ANd re torque them about every other month. If you have even anything reminding of uneven or bumpy terrain, I'd rather - now, after 2 ZTRs - buy a good wide deck rider with hydros.
Here's a tip for you. When you look at mowers, go to the rear and look at the transmissions. You will be surprised how MANY you will see with plastic components on hydros. Do you really want that?
Don't buy anything that does not have tube frame. Simply don't.
Be prepared to have very bumpy ride on ZTRs. They have ZERO suspension. Your ars will get all of it and so will back. Hustler has memory foam seat thought, that it does. Also, 60 incher has totally dumb counter-intuitive deck height adjustment system, looks like borrowed from Toro ZTR. Just dumb. And you absolutely want to adjust deck height on a fly.
Btw, 54 inch ZTR will do your 2 acre in about an hr easy. Just don't even look at 54 inch Hustler, it's junk.
It seriously depends on quality of grading for your lawn. And how many mole mounds you have.
I'd rather get a nice rider, to be honest. Yeah, they mow a bit slower due to cornering but you will be more comfortable. Unless you have HILLS. ZTR does stellar on slopes.


#15

D

denk

Darryl G said:
Regarding deck size. In my opinion a 52 or 54 inch compact Z is more suitable for residential mowing than a 60 incher in general. They're more agile, fit more places, do less turf damage and provide a better cut.
Click to expand...

that's fine, but he said 2 acres. not typical residential.


#16

D

denk

ukrkoz said:
OP, I have Hustler SD 60 inch. If your property is FLAT - it'll do OK, but you will ahve to start replacing bolts in short mowing time. ANd re torque them about every other month. If you have even anything reminding of uneven or bumpy terrain, I'd rather - now, after 2 ZTRs - buy a good wide deck rider with hydros.
Here's a tip for you. When you look at mowers, go to the rear and look at the transmissions. You will be surprised how MANY you will see with plastic components on hydros. Do you really want that?
Don't buy anything that does not have tube frame. Simply don't.
Be prepared to have very bumpy ride on ZTRs. They have ZERO suspension. Your ars will get all of it and so will back. Hustler has memory foam seat thought, that it does. Also, 60 incher has totally dumb counter-intuitive deck height adjustment system, looks like borrowed from Toro ZTR. Just dumb. And you absolutely want to adjust deck height on a fly.
Btw, 54 inch ZTR will do your 2 acre in about an hr easy. Just don't even look at 54 inch Hustler, it's junk.
It seriously depends on quality of grading for your lawn. And how many mole mounds you have.
I'd rather get a nice rider, to be honest. Yeah, they mow a bit slower due to cornering but you will be more comfortable. Unless you have HILLS. ZTR does stellar on slopes.
Click to expand...

he wants a mower for 2 acres.

the hustler sd is a 'home brew' version. the Z & SZ have few bolts with MANY welds. very sturdy. very commercial. my neighbor has used the hustler fastrak with few problems for several years now. my dogs dig holes in the yard & i hit some of them. nothing has broken yet on the SZ. i mow 8 acres.

the OP asked for opinions on a mower for 2 acres. he's probably not interested in these discussions.

please note i recommended the bad boy 60", not a hustler. he doesn't need a commercial mower for 2 acres. but the bad boy will cost $5k which is at the limit of his budget. and it is sturdily built. the deck is about as sturdy as the Z & SZ decks.


#17

D

Darryl G

denk said:
that's fine, but he said 2 acres. not typical residential.
Click to expand...

It is where I am and that's what I run mowing commercially. Why would a homeowner need a bigger mower than I do?


#18

D

denk

Darryl G said:
It is where I am and that's what I run mowing commercially. Why would a homeowner need a bigger mower than I do?
Click to expand...

this discussion is NOT about you.


#19

D

Darryl G

denk said:
this discussion is NOT about you.
Click to expand...

I stand by my comments and I never said anything about a "typical" residential property in my initial comments regarding deck size. My comments were made in light of the OP's particular situation. Residential properties, regardless of their total size, tend to have features which in my opinion make it clumsy to mow them with 60 inch mowers. I've got 18 years of experience mowing residential properties including my own 34 acres. Personally I'd rather zip around on a 52 inch mower than try to tiptoe around on a 60 incher. Bigger isn't always better! I think I'm allowed that opinion without being trolled about it. A 52 or 54 inch deck is plenty big for mowing 2 acres and has many benefits over a larger deck.


#20

cpurvis

cpurvis

I agree with Darryl. You don't need a 60 inch mower for two acres.


#21

D

denk

Darryl G said:
I stand by my comments and I never said anything about a "typical" residential property in my initial comments regarding deck size. My comments were made in light of the OP's particular situation. Residential properties, regardless of their total size, tend to have features which in my opinion make it clumsy to mow them with 60 inch mowers. I've got 18 years of experience mowing residential properties including my own 34 acres. Personally I'd rather zip around on a 52 inch mower than try to tiptoe around on a 60 incher. Bigger isn't always better! I think I'm allowed that opinion without being trolled about it. A 52 or 54 inch deck is plenty big for mowing 2 acres and has many benefits over a larger deck.
Click to expand...
:thumbdown:

trolled?

ok. you have hijacked this discussion and tried to make it about you. it is NOT about you. but you won't stop making it about YOU.

look at the title: 2 acres, $5k budget, ZTR, wisdom. if he wanted you to cut his lawn, he'd hire you. i gave a response & you haven't stopped making it about YOU. the OP hasn't even responded during this melee.

and i said that i wasn't trying to start a mower war, but it has.

TSC sells this model for ~ $5k, which fits the bill. it is heavy duty. it looks good, but i have never driven one. the TSC reviews for it are mostly good, but some are bad; this is about par.

https://www.badboymowers.com/bad-boy-shop/zero-turn-mowers/zt-elite-lawn-mower

i'm done.


#22

D

denk

Darryl G said:
I stand by my comments and I never said anything about a "typical" residential property in my initial comments regarding deck size. My comments were made in light of the OP's particular situation. Residential properties, regardless of their total size, tend to have features which in my opinion make it clumsy to mow them with 60 inch mowers. I've got 18 years of experience mowing residential properties including my own 34 acres. Personally I'd rather zip around on a 52 inch mower than try to tiptoe around on a 60 incher. Bigger isn't always better! I think I'm allowed that opinion without being trolled about it. A 52 or 54 inch deck is plenty big for mowing 2 acres and has many benefits over a larger deck.
Click to expand...

so you aren't talking about 'typical', but you continue to describe 'typical'?


#23

D

denk

cpurvis said:
I agree with Darryl. You don't need a 60 inch mower for two acres.
Click to expand...

this is not about YOU either. i simply responded to the OP & you can't stand it. grow up.


#24

cpurvis

cpurvis

denk said:
this is not about YOU either. i simply responded to the OP & you can't stand it. grow up.
Click to expand...

Since you're not the OP, this thread isn't about YOU either. If you can't stand somebody offering a different opinion that doesn't agree with yours, I suggest you take all of your vast mower knowledge and don't let the door hit you in the rear on the way out.


#25

D

Darryl G

Post Deleted. Not worth it...


#26

D

denk

here's a good comparison offering a variety of mowers.

https://www.mowersdirect.com/lawn/zero-turn-mowers-under-5000.html


#27

RajunCajun

RajunCajun

denk said:
not trying to get into a 'mower wars' contest here, but i did drive a ferris before upgrading to a hustler super Z. the handling of the hustler Z & SZ are superb. i can make both dance. i like grasshopper, but they cost too much for me. the ferris drove much like a tank and it was very expensive.

durability, ruggedness, and support (if you need it) are of utmost importance in buying most anything. but you want a 'best of breed' product, which means this one (best of breed) might not ever require any service!

i believe that hustler and grasshopper are best of breed. there are others, but i haven't tried them. the bad boy seems to have the ruggedness in construction. many of the components in the mowers - wheel motors & pumps are made by competitors or even the same company.

and he did say $5k, not $6k. so the ferris is out unless you will sell it for $5k. also the ferris is ONLY 48". the bad boy is 60". huge difference!
Click to expand...

Sorry denk,
It’s not $6k. It’s not EVEN $5k. $4350 shipped no tax. Huge deal. (BRUNOs , link below)
At the dealers, $4699 minus what you talk them down. 2 acres is not that large.
Ferris 400S 48” model is only 753lbs. Not a tank. Do your homework before you start
slinging prices out there, Carnac. (Plenty Hustler reviews I read, bolts falling off...Hydrostatic
brackets bending)

FERRIS, SNAPPER PRO, SIMPLICITY are all Briggs companies.

https://www.brunospowersports.com/i...=+3477335&sfc=0&ssc=0&scc=0&sps=0&lo=2&snai=0

0ED7F2EE-C358-4BEE-9337-9219B98F7E02.pngFC6F6915-46A0-4BEB-BF88-634854CFCDDE.png
Some Dealers put them on sale too. $4299+ tax.


#28

D

Darryl G

I strongly recommend buying power equipment from servicing dealers rather than online or a big box stores. Dealer support is way more important than saving money on the initial purchase IMO.


#29

D

denk

RajunCajun said:
Sorry denk,
It’s not $6k. It’s not EVEN $5k. $4350 shipped no tax. Huge deal. (BRUNOs , link below)
At the dealers, $4699 minus what you talk them down. 2 acres is not that large.
Ferris 400S 48” model is only 753lbs. Not a tank. Do your homework before you start
slinging prices out there, Carnac. (Plenty Hustler reviews I read, bolts falling off...Hydrostatic
brackets bending)

FERRIS, SNAPPER PRO, SIMPLICITY are all Briggs companies.

https://www.brunospowersports.com/i...=+3477335&sfc=0&ssc=0&scc=0&sps=0&lo=2&snai=0

View attachment 40567View attachment 40568
Some Dealers put them on sale too. $4299+ tax.
Click to expand...

see post # 8 on this thread pal. perhaps you should read before posting. i would never buy a ferris. they are junk basically. reputable dealers don't sell them.

"FERRIS Z1, brand new they are about 6k, Stand on mower is better for the back this mower has a super cushin spring platform, zero turn mowers are good but the key is high back seat and suspension, FERRIS has a F60Z for about 5k or give or take, no springs but not back to ride."


#30

D

Darryl G

denk said:
i would never buy a ferris.
Click to expand...

This thread isn't about you and what you would buy!


#31

PTmowerMech

PTmowerMech

paul95se said:
I know there are not enough of these requests but perhaps I'll put in a little information in this thread to make it more interesting.
Currently have a JD345 (54 inch deck) that I use to cut almost 2 acres with just a small hill toward the rear of the property so terrain is not really a factor.
Like everyone else, I want to cut quicker and better. Right now it probably takes close to 1.5 hours and quite sure I can cut that down with a faster ZTR mower. I talked the wife into a budget of 5G max with the understanding this might last till I'm 60+ (43 right now). So, having difficulty deciding if I want a very nice residential mower or a cheaper commercial mower. I am not even sure if I should be concerned with buying a commercial mower as I am not mowing 6 days a week with it.
So far, only talked to a Salesman at Weingartz about a couple different models. Seemed to be high on the Exmark Quest S Series. I know I see many crews using that brand around my area. The 60 would be ~4800 out the door. Haven't researched their self-made engines to this point. I know it seemed incredibly easy to change the oil.
While he was looking up the price for a bagger, I found a Cub Cadet ZF L60 which would be about $4100. The reviews seemed pretty damn good.
Then I found the Hustler Raptor SD60 today and that seemed like it would work as well. Looked like there was some suspension mods i can make as well. Yard can get a bit bumpy in areas.
And in addition, been looking now at the Ariens IKON models and the JD535's as well. The Gravely's and Scags....those don't have bad reviews either. So many choices.
That said, I know there are some important factors to look at however. Seems like transmissions are talked about most. Read that some have hanging decks and some have fixed decks. My JD has what I think is a hanging deck? I assume that would keep the ride smoother if that has some room to wiggle around?
Some decks can be detached quicker than others which would be nice. Not exactly easy to get to the blades on my JD

So, guess I'm asking if you had 5G burning a hole in your pocket and needed a new ZTR, what would you buy?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if you've bought anything yet, but a small 9N tractor, with a shreader/brushhog. And then a normal size rider for the close to the house. If you wanted to, you could use the tractor for other stuff, like maybe a garden. Not to mention the fact that you can pick up a good 9N (or something like it) for about $2,000.


#32

D

denk

PTmowerMech said:
I'm not sure if you've bought anything yet, but a small 9N tractor, with a shreader/brushhog. And then a normal size rider for the close to the house. If you wanted to, you could use the tractor for other stuff, like maybe a garden. Not to mention the fact that you can pick up a good 9N (or something like it) for about $2,000.
Click to expand...

but that would be more than the professional landscaper has. you can't do that, can you?


#33

D

denk

Darryl G said:
This thread isn't about you and what you would buy!
Click to expand...

but they are junk.


#34

gotomow

gotomow

My brother in law has been using the Cub Cadet Z-Force L 48" all summer and loves it. He came from a older JD 425 54" and cuts just over 1 3/4 acres. Like you he does have some areas that are bumpy and he's had to slow down over those, but 2 weeks ago we have been filling and leveling in the worst of the bumpy spots. Last week we seeded and the new grass seed is just coming up. My advise would be to buy a 54" or less ZTR residential mower and use the left over money to level out your bumpy areas. Not only will you cut faster, it will save you and your mower in the long run to make improvements to your property.


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