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Ok I've read a lot of old posts and FAQ but still having some questions and wanting opinions.

I mow about 3 acres, very hilly, would like to be in the $2000 range (always prefer lower but hey!)
I debated used vs new but we just don't have any spare time on our hands so even though I have the mechanical abilities I'm thinking new because I don't have the time to be working on it. Also I'm in the National Guard and could deploy, the wife needs as little maintenance as possible if she's on her own.

I've heard ZT's are not good for hillls but haven't been able to confirm that here?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Right now we have a Craftsman that can barely (or rarely, haha) makes it up the hill in the front yard. Sure it wouldn't take much to improve on it! I already know we're heading to a local dealer and not big box (even though the military discount there is nice!) And brand doesn't really matter as long as its good quality.

The more horse power you have the better it will climb,make sure you buy a mower with a low center of gravity

I'm hoping that your local dealer will also give you a discount for being in the service.

It depends what your slopes are like what you will need. No matter what, make sure both people that will need to use the mower will be comfortable with the controls.

Some people swear by the zero turn mowers for everything and some people swear that they are NOT good for slopes. The dealer should be able to make positive suggestions.

What dealers (brands) are in your area and what ones have the best reputation for service ?
Who offers pick up and delivery ? What brands have the best reliability ratings ?

Many things to think about.

Good Luck ! :thumbsup:

I know mime going to get a lot of flack, but I suggest that you get a Toro 426XL. It is in you price range and both you and you better half will be able to handle it. HOO RAH

NO I don't get any discounts but i do mow retention ponds for a living ,from 20 degress to as much as 35 degrees.The dealers are a great bunch of people but there job is to sell mowers any mowers

Rivets said:

I know mime going to get a lot of flack, but I suggest that you get a Toro 426XL.

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why the flack? and thanks for your service!

There are many on this forum who don't agree with getting anything butl their favorite brands.

Many of arguments have been started on here over what brand mower is best I like craftsman but I own others and I think the toro would do a good job for you. Just stay away from the ugly green mowers LOL

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Carscw said:

Many of arguments have been started on here over what brand mower is best I like craftsman but I own others and I think the toro would do a good job for you. Just stay away from the ugly green mowers LOL

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I don't know what ( Carscw ) has against what he calls the 'Ugly Green Mowers', but I have a 1980 model with 48" deck, and an 1994 model with 48" deck, that I'll put up against ANY color / brand he wishes. Now to be honest, and straight forward mine are L&G models, which are heavier made than lawnmowers only are. And almost every part is repairable/ replaceable. Over my years (75) I've owned others , but the "Ugly Green" (which I think are beautiful) are the best I've owned. I think brand, has little to do with what's best, personally chosen Models, do have. Just my 2 cents.

Carscw said:

Many of arguments have been started on here over what brand mower is best I like craftsman but I own others and I think the toro would do a good job for you. Just stay away from the ugly green mowers LOL

Sent from my iPhone using LMF

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Yea what you got against the Green!! :laughing:

Nwatson99 said:

Yea what you got against the Green!! :laughing: <img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/mower-equipment-buying-pricing/20880-buying-riding-mower-front-end-2-jpg"/>

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Their riding mowers are cheap made.
Their pulley set up on the decks is junk. Not saying spindles and bearings because 95% of riding mowers use the same bearing

You are paying to much money for the name

Really it's just people that made me not like jd riding mowers.

Now I do think they make a almost good ztr

Carscw said:

Their riding mowers are cheap made.
Their pulley set up on the decks is junk. Not saying spindles and bearings because 95% of riding mowers use the same bearing

You are paying to much money for the name

Really it's just people that made me not like jd riding mowers.

Now I do think they make a almost good ztr

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LOL Well I might not have went that far with that statement, I feel like mine is a tank and I have compared it to Toro, the big diesel Grasshopper, and the Kobota all commercial models that I have cut grass with these machines testing them out just seeing the differences and I will stick with the Ztrak.
Yes I had a problem with a coil going out with low hours just over 250 and was irate about it, but then I just realized that coil could have went bad on any brand of mower.

Nwatson99 said:

LOL Well I might not have went that far with that statement, I feel like mine is a tank and I have compared it to Toro, the big diesel Grasshopper, and the Kobota all commercial models that I have cut grass with these machines testing them out just seeing the differences and I will stick with the Ztrak.
Yes I had a problem with a coil going out with low hours just over 250 and was irate about it, but then I just realized that coil could have went bad on any brand of mower.

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My "problem" with JD is that they sell a $14k(approx. MSRP) ZTR that has a "stamped deck" and they try to tell you it has a better quality cut than a welded, fabricated deck. I'm not believing that for a minute. I mentioned to you in your other thread what a more Commercial quality ZTR you would have gotten with the Gravely 400 XDZ. Soooooo, JFG what did you shell out for that Z960R MOD??? You said you got a good deal on it.