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Can you buy too big of a zero turn?

#1

J

johnsayen

Hi all,

New to the forum - hope this is the right place for this question. My lawn is split into four different sections and in total is around 1/3 of an acre. It takes about an hour to mow with a walk-behind push mower. The back yard is the largest section and is sloped. I'm considering a zero turn and got pretty lost in all the options.

My main question: if I buy something like a kubota z422 with a 54" deck instead of something like a z251 with 54" deck or z231 with a 48", are there consequences for buying a larger unit on a smaller yard? I did a bunch of searching and it looks like some people complain about rutting from the larger heavier units, but I don't know what to believe. Kubota website specs show the Z422 coming in at 918lbs but some forum posts show it at 1300+

thank you


#2

upupandaway

upupandaway

johnsayen said:
are there consequences for buying a larger unit on a smaller yard?
Click to expand...

not so much with the total size of the yard, but oh yeah there are. If u have a yard with humps, you can easily scalp them. Probably the biggest factor(IMO) is if you have trees, rocks, etc. that are pretty close together that if u get a 72" 0-turn you can't reach.

At one of my homes, I alone also have a Sears rider 36". I also came across a Deere 60" rider- the 60" won't fit past 1 of the gates. So yeah, look around and with whatever size you pick, make sure it fits your yard. BTW, r u storing it in your garage or large shed? I had to build a larger door shed to store mine.


#3

S

slomo

Bigger mower is more of everything. More fuel consumed, more blades to sharpen and so on. Higher cost for the machine......


#4

F

Freddie21

I have a 60" and a 42" ZT. Yard is divided into large and smaller sections. The 60" cuts a lot of lawn but in the smaller spaces requires a lot of maneuvering. This takes time. I prefer the smaller unit here, but here's a suggestion. Go over a 42". That size deck does not extend beyond the width of the mower wheelbase. Which means when trimming along house, etc or going around a sharper obstacle, the tires hit. If you got to a 44-46" you won't have the problem. Still small enough to fit through gates and large enough to get the job done.
Also, I am a firm believer in the steering wheel units. Much easier to drive, unless you use enough to get the experience, and handles the hills better as the front wheel are not casters but steered and hold the straight line better.


#5

J

johnsayen

I appreciate the responses - I feel like the concerns voiced thus far have to deal with the mower deck size and not the overall class/size of the equipment. Is rutting from a heavier machine a real concern? Also, I agree with the more fuel consumed, blades to sharpen, higher cost of the machine, etc.


#6

F

Freddie21

Depends on usage. I have a small residential grade 42" and a 60" commercial. For everyday home use, the residential is fine, save the money. I've had mine for 8 years now and it still running great. But I don't baby my machine when I'm cutting my 2 acre lot. That deck will mow down trees and I feel confident I'm not hurting it. Also a better, longer lasting engine and even a better seat. If I had to replace it, I would go commercial again. I buy used to save big bucks. Either way, you must keep them maintained. Clean, and I only use full synthetic oil. Follow mfg intervals.


#7

R

Rivets

95% of rutting when using any Z-turn mower is caused by operator error, not weight of the unit. There is a learning curve on how to make turns and cutting around obstacles A good operator can make turns with a heavy machine on wet lawns without leaving a mark. An inexperienced operator will constantly rut up the lawn, even when cutting conditions are perfect. Before you purchase any Z-turn mower, you MUST do a good test drive.


#8

bkeller500

bkeller500

If traction is not a issue for that sloped backyard then a ZT will be fine. If you have a lot of trimming then a 48" is better than a 42" as you navigate the turns the deck will clip the grass beyond the wheel base. If your yard is wet most of the time a ZT can leave scars from the rear wheels where a tractor wouldn't. I have gone back and forth from tractor to zt back to tractor and now back to zt and I wish I kept my last tractor due to the scars from the zt rear wheels. Some will say it's because I don't know how to drive one ( ZT) but I would disagree. No worry on a tractor in those same areas but my zt will scar in turns if I am not real careful. In areas where the lawn is shaded and the grass is thin, you will get more scars with a zt. Everyone seems to be excited about converting to a ZT as they work well. are quicker and are more fun but in reality they can do more damage and are more prone to scar than a tractor. I fell into that trap. Knowing what I know now ( for my 1.3 acres with some slopes) a tractor with 48" deck, traction control for the rear wheels, power steering, and a mulch option would be better for me. A ZT will get you excited as you sit on one and if you take a test drive, but be careful making the jump. My honest opinion only for what it's worth.


#9

Hammermechanicman

Hammermechanicman

"Bigger is not better" said by no man ever. LoL.?


#10

Propflux01

Propflux01

I have. 36”. Perfect for my .5 acre yard.


#11

J

johnsayen

thanks all


#12

E

efred

I'm no help: I mow 5+ acres with a 21" self-propelled push mower. I mow for over an hour (or run out of gas, whichever comes first) each day, until I'm done. It's supposed to be great for your health (you know, all that walking, cardio workout, etc.), but all I get is beat.


#13

A

AdamE

I have just over 2 acres and have to mow about 1-1/3 of it. I bought a 48" Exmark and think it's the perfect size. The Kubota you mentioned seems like overkill for 1/3 of an acre.


#14

G

Gord Baker

Yes, you can get rutting on slopes, mostly from wheel spin while turning. Measure the Narrowest Gate you have. Subtract 2"
Go to your dealers and ask about Riding Lawn Tractors. Lift up the Grass Chute and measure across the deck noting clearance. Then get the appropriate size deck. A JD La-165, or that size range, 17-20 HP should serve you well, 42" if you have lots of obstacles. $10,000 cheaper and much more versatile than Zero Turn. You can tow small trailers easily and also a Wide Sweeper. roller etc. Keep in mind gate width. I use an X320 48" 22 HP on my half acre . Cutting time 25 min. Watch for used riders $250-$500. Check Forward and Reverse after hot before purchase if it is an automatic. Check all gears if it is a used Standard.
Mine has a 3 blade deck that conforms very well to uneven ground. I have installed some custom features. All my photos are too 'large' to upload here. WTF?


#15

G

Gord Baker

Replies are not showing for me.


#16

7394

7394

You know your new Z is too big if you have to do more push mowing Or wacking..

As to the rut question, if one mows the same exact paths all the time, yes expect ruts. That's my 2 cents anyhow..


#17

D

Deereman

johnsayen said:
Hi all,

New to the forum - hope this is the right place for this question. My lawn is split into four different sections and in total is around 1/3 of an acre. It takes about an hour to mow with a walk-behind push mower. The back yard is the largest section and is sloped. I'm considering a zero turn and got pretty lost in all the options.

My main question: if I buy something like a kubota z422 with a 54" deck instead of something like a z251 with 54" deck or z231 with a 48", are there consequences for buying a larger unit on a smaller yard? I did a bunch of searching and it looks like some people complain about rutting from the larger heavier units, but I don't know what to believe. Kubota website specs show the Z422 coming in at 918lbs but some forum posts show it at 1300+

thank you
Click to expand...
I operate a small mowing service and my 2 main mowers are a John Deere zero turn and a John Deere all-wheel steer (tractor). Both commercial grade and both have 54 inch decks. Personally, I will never buy another zero turn. They are great on level ground or minor slopes. They tend to slide/slip on a moderate grade. The rutting is totally on operator issue and has nothing to do with weight. They take some getting used to and the key is to keep all the wheels moving to avoid rutting.
An all wheel steer tractor is nearly as fast as a zero turn plus you have the ability to take attachments and they are much better on hills and slopes. If your slope is a moderate to steep, you will not be happy with a zero turn. My 2 cents worth after 15 plus years of experience with both.


#18

F

Fox12

I have a 48-inch Hustler Raptor SD, it perfect for my 1/2 acre yard. Much wider and it would take up too much garage space and would not fit through a rear yard gate. On the other hand, go too narrow with some brands and the mower will not overhang the wheels enough to allow for getting close to objects to reduce or eliminate trimming.


#19

H

Hal12

Can only get a 48" deck between the fenders of my 1/2 ton ford pickemup. And I don't need to buy a small trailer

for a larger mower.


#20

7394

7394

Hal12 said:
Can only get a 48" deck between the fenders of my 1/2 ton ford pickemup
Click to expand...
Best to measure then, cause some 48"s are much wider than the 48" cut..

For example: In Toro a 48" is actually about 54" wide overall.. Now my Liberty 48" is only 49" wide overall.. So take yer tape measure with you..


#21

G

ge66

I am late to this party and maybe you’ve already made the decision. If you can mow your 1/3 acre with a nice $300 (just guessing) mower in an hour, your decision is more whether to invest $8,000 (Z422) to mow in say 15 minutes. There is the issue of scalping on turns on the slope, and even on the flat, depending on speed. I have been mowing 5+ acres with a Scag Cheetah for several years and still have difficulty not scalping (with the inside rear tire) on turns no matter how careful or slow I attempt the turn. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the ZTR, but I use it on the larger property. I use a Simplicity Broadmoor on the 1.5 acre yard here at home, which takes about an hour. Good luck!


#22

S

slomo

Can you buy too big of a zero turn? Yes.​



#23

7394

7394

slomo said:

Can you buy too big of a zero turn? Yes.​

Click to expand...
My Buddy in N.C. did getting a 60" deck, with his rolling landscape it created many areas he has to push mow now..
No joy for him,..


#24

G

Gord Baker

Yes.


#25

G

Gord Baker

ge66 said:
I am late to this party and maybe you’ve already made the decision. If you can mow your 1/3 acre with a nice $300 (just guessing) mower in an hour, your decision is more whether to invest $8,000 (Z422) to mow in say 15 minutes. There is the issue of scalping on turns on the slope, and even on the flat, depending on speed. I have been mowing 5+ acres with a Scag Cheetah for several years and still have difficulty not scalping (with the inside rear tire) on turns no matter how careful or slow I attempt the turn. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the ZTR, but I use it on the larger property. I use a Simplicity Broadmoor on the 1.5 acre yard here at home, which takes about an hour. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Be sure that you are not pulling back too much on the inside wheel steering arm. I have watched people actually reversing the inside wheel, tearing up turf.


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