Export thread

Equipment for maintaining 5 acres

#1

D

djrussell

Hey LMFers.

I'm moving to 5 acres in the country near Savannah, GA and am trying to figure out what kind of equipment I'll need to take care of it and would appreciate your valuable feedback.

It's nice and flat, maybe a little bumpy in places. There are like 25ish medium sized pines. There's about 250 feet of roadfront with a ditch. We'll have the house, some vegetable garden area, and maybe some areas of "meadow" where we'll plant wildflowers. I can probably count on mowing 3-4 acres of it. I'll also need to till the garden and probably the meadow areas (once).

The best strategy I can come up with at the moment is a 60" zero turn in the high-end residential or low end commercial range ($5000-6000) and a walk behind tiller. I've already got a nice push mower and trimmer/edger but obviously don't want to cut around every tree. I'm leaning towards the ZT primarily for efficiency and maneuverability around the trees. I might put 50-75 hours on it per year.

If this were yours to do, what equipment would you be looking at and why?

I have a coworker that's trying to talk me into a SCUT or older tractor. It would be nice to have the 3 point hitch for using ground engaging implements. Diesel power and longevity certainly wouldn't hurt either. I know I'll have a hard time getting around trees though and the cost will for sure go up.

Or maybe an ATV / UTV to tow a finish mower and tiller would work. I haven't looked into that much yet.

HELP! :confused2::confused2::confused2:


#2

reynoldston

reynoldston

Ferris Pro 61 for sure, Buy it once and be done with it.


#3

D

djrussell

Thanks for chiming in. I've got the Ferris IS700z on the short list. 24HP Kawasaki FS. ZT-3400 hydros. It's definitely one of the better but more expensive units at around $7000. Is the Pro 61 one of the 3 wheel models?

Right now I'm really just trying to figure out type of equipment and not necessarily specific models.


#4

reynoldston

reynoldston

I don't know your money situation. I bought my Pro 61 in 2000 and my wife though I was nuts to spend 8500 for a mower. I always bought cheap mowers. This Ferris cuts and runs as good as the day a bought it and I have never been sorry I bought it. The Pro 61 go's over 10,000 dollars now but it will last a life time if taken care of. Yes that is the three wheel mower which is good for getting under low limbs, Also seeing you can lift the deck it gives the mower extra traction like coming out of a ditch or cleaning under the deck and changing blades. I am sure there are other good brands out there and sure you will hear more on this then just me.


#5

Ric

Ric

djrussell said:
Thanks for chiming in. I've got the Ferris IS700z on the short list. 24HP Kawasaki FS. ZT-3400 hydros. It's definitely one of the better but more expensive units at around $7000. Is the Pro 61 one of the 3 wheel models?

Right now I'm really just trying to figure out type of equipment and not necessarily specific models.
Click to expand...

If this were yours to do, what equipment would you be looking at and why?

I'd be looking at the same thing, a Ztr IMO would be the way to go. I'd be looking at a well known type or name commercial for $7000 though. Something like a Toro, Hustler or Scag. If your looking at the low end commercial unit you can get the Toro Z-Master for the same price as the Ferris but it has the FX Kawasaki instead of the FS with the 3400 drives. If your looking at the high end Residential units I'd look at the Hustler Fastrak sd.


#6

JD is best

JD is best

This is probably out of the question and budget, but have you considered a John Deere 4 wheel steer tractor? That would take care of maneuverability and you could run a tiller on it.https://m.deere.com/en_US/products/...wn_tractors/select_seriesx300/X304/X304.page?.

https://m.deere.com/en_US/products/equipment/riding_mowers/x700_signature_series/x754/x754.page?


#7

M

MRCo.

I'd rethink buying a tiller unless you are going to use it a lot. Most people buy them and they sit 6 months between uses. And you can't find much in the way of a good tiller for under $1000. You're better off renting one and putting more money in to a good mower. I'd recommend a Hustler Fastrack SD. This year has a new model, so you might find a steel on a 2014 model. Great mower. Scag Freedom Z is in this area too.


#8

D

djrussell

Hmm... lots of good points here.

Money is not unlimited but I try to get good value ie bang for the buck. I'm sure anyone could walk me all the way up any product line showing how an extra $500-1000 will get me this or that better feature and how they're worth it. So really it comes down to finding the right equipment for the job. If I'm spending $5k+ I'd really like it to last at least a decade.

As far as specific ZTs, I'm mainly trying to find ones with a Kawasaki FR and ZT-3100's. Does that sound about where I need to be? Does stepping up to the FS / FX and ZT-3400's make sense for my use? I still have a couple brands to research but so far have liked the Bobcat XRZ61, Gravely ZT HD 60, and Bad Boy ZT elite. All have similar specs and are priced within a few hundred so it would come down to personal preference.

The Hustler Raptor SD seems well liked and a reasonable price. It uses ZT-2800's though which I fear are a little light-duty.

I'll take another look at the JDs. I had sort of ruled them out as being too expensive for what they offer. I had looked at craftsman's tight-turning yard tractors but they seem at the low end of the market.

Care to throw out a good model / price of tiller? Yes, it would probably only get used 2-3 times a year. If renting one at $80(??) a day, it would take 4-5 years to break even. I could really go either way I guess. It would be one less machine to maintain and store but I'd also have to pick it up and drop it off each time.


#9

reynoldston

reynoldston

Find a good used tiller. Lot of them out there with little use.


#10

Ric

Ric

djrussell said:
Hmm... lots of good points here.

Money is not unlimited but I try to get good value ie bang for the buck. I'm sure anyone could walk me all the way up any product line showing how an extra $500-1000 will get me this or that better feature and how they're worth it. So really it comes down to finding the right equipment for the job. If I'm spending $5k+ I'd really like it to last at least a decade.

As far as specific ZTs, I'm mainly trying to find ones with a Kawasaki FR and ZT-3100's. Does that sound about where I need to be? Does stepping up to the FS / FX and ZT-3400's make sense for my use? I still have a couple brands to research but so far have liked the Bobcat XRZ61, Gravely ZT HD 60, and Bad Boy ZT elite. All have similar specs and are priced within a few hundred so it would come down to personal preference.

The Hustler Raptor SD seems well liked and a reasonable price. It uses ZT-2800's though which I fear are a little light-duty.

I'll take another look at the JDs. I had sort of ruled them out as being too expensive for what they offer. I had looked at craftsman's tight-turning yard tractors but they seem at the low end of the market.

Care to throw out a good model / price of tiller? Yes, it would probably only get used 2-3 times a year. If renting one at $80(??) a day, it would take 4-5 years to break even. I could really go either way I guess. It would be one less machine to maintain and store but I'd also have to pick it up and drop it off each time.
Click to expand...

What you're looking for is a good combination but if you fear the 2800 drives I'd fear that FR to last a decade. As far as stepping up to the FS / FX and ZT-3400's making sense for your use? If your looking for a machine to last a decade it makes perfect sense. The thing is nobody can make any guarantee or any on this stuff to last. Like you said they all have similar specs, they all run the same drives , engines. The differences comes in with the build quality, What size and gauge is the frame, what gauge is the deck, what size are your spindles 4"maybe 6" 8"or a 9 3/8" are they sealed bearing or do you use a grease gun every 25 hours and the list goes on. Personal preference doesn't make a difference if you want the most for your money.


#11

D

djrussell

Will do.

I just got a couple prices.
Ferris IS700Z is $6350 - very attractive for the features
Toro Z Master 60" Kaw $6399 - also very attractive and eeks out ahead of the Ferris due to the Kaw FX engine.
Ferris ProCut S 61 is $8025 - probably too much to spend right now but not ridiculously so. I expected much higher.


#12

D

djrussell

Ric said:
What you're looking for is a good combination but if you fear the 2800 drives I'd fear that FR to last a decade. As far as stepping up to the FS / FX and ZT-3400's making sense for your use? If your looking for a machine to last a decade it makes perfect sense. The thing is nobody can make any guarantee or any on this stuff to last. Like you said they all have similar specs, they all run the same drives , engines. The differences comes in with the build quality, What size and gauge is the frame, what gauge is the deck, what size are your spindles 4"maybe 6" 8"or a 9 3/8" are they sealed bearing or do you use a grease gun every 25 hours and the list goes on. Personal preference doesn't make a difference if you want the most for your money.
Click to expand...

Excellent post. Thank you.


#13

Ric

Ric

djrussell said:
Excellent post. Thank you.
Click to expand...

Just to add, Check the warranty's on the mowers they can be very valuable if your talking about keeping a mower for the time period your talking about. I think you'll find the Toro warranty hard to beat.


#14

reynoldston

reynoldston

djrussell said:
Will do.

I just got a couple prices.
Ferris IS700Z is $6350 - very attractive for the features
Toro Z Master 60" Kaw $6399 - also very attractive and eeks out ahead of the Ferris due to the Kaw FX engine.
Ferris ProCut S 61 is $8025 - probably too much to spend right now but not ridiculously so. I expected much higher.
Click to expand...

The Ferris ProCut would well be worth the extra money. You will get a lot more then one decade out of the Ferris. Kawasaki would be my last choice for a engine. But each his own on that. It just seems that I see more Kawasaki's in my shop for repairs a then any other engine and the price of parts are out of site. But also I find on this forum that Kawasaki is the only engine to buy for some reason I don't understand.:confused2:


#15

D

djrussell

Warranty and repair shop proximity is absolutely a consideration also. Both the Ferris and Toro carry 4 year / 500 hour warranties.

Huh, that's the first I've heard about Kawasaki not being the preferred engine. Otherwise I should be looking at Briggs Vanguard / Commercial Turf or Kohler Command / Confidant? I am kind of biased though as I have a Kawi street bike. :)


#16

Ric

Ric

djrussell said:
Warranty and repair shop proximity is absolutely a consideration also. Both the Ferris and Toro carry 4 year / 500 hour warranties.

Huh, that's the first I've heard about Kawasaki not being the preferred engine. Otherwise I should be looking at Briggs Vanguard / Commercial Turf or Kohler Command / Confidant? I am kind of biased though as I have a Kawi street bike. :)
Click to expand...


Warranty along with a good dealer can save you big money if something should go wrong. The Kawasaki and Kohler engines are the preferred engines by most of the commercial guys.The Best warranty I've found is the 5 year 1200 hour on the Toro Grandstand. What Street bike do you ride, I've had a couple of Kawasaki the Last was the 96 Vulcan 1500 that had the four speed tranny.


#17

reynoldston

reynoldston

djrussell said:
Warranty and repair shop proximity is absolutely a consideration also. Both the Ferris and Toro carry 4 year / 500 hour warranties.

Huh, that's the first I've heard about Kawasaki not being the preferred engine. Otherwise I should be looking at Briggs Vanguard / Commercial Turf or Kohler Command / Confidant? I am kind of biased though as I have a Kawi street bike. :)
Click to expand...

So I am not the only person that rides street bikes. If you are comfortable with Kawasaki I say stay with it. Just because I am not doesn't make it a bad engine and you will find a lot of people on this forum love the engine. I also get few bike repairs in my shop, but more off road then on road bikes. I ride a Harley Davidson sportster now but had a Honda CB750 before this bike. The only thing I didn't like about the Honda was it had a lot of plastic body parts. Other then I have enjoyed both bikes. Nothing better then two wheels and a twisty mountain road. :thumbsup:


#18

M

MRCo.

Just to return to the Hustler Fastrak SD- 2014 model is Fx / ZT3100, 4 yr 800 hr warranty. 2015 model is FS / ZT3400, 4 yr 600 hr warranty. The 2014 you will be able to get under $6000. Bear in mind that most major internal components on FR, FS and FX engines are the same. Air filtration, carb and engine shielding are the main differences. Briggs Commercial turf I would avoid. I repowered a mower with one last year and it's been nothing but trouble. Kawasaki as a rule own the ZTR market.

Tillers...I rent Honda. They never give me issues, even with rental user abuse. Five years break even is good to me...no storage, no oil changes, no rotted air filter, mouse chewed wires, fuel system gumming... 95% of tiller owners would be better off renting. It might cost more over the lifetime but it's easier. My most popular rental is a Honda F501. $55/day. Versus buying a cheap $700 tiller it's a no brainer to rent it and not have maintenance cost. And you are using a @$2000 machine. This is my honest opinion- ain't like I'm the one renting it to you!


#19

Ric

Ric

djrussell said:
Warranty and repair shop proximity is absolutely a consideration also. Both the Ferris and Toro carry 4 year / 500 hour warranties.

Huh, that's the first I've heard about Kawasaki not being the preferred engine. Otherwise I should be looking at Briggs Vanguard / Commercial Turf or Kohler Command / Confidant? I am kind of biased though as I have a Kawi street bike. :)
Click to expand...

The warranty on the Ferris is what they call a 2 plus 2 with unlimited hours the first two years and a 500 hour 4 year, just don't go over the 500 in the first to years. :smile: They don't cover the things like belts, tires, hoses battery's or blades and the things like that that will probably be what goes bad for only 90 days.


#20

D

djrussell

Thanks again for all this great, candid feedback. I love this place. :thumbsup:

Either the 14 or 15 Fastrack SD would be just fine for me I think. If I can get the 14 for a bargain that'd be great. I'll just have to shop around to check inventory.

I have an 07 Ninja 650r. It's plenty fast enough and still has good ergos. For those unfamiliar, it's kind of a modern UJM, very similar to the CB750's of old. People see it and think "rice burner, crotch rocket" because it's wrapped in plastic bodywork. Underneath is a 650cc parallel twin cylinder though. I've swapped out the front forks, added an aluminum swingarm, and am working on mounting side cases currently.


#21

S

SeniorCitizen

Let us know in a year or two how the mowing of 3-4 acres every week or 10 days is going.

These stories kind of remind me of the couple that moved to Buffalo NY and the first snow was so beautiful. :laughing: Things kind of went to he11 in a hand basket from that point.


#22

D

djrussell

I'll be just fine as long as it doesn't take more than an hour or two. On my residential lot I mow every two weeks and do just fine. I'll have to see how the grass grows at the new place though.


#23

S

SeniorCitizen

djrussell said:
I'll be just fine as long as it doesn't take more than an hour or two. On my residential lot I mow every two weeks and do just fine. I'll have to see how the grass grows at the new place though.
Click to expand...

Enjoy your new residence.


#24

D

djrussell

Thanks. We're excited. :biggrin:


Footer Links 1

Top