Help me decide ZT mower

[SCMCG]

Thanks for the link! That is kinda what I figured on the trannies. I really like the country clipper but the 2800 hydros were a concern but maybe shouldn't be. I really like the joystick control idea as well as the easy flip up deck. Near as I can tell they are every bit as solid-built as anything else out there, built locally, and, like the Gravely, have a great service center right here in town.

 

[djdicetn]

Thanks for the link! That is kinda what I figured on the trannies. I really like the country clipper but the 2800 hydros were a concern but maybe shouldn't be. I really like the joystick control idea as well as the easy flip up deck. Near as I can tell they are every bit as solid-built as anything else out there, built locally, and, like the Gravely, have a great service center right here in town.

A reliable dealer is definitely important and the ZT-2800 may be fine if you keep them serviced and don't run it too hard. I'll be the last to discourage you from buying the Clipper because even though they may not be as well known as some other brands I've not heard anything negative about them(and there is at least one user on these forums that has one and loves it). Just keep in mind with 2.5 acres to mow on a regular basis you need to make sure you spend every penny of that $5,300 budget and get as heavy duty of ZTR as your money will buy. That's a lot of mowing, but again there are guys on these forums that mow yards for a living that have ZTR's that didn't cost more than $5,300 and they put a LOT of hours on those ZTR's and they seem to do fine. At least, like some newbies, you're not kidding yourself and looking for a $3k big box store ZTR to do the job!! If you pull the string on the Clipper, post a picture and keep us updated on how you like it.

 

[SCMCG]

A reliable dealer is definitely important and the ZT-2800 may be fine if you keep them serviced and don't run it too hard. I'll be the last to discourage you from buying the Clipper because even though they may not be as well known as some other brands I've not heard anything negative about them(and there is at least one user on these forums that has one and loves it). Just keep in mind with 2.5 acres to mow on a regular basis you need to make sure you spend every penny of that $5,300 budget and get as heavy duty of ZTR as your money will buy. That's a lot of mowing, but again there are guys on these forums that mow yards for a living that have ZTR's that didn't cost more than $5,300 and they put a LOT of hours on those ZTR's and they seem to do fine. At least, like some newbies, you're not kidding yourself and looking for a $3k big box store ZTR to do the job!! If you pull the string on the Clipper, post a picture and keep us updated on how you like it.

I have done some mowing commercially, and as a city employee-althoiugh it has been 20 years ago, LOL. Also I am in the car business so i am pretty savvy about researching details like this. Growing up on a farm helps too . I bought my Scotts (John Deere) new at Home Depot in 99. It is a 25hp Kohler and a 54" deck, foot controlled hydro. I have changed the oil a few times, never touched the hydro, and kept the chassis and deck greased. almost 1000 hours and it is still going. The deck is worn out, the engine could use freshened, still on the original trans/drive belt even! 11 guage stamped deck has taken a beating. I also push snow with it in the winter, which I will continue to do even when I purchase my new ZT. I can't complain about this tractor at all, however I know the chances that could happen again with a Home Depot machine are slim to none. My gut is telling me go with the Gravely, but I am really liking the deck and joystick on the clipper. Gotta make a decision or I may talk myself into sticking with my old tractor another year LOL!

 

[RatRacer]

Sounds like your Scotts has paid its rent, and then some.:thumbsup:
My advice would be to go and test ride them. All stuff looks great on paper, in spec sheet form, but nothing beats seeing and feeling model characteristics live in person. Suspension feel, seat comfort, travel speed and control, deck lifting effort, etc... are all items that just cannot be truly conveyed, nor compared, on a brochure/PDF download. Dealer face 2 face time will also get you better deals, because you made the effort to go see them vs. a price comparison phone call. Talk to mechanics too, if you can, because service after the sale is almost as important.

 

[txzrider]

Hi... I am at least one Country Clipper owner on here that loves it!! I love the joystick and the flip up deck!! The one you are looking at has 1 more thing I wish mine had ... the floating front end. My Snapper(designed and built by the company that makes the clipper for Snapper) had a floating front end that pivoted when it travelled across uneven ground. My Country Clipper is a level below the ones that have it. And it is a really good feature. So while my clipper is built much stronger than the snapper, the snapper kind of floated over the ground, whereas mine will lift a wheel from time to time when it goes over uneven ground. The snapper would never do that. The Country Clipper you are looking at will float and handle uneven terrain better than mine. If there was one thing I would ask... which engine does the clipper you are looking at have?? If the kawasaki... then your golden, if that crappy Kohler courage... I might look elsewhere. In any case there are lots of guys on here running much bigger ztr's than me and I am sure they have all the experience in the world to point you done the correct path. I think the fact your are 45 min from the Country clipper factory is a big plus as well. Also, if you were to compare my snapper to the clipper, you would find that every single area was upgraded. The snapper had cables from the joysticks to the hydro's, the clipper has rods with heim joints. Snapper had a stamped deck, Clipper has a fab'ed deck with cast iron spindles. The snapper has a plastic spout thing to drain the oil, the clipper has a brass valve that is much sturdier. Drive them all and play with the deck on the clipper, the deck is what sold me on my clipper, since I have some back issues. (sorry for rambling)

 

[SCMCG]

This may be a dumb question, but is there anywhere to find seat heights on these mowers? I sat on both this morning and the Gravely just seems like I am sitting up higher where as the Clipper feels more like I am down and being cradled in a little more. To look at them you really cant tell and I am guessing it is all an illusion but just curious.

 

[Old Goat]

This may be a dumb question, but is there anywhere to find seat heights on these mowers? I sat on both this morning and the Gravely just seems like I am sitting up higher where as the Clipper feels more like I am down and being cradled in a little more. To look at them you really cant tell and I am guessing it is all an illusion but just curious.

It is I believe. I got the same feeling, although I didn't measure them to compare.
One of the numerous reasons I rejected it in favor of the Big Dog.

 

[djdicetn]

Hi... I am at least one Country Clipper owner on here that loves it!! I love the joystick and the flip up deck!! The one you are looking at has 1 more thing I wish mine had ... the floating front end. My Snapper(designed and built by the company that makes the clipper for Snapper) had a floating front end that pivoted when it travelled across uneven ground. My Country Clipper is a level below the ones that have it. And it is a really good feature. So while my clipper is built much stronger than the snapper, the snapper kind of floated over the ground, whereas mine will lift a wheel from time to time when it goes over uneven ground. The snapper would never do that. The Country Clipper you are looking at will float and handle uneven terrain better than mine. If there was one thing I would ask... which engine does the clipper you are looking at have?? If the kawasaki... then your golden, if that crappy Kohler courage... I might look elsewhere. In any case there are lots of guys on here running much bigger ztr's than me and I am sure they have all the experience in the world to point you done the correct path. I think the fact your are 45 min from the Country clipper factory is a big plus as well. Also, if you were to compare my snapper to the clipper, you would find that every single area was upgraded. The snapper had cables from the joysticks to the hydro's, the clipper has rods with heim joints. Snapper had a stamped deck, Clipper has a fab'ed deck with cast iron spindles. The snapper has a plastic spout thing to drain the oil, the clipper has a brass valve that is much sturdier. Drive them all and play with the deck on the clipper, the deck is what sold me on my clipper, since I have some back issues. (sorry for rambling)

txzrider,

There you are.....your ears musta been burning from me mentioning you:0) I couldn't remember your user name, but did remember reading several of your posts and that you were quite pleased with your Clipper. I hear ya, after we buy something and have used it for a while....that's when we find out that there was that one upgrrade we wished we had gotten:0)

 

[SCMCG]

Hi... I am at least one Country Clipper owner on here that loves it!! I love the joystick and the flip up deck!! The one you are looking at has 1 more thing I wish mine had ... the floating front end. My Snapper(designed and built by the company that makes the clipper for Snapper) had a floating front end that pivoted when it travelled across uneven ground. My Country Clipper is a level below the ones that have it. And it is a really good feature. So while my clipper is built much stronger than the snapper, the snapper kind of floated over the ground, whereas mine will lift a wheel from time to time when it goes over uneven ground. The snapper would never do that. The Country Clipper you are looking at will float and handle uneven terrain better than mine. If there was one thing I would ask... which engine does the clipper you are looking at have?? If the kawasaki... then your golden, if that crappy Kohler courage... I might look elsewhere. In any case there are lots of guys on here running much bigger ztr's than me and I am sure they have all the experience in the world to point you done the correct path. I think the fact your are 45 min from the Country clipper factory is a big plus as well. Also, if you were to compare my snapper to the clipper, you would find that every single area was upgraded. The snapper had cables from the joysticks to the hydro's, the clipper has rods with heim joints. Snapper had a stamped deck, Clipper has a fab'ed deck with cast iron spindles. The snapper has a plastic spout thing to drain the oil, the clipper has a brass valve that is much sturdier. Drive them all and play with the deck on the clipper, the deck is what sold me on my clipper, since I have some back issues. (sorry for rambling)

Yes the EdgeXLT model has the Kawie motor, a definate must. Another thing the Clippers' fuel tanks are under the seat, providing an even lower center of gravity I believe. I don't have a lot of sloped land, but what I do have I don't want to feel "tippy".

 

[SCMCG]

Well I went over to visit a guy I know who just got a Clipper Challenger 52" deck 30HP Kohler I think it has. this is I think the entry level commercial unit. It has the joystick and I took it for a spin. I really think that after a short time the joystick is very nice. I can see the potential on a really rough yard that it may be kinda "jumpy" or a little harder to hold straight maybe but then again so are the twin levers on na really rough ground. The CC sits lower and is more comfy than the Gravely in my opinion, has bigger rear tires and a wider track, more anti scalp wheels, a heavier built deck, more comfy seat. I guess the only thing really concerning me is the use of the 2800 hydros instead of the 3100 series.