You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Export thread
My first ZTR
#1
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
Hi to all and glad to be in forum because I know there is plenty of experienced people here.
I'm looking to buy my last mower I will ever need hopefully, right now I have two craftsman riders for my 1.5 acres that I mow, I'm almost 57 and I want the job done quicker. I want a ztr.
Budget...$4000 to $5500. From my reading, I would want a lower end commercial mower instead of a residential. "More Power"..heh. Built better. Right? Looking between 44 and 48 inch cut.
Questions: What is going to be my best engine for this size mower?
Can you guys suggest some ztr models for me and why they would be good chioces, pro's and cons.
What about the kind of deck?
I really want a nice comfortable ride also.
Which hydro 2800 or 3100?
Thanks if you can help, I done so much looking on the net my head is spinning.:confused2:
I'm looking to buy my last mower I will ever need hopefully, right now I have two craftsman riders for my 1.5 acres that I mow, I'm almost 57 and I want the job done quicker. I want a ztr.
Budget...$4000 to $5500. From my reading, I would want a lower end commercial mower instead of a residential. "More Power"..heh. Built better. Right? Looking between 44 and 48 inch cut.
Questions: What is going to be my best engine for this size mower?
Can you guys suggest some ztr models for me and why they would be good chioces, pro's and cons.
What about the kind of deck?
I really want a nice comfortable ride also.
Which hydro 2800 or 3100?
Thanks if you can help, I done so much looking on the net my head is spinning.:confused2:
#2
woi2ld
woi2ld
same here.......i dont know where to start ..........i would luv to narrow it down to just 3-5 ZTR's so i can make a decision OR JUST A FEW TO DEFINATELY CONSIDER
#3
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
Could someone atleast comment on a 24hp Kawasaki FR engine, I was looking at the Gravely, not sure about the motor, mower looks good but I'm not buying squat without hearing from some satisfied buyers.:smile:
#4
B
Black Bart
First step is what brand does local dealers sell.
If at all possible buy from a reputable dealer near you, You don't want to drive 50 miles every time you need service.
Usually their are John Deere dealers near every location and they are excellent machines, also look at Simplicity.
You say you want a mower that will last that means you don't want the throw away mowers.
Regardless of brand if it retails for less then 5K it is not going to last as long as you want it to.
Tell us what brands are near you then we can better help.
B
Black Bart
The Kawasaki is very good I would rather have that than a Kohler or Briggs.Could someone atleast comment on a 24hp Kawasaki FR engine, I was looking at the Gravely, not sure about the motor, mower looks good but I'm not buying squat without hearing from some satisfied buyers.:smile:
First step is what brand does local dealers sell.
If at all possible buy from a reputable dealer near you, You don't want to drive 50 miles every time you need service.
Usually their are John Deere dealers near every location and they are excellent machines, also look at Simplicity.
You say you want a mower that will last that means you don't want the throw away mowers.
Regardless of brand if it retails for less then 5K it is not going to last as long as you want it to.
Tell us what brands are near you then we can better help.
#5
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
Well the only dealers around here that sell specific brand is John Deere and Club cadet. There are other places that sell numerous brands so they don't count I guess. What would I have to spend then if 5 grand won't get me there?
#6
B
Black Bart
Of the 2 you mention it would be a easy choice for me the JD for several reasons.
Unfortunately you will not get a commercial mower for 5K you will have to settle for a residential mower.
I have a 180 JD that is 25 years old and it probably has another 25 years left in it.
The 180 is a residential mower so if you take care of one it will last a long time.
B
Black Bart
How far are the other dealers from your home.Well the only dealers around here that sell specific brand is John Deere and Club cadet. There are other places that sell numerous brands so they don't count I guess. What would I have to spend then if 5 grand won't get me there?
Of the 2 you mention it would be a easy choice for me the JD for several reasons.
Unfortunately you will not get a commercial mower for 5K you will have to settle for a residential mower.
I have a 180 JD that is 25 years old and it probably has another 25 years left in it.
The 180 is a residential mower so if you take care of one it will last a long time.
#7
K
KennyV
K
KennyV
Like Black Bart has said, a true commercial grade ZTR is going to be more $$...
It would seem you are wanting a machiene you are going to take care of and expect it to last... A comercial line mower will do that.
But with reasonable care, a few of the best made residential ZTR mowers could also handle 1 and a half acres for a long time with no more than regular parts replacement.
There are just too many cheep throw away brands included in the residential group to make it an easy selection... You will have to come up with a list of possible, and then see the comments on particular models...
Do you regularly do your own service work... ? If you do, you'll be familiar with a design that is easy to work on..., look at the most replaced items... blades and belts... some are a real challenge to do the most routine work...
There is a wide range of low priced mowers... but not so many well made & serviceable mid priced ... :smile:KennyV
It would seem you are wanting a machiene you are going to take care of and expect it to last... A comercial line mower will do that.
But with reasonable care, a few of the best made residential ZTR mowers could also handle 1 and a half acres for a long time with no more than regular parts replacement.
There are just too many cheep throw away brands included in the residential group to make it an easy selection... You will have to come up with a list of possible, and then see the comments on particular models...
Do you regularly do your own service work... ? If you do, you'll be familiar with a design that is easy to work on..., look at the most replaced items... blades and belts... some are a real challenge to do the most routine work...
There is a wide range of low priced mowers... but not so many well made & serviceable mid priced ... :smile:KennyV
#8
B
Black Bart
B
Black Bart
The Z465 with a 62 inch deck retails at $5449.00 but in the spring they have factory rebates of about $350.00 plus most dealers will go a little under list.
In the Spring you could probably get one for 5K but today their is no rebates.
Only incentive now is 12 months same as cash NO INTEREST
Z445 with a 54 inch deck retails #4749.00
In the Spring you could probably get one for 5K but today their is no rebates.
Only incentive now is 12 months same as cash NO INTEREST
Z445 with a 54 inch deck retails #4749.00
#9
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
Like Black Bart has said, a true commercial grade ZTR is going to be more $$...
It would seem you are wanting a machiene you are going to take care of and expect it to last... A comercial line mower will do that.
But with reasonable care, a few of the best made residential ZTR mowers could also handle 1 and a half acres for a long time with no more than regular parts replacement.
Could you suggest some of these residential mowers so I can look at them?
#10
W
wildbill
W
wildbill
ZTRs are fun to mow with. I have 2.9 acres of which I mow about 1.5 acres. I have a 42" Craftsman rider, it takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours to mow. I'm 63, retired, live on SS and mower repair jobs. If I had money 2 burn, which I don't, I might get a ZTR but only for the fun of it. My 42" Craftsman is going into its 12th season, have changed blades a couple times, belts once. but, I do take good care and keep it up.
If I had a suggestion for a purchase I would look seriously at Xmark, Scagg, and Toro. The Kawasaki motor on the Xmark is a great motor. As far as comfort goes, take a look at someone mowing with a ZTR.... the faster you go, the more you bounce. So, comfort is mowing at a moderate speed whether its a rider or a ZTR. As for one that will last many years, its all dependent on the TLC provided. :thumbsup:
If I had a suggestion for a purchase I would look seriously at Xmark, Scagg, and Toro. The Kawasaki motor on the Xmark is a great motor. As far as comfort goes, take a look at someone mowing with a ZTR.... the faster you go, the more you bounce. So, comfort is mowing at a moderate speed whether its a rider or a ZTR. As for one that will last many years, its all dependent on the TLC provided. :thumbsup:
#11
K
Kangel
I agree about TLC, I have a 2 Crafstmen, 42 and 46. The 46 is hydrostatic 20hp 1995 model and the 42 is a 1998 model both have kholer engines and have never had any motor issues at all. Oil changes all the time, blades,batteries, filters and belts keep them going. Kenny mentioned things about these throw away type mowers but I'm not sure I agree with that if you take care of them, heck these decks on mine are not top of the line decks and they still do the job. If I can't get a good decent ride with a top rated res ztr I would not be happy.
K
Kangel
ZTRs are fun to mow with. I have 2.9 acres of which I mow about 1.5 acres. I have a 42" Craftsman rider, it takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours to mow. I'm 63, retired, live on SS and mower repair jobs. If I had money 2 burn, which I don't, I might get a ZTR but only for the fun of it. My 42" Craftsman is going into its 12th season, have changed blades a couple times, belts once. but, I do take good care and keep it up.
If I had a suggestion for a purchase I would look seriously at Xmark, Scagg, and Toro. The Kawasaki motor on the Xmark is a great motor. As far as comfort goes, take a look at someone mowing with a ZTR.... the faster you go, the more you bounce. So, comfort is mowing at a moderate speed whether its a rider or a ZTR. As for one that will last many years, its all dependent on the TLC provided. :thumbsup:
I agree about TLC, I have a 2 Crafstmen, 42 and 46. The 46 is hydrostatic 20hp 1995 model and the 42 is a 1998 model both have kholer engines and have never had any motor issues at all. Oil changes all the time, blades,batteries, filters and belts keep them going. Kenny mentioned things about these throw away type mowers but I'm not sure I agree with that if you take care of them, heck these decks on mine are not top of the line decks and they still do the job. If I can't get a good decent ride with a top rated res ztr I would not be happy.
#12
B
Black Bart
B
Black Bart
Kangel for us to give you good advice we need more info.Like Black Bart has said, a true commercial grade ZTR is going to be more $$...
It would seem you are wanting a machiene you are going to take care of and expect it to last... A comercial line mower will do that.
But with reasonable care, a few of the best made residential ZTR mowers could also handle 1 and a half acres for a long time with no more than regular parts replacement.
Could you suggest some of these residential mowers so I can look at them?
Will you do your own maintenance or will you take it to the dealer???????
How far are you willing to drive for parts and service and what brands are within that distance.
Kenny made a good point about easy maintenance, This spring I was shopping for a new ZTR and what I found was the JD Z Trak was much easier to service than the others that I looked at.
Some have sealed deck bearings this means no greasing but in time they will fail and it will cost 10 times more for repairs than what you would have spent on grease.
Simplicity has grease Zerk's but they are under the deck so you must jack it up clean under their so you can service it.
The JD you just flip up the floor board and the Zerk's are right their looking at you.
Same for cleaning and servicing the pumps and drive motors just flip the seat and everything is accessible.
Seldom mentioned but I consider resale value in 10 years if you want to sell the JD will bring far more $$$$$$$$ than the others making it a better value.
Lot of things to consider and only you know what is most important to you.
Since it is this late in the year if your Craftsman will run I would wait and buy next spring when the rebates are on or maybe this fall your dealer will be more willing to deal if he has any left over mowers.
#13
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
Bart thanks for input as well as others, its very appreciated. I have always been a hands on guy with any job that I think I can handle so yeah I would do whatever I could possibly do with service. Parts except for batteries and blades I have always done with delivery. Like I mentioned in earlier post JD and Cub are the only real dealers around that I know of and the cub is 3 miles away. I could buy other brands but there not what I would call actual dealers, they sell differant mowers only and such. Simplicity looks good but you do a dealer search and all I see around knoxville,tn is shops like I describe, but Its sounding like I need to venture towards JD, but as far as resale, whatever I get I want to keep. Is the B&S ELS doing the job, I thought I read its not so good of a motor. I guess I need to see if there are anymore ACTUAL dealers close by of other brands, if so I will post.
#14
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
Ok I have found more dealers. We have Gravely,JD,Cub,Ferris and Kubota. The Gravely zt hd 48 looks good with some nice reviews. I like the looks of a Ferris IS500z. The JD 645. Could I get some opinions before I go look at them all? :wink: I will probably buy next year though.
#15
B
Black Bart
Once again it depends on what you are looking for.
Like I said the JD will have a much higher resale, I know you say you will not sell but things happen that make us change our mind.
The Ferris will have the smoother ride due to the suspension.
I have not looked at a Gravely so won't comment.
Around here the commercial cutters use Exmark--John Deere and Grasshopper never seem to see much else.
If you talk to some commercial cutters in your area see what they think is the best machine and what dealer is best.
Decide what is important to you and go with that.
I read your post where you were happy with the service you got from the Craftsman and that tells me that any premium brand ZTR will leave you grinning from ear to ear.:biggrin:
B
Black Bart
Glad you found some more choices.Ok I have found more dealers. We have Gravely,JD,Cub,Ferris and Kubota. The Gravely zt hd 48 looks good with some nice reviews. I like the looks of a Ferris IS500z. The JD 645. Could I get some opinions before I go look at them all? :wink: I will probably buy next year though.
Once again it depends on what you are looking for.
Like I said the JD will have a much higher resale, I know you say you will not sell but things happen that make us change our mind.
The Ferris will have the smoother ride due to the suspension.
I have not looked at a Gravely so won't comment.
Around here the commercial cutters use Exmark--John Deere and Grasshopper never seem to see much else.
If you talk to some commercial cutters in your area see what they think is the best machine and what dealer is best.
Decide what is important to you and go with that.
I read your post where you were happy with the service you got from the Craftsman and that tells me that any premium brand ZTR will leave you grinning from ear to ear.:biggrin:
#16
R
robert
R
robert
Kangle, here is what I discovered too late; Exmark is poo, zt's look neat but in fact kinda sorta blow (harsh ride -unless you get a Ferris with rear suspension , and don't believe anyone that types the Ferris suspension does not work) the device is inherently prone to damaging turf, the engine is in the rear right smack in the middle of a dust storm, towing capacity is an issue, very few choices of implements and both hands are busy all the time-your really cannot relax even for a moment.
The gold standard for engines has always been the Kaw FX but more than one dealer has told me that Kawasaki is having trouble supplying parts, I, like you don't like Briggs but many do, the ELS and Professional, except the big blocks are nothing but the Intek line. And with the exception of Deere its the Intek line with inadequate air filtration, and-and with the Deere its the Intek with a funky 'cyclonic' air filter which is better than not having the 'cyclonic' air filter "with debris management system" (which it does NOT) but not anywhere as good as the FX with a true Donaldson style remote canister air filter.
As far as hydro drives here is what I also learned the hard way, everyone in the price range you are looking, and I mean everyone who is making zt mowers have cheaped out on the drives with only two exceptions (Snapper Pro is using the zt3100 and Ferris, while using the Briggs does use the tried and true pump/motors, both these have external spin on filters and fully serviceable true commercial drives. The zt2800, a very popular hydro in what is called the 'estate' class zt does have external filters, is serviceable but unfortunately does have what is called -powder- metal gears rather than cut steel gears
Bottom line, unless you are well into the 6k range everything is a compromise.
I wish I knew what I know now and saw this web site before I made the huge mistake of buying a zero turn;
betsy-tom (betsy-tom)'s Photos | SmugMug
scroll past all the text and look for the Cub Cadet section
Forget the zt, get as much gardent tractor you can afford-minding the engine and transmission- and you will be happy and more comfortable than those of us who have the zipiddy do daws......plus you will finish in about the same time, without leaving zt unioin labels all over the place and you will be better hydrated also.
Ask the next dealer you go to about making zero turns and grass damage.
The gold standard for engines has always been the Kaw FX but more than one dealer has told me that Kawasaki is having trouble supplying parts, I, like you don't like Briggs but many do, the ELS and Professional, except the big blocks are nothing but the Intek line. And with the exception of Deere its the Intek line with inadequate air filtration, and-and with the Deere its the Intek with a funky 'cyclonic' air filter which is better than not having the 'cyclonic' air filter "with debris management system" (which it does NOT) but not anywhere as good as the FX with a true Donaldson style remote canister air filter.
As far as hydro drives here is what I also learned the hard way, everyone in the price range you are looking, and I mean everyone who is making zt mowers have cheaped out on the drives with only two exceptions (Snapper Pro is using the zt3100 and Ferris, while using the Briggs does use the tried and true pump/motors, both these have external spin on filters and fully serviceable true commercial drives. The zt2800, a very popular hydro in what is called the 'estate' class zt does have external filters, is serviceable but unfortunately does have what is called -powder- metal gears rather than cut steel gears
Bottom line, unless you are well into the 6k range everything is a compromise.
I wish I knew what I know now and saw this web site before I made the huge mistake of buying a zero turn;
betsy-tom (betsy-tom)'s Photos | SmugMug
scroll past all the text and look for the Cub Cadet section
Forget the zt, get as much gardent tractor you can afford-minding the engine and transmission- and you will be happy and more comfortable than those of us who have the zipiddy do daws......plus you will finish in about the same time, without leaving zt unioin labels all over the place and you will be better hydrated also.
Ask the next dealer you go to about making zero turns and grass damage.
#17
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
Somethings in life Robert are not for everyone but I have notice there are also alot of happy campers out there all over the net that own a zt. I will be checking them out well thats for sure.
Thanks.:thumbsup:
Thanks.:thumbsup:
#18
R
robert
R
robert
kangle, there are alot of happy campers who -claim- to have a zt and that they are satisfied with the machine-- go the Scag link I provided and read for yourself what this maker of zt mowers says about the inherent nature of the product to scuff/damage grass.
Then go to the Briggs and Stratton website and read what they say about the abuse engines take in a zt application-many here would argue that Briggs doesn't know anything either....
I am confident that once you -know- about the zt you will say -no- to buying a zt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TqkLhIzkQ0
Then go to the Briggs and Stratton website and read what they say about the abuse engines take in a zt application-many here would argue that Briggs doesn't know anything either....
I am confident that once you -know- about the zt you will say -no- to buying a zt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TqkLhIzkQ0
#19
A
amnamalik
I agree with Bart you would have to buy Z465. Its better choice economy wise too.
A
amnamalik
The Z465 with a 62 inch deck retails at $5449.00 but in the spring they have factory rebates of about $350.00 plus most dealers will go a little under list.
In the Spring you could probably get one for 5K but today their is no rebates.
Only incentive now is 12 months same as cash NO INTEREST
Z445 with a 54 inch deck retails #4749.00
I agree with Bart you would have to buy Z465. Its better choice economy wise too.
#20
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
Well today I went to look at my first zt....Exmark pioneer s series 48". With the 20hp Kawa..$6000, with the 22hp Kawa..$6500. $500 more for 2hp more?
. Anyway it looked like a nice unit for my first look but I would say alot of them LOOK nice new. There price about right? The deck small wheel and not having another one seemed odd and when it comes to belt changes you would think the foot rest deck would raise up for easy access. Anyway thats my first look, JD,Gravely,Ferris and Simplicity left for now.
. Anyway it looked like a nice unit for my first look but I would say alot of them LOOK nice new. There price about right? The deck small wheel and not having another one seemed odd and when it comes to belt changes you would think the foot rest deck would raise up for easy access. Anyway thats my first look, JD,Gravely,Ferris and Simplicity left for now.
#21
B
Black Bart
B
Black Bart
I changed the oil and filter on my new JD z trak today it has a pipe coming out of the engine block with a T fitting and a 3\8 wrench will turn the valve on the end and the oil runs out of the T part pointing toward the ground.
I slid a gallon plastic ice cream bucket under it to catch the oil.
Real fast and easy NO spill or mess to clean up.:thumbsup:
If I flip the floor board and the seat the entire thing is open could not be any easier to service.
I slid a gallon plastic ice cream bucket under it to catch the oil.
Real fast and easy NO spill or mess to clean up.:thumbsup:
If I flip the floor board and the seat the entire thing is open could not be any easier to service.
#22
R
robert
R
robert
Kangle, The price on the Exmark is about a g note less than my area; be certain to demo the unit then go to Ferris next and demo either a 500, Briggs or the 1500 Kawa, you will notice a difference in the drives and an even bigger difference in the ride.
#23
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
John Deere Z445 zero turn mower
Give some feedback guys....I'm going to look at it, good buy? I talked to him and all maint. been done.
Give some feedback guys....I'm going to look at it, good buy? I talked to him and all maint. been done.
#24
B
Black Bart
B
Black Bart
JD holds their resell value so that sounds like a good price if it is in good shape.
The Z Trak is real easy to service and that kawasaki with the 54" deck would be awesome combo.
Buy new from a dealer you will pay sales tax but from him you could avoid it. :thumbsup:
The Z Trak is real easy to service and that kawasaki with the 54" deck would be awesome combo.
Buy new from a dealer you will pay sales tax but from him you could avoid it. :thumbsup:
#26
B
Black Bart
If it is in good shape it won't last long at that price.
If it was closer I would buy it and then turn it for a profit.
He claims to not need the money but I think he does, He is trying to move it quick maybe it has problems check it out real good.
Ask him if you can mow with it to see how it runs.
If it is solid and you decide you want to sell it you can turn it real easy.
THEIR ARE 2 KINDS OF PEOPLE WHO OWN MOWERS
THOSE WHO OWN JOHN DEERE'S AND THOSE THAT WISH THE HELL THEY DID.
B
Black Bart
I have him down to $3350 without seeing it...asked him his bottom dollar.:smile:
If it is in good shape it won't last long at that price.
If it was closer I would buy it and then turn it for a profit.
He claims to not need the money but I think he does, He is trying to move it quick maybe it has problems check it out real good.
Ask him if you can mow with it to see how it runs.
If it is solid and you decide you want to sell it you can turn it real easy.
THEIR ARE 2 KINDS OF PEOPLE WHO OWN MOWERS
THOSE WHO OWN JOHN DEERE'S AND THOSE THAT WISH THE HELL THEY DID.
#27
B
Black Bart
B
Black Bart
Kangel to give you a better idea of what technology has done with these newer mowers I have a 1992 Grasshopper with a 72" deck and the water cooled Kubota engine.
When I bought it that was as good as money could buy.
I can mow my lawn in less time with my JD Z Trak than with the GH and the lawn even looks better.
That 54" on that Z Trak will mow rings around the older mowers.
Not only is it faster in the open but I can mow places that I could not think about getting the GH into with the 12 feet length of it
With the long wheelbase the GH is easier to drive the JD is not hard to run but it takes more concentration at high speed due to the short wheelbase.
When I bought it that was as good as money could buy.
I can mow my lawn in less time with my JD Z Trak than with the GH and the lawn even looks better.
That 54" on that Z Trak will mow rings around the older mowers.
Not only is it faster in the open but I can mow places that I could not think about getting the GH into with the 12 feet length of it
With the long wheelbase the GH is easier to drive the JD is not hard to run but it takes more concentration at high speed due to the short wheelbase.
#28
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
Well I went ahead and bought the z445...$3350. The mower has been well taken care of and the Kawa 25hp motor sounds really good. It looks like a 1 year old mower..very nice.:thumbsup:
Thanks for everyones input and I figure if I don't like zt's I can always sell it but I think I will like it alot.:smile:
Thanks for everyones input and I figure if I don't like zt's I can always sell it but I think I will like it alot.:smile:
#29
B
Black Bart
I was afraid you was going to wait and miss out on this deal.
Did you see the thread that I started about filters for these mowers.
B
Black Bart
CONGRATULATIONS You just bought one hell of a mower for a very good price. :licking: :thumbsup:Well I went ahead and bought the z445...$3350. The mower has been well taken care of and the Kawa 25hp motor sounds really good. It looks like a 1 year old mower..very nice.:thumbsup:
Thanks for everyones input and I figure if I don't like zt's I can always sell it but I think I will like it alot.:smile:
I was afraid you was going to wait and miss out on this deal.
Did you see the thread that I started about filters for these mowers.
#31
B
Black Bart
Motorcraft FL1a on my 1985 JD 180 and a FL910s on my Briggs in the Z.
You Kaw has a little different seal size but it is close try a FL910s and compare the seal against the oem filter and the filter base on the engine.
I think you will find it will fit and it is a better filter and can be bought at Wal Mart for 3.97 not the 12 or more bucks at your JD dealer.
Bigger filter a better filter and all for less $$$$$$$$
Enjoy your new GREEN MACHINE
B
Black Bart
I use aYes but I don't remember where...:smile: Thks on the grats.
Motorcraft FL1a on my 1985 JD 180 and a FL910s on my Briggs in the Z.
You Kaw has a little different seal size but it is close try a FL910s and compare the seal against the oem filter and the filter base on the engine.
I think you will find it will fit and it is a better filter and can be bought at Wal Mart for 3.97 not the 12 or more bucks at your JD dealer.
Bigger filter a better filter and all for less $$$$$$$$
Enjoy your new GREEN MACHINE
#32
K
Kangel
K
Kangel
Well today was my first time on my jd z445 or any zt. All I can say is I was amazed and wish I had bought one along time ago. The cut was nice. My 46" rider always takes me about 2hrs.+ and today I cut it in 50mins. as a rookie driver. :thumbsup: I love it!
#33
B
Black Bart
Sounds like you are enjoying your Green Machine.
You will get better after you run it for awhile. :thumbsup:
B
Black Bart
You can tell people how much better it is but until they actually mow with it they just can't grasp how much better they are. :laughing:Well today was my first time on my jd z445 or any zt. All I can say is I was amazed and wish I had bought one along time ago. The cut was nice. My 46" rider always takes me about 2hrs.+ and today I cut it in 50mins. as a rookie driver. :thumbsup: I love it!
Sounds like you are enjoying your Green Machine.
You will get better after you run it for awhile. :thumbsup:
#35
B
Black Bart
NOT TRUE I compared a JD 445 to a Simplicity Citation same power but the JD has a 54" deck and Simplicity had 52" but I bought the JD for $100.00 less.
The X-Mark was higher than both of the others.
Price also depends on the dealer I found a good bit of difference between JD dealers price.
When you learn to spell green then we will assume you know something about a John Deere
B
Black Bart
As for Deere resale value; remember one pays a premium for the greene paint.
NOT TRUE I compared a JD 445 to a Simplicity Citation same power but the JD has a 54" deck and Simplicity had 52" but I bought the JD for $100.00 less.
The X-Mark was higher than both of the others.
Price also depends on the dealer I found a good bit of difference between JD dealers price.
When you learn to spell green then we will assume you know something about a John Deere
#37
B
Black Bart
I use Rotella T-6 I bought my 180 new 25 years ago it has had nothing done to it and it still runs like new don't use a drop of oil and it has had nothing but Rotella in it since I got it.
When I got 5 hours on my new Z I changed the oil and filter.
I replaced the tea cup size filter with a Motorcraft 910s and Rotella T-6 5w-40
Do not put any additive in it you will mess up the balance of the add pack and it already has a lot of ZDDP and that was drastically lowered in PMO you should use the diesel oil
You can buy it at Wal Mart for 21 bucks a gallon that is enough for 2 changes .
While you are their pick up a 910s filter for 3.85 bigger and better than the one from you JD dealer for 12 bucks.
Where you live it is hot and the Briggs has had some issues with lubrication failures due to heat
DO NOT use conventional oil it can not work under the heat that that engine runs at in hot weather.
Edit I just remembered you bought a used one and have a Kawasaki but use the T-6 in it also.
B
Black Bart
Bart what kind of oil you using with your z445?
I use Rotella T-6 I bought my 180 new 25 years ago it has had nothing done to it and it still runs like new don't use a drop of oil and it has had nothing but Rotella in it since I got it.
When I got 5 hours on my new Z I changed the oil and filter.
I replaced the tea cup size filter with a Motorcraft 910s and Rotella T-6 5w-40
Do not put any additive in it you will mess up the balance of the add pack and it already has a lot of ZDDP and that was drastically lowered in PMO you should use the diesel oil
You can buy it at Wal Mart for 21 bucks a gallon that is enough for 2 changes .
While you are their pick up a 910s filter for 3.85 bigger and better than the one from you JD dealer for 12 bucks.
Where you live it is hot and the Briggs has had some issues with lubrication failures due to heat
DO NOT use conventional oil it can not work under the heat that that engine runs at in hot weather.
Edit I just remembered you bought a used one and have a Kawasaki but use the T-6 in it also.
#38
ztrjim
I think you should look into the Ariens Max Zoom, it's in the 4-5k price range and has plenty of power and would be considered a High End Residential Mower or even a entry level commercial zero turn mower. Many smaller professional landscaping businesses recommend the Ariens Max Zoom. It has 3100 hydro which are great for pulling and will last a long time. The Max zoom is comfortable and has plenty of attachments and accessories for you to get your lawn mowing tasks completed. any 725cc or so engine in the low-mid 20hp range will be plenty for you. You shouldn't have a problem mowing your lawn in well under an hour with a Ariens Max Zoom. Good luck with your search! :thumbsup:
ztrjim
Hi to all and glad to be in forum because I know there is plenty of experienced people here.
I'm looking to buy my last mower I will ever need hopefully, right now I have two craftsman riders for my 1.5 acres that I mow, I'm almost 57 and I want the job done quicker. I want a ztr.
Budget...$4000 to $5500. From my reading, I would want a lower end commercial mower instead of a residential. "More Power"..heh. Built better. Right? Looking between 44 and 48 inch cut.
Questions: What is going to be my best engine for this size mower?
Can you guys suggest some ztr models for me and why they would be good chioces, pro's and cons.
What about the kind of deck?
I really want a nice comfortable ride also.
Which hydro 2800 or 3100?
Thanks if you can help, I done so much looking on the net my head is spinning.:confused2:
I think you should look into the Ariens Max Zoom, it's in the 4-5k price range and has plenty of power and would be considered a High End Residential Mower or even a entry level commercial zero turn mower. Many smaller professional landscaping businesses recommend the Ariens Max Zoom. It has 3100 hydro which are great for pulling and will last a long time. The Max zoom is comfortable and has plenty of attachments and accessories for you to get your lawn mowing tasks completed. any 725cc or so engine in the low-mid 20hp range will be plenty for you. You shouldn't have a problem mowing your lawn in well under an hour with a Ariens Max Zoom. Good luck with your search! :thumbsup:
#39
Z
zmister11
This thread is from 2011.....
Z
zmister11
I think you should look into the Ariens Max Zoom, it's in the 4-5k price range and has plenty of power and would be considered a High End Residential Mower or even a entry level commercial zero turn mower. Many smaller professional landscaping businesses recommend the Ariens Max Zoom. It has 3100 hydro which are great for pulling and will last a long time. The Max zoom is comfortable and has plenty of attachments and accessories for you to get your lawn mowing tasks completed. any 725cc or so engine in the low-mid 20hp range will be plenty for you. You shouldn't have a problem mowing your lawn in well under an hour with a Ariens Max Zoom. Good luck with your search! :thumbsup:
This thread is from 2011.....
#40
7394
7394
From 2011, but brought back to life.. :thumbsup:
#41
ztrjim
ztrjim
Oh sorry :confused2: Just wanted to help, but I bet he's no longer on the forums..... :ashamed: