Need some advice for a ZTR on a small lot

[txzrider]

As far as your prep time goes your on the right track. Instead of ripping off the down spouts why don't you install them at a height that will not hinder your mowing instead of screwing around with them every time you mow and yes throw the hoses and sprinklers away and try installing a under ground sprinkler system with a timer to turn it on and off like you should and would it be possible to make or teach the kids pick up there own toys and put them away when there done playing with them, there are a few more ways you could cut time off your list of complaints but I guess doing things with the right tools would be out of the question. As far as the mower clogging because it's a POS, that's a lot of bull because if a person knows how to set up the mower, mow his grass at the proper height the mower will work perfectly the way it's designed to. The thing is the timecutter nor the 30" isn't going to help you one bit because your not addressing your list of complaints at all. I guess it's like the old saying goes, You can't help those who can't or wont help themselves.

Ric did you get up in a bad mood today? You seem a bit harsh! He said he is mowing parts of his yard 3 times a week... its not like he is letting it get overgrown. Also he stated he has 3 kids under the age of 2! I have no problems believing he would spend more time herding them around than just picking up toys himself. Not that it would be a bad thing to have them learn at a young age to put away their toys! Sprinkler system seems like a great idea, epecially if he goes for a 30 inch mower and saves 1500 vs the ztr. I have had several mowers over the years that clogged no matter what I did. Sharp blades helped, keeping the underside of the deck spotless helped ... but nothing would solve it. That being said I have 1 more comment about the ztr... will you ever have a need to pull a cart around the house? I use my ztr to move my trailers around, to pull a cart with salt for the pool up my hill from the truck, etc... last comment about the ztr, I would not plan for more than a 50% time savings on the actual mowing time! unless you are a very slow push mower... Which I am, but still cant cut off more than half the push mowing time.

 

[djdicetn]

Thanks but I was trying to make a point that mowing is a subset of yardwork. All the little things add up. I was able to time the back yard at 30 minutes exactly so I was a bit off. Take out all of the sprinklers and I'd say 50 minutes mow time - not terrible but not great twice a week when you add in all the rest.

Now my current mower is a POS so it has got to go - the question remains what to replace it with.

I went to see the time master 30 and the time cutter 4260 in person and liked both.

Will the 30 inch cut my mow time down to 32 minutes (36% reduction)? Probably 40 minutes is more realistic. It is definitely a much nicer mower but wow it is pricey for a walk behind.

The ZTR could probably hit my lawn in 15 minutes with some practice. I'd say that is well within the territory of being able to do quick maintenance mows whenever needed during heavy growth. I still struggle with the fact that is is pretty ridiculous to have for my lot.

Can anyone with a time master 30 comment on their experience?

Can't help you on the Toro, but I do have experience on Gravely ZTR's. The ZT 34" would run $2299 MSRP, but I would recommend the 42" for $400 more because it comes with a Kawasaki instead of a Briggs & Stratton. Either of those would reliably cut your yard for many, many years for < $3K. That is if you are still interested in a ZTR versus a walk behind which would be a LOT less money. If you are still comparing ZTR's, throw those Gravely's into the mix for comparison. IMHO, you can't go wrong with a Gravely(I love mine). I kinda largely ignored a lot of this thread where you were getting advice......... "outside a machine recommendation":0)

 

[exotion]

It would be kinda lame to buy a 2500 dollar machine do 3 circles around his house and be done the mower wouldn't even get warmed up its .4 acres this is a small yard not a field not a big open space he needs a walk behind I think a good quality 21 would do but the 30 toro would be good to anything bigger is just plain overkill

Instead of trimming just take roundup to all your edges everywhere you would weed wack. Figure out which direction to mow would be the fastest way.

Bury your hoses and get inground sprinklers no more moving hoses and sprinklers

Teach your kids to clean up (this is hard I know I have a 3 year old) no more toys.

There are always alternatives to everything work smarter not harder.....

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

It would be kinda lame to buy a 2500 dollar machine do 3 circles around his house and be done the mower wouldn't even get warmed up its .4 acres this is a small yard not a field not a big open space he needs a walk behind I think a good quality 21 would do but the 30 toro would be good to anything bigger is just plain overkill

Instead of trimming just take roundup to all your edges everywhere you would weed wack. Figure out which direction to mow would be the fastest way.

Bury your hoses and get inground sprinklers no more moving hoses and sprinklers

Teach your kids to clean up (this is hard I know I have a 3 year old) no more toys.

There are always alternatives to everything work smarter not harder.....

I agree that he should get a walk-behind, but 0.4 acres is a pretty decent sized yard. I mow a 0.41 acre yard tomorrow....will take pics to show how large it is.

 

[Ric]

Ric did you get up in a bad mood today? You seem a bit harsh! He said he is mowing parts of his yard 3 times a week... its not like he is letting it get overgrown. Also he stated he has 3 kids under the age of 2! I have no problems believing he would spend more time herding them around than just picking up toys himself. Not that it would be a bad thing to have them learn at a young age to put away their toys! Sprinkler system seems like a great idea, epecially if he goes for a 30 inch mower and saves 1500 vs the ztr. I have had several mowers over the years that clogged no matter what I did. Sharp blades helped, keeping the underside of the deck spotless helped ... but nothing would solve it. That being said I have 1 more comment about the ztr... will you ever have a need to pull a cart around the house? I use my ztr to move my trailers around, to pull a cart with salt for the pool up my hill from the truck, etc... last comment about the ztr, I would not plan for more than a 50% time savings on the actual mowing time! unless you are a very slow push mower... Which I am, but still cant cut off more than half the push mowing time.

Did I get up in a bad mood, I guess I'm like old Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke I went to bed mean and woke up meaner:smile: Actually I think he was being more than a little sarcastic with his reply about needing to mow in his dress clothes, ripping off the down spouts and putting away the sprinklers, shoot the dogs, and buy a goat (for trimming) Shoot the dogs, Please. Ya know I have no problems believing he would spend a lot of time taking care of the kids, I had four kids all under the age of 5 at one time in my life and I was like 24 years old but I managed to have a job and take care of my Home and lawn just like many other people I know of did but it was my choice and thank goodness their gone and have family's of there own. :thumbsup: I agree with Carscw no mower is going to help him.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

It would be kinda lame to buy a 2500 dollar machine do 3 circles around his house and be done the mower wouldn't even get warmed up its .4 acres this is a small yard not a field not a big open space he needs a walk behind I think a good quality 21 would do but the 30 toro would be good to anything bigger is just plain overkill...

I agree that he should get a walk-behind, but 0.4 acres is a pretty decent sized yard. I mow a 0.41 acre yard tomorrow....will take pics to show how large it is.

According to a website this lawn is 0.41 acres (and I believe it). As you can see a ZTR would save some time, so if his yard is as open as this one (minus the sprinklers and toys), it would help, but I would still think a walk-behind would be good.

 

[Ric]

According to a website this lawn is 0.41 acres (and I believe it). As you can see a ZTR would save some time, so if his yard is as open as this one (minus the sprinklers and toys), it would help, but I would still think a walk-behind would be good.

I would agree a ztr may save some time and this is only a shot in the dark and as pretty as your picture is I really feel like something is missing. The OP said his lot is .4 acres and I'm just assuming but I would guess there's like a 2000sq.ft home with a drive way and sidewalks with the 300ft of edging he talk about plus the flower beds or at least some landscaping he mentioned so when you put all that in your picture what's left? I would think a ztr is a little overkill.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I would agree a ztr may save some time and this is only a shot in the dark and as pretty as your picture is I really feel like something is missing. The OP said his lot is .4 acres and I'm just assuming but I would guess there's like a 2000sq.ft home with a drive way and sidewalks with the 300ft of edging he talk about plus the flower beds or at least some landscaping he mentioned so when you put all that in your picture what's left? I would think a ztr is a little overkill.

Well there is a house and front yard on this property, too...this is just the backyard. I agree; you can get more for your money with something like the Timemaster.

 

[Carscw]

I don't think a zero turn will help him. It might just add to is time.
Check oil 2 mins
Check gas add if needed 7 mins
Check tire air psi 2 mins
Adjust tire air psi 10 mins
Plan mowing route 15 mins
Talk to wife about how he will get ready to cut the grass 45 mins

(( cowboy up and get over it ))

 

[exotion]

I don't think a zero turn will help him. It might just add to is time.
Check oil 2 mins
Check gas add if needed 7 mins
Check tire air psi 2 mins
Adjust tire air psi 10 mins
Plan mowing route 15 mins
Talk to wife about how he will get ready to cut the grass 45 mins

(( cowboy up and get over it ))

Hahaha

Actually sit on mower crack open beer : timeless