New riding mowers
- Thread starter Fingers9
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Ryan Rognstad
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In my opinion from prior experience having a 2008 48" John Deere Rider I would much rather have a zero turn for the improved maneuverability and ease of use especially for an older gentlemen like yourself. At Home Depot for around 2,800 you can get a Toro 42in with a Kawasaki engine which is very reliable and I have many friends that will stand by this product and if your looking for something a little bigger the have a 50in for 3,000. If these price are a little high trust me when it come to power equipment you really get what you pay for plus zero turns are a great investment and if taken car of have a good resale value. If you have your heart set on riders post back and I can give you some options.
Toro TimeCutter SS5000 50 in. 23 HP Kawasaki V-Twin Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed-74631 at The Home Depot
Toro TimeCutter SS4260 42 in. 21.5 HP Kawasaki V-Twin Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed-74626 at The Home Depot
Toro TimeCutter SS5000 50 in. 23 HP Kawasaki V-Twin Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed-74631 at The Home Depot
Toro TimeCutter SS4260 42 in. 21.5 HP Kawasaki V-Twin Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed-74626 at The Home Depot
Ryan, your comment about ease of use really held true with me. I mowed over 2 hours with my old rider and my arms would be worn out. A zero turn cut me down to a little less than 1.5 hours and don't feel tired when getting down. I have had some arm troubles and the zero turn has relived some strain on it.
Ryan Rognstad
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Zero turns really were a great innovation they make it so much similar and easier. I will never buy a rider again the only down side to zero turns is the fact that rear tires can wear out very quickly if you make a lot of sharp turns on pavement or asphalt because only one tire is receiving power while the other is just being dragged or twisted around, its like when you turn a car tire at a stand still it will wear it out. Although they are totally worth it do to the increased productivity and high profits. It hard to believe that they have been around for over 50 years.
jimrs
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Ryan, if you turn like that you won't have much grass to cut after a week or so. Your going to find out that the z-turns don't have very many problems if used correctly. I'm 71 and I just switched to a z-turn and would never go back to a regular rider. It cut my mowing time in about a 1/3 or more and the yard has never looked better.
Ryan Rognstad
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I know what you mean but I was talking about turning on the pavement and for a novice or someone new to Zero turns I personally know to apply slight power to the left tire when turning left haha turning like that in the grass would be terrible big bald spots everywhere.
judgecrater
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With my limited experience I too vote for a zero turn. I am older also and find the zero turn easy and fun to use. If you can, spend the extra money and get more than you think you need. It will turn a chore into a delight. I am using a Hustler Raptor SD but I am sure there are many great zero turn mowers. Read the review and see what folks have to say. It is a large, long term investment and do it right the first time. Don't go cheap and then have to upgrade later. Let us know what you finally get and how you like it.
Riders still have their place certainly. Fingers9 = are you strictly mowing with it or are you wanting to blow snow with it? You won't be able to pull any ground engaging equipment (i.e. roller, tine de-thatcher, aerator, heavy cart) with a ZTR. Getting on and off a ZTR isn't easy when one is older and not all of us are 75 going on 35.
Simplicity lawn tractors with the 4 wheel suspension ride REALLY NICE! I loved the ride of my Prestige and really miss it for only that reason. Too bad they only come with the (China made) Briggs Commercial engine.
EDIT - just throwing in here to (IMO) stay away from purchasing at a big box store. When (not if) it needs service, who you gonna call? Find a good, reputable local dealer and buy something from them. In your time of need, a good dealer will be there to help you.
Simplicity lawn tractors with the 4 wheel suspension ride REALLY NICE! I loved the ride of my Prestige and really miss it for only that reason. Too bad they only come with the (China made) Briggs Commercial engine.
EDIT - just throwing in here to (IMO) stay away from purchasing at a big box store. When (not if) it needs service, who you gonna call? Find a good, reputable local dealer and buy something from them. In your time of need, a good dealer will be there to help you.