Currently have a 46" MTD mower that is 15 years old. Takes about 1.5 hours to mow what I mow. Mower is rough so I am considering replacing it. Lookes at a Gravely ZT XL 48 for $4100, also looked at some Husqvarna, Cub Cadet and Exmark. Gravely seemed to handle the best. I have a few small slopes that my current rider handles ok. Debating if it is worth a couple $2,000 more to get a zero turn. Would it save that much time?
New tractor styler rider or a zero turn?
- Thread starter tom-ky
- Start date
txzrider
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2012
- Threads
- 9
- Messages
- 392
that really all depends on what you mow. ZTR's really save time when there is a lot of manevering required to mow around obstacles. but it does not sound like you have enough mowing to require too heavy duty a mower. also on the slopes, slopes matter to ztr's cause the best way to mow them is across and angling slightly upwards. but for whats it's worth I would never go back to a traditional rider.
metz12
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2012
- Threads
- 49
- Messages
- 892
i agree 100%. it doesnt sound like you need a ztr. you need a regular old rider. i love my craftsman and i work for a guy that uses cub cadets. i like the cubs but they are sometimes more pricey then the craftsman. sears you will get some good deals. but i would recommend going with your local dealer. do you know what they carry? and try to get something with a briggs and stratton or a kohler command. do not buy something with a courage. they are horrible.
Got a lot of buildings to mow around, I would guess around 1 - 1.5 acres. Glosest places sells Husqvarna and Exmark. 30 miles or so away is Gravely, Cub Cadet and box stores. If I got a ZT I may consider hauling it to a house in town and mowing that yard instead of using a push mower. Regular rider is not too good on it as there is too much turning.
lawn mower fanatic
Lawn Pro
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2012
- Threads
- 321
- Messages
- 6,749
I think you would be OK with a lawn tractor, but a zero-turn might still save you some time because it can turn around quicker and it might be able to go faster. Also it would save time on that other yard in town you mow.
Old Goat
Active Member
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2012
- Threads
- 4
- Messages
- 97
Just got done with your same dilemma.
After 2 years of thinking about this and driving myself almost crazy, I settled on a 54" Big Dog R754 model.
13 year old MTD just had to go. I may have gone a little large, but we have 2.25 acres to cut and this machine is well, well built.
What finished the deal for me is when I discovered that these are built by Excel Industries, which built the first ZTR made in 1966!
You owe it to yourself to look at them well before you buy. I got my R754 for $4800 + tax, but you could probably do with a C series for what you need to do. I'd guess somewhere about $3500.
Not as commercial duty as The Hustler line they build, but plenty sturdy for residential use.
Once we get accustomed to driving it, it should cut the mowing time from 4+ hours to maybe 1 1/2.
Residential and Commercial Zero Turn Radius Lawn Mowers and Tractors - Big Dog Mowers
Charles
After 2 years of thinking about this and driving myself almost crazy, I settled on a 54" Big Dog R754 model.
13 year old MTD just had to go. I may have gone a little large, but we have 2.25 acres to cut and this machine is well, well built.
What finished the deal for me is when I discovered that these are built by Excel Industries, which built the first ZTR made in 1966!
You owe it to yourself to look at them well before you buy. I got my R754 for $4800 + tax, but you could probably do with a C series for what you need to do. I'd guess somewhere about $3500.
Not as commercial duty as The Hustler line they build, but plenty sturdy for residential use.
Once we get accustomed to driving it, it should cut the mowing time from 4+ hours to maybe 1 1/2.
Residential and Commercial Zero Turn Radius Lawn Mowers and Tractors - Big Dog Mowers
Charles
Attachments
djdicetn
Lawn Addict
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2012
- Threads
- 12
- Messages
- 2,193
tom-ky,
Don't rule out an investment in that Gravely, although I would recommend that you consider an upgrade to the 48" ZT HD if you can afford $900 more than the XL. The HD is "near-commercial" quality but don't get me wrong the XL would be a very good residential unit. I bought my 52" 2012 Pro-Turn XDZ at the right time(last fall) and avoided a $300 2013 price increase for that model and made an out-the-door deal with my local dealer that save me $1,300 over a new 2013 Pro-Turn 152. I am VERY happy with my Gravely!!!
KubotaJohn
Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2013
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 26
tom-ky, check out the new Kubota Kommander, it is a Zturn that is focused to someone just like you. It has a 24 and 27 HP option with either a Kohler or B&S in both of those HP ratings. Right now the prices start around 4500.
PM for additional information or I can email you a brochure.
Looks like a pretty nice mower just checking the Kubota site. I like the seat. Called closest dealer, $4499 for one with B&S, One strike that I do see compared to the Gravely is one year less on the 0% finance. It is about $400 higher also but does have a extra year on warranty.