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Please help me. Buying my first ZTR

#1

yellow109r

yellow109r

I'm new to the forum and to the riding lawn mower world. My new house has about 1 acre and I have a budget of $4000.

I want a good quality ZTR mower. Any thoughts?

Been looking at
Bad boy mz magnum
Raptor SD

Thanks in advance for advice


#2

S

Shughes717

Do you have any steep hills on your property you will be mowing?


#3

S

Shughes717

Do you have any steep hills on your property you will be mowing? Residential ztr mowers don't do well on hills. Snapper pro s50xt should be close to that price range. We'll built mower. It isn't a full commercial mower but it is an estate mower. I am not a big fan of the residential badboy mowers. They are fine on flat surfaces but will not hold a hill well at all. Would suggest staying with a kawasaki engine or even Koehler. Don't go with the low end Briggs. Also want to lift the seat on the mower and look at the hydro pumps. Make sure there are cooling fans mounted on top of them. Also find the mower with the largest hydro pumps you can get for your budget. You don't want anything smaller than zt3100 pumps.


#4

Vanousb

Vanousb

Like most here we all have our brand of mower and will tell you why they like their mower. I prefer Exmark mowers. Especially when you get to residential with commercial options added and commercial mowers. I feel the quality and detail are better in my opinion. Be sure when you compare mowers you are comparing apples to apples. All the name brand full on companies (Exmark, toro, gravely, etc) have residential, the in betweens, and the commercial mowers. Price goes up as you go form residential to commercial. The price range you have given would the residential Exmark Quest (Exmark Manufacturing - Products) E or S series 2999 to 3999 in most cases. At 5000 you can begin to look at the in-betweens/commercial series. For Exmark, that is the Pioneer Series (which is what I decided on a couple months ago) and the Lazer series (Lazers are commercial). I would also suggest you consider the dealer who will service your mower. Are they local? Do that have a good reputation? Are they timely? etc. This was a big deal to me when I bought a couple months ago.

Take your time and do your research. With just an acre, you don't need overkill, but you do want quality. You are making a potential long term investment with good care of the mower.


#5

serelaw

serelaw

As with all advice if there are no links to the "Do not buy" or "Stay away from "
statements, to reinforce and back them up, then disregard as uninformed and ignorant biased drivel.
Not directed at anyone. Just saying. Also the part of the country you live in makes a difference.
Can we ask where you live and what dealers are around for support?
4 k can get you a lot of machine. Do you have size restrictions? Gates or such?
Do you plan on towing anything? Do you have areas that stay wet longer than others?
Do you have physical limitations?. I'm asking because some decks are easier than others to lift on the fly.
Some mowers burn the grass when you stop to move something. Some a are serviceable by the owner and some are not.
Do you have low hanging branches? Asking about hills is serious. Any ponds?
We can help with your question. But spending your money takes some input from you also.
Let the games begin.:licking: Also if you want to drive at night there are threads here if your mower needs lights.
Weight and tire size may factor in. Also some places offer mower with blower and trimmer for package deal price.


#6

S

Shughes717

serelaw said:
As with all advice if there are no links to the "Do not buy" or "Stay away from "
statements, to reinforce and back them up, then disregard as uninformed and ignorant biased drivel.
Not directed at anyone. Just saying. Also the part of the country you live in makes a difference.
Can we ask where you live and what dealers are around for support?
4 k can get you a lot of machine. Do you have size restrictions? Gates or such?
Do you plan on towing anything? Do you have areas that stay wet longer than others?
Do you have physical limitations?. I'm asking because some decks are easier than others to lift on the fly.
Some mowers burn the grass when you stop to move something. Some a are serviceable by the owner and some are not.
Do you have low hanging branches? Asking about hills is serious. Any ponds?
We can help with your question. But spending your money takes some input from you also.
Let the games begin.:licking: Also if you want to drive at night there are threads here if your mower needs lights.
Weight and tire size may factor in. Also some places offer mower with blower and trimmer for package deal price.
Click to expand...

Agree with most of what you said in your post. Someone's experience with equipment shouldn't be dismissed as uninformed drivel. For instance I have used honda and Briggs small engines on our farms for years. Old Briggs engines were great. Newer small Briggs don't last as long as the Hondas. Saying that, my father has a mower with the Briggs vanguard big block. Good engine with a lot of power, but that's on mowers that will cost more than 4000. You appear to be very well educated on the subject and I am interested to know what you own. The pond ? Is also a very good one. A close friend has a large pond behind his home. He owned a residential john deere ztr. Couldn't stay on the bank and he ran it in the pond twice lol. He now owns a hustler one x and loves it. Hasn't put it in his pond yet.


#7

yellow109r

yellow109r

Live in central Oklahoma
Mainly flat with a small ditch running down one side of the property
Dealers around me are hustler badboy John Deere and Gravely


#8

yellow109r

yellow109r

No physical limits
Gates are 60" wide
No ponds
No trees
Just house and fence


#9

S

Shughes717

Sounds like you have a pretty easy lawn to mow. With no hills, ponds, or obstacles to worry about you will most likely be happy with any of the mower brands you have listed. The one thing about john deere is they have a great support network. With only 1 acre you don't have to get a huge deck to mow the lawn in a timely manor. One of those brands with a 48" is more than enough to mow it in no time. Could even go with a 42" deck with no worries.


#10

serelaw

serelaw

yellow109r said:
Live in central Oklahoma
Mainly flat with a small ditch running down one side of the property
Dealers around me are hustler badboy John Deere and Gravely
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the replies.
Now we can find you the thickest fabricated easy adjustable chain hung deck, engine power,
Hydro transmissions, largest tires, grease fitting equipped parts, adjustable high back suspension seat,
dampened steering, largest fuel tank, rops equipped, longest warranted, zippity doo dah dayed unit.
I'm sure the contestants will be rolling in shortly. A lot of peeps are at work and will be happy to reply.


#11

serelaw

serelaw

Some manufacturers will advertise a 2"x3" frame. 11ga or 2.304 mm
vs a 1.5"x3". 4.5ga 5.1 mm
While the one has the thicker frame the other may have 3400 hydros vs 2800 or 3100 hydros.
10 Mph vs 7.5/8 mph
Blade tip speed [BTS] of 18000 vs 19000 rpm
5 gal vs 8 gal
3/8" vs 1/2" front yokes
Greasable yokes and pulleys plus steering components.
23" and 13x6x6.5 vs 20 and 10x6x5 tires
One may weigh 760 lbs vs 1060 lbs
One may have a thicker deck but have plastic covers on the pulleys.
One may have cast iron 4 hole mandrels vs 8" 6 hole aluminum mandrels.
Dampened steering vs non dampened
rops vs non rops
So really, after just a few things to consider not to mention engine carb or efi
warranty residential vs commercial and most important of all
COLOR, lol [Do not want to mess up the feng shui of your property]
The decisions are endless.


#12

Ric

Ric

yellow109r said:
I'm new to the forum and to the riding lawn mower world. My new house has about 1 acre and I have a budget of $4000.

I want a good quality ZTR mower. Any thoughts?

Been looking at
Bad boy mz magnum
Raptor SD

Thanks in advance for advice
Click to expand...

yellow109r said:
Live in central Oklahoma
Mainly flat with a small ditch running down one side of the property
Dealers around me are hustler badboy John Deere and Gravely
Click to expand...

Out of the mowers you have talked about here and the dealers available to you I'd look at the Hustler first and the Gravely next. Don't be afraid of any mowers with sealed spindle bearings and sealed bearings in the front wheels. The Hustler Raptor SD is a real good mower, it's probably one of the top residential mowers going right at the moment. The Kawasaki motors or engines as some prefer to call them are also at the top of the market at the moment but don't be afraid of one of the Kohler V twins. Personally I'd stay as far away from the B&S as I could.


#13

Ric

Ric

serelaw said:
Thank you so much for the replies.
Now we can find you the thickest fabricated easy adjustable chain hung deck, engine power,
Hydro transmissions, largest tires, grease fitting equipped parts, adjustable high back suspension seat,
dampened steering, largest fuel tank, rops equipped, longest warranted, zippity doo dah dayed unit.
I'm sure the contestants will be rolling in shortly. A lot of peeps are at work and will be happy to reply.
Click to expand...

Talk about ignorant biased drivel. The guy is looking for a high end residential mower, not a 15K commercial :rolleyes:


#14

serelaw

serelaw

Ric said:
Talk about ignorant biased drivel. The guy is looking for a high end residential mower, not a 15K commercial :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
While I did not single any member out, you waste no time accusing me.
I can not believe how rude and ignorant you are ric.
You give as much bad advice as good.
Why is it you can have your opinion but we can not have ours?
You are not the first or last word in lawn care or equipment. But you think you are.
My statement, though not obvious to you was saying the most bang for the buck.
What a troll. Thanks again for the anti Briggs and Stratton bash.
It has been a couple posts since you mentioned your dislike for the brand.


#15

serelaw

serelaw

How you ric can get that interpretation out of my answer is mind boggling.
That you are a moderator here is mind boggling also.
Because you are a moderator I can not put you on ignore.


#16

djdicetn

djdicetn

yellow109r said:
Live in central Oklahoma
Mainly flat with a small ditch running down one side of the property
Dealers around me are hustler badboy John Deere and Gravely
Click to expand...

I agree with user Ric that the Raptor SD would probably serve your needs and is a better deal than the comparable Gravely ZT XL(runs approx. $4,100 for the 48"). Now if you can push the budget up $1K to get into a little heavier duty residential ZTR I would suggest you demo the Hustler FasTrak and Gravely ZT HD. Good luck choosing what's right for you!!!


#17

Ric

Ric

serelaw said:
While I did not single any member out, you waste no time accusing me.
I can not believe how rude and ignorant you are ric.
You give as much bad advice as good.
Why is it you can have your opinion but we can not have ours?
You are not the first or last word in lawn care or equipment. But you think you are.
My statement, though not obvious to you was saying the most bang for the buck.
What a troll. Thanks again for the anti Briggs and Stratton bash.
It has been a couple posts since you mentioned your dislike for the brand.
Click to expand...


The thing is serlaw is I answered the OP question about the mowers in question, the mowers for the budget he said he had which was $4000 I didn't start suggesting or driveling on about fabricated easy adjustable chain hung deck, engine power, Hydro transmissions, largest tires, grease fitting equipped parts, adjustable high back suspension seat, dampened steering, largest fuel tank, rops equipped, longest warranted, zippity doo dah dayed unit that is a 15K commercial unit which was something the op did not ask about. I try to give advice about the questions asked and as far as my personal opinions go about a particular brand of mower or engine goes if I think it's junk I'll say it's junk. As far as your opinion or anyone else's goes you can have all you want :smile: but if I think it's wrong I'll say so :smile:


#18

serelaw

serelaw

You made me feel good ric. I got all that cept for the suspension seat for 4500.00. Not 15,000.

I listed things he could use to compare various models to make an informed choice.
The OP NOW knows what to look for and ask about.
I guess it is easier to just make a sound come from your mouth and say hustler.
Also you say stay away from Briggs but the OP will not know why you say it.
You provide no links or facts or reasoning besides the mouth sound.
So how can he be expected to heed your advice with out evidence?
Moving on here is a link to some other answers Click Here
Here is a link where user ric does not care for the raptor. Or care for the ezt drives.Click here
Some more raptor talkClick here

Original Poster dude, I do not know what makes the models you stated better than the other yet.
When I get some more time I will compare them and see what's up to help you.


#19

Ric

Ric

serelaw said:
You made me feel good ric. I got all that cept for the suspension seat for 4500.00. Not 15,000.

I listed things he could use to compare various models to make an informed choice.
The OP NOW knows what to look for and ask about.
I guess it is easier to just make a sound come from your mouth and say hustler.
Also you say stay away from Briggs but the OP will not know why you say it.
You provide no links or facts or reasoning besides the mouth sound.
So how can he be expected to heed your advice with out evidence?
Moving on here is a link to some other answers Click Here
Here is a link where user ric does not care for the raptor. Or care for the ezt drives.Click here
Some more raptor talkClick here

Original Poster dude, I do not know what makes the models you stated better than the other yet.
When I get some more time I will compare them and see what's up to help you.
Click to expand...


I'm not going to argue with you because your clearly confused because your still talking about a mower that the op did not ask about. your leaving links about the Hustler Raptor which he didn't ask about if you read the post you would have known we were talking about the Raptor SD with 2800 drives so why would I want to tell him about a down grade ezt drive system :confused3:and besides that your links are probably something he has already seen if he has toured the forum and checked out the other threads here.:smile::rolleyes:


#20

djdicetn

djdicetn

serelaw said:
You made me feel good ric. I got all that cept for the suspension seat for 4500.00. Not 15,000.

I listed things he could use to compare various models to make an informed choice.
The OP NOW knows what to look for and ask about.
I guess it is easier to just make a sound come from your mouth and say hustler.
Also you say stay away from Briggs but the OP will not know why you say it.
You provide no links or facts or reasoning besides the mouth sound.
So how can he be expected to heed your advice with out evidence?
Moving on here is a link to some other answers Click Here
Here is a link where user ric does not care for the raptor. Or care for the ezt drives.Click here
Some more raptor talkClick here

Original Poster dude, I do not know what makes the models you stated better than the other yet.
When I get some more time I will compare them and see what's up to help you.
Click to expand...

serelaw,

Not "taking sides":0)
But I thought I'd point out a flaw in your statement regarding the link where "Ric does not care for the raptor or care for the ezt drives". That's really not relevant to this discussion because (1)that thread was in Oct, 2013 and was discussing the 2013 Raptor, not the current 2014 Raptor lineup(which changed significantly, including an upgrade to the HydroGear ZT-2800 trannnies); (2) the 2013 was a revised Hustler Sport as pointed out in that thread and it DID still have the HydroGear EZT trannies; (3)Ric, and most other of users last Fall, discouraged investing in a ZTR with the EZT drives because they are "light duty" transaxles and cannot have maintenance performed on them and finally (4)Ric has "eased up" on the Raptor RSD for 2014(he even vehemently defends Hustler regarding how they've handled the clutch recall(even though Ric & I didn't see eye-to-eye on that subject:0)


I have no problem with anybody having different opinions than others here(including myself), but I would suggest that you closely read threads(including the date range of postings) before quoting something that gives an outdated/changed view of another user. I'm certain that Ric can handle honest criticism, but that was kind of a low blow so-to-speak.


#21

serelaw

serelaw

How can I be confused if each link had specific SD information?
And if he has read the other threads why would he be asking what to buy?
Basic deductive reasoning escapes you.
Leave me alone. I can't compete at your level.


#22

serelaw

serelaw

OP here is a link to an active thread about the sd.Click here.


#23

Ric

Ric

djdicetn said:
serelaw,

Not "taking sides":0)
But I thought I'd point out a flaw in your statement regarding the link where "Ric does not care for the raptor or care for the ezt drives". That's really not relevant to this discussion because (1)that thread was in Oct, 2013 and was discussing the 2013 Raptor, not the current 2014 Raptor lineup(which changed significantly, including an upgrade to the HydroGear ZT-2800 trannnies); (2) the 2013 was a revised Hustler Sport as pointed out in that thread and it DID still have the HydroGear EZT trannies; (3)Ric, and most other of users last Fall, discouraged investing in a ZTR with the EZT drives because they are "light duty" transaxles and cannot have maintenance performed on them and finally (4)Ric has "eased up" on the Raptor RSD for 2014(he even vehemently defends Hustler regarding how they've handled the clutch recall(even though Ric & I didn't see eye-to-eye on that subject:0)


I have no problem with anybody having different opinions than others here(including myself), but I would suggest that you closely read threads(including the date range of postings) before quoting something that gives an outdated/changed view of another user. I'm certain that Ric can handle honest criticism, but that was kind of a low blow so-to-speak.
Click to expand...


djdicetn I think you made the point I was trying to make and that was the point he was talking about I really didn't think were relevant to this discussion. I looked at the RSD Thursday and it's a good looking mower and is really well built for the price. The 2800 drives are more than capable of anything a residential operator would want and would last for years of service but I'd prefer to see the HTE drives on the RSD than the 2800. If it were me right now I'd look for the HTJ drives I think there going to be the way to go to keep the mower price reasonable.


#24

serelaw

serelaw

Hey yellow, we did not forget you man.
We are still plugging away for you.


#25

yellow109r

yellow109r

Ok
I can get the gravely ZT XL 54"
With a kaw or Kohler engine for $4199

Or

A raptor SD 54 for $3500

Both dealers are about the same distance from the house


#26

Vanousb

Vanousb

yellow109r said:
Ok
I can get the gravely ZT XL 54"
With a kaw or Kohler engine for $4199

Or

A raptor SD 54 for $3500

Both dealers are about the same distance from the house
Click to expand...

Either is solid residential mower. The Hustler for 3500 is a nice deal. Looking at the specs of the two you have listed, I would pay a little more for the Gravely. Some details that make it worth the money in my opinion. But 700 is a pretty big chunk of change. Have you had a chance to did on both and see which feels best to you?

Hustler Turf
Gravely ZT XL Zero Turn Mower


#27

yellow109r

yellow109r

Also can get a kubota Z121s for $4400
Alittle on high side of what I wanted to spend
But the kubota has a better system for lowering the deck with the dial instead of the pins but $1000 for the feature is a lot
They all feel pretty close to me
Kubota looks the best but it's a 48 inch deck
Just wanting to get the most durable mower that will last me awhile.
U have a general knowledge of mechanical things I have been working on Aircraft for 14 years But I am trying to gather as much info that I can so that I can make the best decisions I can


#28

Vanousb

Vanousb

yellow109r said:
Also can get a kubota Z121s for $4400
Alittle on high side of what I wanted to spend
But the kubota has a better system for lowering the deck with the dial instead of the pins but $1000 for the feature is a lot
They all feel pretty close to me
Kubota looks the best but it's a 48 inch deck
Just wanting to get the most durable mower that will last me awhile.
U have a general knowledge of mechanical things I have been working on Aircraft for 14 years But I am trying to gather as much info that I can so that I can make the best decisions I can
Click to expand...

I feel all three mowers are top quality residential level mowers that will give you what you want for the price range you are targeting. I agree that the Kubota seems to have the better qualities, but not by much. And for the money the other two will give you what you are looking for in my opinion.

For the money the Raptor best deal at 3500
For my personal choice the Gravely for 4199 for, what I consider the better quality.
Closer to commercial like for more money the Kubota.


#29

A

andrew's lawn care

yellow109r said:
I'm new to the forum and to the riding lawn mower world. My new house has about 1 acre and I have a budget of $4000.

I want a good quality ZTR mower. Any thoughts?

Been looking at
Bad boy mz magnum
Raptor SD

Thanks in advance for advice
Click to expand...

scag freedom z. scags are the best, in my opinion. there worth a lot as well. landscapers in my area all flock to scags, and I personally own a scag myself. try to avoid the kohler motors though. stick with briggs or Kawasaki.
403 Forbidden
check it out on the website.


#30

yellow109r

yellow109r

I drove a scag and didn't like the cable operated deck nor how the platform for ur feet was designed. Didn't seem as comfortable

I really like the Raptor SD but I drove it and the seat is pretty hard. Wish it had the seat from the fastrack

Which I guess u could put a boat seat or modified the seat that is on it


#31

Vanousb

Vanousb

yellow109r said:
I drove a scag and didn't like the cable operated deck nor how the platform for ur feet was designed. Didn't seem as comfortable

I really like the Raptor SD but I drove it and the seat is pretty hard. Wish it had the seat from the fastrack

Which I guess u could put a boat seat or modified the seat that is on it
Click to expand...

Ask the dealer if there is a seat upgrade for the raptor they they can offer. Might cost a bit more, but you have that one at the low price right now. Have you driven the Gravely yet? I found it a little better than the Hustler but still to be a little rough to me. But remember I was comparing it to the Exmark Pioneer which I found to be the best ride for me. Did not drive a scag.


#32

A

andrew's lawn care

yellow109r said:
I drove a scag and didn't like the cable operated deck nor how the platform for ur feet was designed. Didn't seem as comfortable

I really like the Raptor SD but I drove it and the seat is pretty hard. Wish it had the seat from the fastrack

Which I guess u could put a boat seat or modified the seat that is on it
Click to expand...

I like the walk behinds, I don't use the ztrs because I have no need, but I know the higher end scags are good. whichever ztr you decide, stay away from kohler motors...they are just bad to deal with. bobcats are pretty good, as far as durability and pretty basic. hustlers are good too. I wish you luck in finding your mower. God bless, andrew


#33

T

tom-ky

Vanousb said:
Ask the dealer if there is a seat upgrade for the raptor they they can offer. Might cost a bit more, but you have that one at the low price right now. Have you driven the Gravely yet? I found it a little better than the Hustler but still to be a little rough to me. But remember I was comparing it to the Exmark Pioneer which I found to be the best ride for me. Did not drive a scag.
Click to expand...
It has been a while since I looked at them but one of the Hustlers there was a seat upgrade available. I liked the Hustlers but the distance to dealers turned me away from them.


#34

yellow109r

yellow109r

Went with a gravely 48 hd
Seat was better
Steering was smoother


#35

djdicetn

djdicetn

yellow109r said:
Went with a gravely 48 hd
Seat was better
Steering was smoother
Click to expand...

Welcome to the growing Gravely family on the forum!!! I don't think you will regret or ever look back after using that ZT HD!!! Post some pictures when you get it home(we wanna see it:0)


#36

Vanousb

Vanousb

yellow109r said:
Went with a gravely 48 hd
Seat was better
Steering was smoother
Click to expand...

Congrats. Gravely was my second choice behind the Exmark. Good mower. Post some pics for us when you can.


#37

yellow109r

yellow109r

The Gravely really is made with a little more thought and better materials. Thanks for recommending me to drive it. Because once I drove it
The decision became a no brainer


#38

yellow109r

yellow109r

Here she is

Attachments











#39

djdicetn

djdicetn

yellow109r said:
Here she is
Click to expand...

Nice looking grass eater you have there!!!!!!


#40



DSepe

This thread was full of win sauce...good show guys.


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