Please help me. Buying my first ZTR

[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.

 

[serelaw]

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

 

[Ric]

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suggest that you closely read threads(including the date range of postings) before quoting something that gives an outdated/changed view of another user.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.

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.

 

[serelaw]

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

 

[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

 

[Vanousb]

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

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

 

[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

 

[Vanousb]

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

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.

 

[andrew's lawn care]

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

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.

 

[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