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Please point in correct direction for ZTR or stand-behind mower

#1

K

katit

Hello everyone!

Currently I'm using John Deere 318 with 46 inch deck to mow my 3/4 acre lot. It' pretty flat with a considerable hill on one side(I have to tilt my body sideways and tractor almost slips down..). No issues with scalping but I don't like how it cuts.

When I bought this tractor (4 years ago) I was thinking that I will use it for other stuff, I had snow blade which I sold and I had pull behind card which I also sold. I also tried pull-behind sweeper and didn't like it too much (for leafs). I'm using back pack blower for leafs and tractor for mowing. Now I'm just cutting grass with a tractor and don't really care about how it works. My neighbors use professional service and their grass looks much better. I see those guys doing it faster and seems like those professional stand-behind mowers mulch very good (mine leaves clippings even with good mulching blades). I also see those guys using same mowers during leaf season where they multch them and bag them into almost non-existent pile (my leaf pile is huge and takes 4 hours of non-stop blowing into piles)

Anyway. I can fix up older mower, not really looking into brand new expensive stuff. I can probably spend up to 2k, but less is better. I'd like to know what would be better. ZTR is more comfort, but wouldn't it be too big for my yard? Most guys who does it for living in our area use stand-behinds. Ideally it will help me with leafs. My main goal is to get best possible cutting ability in shortest time.

Any suggestions? I don't know what brands to look for, models? How many hours is too much?


#2

Ric

Ric

katit said:
Hello everyone!

Currently I'm using John Deere 318 with 46 inch deck to mow my 3/4 acre lot. It' pretty flat with a considerable hill on one side(I have to tilt my body sideways and tractor almost slips down..). No issues with scalping but I don't like how it cuts.

When I bought this tractor (4 years ago) I was thinking that I will use it for other stuff, I had snow blade which I sold and I had pull behind card which I also sold. I also tried pull-behind sweeper and didn't like it too much (for leafs). I'm using back pack blower for leafs and tractor for mowing. Now I'm just cutting grass with a tractor and don't really care about how it works. My neighbors use professional service and their grass looks much better. I see those guys doing it faster and seems like those professional stand-behind mowers mulch very good (mine leaves clippings even with good mulching blades). I also see those guys using same mowers during leaf season where they multch them and bag them into almost non-existent pile (my leaf pile is huge and takes 4 hours of non-stop blowing into piles)

Anyway. I can fix up older mower, not really looking into brand new expensive stuff. I can probably spend up to 2k, but less is better. I'd like to know what would be better. ZTR is more comfort, but wouldn't it be too big for my yard? Most guys who does it for living in our area use stand-behinds. Ideally it will help me with leafs. My main goal is to get best possible cutting ability in shortest time.

Any suggestions? I don't know what brands to look for, models? How many hours is too much?
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It depends on what you're calling a stand up mower. Are you talking about a walk-behind with a sulky or a regular stand behind mower like a Toro Grandstand? The big problem as I see it is your budget. You may pick up a used residential ZTR for 2K but how good it will be and how many hours it will have would be anyone's guess and you cut may or may not be as good as what you're using now, it just depends on the quality of the ZTR.


#3

K

katit

Ric said:
It depends on what you're calling a stand up mower. Are you talking about a walk-behind with a sulky or a regular stand behind mower like a Toro Grandstand? The big problem as I see it is your budget. You may pick up a used residential ZTR for 2K but how good it will be and how many hours it will have would be anyone's guess and you cut may or may not be as good as what you're using now, it just depends on the quality of the ZTR.
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<2k budget is just common sense. I can get someone cut my grass for $35 and purchase of $5k+ won't make much sense as I could probably pay for 10 years of service instead of buying good $5k machine..

I just checked full stand-ups and they look very good. But looks like out of my budget for sure :(
So I guess I'm talking about "walk-behind with a sulky" vs "ZTR".

On my JD 318 I rebuilt deck completely with new bearings, wheels, etc so I guess it cuts as good as it can. I see no problem doing the same for used ZTR/walk behind. I just don't know what machines I need to look at.


#4



DSepe

katit said:
<2k budget is just common sense. I can get someone cut my grass for $35 and purchase of $5k+ won't make much sense as I could probably pay for 10 years of service instead of buying good $5k machine.. I just checked full stand-ups and they look very good. But looks like out of my budget for sure :( So I guess I'm talking about "walk-behind with a sulky" vs "ZTR". On my JD 318 I rebuilt deck completely with new bearings, wheels, etc so I guess it cuts as good as it can. I see no problem doing the same for used ZTR/walk behind. I just don't know what machines I need to look at.
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Your budget is what will kill you. Your most likely looking at a very high hour ZTR because they don't depreciate much. I see 800-1000 hour, high quality ZTR's going for 3k+. Not sure how much walk behinds are but I'm assuming it's at least 2k out of your range. This is because walk-behinds and stand on mowers are considered commercial. Maybe pick up a used residential for that price range but the cut might not be much better.


#5

Ric

Ric

katit said:
<2k budget is just common sense. I can get someone cut my grass for $35 and purchase of $5k+ won't make much sense as I could probably pay for 10 years of service instead of buying good $5k machine..

I just checked full stand-ups and they look very good. But looks like out of my budget for sure :(
So I guess I'm talking about "walk-behind with a sulky" vs "ZTR".

On my JD 318 I rebuilt deck completely with new bearings, wheels, etc so I guess it cuts as good as it can. I see no problem doing the same for used ZTR/walk behind. I just don't know what machines I need to look at.
Click to expand...

The standers like the Toro grandstands are 8k and up, the walk-behinds with sulky's that you'll find used will be the Exmarks and Scags and the problem with them like has already been said they are commercial mowers and any of them unless your real real lucky are not worth the money because there worn out or the businesses aren't selling them. The residential ZTR would be the only direction to go but I really don't see much of an improvement in cut over your JD.


#6

K

katit

So, commercial walk behinds cost as much as ZTR? I though they should be cheaper in general, no?

Which (in general) will be better at mulching and bagging? ZTR or walk behind?


#7

Ric

Ric

katit said:
So, commercial walk behinds cost as much as ZTR? I though they should be cheaper in general, no?

Which (in general) will be better at mulching and bagging? ZTR or walk behind?
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The walk-behind mower that will be cheaper to buy would be the belt drive type, there generally a 5 speed peerless manual transmission which are a pain to use with a sulky. The hydro models are as much as a ZTR and operate much the same as the ZTR. As far as bagging goes I've never seen either used that way and mulching IMO would have to go to the ZTR. Generally speaking if you have a good quality ztr with a high BTS and a good set of Gator blades you don't have much grass left to worry about bagging.


#8

K

katit

Ok, then it looks like ZTR is what I need.. What is their footprint (parking)? My JD in 50 inch wide and 68 inch long. ZTRs look bigger, but I wonder if that is true.

What about hills? Can ZTR mower handle hills OK? Right now we have Z225 JD ZTR for sale at $2400 almost new. I assume this is residential model? How do I know the difference?

Would you say that 10yo commercial ZTR will be better (in proper work order) than new residential ZTR?

I know that deck on my JD is low speed and has bad suction, so many new things will do better. But I want to try and get best. I don't mind doind some restoration but need to know..


#9

jekjr

jekjr

I can't say about where you are, but in my part of the world you can pay those commercial guys that your neighbors are using to make yours look like theirs do and be many dollars ahead 10 years down the road. Just your $2000 you are talking about investing plus selling the equipment you have that you won't need any longer will get it cut for quite a while.


#10

S

sjessen

Everybody has an opinion including me and we all love to share ours. If you are thinking a z, consider going up to about $3 for a new one. At that price point there are a lot of options such as Toro and Hustler. They will not be full commercial machines but are much more efficient than what you are currently using. Snapper Pro has some very good prices on commercial equipment. Tractor Supply sells Badboy mowers which are worth a look as well.

Good used machines can be had by looking on Ebay. One has to know what they want, what a fair price for a used unit would be, and be diligent to keep looking. My best suggestion would be to go to the various dealers in your area and check out what they have to offer. Then, start watching on Craig's List, Ebay, Lawnsite, and other web sites for the mower you would like to buy. My best luck purchasing used mowers was at the end of the season (December-February) and during droughts. Every so often one can find a less than one year old mower for 50% of original selling price.


#11

S

Shughes717

If the hill on your property is steep a residential ztr won't handle it well. What you are being told is spot on. If you want commercial cut quality it will cost more than 2k. Commercial mowers come standard with high lift blades and the blade tip speed is much faster than residential mowers. If you find a commercial mower for 2k that is in good shape it is probably stolen lol. Even the semi commercial snapper pro s50xt will cost around 4k new. With only 3/4 of an acre there may be a small deck (36 to 42" deck) commercial ztr in the 3 to 4k range.


#12

S

Shughes717

If you hire your lawn cut at $35 you will be spending $140 a month for at least 5 months a year. That's $7000 in ten years. If you want to do it your self take the $2000 go to a commercial ztr dealer put it down on a $5000 mower and finance the rest at 0% interest for 48 months. You will save money in the long run. Any brand commercial mower will be a quality machine. we can give you insight as to why we picked ours, but it really comes down to what you have available in your area. Bobcat, gravely, ferris/ snapper pro, hustler, john deere, kubota, toro/ exmark, grass hopper, etc. they all make fine mowers.


#13

K

katit

Shughes717 said:
With only 3/4 of an acre there may be a small deck (36 to 42" deck) commercial ztr in the 3 to 4k range.
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Small deck ZTR sounds good to me. It will be easier to park and go around corners. I assume it won't be slower than current 46" deck just because of the way I can turn and move faster?
What about mulching ability? Will smaller decks do as good job?


#14

S

Shughes717

katit said:
Small deck ZTR sounds good to me. It will be easier to park and go around corners. I assume it won't be slower than current 46" deck just because of the way I can turn and move faster?
What about mulching ability? Will smaller decks do as good job?
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As long as it is a commercial grade deck it should cut and mulch much better than a residential deck. Look for a welded deck with a bts of at least 18000 fpm. The only problem I see is if the hill on your property is steep. You may have to go with a small walk behind. You just need to price them at your local dealers. If there are none you can afford then look online for used mowers. I would be careful buying used. Many of the used mowers for sale have been abused and will cause a lot of problems.


#15

Ric

Ric

katit said:
Ok, then it looks like ZTR is what I need.. What is their footprint (parking)? My JD in 50 inch wide and 68 inch long. ZTRs look bigger, but I wonder if that is true.

What about hills? Can ZTR mower handle hills OK? Right now we have Z225 JD ZTR for sale at $2400 almost new. I assume this is residential model? How do I know the difference?

Would you say that 10yo commercial ZTR will be better (in proper work order) than new residential ZTR?

I know that deck on my JD is low speed and has bad suction, so many new things will do better. But I want to try and get best. I don't mind doing some restoration but need to know..
Click to expand...


The footprint on a ztr will vary with the size of the mower, they aren't all the same. Most all ZTR mowers are rated up to a 15 degree slope and the Toro Grandstands are rated up to a 20 degree slope, so if the mower will handle your slope or not will depend on what you buy. The smaller the mower the least likely it will be that it will handle the slope. The nice thing about the standers and walk-behinds is the fact they have a lower center of gravity than a ZTR, that's the reason they will out perform and be more productive than a ztr on slopes and in many other situations.

As far as the differeances between a Residential and a commercial unit goes there's a majority of differences. With a commercial unit you'll get a heavier built unit, heavier grade stock, commercial drive units (maybe separate pumps and wheel motors) instead of the Hydro-gear stuff, along with a commercial grade engines and chain hung fabricated decks (not a stamped deck). Along with a few other things like a ROPS or a nicer seat, the bells and whistle stuff that really isn't going to make a lot of difference but is nice to have.


#16

K

katit

I'm taking this hill with my JD right now. Yes, I have to lean my body to the side but it works and doesn't feel like I'm close to tipping or anything like that. ZTR's at least LOOK like they have wider stance and planted better than my lawn tractor.


#17

Ric

Ric

katit said:
I'm taking this hill with my JD right now. Yes, I have to lean my body to the side but it works and doesn't feel like I'm close to tipping or anything like that. ZTR's at least LOOK like they have wider stance and planted better than my lawn tractor.
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Doing or mowing a hill with a tractor is a lot different than doing it with a ZTR. Your weight is distributed differently on the tractor for one and you can steer a tractor with the front tires, not so with a ZTR. The ztr mowers that have been mentioned like the 36" or 42" are not going to have a much wider foot print, base or stance than your JD, for instance the Dixie chopper 42" cut is only 51" wide with the chute so the wheel base itself is going to be somewhat more narrow than that and a 36" ztr will be even smaller.

A ztr's weight is all in the back of the mower, the engine, the drives, wheels and yourself. Your front wheels or castors do nothing as far as having any control over the unit. If I were you and this may sound like over kill but for the money you want to spend I'd look into a Hustler Raptor 54" deck, the cost is like $2799 and it would last you forever.

Hustler Turf


#18

S

Shughes717

Ric said:
Doing or mowing a hill with a tractor is a lot different than doing it with a ZTR. Your weight is distributed differently on the tractor for one and you can steer a tractor with the front tires, not so with a ZTR. The ztr mowers that have been mentioned like the 36" or 42" are not going to have a much wider foot print, base or stance than your JD, for instance the Dixie chopper 42" cut is only 51" wide with the chute so the wheel base itself is going to be somewhat more narrow than that and a 36" ztr will be even smaller.

A ztr's weight is all in the back of the mower, the engine, the drives, wheels and yourself. Your front wheels or castors do nothing as far as having any control over the unit. If I were you and this may sound like over kill but for the money you want to spend I'd look into a Hustler Raptor 54" deck, the cost is like $2799 and it would last you forever.

Hustler Turf
Click to expand...

Agree with your post. Except for the part about the raptor. I think hustlers are fine mowers, but the raptor is made a little too light in the back end to handle much of a hill. Would do everything else he wants well though.


#19

Ric

Ric

Shughes717 said:
Agree with your post. Except for the part about the raptor. I think hustlers are fine mowers, but the raptor is made a little too light in the back end to handle much of a hill. Would do everything else he wants well though.
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It would sure handle the hill better and safer than what he is using now and he would sure get a better cut than the tractor. It would also be new with a warranty.


#20

S

Shughes717

Ric said:
It would sure handle the hill better and safer than what he is using now and he would sure get a better cut than the tractor. It would also be new with a warranty.
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I don't disagree that it would cut better. Hustler mowers are great products. I don't know what kind of hill he is talking about, but I do know the raptor doesn't have the trannys to handle much of a slope.


#21

K

katit

The hill that I'm talking about is like 25 degree (eyeballing..) but I don't drive "up", I take it sideways. And it takes 3 passes to mow it with my 46. It's straight line hill on a back of a lot.


#22

S

Shughes717

katit said:
The hill that I'm talking about is like 25 degree (eyeballing..) but I don't drive "up", I take it sideways. And it takes 3 passes to mow it with my 46. It's straight line hill on a back of a lot.
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That's too steep for the raptor, but some dealer will let you test their product at your home. If you are interested in one then I suggest talking to your local dealer and see if they will let you try it out on your lawn before you buy. Test as many as you can before you buy. Ric is 100% correct that the raptor would give you the cut you are looking for. Any of the brands with a commercial deck will give you the cut quality.


#23

Ric

Ric

Shughes717 said:
I don't disagree that it would cut better. Hustler mowers are great products. I don't know what kind of hill he is talking about, but I do know the raptor doesn't have the trannys to handle much of a slope.
Click to expand...

Actually there's not much in the price range he is talking about with a good transmission. If he used the raptor and mowed the slope starting from the bottom and working across the slope always turning up the slope he wouldn't have an issue with the transmission and with the 52" he would have a 23hp Kawasaki so he would have plenty of power.


#24

K

katit

I found some Raptor dealers around, will check them out. Where can I read on how ZTR's actually work? You talk about tranny, steering, etc. I know in my tractor I have hydraulic deck lift, I have separate hydrostatic tranny and power steering.

I have some wet spots in a yard, mowing them with a tractor done best if I move fast, I did get suck once... How is ZTR's in those "swampy" areas? What about cutting wet grass? I don't get into wet grass with my tractor, but I see pro's doing it just fine. Rarely I see clumps on my neighbours yards...

Ric is correct, this <3k Raptor is probably maximum I want to spend. They do 0% which is excellent too. Do those dealers negotiate like car dealers do? What kind of price off from MSRP I can expect?

Paying pro's to cut is basically every week. But I cut less(I think). When grass growing I might cut every 5 days or so and in a middle of summer I may cut once in 2 weeks. I use tractor 20hr per year MAX. I do think I may need bagger as well as it may help with leafs during a season.

Going little off-topic, what is the best preffered way to take care of leafs? I have big trees and as I mentioned takes 4hr non-stop blowing with backpack Makita (4 cycle) that I have. I blow leafs into piles and then use tarp to move them to the street. I see pros doing it both ways. Some people use blowers, but some use mowers, If it's done regulardly (every week) than not much leafs left after cutting. Does that sound correct? Will I be able to do it with Raptor?


#25

Ric

Ric

Shughes717 said:
That's too steep for the raptor, but some dealer will let you test their product at your home. If you are interested in one then I suggest talking to your local dealer and see if they will let you try it out on your lawn before you buy. Test as many as you can before you buy. Ric is 100% correct that the raptor would give you the cut you are looking for. Any of the brands with a commercial deck will give you the cut quality.
Click to expand...

Actually there's no ztr or walk-behind that is rated for 25 degree that I know of but to my knowledge the Kawasaki engine is the only engine that I know of that is rated to or operate continuously at angles of up to 25 degrees in any direction. If he is already mowing the hill with the JD he shouldn't have any problem with a 52" Raptor.


#26

Ric

Ric

katit said:
I found some Raptor dealers around, will check them out. Where can I read on how ZTR's actually work? You talk about tranny, steering, etc. I know in my tractor I have hydraulic deck lift, I have separate hydrostatic tranny and power steering.

I have some wet spots in a yard, mowing them with a tractor done best if I move fast, I did get suck once... How is ZTR's in those "swampy" areas? What about cutting wet grass? I don't get into wet grass with my tractor, but I see pro's doing it just fine. Rarely I see clumps on my neighbours yards...

Ric is correct, this <3k Raptor is probably maximum I want to spend. They do 0% which is excellent too. Do those dealers negotiate like car dealers do? What kind of price off from MSRP I can expect?

Paying pro's to cut is basically every week. But I cut less(I think). When grass growing I might cut every 5 days or so and in a middle of summer I may cut once in 2 weeks. I use tractor 20hr per year MAX. I do think I may need bagger as well as it may help with leafs during a season.

Going little off-topic, what is the best preferred way to take care of leafs? I have big trees and as I mentioned takes 4hr non-stop blowing with backpack Makita (4 cycle) that I have. I blow leafs into piles and then use tarp to move them to the street. I see pros doing it both ways. Some people use blowers, but some use mowers, If it's done regularly (every week) than not much leafs left after cutting. Does that sound correct? Will I be able to do it with Raptor?
Click to expand...


You can google ztr operation and come up with tons of information on how to operate a ztr, but the best way to learn is to get on one and drive. The first thing you need to do when you purchase your ZTR is sit down and read the MANUAL from front to back, it will explain a lot. A tip I can give you is when you decide to mow your slope is start from the bottom mowing across the slope and always turn up the slope at the end of every pass never down. Turning down a slope is the fastest way to lose control of a ztr that there is. If you're worried about leafs get a set of Oregon Gator blades (G3 or G5) and use them and you wont have a problem with leaf build up.




#27

K

katit

Thank you for this video link. At 6:25 they show slope that looks just like the one I have. Doesn't seem to be a problem at all..

I read online but is there any break-down on features that commercial ZTR might have and residentials don't? I understand deck construction, heavy duty engines, etc. But there is something about suspensions, different drive motors?


#28

K

katit

Not ZTR, but here is something from local CL:
MOWER- EXMARK METRO 48IN

Sounds good for price, no?


#29

Ric

Ric

katit said:
Not ZTR, but here is something from local CL:
MOWER- EXMARK METRO 48IN

Sounds good for price, no?
Click to expand...


you really don't want that thing,especially for that price. It's a 2001 and it probably didn't cost that new. It's a belt drive with the peerless transmission. Honestly that unit in 2001 probably cost the price he is asking now. It's worth about 5 or 600$ with the sulky max.


#30

S

Shughes717

katit said:
Thank you for this video link. At 6:25 they show slope that looks just like the one I have. Doesn't seem to be a problem at all..

I read online but is there any break-down on features that commercial ZTR might have and residentials don't? I understand deck construction, heavy duty engines, etc. But there is something about suspensions, different drive motors?
Click to expand...

Yes some commercial mowers have suspensions, and the hydros are heavier which will handle hills much better, but that is out of your price range. Test on your lawn before you buy. Would suck to pay $3000 for a mower that won't mow your whole lawn. I know from experience that residential ztr mowers don't do well on hills, but you will have to find out for your self. I always recommend that people test the product on their lawn before they buy if at all possible.


#31

K

katit

Shughes717 said:
I always recommend that people test the product on their lawn before they buy if at all possible.
Click to expand...

Good idea. I will see if it's possible. I don't have a means to transport mower(to try), it will have to be delivered. I do see one kid in our neighbourhood cutting with ZTR, might ask him to try his on a hill, it's probably residential unit, so it will be worst case scenario.


#32

S

Shughes717

katit said:
Thank you for this video link. At 6:25 they show slope that looks just like the one I have. Doesn't seem to be a problem at all..

I read online but is there any break-down on features that commercial ZTR might have and residentials don't? I understand deck construction, heavy duty engines, etc. But there is something about suspensions, different drive motors?
Click to expand...

You need to understand that the mower used on that video is the z master series, which is a commercial mower. The raptor is nowhere near the mower as the ones on the video. The z master mowers are much heavier and have heavy duty commercial trannys. They have hydro gear zt3400 and zt 5400 trannys. The raptor only has zt2800 trannys. Make sure you know it will mow the hill before you purchase.


#33

K

katit

I understand that. I also checked specs for Raptor, with 52 inch deck it's like 16k FPM

Raptor SD seems much better with 54in and 18k+ It also has better engine..
I don't know, to me it's a toy too :) Might just sell some other toys and get something little better.


#34

Ric

Ric

Shughes717 said:
You need to understand that the mower used on that video is the z master series, which is a commercial mower. The raptor is nowhere near the mower as the ones on the video.
Click to expand...

Does it really make a difference what mower is used when the purpose of the video is to show how to operate a ZTR and the safe practices involved in doing so, it's no different for a hustler or Toro or dixie chopper or any other type of ztr commercial or residential, the operation and safety practices are the same.


#35

Ric

Ric

Shughes717 said:
You need to understand that the mower used on that video is the z master series, which is a commercial mower. The raptor is nowhere near the mower as the ones on the video. The z master mowers are much heavier and have heavy duty commercial trannys. They have hydro gear zt3400 and zt 5400 trannys. The raptor only has zt2800 trannys. Make sure you know it will mow the hill before you purchase.
Click to expand...

The Raptor doesn't have the 2800 drives for FYI it has the EZT drives. The Raptor SD has the 2800 drive units which would last the residential operator a lifetime.


#36

Ric

Ric

katit said:
Thank you for this video link. At 6:25 they show slope that looks just like the one I have. Doesn't seem to be a problem at all..

I read online but is there any break-down on features that commercial ZTR might have and residentials don't? I understand deck construction, heavy duty engines, etc. But there is something about suspensions, different drive motors?
Click to expand...

Suspensions on a mower is really a waste, they basically don't improve the ride that much that's the reason very few company's offer them, they rather go with the suspension seats. As far as drives go Hydro-Gear makes about a dozen different drive packages from the EZT 2100/2200 to a ZT 5400 and are all mostly matched to the weight and HP of the machine. If you want the ultimate in a drive go with the separate Parker pumps and wheel motors. Parker makes the best drives on the market. They just developed there HT series with there hydro drives and there Parker wheel motor attached which can be found on some mowers now which are far better than the Hydro-Gear units.


#37

K

katit

Took a picture of how this hill look like. Probably looks better than what it is, plus fence. I trip near fence anyway..
You can also see what my JD leaves..

WP_20140707_008.jpg


#38

Ric

Ric

katit said:
Took a picture of how this hill look like. Probably looks better than what it is, plus fence. I trip near fence anyway..
You can also see what my JD leaves..

View attachment 21998
Click to expand...



You wont have any problem with that with any ztr. I do retention ponds that are far worse than that. The Raptor will cut that with no problem. I'll have to take some pictures of my side lawn. Now that I see what your dealing with you may want to look at the Raptor SD 48" and see what kinda price you can get on it. For 3/4 acre you could do a 48" deck and still cut your mowing time considerable.


#39

Carscw

Carscw

I say keep the JD and don't cut the grass soooo short and cut it more often.

Looking at the pic it looks like one blade is a little low. Maybe bent blade or a bad spindle.


#40

K

katit

I don't cut it too low. Maybe I can cut more often, but I don't want to do it more often then every week. I know my cousin cut's twice with different depth settings to minimize clippings. I want to see no clippings :) And I don't want to cut twice.

Blades is OK, this last cut I didn't notice that one of the wheels was almost out of air.


#41

S

Shughes717

Ric said:
The Raptor doesn't have the 2800 drives for FYI it has the EZT drives. The Raptor SD has the 2800 drive units which would last the residential operator a lifetime.
Click to expand...

I am fully aware of what is on the raptor series mowers. I was assuming we were talking about the sd.


#42

Carscw

Carscw

katit said:
I don't cut it too low. Maybe I can cut more often, but I don't want to do it more often then every week. I know my cousin cut's twice with different depth settings to minimize clippings. I want to see no clippings :) And I don't want to cut twice. Blades is OK, this last cut I didn't notice that one of the wheels was almost out of air.
Click to expand...


I am not a JD fan I think they are junk. But they cut better then what's in this pic.

It is not the mowers fault that you have clippings. And getting a zero turn is not going to fix things for you.
The pros that cut the yard make it look better then yours because they take pride in doing a good job.

I can see making a pass or two with a low tire and thinking I need to stop something is not right but you cut the whole yard.
IMO the mower is not to blame for the mess YOU have made of your yard.

And that is not a hill that is a slight incline.

Sorry if I hurt your feelings but someone had to say it.


#43

K

katit

Carscw said:
I am not a JD fan I think they are junk. But they cut better then what's in this pic.

It is not the mowers fault that you have clippings. And getting a zero turn is not going to fix things for you.
The pros that cut the yard make it look better then yours because they take pride in doing a good job.

I can see making a pass or two with a low tire and thinking I need to stop something is not right but you cut the whole yard.
IMO the mower is not to blame for the mess YOU have made of your yard.

And that is not a hill that is a slight incline.

Sorry if I hurt your feelings but someone had to say it.
Click to expand...

You didn't hurt my feelings. Looks like wheel started to loose air when I was finishing cutting (back yard) so I didn't bother with it.

In beginning of a year when grass grows fast I have to mow in circles and manually rack and bag grass.

I've been dealing with this deck for 4 years so I know how it can cut. I have original JD blades and I have Gator blades. Deck is straight with all new bearings, belts, etc. If you do some research you fill find that this JD is from 1990 and this particular 46" deck does not have good suction. New JD tractors cut better, they have better designed decks and people upgrade those tractors with new 48 inch decks. I was thinking about this, but this new deck is $1200+ so I figured I'd rather go to dedicated mowing machine.


#44

S

Shughes717

katit said:
Took a picture of how this hill look like. Probably looks better than what it is, plus fence. I trip near fence anyway..
You can also see what my JD leaves..

View attachment 21998
Click to expand...

Not what I would consider a steep hill. Any zero turn will handle that. Your mower deck needs to be leveled badly as well. If you cut your lawn a little more frequently you won't have so man clippings either.


#45

K

katit

Carscw said:
I am not a JD fan I think they are junk. But they cut better then what's in this pic.

It is not the mowers fault that you have clippings. And getting a zero turn is not going to fix things for you.
The pros that cut the yard make it look better then yours because they take pride in doing a good job.

I can see making a pass or two with a low tire and thinking I need to stop something is not right but you cut the whole yard.
IMO the mower is not to blame for the mess YOU have made of your yard.

And that is not a hill that is a slight incline.

Sorry if I hurt your feelings but someone had to say it.
Click to expand...

I wasn't sure what it was that you said "mess" but now I see. Yard is NOT scalped. Yellow spots is NOT spots, this is dry clippings from my last cut. Green/Yellow stripes is not difference in cut level. It's places where deck did blew clippings from and where it did blew them to. If your rack this grass - cut is even.


#46

S

Shughes717

katit said:
You didn't hurt my feelings. Looks like wheel started to loose air when I was finishing cutting (back yard) so I didn't bother with it.

In beginning of a year when grass grows fast I have to mow in circles and manually rack and bag grass.

I've been dealing with this deck for 4 years so I know how it can cut. I have original JD blades and I have Gator blades. Deck is straight with all new bearings, belts, etc. If you do some research you fill find that this JD is from 1990 and this particular 46" deck does not have good suction. New JD tractors cut better, they have better designed decks and people upgrade those tractors with new 48 inch decks. I was thinking about this, but this new deck is $1200+ so I figured I'd rather go to dedicated mowing machine.
Click to expand...

Low tire would definitely do it.


#47



DSepe

katit said:
Took a picture of how this hill look like. Probably looks better than what it is, plus fence. I trip near fence anyway.. You can also see what my JD leaves..
Click to expand...
Someone has a nice fortress wall to keep Mongols at bay.


#48

K

katit

Just came back from dealer. Didn't drive machines, but sit in Raptor and Raptor SD. They only had RSD with 60" so I didn't see how 54 looks (what seat and wheels)

Dealer said that factory shut down right now, issues with powdercoating? They say RSD 54" is in high demand, have couple preordered and no date.
Just by looking at machines I will be choosing between Raptor 52" and RSD 54" On one hand RSD has 18900 blade speed vs 16700 in 52" Raptor, but I wonder how much it will affect cut. Other differences don't really bother me, I won't use it that much.

He also said that Kawasaki made here in Mussiouri and they were back logged. I wonder if all this issues with rush and demand will affect quality..

If I went with dealer I would get RSD.
But Raptors sold at big box stores now. With coupon and store cards I can buy 52" Raptor closer to $2k.

Decisions, decisions..


#49

P

pcclipper

Gravely has a labor day sale. You might want to look. In 2005 I bought a Gravely Mini ZT 1540. I have replaced the blade spindles twice and it is still going right now. Not used commercially. Kohler engine that gave me no trouble whatever. Last week I bought a 2012 Ferris IS1500ZX with 19.1 hours and a 7 X 12 trailer from Craig's list last than 5 miles from my house. There are deals out there if you have cash and patience.


#50

S

Shughes717

katit said:
Just came back from dealer. Didn't drive machines, but sit in Raptor and Raptor SD. They only had RSD with 60" so I didn't see how 54 looks (what seat and wheels)

Dealer said that factory shut down right now, issues with powdercoating? They say RSD 54" is in high demand, have couple preordered and no date.
Just by looking at machines I will be choosing between Raptor 52" and RSD 54" On one hand RSD has 18900 blade speed vs 16700 in 52" Raptor, but I wonder how much it will affect cut. Other differences don't really bother me, I won't use it that much.

He also said that Kawasaki made here in Mussiouri and they were back logged. I wonder if all this issues with rush and demand will affect quality..

If I went with dealer I would get RSD.
But Raptors sold at big box stores now. With coupon and store cards I can buy 52" Raptor closer to $2k.

Decisions, decisions..
Click to expand...

The rsd will leave less clippings than the raptor, and cut faster, but there is a couple on here (retired guns being one) that has the raptor and enjoy it


#51

K

katit

Funny video :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ixg_yhEiA

They show Raptor vs Tractor on a hill that's little bit bigger than what I have. I admit I do much better than guy on black tractor, but kudos to ZTR :)


#52

Carscw

Carscw

katit said:
Funny video :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ixg_yhEiA They show Raptor vs Tractor on a hill that's little bit bigger than what I have. I admit I do much better than guy on black tractor, but kudos to ZTR :)
Click to expand...

Are you kidding me?
A riding mower would have no problem on that hill.

But the ztr did good


#53



DSepe

Carscw said:
Are you kidding me? A riding mower would have no problem on that hill. But the ztr did good
Click to expand...
*Disclaimer Hill was sprayed with water before the riding mower to produce morning dew like conditions* lol Also how he said "Rap-tore" in his accent made me smile for some reason.


#54

K

katit

OP here.

Yesterday my JD was sold and today I took delivery on Hustler Raptor SD 54
It's not 2k, but oh well...

Today I was playing with it, cut is great from what I can tell.
I guess components is good on this machine, but overall there is little things that I don't like.
First is seat springs. Why do they have to rub on a frame and make this squeaking noise when I sit? :)
Second - steering handles. I adjusted them all way out and they equal when in park position. However, when I push them forward or reverse they like 1 inch apart. Also, when I go full speed - mower turns slightly, not going in a straight line.


#55

S

Shughes717

Hustlers are very good mowers. You will really like the cut quality of the rsd. There should be some sort of adjustable set screws to make your mower go in a straight line. Mine pulled slightly to the right when I got it.


#56

K

katit

I found where springs rub on a frame and on a seat. Most improvement came from putting electric tape between spring side and frame. Now I need to come up with long-lasting solution. If springs were 1/4 further - this wouldn't be a problem.


#57

K

katit

I have about 13 hours on Raptor SD 54 and wanted to post a short review. All I can say is why I didn't get ZTR sooner. I had lawn tractor and it's night and day..

I had issue at beginning: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/hustler-forum/28396-need-vent-about-new-raptor-sd.html

Now I installed mulch kit, heat shield and engine guard.

If you read my original post - I was impressed with how pro's handle my neighbours yards. Now my yard looks better! And I already saved tons of time. With mulch kit Raptor does excellent job. At first I had to scrape deck couple times after trying to cut wet or in a morning. Or when grass was growing fast. I was kind of hoping it will take care of leafs and it exceeded my expectations. Everybody blowing or collecting leafs this days, I used to do this too, it was taking me maybe 15hr of work every season with big backpack blower. Now it mulches so well that I have perfect lawn, rarely I need to do 2 passes. Leafs clipped to about 1/4 inch size and barely visible, you have to look for it to see. If I understand it right - it is good for the grass too. But final verdict on leafs will be in a spring when grass starts growing back.

I was worrying about hill - no problem. I feel very comfortable turning on a hill, going sideways, etc. It handles it very well.

Negative thing comparing to lawn tractor - ZTR uses much more gas.

I guess any decent ZTR would do this, but so far I'm really happy.


#58

S

Shughes717

katit said:
I have about 13 hours on Raptor SD 54 and wanted to post a short review. All I can say is why I didn't get ZTR sooner. I had lawn tractor and it's night and day..

I had issue at beginning: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/hustler-forum/28396-need-vent-about-new-raptor-sd.html

Now I installed mulch kit, heat shield and engine guard.

If you read my original post - I was impressed with how pro's handle my neighbours yards. Now my yard looks better! And I already saved tons of time. With mulch kit Raptor does excellent job. At first I had to scrape deck couple times after trying to cut wet or in a morning. Or when grass was growing fast. I was kind of hoping it will take care of leafs and it exceeded my expectations. Everybody blowing or collecting leafs this days, I used to do this too, it was taking me maybe 15hr of work every season with big backpack blower. Now it mulches so well that I have perfect lawn, rarely I need to do 2 passes. Leafs clipped to about 1/4 inch size and barely visible, you have to look for it to see. If I understand it right - it is good for the grass too. But final verdict on leafs will be in a spring when grass starts growing back.

I was worrying about hill - no problem. I feel very comfortable turning on a hill, going sideways, etc. It handles it very well.

Negative thing comparing to lawn tractor - ZTR uses much more gas.

I guess any decent ZTR would do this, but so far I'm really happy.
Click to expand...

How much fuel is your mower using? Mine uses about .75 gallons an acre. That seems to be about average for most ztr mowers.


#59

K

katit

Shughes717 said:
How much fuel is your mower using? Mine uses about .75 gallons an acre. That seems to be about average for most ztr mowers.
Click to expand...
This sounds about right. Or maybe little more, hard to tell. I have .75 acre and it takes about gallon, but again, I didn't measure. It just feels like it uses more. With tractor I was getting gas maybe twice a season (5gal canister). Now I got gas 3 times already.


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