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

[Shughes717]

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.

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

 

[Carscw]

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.

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.

 

[katit]

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.

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.

 

[Shughes717]

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

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.

 

[katit]

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.

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.

 

[Shughes717]

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.

Low tire would definitely do it.

 

[DSepe]

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..

Someone has a nice fortress wall to keep Mongols at bay.

 

[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..

 

[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.

 

[Shughes717]

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..

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