Recommend me a mower for 1.25 acres please.

[Vanousb]

With your budget you listed you have a lot of options. I am not saying spend for spending sake, but a good zt is an investment that can last. I would throw in the Exmark Pioneer S. Either 54 or 60 inch. Impressive power, cut, and quality. Just short of commercial and maybe more than you may want, but one to look from the Exmark dealer. All the zero turn suggestions you will get will have their selling points and will be very good mowers to handle your property. My biggest suggestions... Find the dealer close you trust for fair pricing, you feel good about working with, and will offer great service for a long time to come. Was a big deal in my decision this year. Second would be demo all the ones you are considering.

 

[Shughes717]

Right off the bat, I know we have Kubota, John Deere, Hustler and Exmark in the town. Of course I would love to use one of them, but not if I can save $1000 going out of town. I probably have access to all major dealers within an hours drive. The lawn is pretty much smooth, there is a steady slop but not bad. There is only one tree, most obstacles are home related.

Sounds like a pretty easy lawn to mow. When you are willing to spend $5000 plus on a mower you will get a very good product. Look for dealer support, some will try to push the brand they purchased on you, but the truth is all of the brands pretty much offer the same main drive train components. The main difference is the different extra features each brand offers, such as different controls, independent suspension, and of course price. My advice is test them all and see what is most comfortable to you. If you have a question about a particular brand you are interested in there will be someone on here with a great deal of knowledge that can help. Be careful with the members who post "no other brand compares to -----" that is someone who is just being loyal to their brand and don't have much if any experience with the other brands. We can give you opinions on how different decks cut, which engines we like, and which trannys suit what you need.

 

[Shughes717]

By the way, I wasn't directing that at anyone in particular. Everyone who has posted a reply on this thread is knowledgable and their input should be valued.

 

[TigerFanatic1]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I mainly wanted to ensure there is no brands to stay away from. I bought the home from an uncle, so for this summer, I have access to a John Deere Sub-Compact tractor with a 60" deck and another family member with a Hustler Fastrak SD with a 54" deck. I will probably try both out to see how each size mows and look to buy in the off-season. As stated before, I live in a small town and they do not like to budge from MSRP. Maybe they will flex a little more during the winter.

 

[Shughes717]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I mainly wanted to ensure there is no brands to stay away from. I bought the home from an uncle, so for this summer, I have access to a John Deere Sub-Compact tractor with a 60" deck and another family member with a Hustler Fastrak SD with a 54" deck. I will probably try both out to see how each size mows and look to buy in the off-season. As stated before, I live in a small town and they do not like to budge from MSRP. Maybe they will flex a little more during the winter.

Great idea, and you are right. They usually come down in November to try to get rid of current models and get ready for the new line coming in. The one thing I will say is if you go with a zero turn you will have a blast mowing. I used to hate mowing until I purchased mine. Now I can't wait for the grass to grow so I can get back out there. Good luck and be sure to let us know what you went with.

 

[TigerFanatic1]

Great idea, and you are right. They usually come down in November to try to get rid of current models and get ready for the new line coming in. The one thing I will say is if you go with a zero turn you will have a blast mowing. I used to hate mowing until I purchased mine. Now I can't wait for the grass to grow so I can get back out there. Good luck and be sure to let us know what you went with.

Well I did forget to mention that I have a ranch style fence around the yard. I hope the zero turn doesn't turn me into an expert fence repairman. :laughing:

 

[RetiredGuns]

Well I did forget to mention that I have a ranch style fence around the yard. I hope the zero turn doesn't turn me into an expert fence repairman. :laughing:

It will turn you into an expert at getting that front tire just in front of each post and gently swinging the deck in for a darn near no trimmer needed job!

 

[Shughes717]

It will turn you into an expert at getting that front tire just in front of each post and gently swinging the deck in for a darn near no trimmer needed job!

I hear you on that one lol. Anything we can do to stay on the mower and off that weed eater.

 

[Av8r]

1.25 acres is not a lot to mow. A 48" deck might be plenty and it helps with those odd areas, ditches, tight places, etc... snapper pro and ferris have good units too, should you have a dealer nearby

 

[djdicetn]

I don't know, that Gravely looks like a toy next to the Hustler! :laughing:

Ya...kinda funny picture(but I know you are joking). The comparison specs that take the funny out of it are (1)Gravely Pro-Turn(GPT) has 10gauge deck, Hustler FasTrak(HFT) has 11 gauge; (2)GPT has cast iron spindles, HFT has aluminum; (3)GPT has 5" deep deck, HFT has 4.5"; (4)GPT has 1/2" front forks, HFT has 3/8"; (5)GPT has double brackets on anti-scalp wheels, HFT has single; (6)GPT has ZT-3200(9mph), HFT has ZT-3100(8mph); (7)GPT has 22" rear tires, HFT has 20"; (8)60" GPT weighs 963lbs, HFT weighs 885lbs; (9)GPT has standard suspension seat, HFT is an upgrade option; (10)the ONLY real advantage for the Hustler would be the GPT has the FS Kawasaki and the HFT has the FX series(9 out of 10 ain't bad).........but if the engine were the only component that you compared, the Hustler would win hands down:0)