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Hello all. I'm shopping for a residential zero turn (maybe) for my property. I have never driven one. My property has a smidge over an acre of somewhat rough and very much not square mowable yard with lots of things to go around, thus my wanting a zero turn. The yard does slope, mostly under 10 degrees but a few spots close to 15 degrees. I don't mow in the wet generally for what that's worth.

I'm mostly looking at the cub cadet RZT and the Husqvarna Z24X models with the smallest fabricated decks available. Also the cub cadet z force might be in the running if you can convince me it's worth it as a little bit of a budget stretch.

Cub Cadet claims in their operating manual to not exceed 15 degree slopes for the RZT residential zero turn mower. Husqvarna says 10 degrees for their comparable models. Is Husqvarna just being extra careful with the 10 degree recommendation rather than Cub Cadet's 15, or is there really some signifcant difference to make the Husqvarna particularly less stable than the Cub Cadet?


I know I've seen pros on much steeper slopes, but they are pros, and just because they do it doesn't mean they should.

Lastly, does anyone here have any particular recommendation of one over the other? I figure at a given price point they are probably all about the same.

Can't recommend any in your list . I know nothing about them. Your said husky slope is rated at 10° vers 15° cub.If you flip it at the recommended they could be liability issues.Also you said you've seen pros on steeper. Pros use different mowers . more suitable for hills. The rear weight tires center of gravity and techniques makes a big difference.

I would recommend a Toro model SW3200. This steering wheel model is more stable than the lever type zero turns, and should work fine for your conditions.

Rivets said:

I would recommend a Toro model SW3200. This steering wheel model is more stable than the lever type zero turns, and should work fine for your conditions.

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Thanks for your opinion. A front steering model may be just what I need but I'd rather step up to a twin cylinder engine. Have you heard much, good or bad, about the Chinese Toro engines in general? How would you think the SW4200 with the 42" stamped deck might compare to the Cub RZT S 46" with fabricated deck?

The hydros are the same, Kohler vs "Toro" engine, which I kind of doubt will be the weak point for either. The cub deck may be a little tougher. So I guess all that is left to really compare is the frame and overall quality of construction, switches and levers etc. What do you say?

Captain Slow said:

Thanks for your opinion. A front steering model may be just what I need but I'd rather step up to a twin cylinder engine. Have you heard much, good or bad, about the Chinese Toro engines in general? How would you think the SW4200 with the 42" stamped deck might compare to the Cub RZT S 46" with fabricated deck?

The hydros are the same, Kohler vs "Toro" engine, which I kind of doubt will be the weak point for either. The cub deck may be a little tougher. So I guess all that is left to really compare is the frame and overall quality of construction, switches and levers etc. What do you say?

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Get the Kohler. The Chinese Toro may be a good engine, but parts availability will be better with the Kohler.

There's a reason why most commercial mowers use fabricated decks. They are sturdier and don't bend as easily as stamped decks do. They're also easier to repair if a spot rusts through. I can't say for sure about the cut quality, but I'm thinking the Cub will cut better due to a deeper deck.

If I were you, I would be looking for a used commercial ZTR. Commercial mowers are sturdier, faster and better built than residential models.

First, I must say I work for a Toro dealership. I have not seen any problems with the "Toro" engines and have no problem with parts availability. No way I am going to say that a stamped deck will preform like a fab deck, the stamped deck will not be as durable. If you want to compare look at Toro model SWX4250, which has a fab deck. If you are comparing the Toro vs. Cub make sure to look at which model Cub you are looking at and compare "apples to apples" as Cub has two different RZT Series units.

How do Toro engine part prices compare with Kohler ones?

Haven't had to make any major repairs to the Toro engines, so don't know about major part costs. Do know that carbs a much cheaper and easier to work on.

Rivets said:

First, I must say I work for a Toro dealership. I have not seen any problems with the "Toro" engines and have no problem with parts availability.

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That's good to hear about the toro engine parts being readily available. Its been my experience that if an engine makes it through the warranty period it probably is going to have a good long life and some other problem will end up parking it.

I looked at a cub rzt with a stamped deck and a toro residential model also with a stamped deck this afternoon. Both were lap bar models. The toro seemed quite a bit sturdier with the heavy channel steel frame rails and the stamped toro deck seemed sturdier as well. The engine bay seemed cleaner with much better access to the oil filter than the cub. In fact the cub on the show room had some oil dripped around back there where someone probably struggled to install the filter..lol. At this point I'd almost rather have the Toro, probably the SW4200, even if I can only afford the stamped deck from them.

As in interesting data point, the toro seems to weigh about 50 lbs more than the cub, That's comparing the 42" stamped deck, front steer models, apples to apples.

I still haven't been able to see a front wheel steering model of either brand in person. Can anyone comment at all on the reliability of the linkages for that on either the Toro or the Cub? Do the linkages require a much maintenance and adjusting or is it just something to keep clean and lubed?

I run toro zmaster ztr commercially. I have very few problems with toro . I have 1 toro with over 3000 hours. If you buy a toro in the mid commercial range I think you will be happy with it.

I have the Hustler Raptor SD 48, which I got last season. I really wouldn't recommend a residential ZT mower for any slope over about 10°. With the smaller tires on residential models the traction just isn't there for slopes. My yard has a few areas with about 12°-15° slope and if the ground is damp, not the grass itself just damp ground, the mower just wants slide instead of turn. I think you would be much better off with one of the steering wheel ZT models. I also think Toro is much a much better product than the Cub Cadet.

My Raptor SD 54 does not work well on slopes. It is excellent for wet flat ground but not slopes. Slides very easy.

Just to follow up on this...I bought a Hustler Raptor with a 42" deck and Kohler engine (sold at lowes, had to special order to get the 42" deck), and am generally satisfied with it so far. It does absolutely fine on slopes up to 10-12 degrees or so and does not feel sketchy at all. I will not mow the steeper areas if the ground is wet. I don't generally mow when its wet anyway however.. I do stay away from ledges as I would on any rider. Dropping a wheel off would be disastrous.

I will say if I could do it over, I would buy something with a little bit larger deck. IIRC the next size up deck on the raptor (at least from lowes) is 52", which is too big for my dinky little trailer, and I'm afraid too big for some of the places I need to this mower into. But just a little bigger, say a 46" or at most a 48" would really make it easier to trim around bushes and stuff. The 42" barely extends outside the tires.

I cannot comment on reliability yet as I only have a few hours (maybe 10?) on it. Maybe I'll follow up again in a year or so.

would love to hear a follow up