Export thread

Our current machine: 2006 Hustler Fastrak/ Honda 20hp/ 52 "
Our current mowing reqs: 1.5 acres of "lawn" which is relatively flat, but very bumpy, rural home with lots of critters that dig holes, invasive weeds, tuff bahia in some mowing areas, around gardens, dog pen, around pond and barn and fence lines
We also have 6 acres of pasture, clear cut and currently mowed for hay production by someone else, this year may be last year he is able to do this and we would then have to cut this acreage ourself. We do have two MF tractors, but mowing the pasture on either the new or the old tractor would be a rough ride
Looking toward retirement and also ahead to arthritic aches and pains increasing. What would be the ideal machine for our needs, now and later?
Major concerns are durability, longevity, comfort in ride, ease of maintenance and cleaning--like not having to stand on my head to wash under the deck or change the blades; cost of fuel--(can not find information as to fuel consumption comparison on most machines)
Also what should be considered in moving up to a larger deck, except for not fitting through one of my gates--and opinions please in re: plastic chute vs metal and aluminum spindles vs. cast iron
Price is only a consideration in that we expect to get what we pay for, so what would you folks be looking at? We have been very pleased with the performance of our Hustler except for the lack of ride comfort and ease of cleaning/blade change. Plan to ride a Ferris and a new Hustler, do not know if they have made improvements in this area in the last 7 years...
So, post the dream machine of your choice....and any comments you think are relevant and THANKS

Check out Country Clipper zero-turn mowers have zero-turn radius capability

I think a Larger Country Clipper would solve your maintenance access issues for sure, they also have a optional air ride seat I think... but I cannot imagine mowing 6 acres of hay with a ztr. if you look at the tractors that normally mow that type of acreage you will notice the large wheels. Those wheels allow you to go through the ruts and unlevel ground much more comfortably than the relative tiny tires on a ztr. I would keep a large tractor for it and hire a kid to drive it if needed. Then get you a nice Country clipper(they offer a power deck lift feature), Ferris or other high end ztr that meets your ride quality and durability needs. Your choices are wide open if you dont have to also plan on mowing 6 acres of hay field.

txzrider said:

I think a Larger Country Clipper would solve your maintenance access issues for sure, they also have a optional air ride seat I think... but I cannot imagine mowing 6 acres of hay with a ztr. if you look at the tractors that normally mow that type of acreage you will notice the large wheels. Those wheels allow you to go through the ruts and unlevel ground much more comfortably than the relative tiny tires on a ztr. I would keep a large tractor for it and hire a kid to drive it if needed. Then get you a nice Country clipper(they offer a power deck lift feature), Ferris or other high end ztr that meets your ride quality and durability needs. Your choices are wide open if you dont have to also plan on mowing 6 acres of hay field.

Click to expand...

Yeah I think you would like Ferris (suspension) or Country Clipper (joystick controls). :thumbsup:

Get a walking mower and cut designs, trails, paths. Let the rest grow. It really can get interesting.
Get a field shredder. Hire a tractor and use your shredder.

Walking less and less with not improve life versus walking with support.

After a season you may think differently as to how to proceed. http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif