small yard. help appreciated.

[digitalman]

We recently had a new house built and want to start maintaining the sodded yard. We have paid a guy to do the law every week, but over the long run is going to cost more then getting a mower and doing it myself.

We don't have a very big yard. It is about 1/3 an acre or slightly larger. It is mostly flat, though near the driveway going into the back yard there is a decent sized slope. It is about 23ft wide and within 17ft stretch drops 4ft. The slide closer to the house is steeper then away from the house.

I have some back issues and think I would rather avoid a push and even self propelled mower. I currently have a toro self-propelled mower that works fin, but just don't enjoy mowing the lawn with it. So a rider would help alleviate some of that frustration

I have spoke to several people and they suggested a single blade rider would be better for my needs. After a lot of searching on the internet, I have realized that more often then not, the single blade riders are the low end models.... which in my opinion are often the ones that have the most problems. Also, I want to park it in my garage so smaller would be better. If I can't get it into the garage, I would have to put it under our deck with a cover over it.... although that is not ideal.

I looked at snapper RER mowers. I have seriously considered getting one, although it seems like a lot compared to a lawn tractor. Plus I am a bit concerned how it will do on the slope. I have read a lot that RER aren't slope friendly. Although one thing I really like about them is it is easier to see directly in front of you to maneuver around things.

When it comes to regular lawn tractors, I want to avoid anything higher then 42in deck.... lower would be better. Though again, it seems like that is hard to find without going low end. I

I have even considered a zero turn, but if i go that way, I would definitely want the smallest one possible.

Ideally, would either come with or have an optional bagger.

I have found several online that look appealing, but it is hard to know if these are smart choices based purely on web info and online reviews. I am very open to suggestions on something else.

Single blade zero turn husqvarna

Single blade tractor husqvarna

Snapper RER (debating which model if I go this route)

snapper single blade zero turn mower

Poulan Pro Single blade zero turn

Dixon Single blade zero turn


Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions you can offer.

 

[digitalman]

meant to add:

there are many of the usual suspects that I didn't include in my list, but have been considered: (JD d100, Cub Cadet 1040/1042, etc). I was just listing things that were a bit unique to hear what others thought).

Also, I would prefer to just buy new. I know that there are some great deals to be had with used, but I don't want to inherit someone else's problem. Plus, if I buy something that is a bit more unique (like a single bade zero turn) the odds of finding a used on is greatly reduced.

 

[djdicetn]

meant to add:

there are many of the usual suspects that I didn't include in my list, but have been considered: (JD d100, Cub Cadet 1040/1042, etc). I was just listing things that were a bit unique to hear what others thought).

Also, I would prefer to just buy new. I know that there are some great deals to be had with used, but I don't want to inherit someone else's problem. Plus, if I buy something that is a bit more unique (like a single bade zero turn) the odds of finding a used on is greatly reduced.

It would help to know what you are willing to invest in the mower that is just right for your needs. Speaking of unique, I recently read some users posting about purchasing a Husqvarna Articulating Rider Mower. These are very neat(and according to reviews provide a "professional cut"), come in small deck sizes...but are relatively expensive compared to what you can buy in lawn tractor or zero turn for that money. Let us know what your budget is and we can try to assist with some recommendations. Here's a link to those Huskies if you want to take a gander.

Riding Lawn Mowers - Mower and accessories, reviews, buying guide and comparison charts Husqvarna

 

[digitalman]

It would help to know what you are willing to invest in the mower that is just right for your needs. Speaking of unique, I recently read some users posting about purchasing a Husqvarna Articulating Rider Mower. These are very neat(and according to reviews provide a "professional cut"), come in small deck sizes...but are relatively expensive compared to what you can buy in lawn tractor or zero turn for that money. Let us know what your budget is and we can try to assist with some recommendations.

Thanks for the reply. initially it was about $1300... then you start looking around and realize that you are not getting much for your money and what you are getting is probably going to be more repair prone. I am now closer to $2000... although I do realize some of the ones I listed are a little more then that. $2500 is what my limit would be.

Basically I don't want to cheep out today and regret it tomorrow.

I have looked at the articulating mower, it was very interesting, but a little to steep for my pocket.

 

[digitalman]

I also noticed a toro single blade zero turn. Although I am not sure who makes the engine in this one.

 

[RatRacer]

I also noticed a toro single blade zero turn. Although I am not sure who makes the engine in this one.

My neighbor has a Dixon Speed ZTR30, and loves it, but I'm at a loss on a price for it.

 

[Ric]

We recently had a new house built and want to start maintaining the sodded yard. We have paid a guy to do the law every week, but over the long run is going to cost more then getting a mower and doing it myself.

We don't have a very big yard. It is about 1/3 an acre or slightly larger. It is mostly flat, though near the driveway going into the back yard there is a decent sized slope. It is about 23ft wide and within 17ft stretch drops 4ft. The slide closer to the house is steeper then away from the house.

I have some back issues and think I would rather avoid a push and even self propelled mower. I currently have a toro self-propelled mower that works fin, but just don't enjoy mowing the lawn with it. So a rider would help alleviate some of that frustration

I have spoke to several people and they suggested a single blade rider would be better for my needs. After a lot of searching on the internet, I have realized that more often then not, the single blade riders are the low end models.... which in my opinion are often the ones that have the most problems. Also, I want to park it in my garage so smaller would be better. If I can't get it into the garage, I would have to put it under our deck with a cover over it.... although that is not ideal.

I looked at snapper RER mowers. I have seriously considered getting one, although it seems like a lot compared to a lawn tractor. Plus I am a bit concerned how it will do on the slope. I have read a lot that RER aren't slope friendly. Although one thing I really like about them is it is easier to see directly in front of you to maneuver around things.

When it comes to regular lawn tractors, I want to avoid anything higher then 42in deck.... lower would be better. Though again, it seems like that is hard to find without going low end. I

I have even considered a zero turn, but if i go that way, I would definitely want the smallest one possible.

Ideally, would either come with or have an optional bagger.

I have found several online that look appealing, but it is hard to know if these are smart choices based purely on web info and online reviews. I am very open to suggestions on something else.

Single blade zero turn husqvarna

Single blade tractor husqvarna

Snapper RER (debating which model if I go this route)

snapper single blade zero turn mower

Poulan Pro Single blade zero turn

Dixon Single blade zero turn


Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions you can offer.

Can I ask is the a specific reason you want a ZTR or would a Self Propelled Push mower with a 30" cut interest you? Your talking about a budget of $2000 to $2500 and you can buy the Toro Turfmaster Self Propelled Commercial mower with the Commercial FJ180 KAI Kawasaki engine for between $1700 and $1900 and you'll get a better cut with it than anything you have listed and it will be cheaper to buy and run.

 

[digitalman]

Can I ask is the a specific reason you want a ZTR or would a Self Propelled Push mower with a 30" cut interest you? Your talking about a budget of $2000 to $2500 and you can buy the Toro Turfmaster Self Propelled Commercial mower with the Commercial FJ180 KAI Kawasaki engine for between $1700 and $1900 and you'll get a better cut with it than anything you have listed and it will be cheaper to buy and run.

Third paragraph from original post:

I have some back issues and think I would rather avoid a push and even self propelled mower. I currently have a toro self-propelled mower that works fin, but just don't enjoy mowing the lawn with it. So a rider would help alleviate some of that frustration.

To elaborate though, I have some nerve damage in my back. Sometimes I can push (or maneuver a self-propelled) mower around without a problem. Other times I have serious pain in my back. Like someone has stuck an ice pick into it and it is this constant pain. So rather then push my luck every time I mow, I am looking at a rider.

I am not stuck on zero-turn. I would prefer a single blade and smaller then a 42in. There aren't a lot of options using that criteria. But I am starting with that.

I found several mowers that fit those two things, some were snapper, others were zero radius and one is a smaller husqvarna tractor with built in bagger.

Should none of these pan out, then I will look at regular tractors. The one I would seriously consider is the Cub Cadet 1042 with the Kawasaki engine.

I am just weighing all my options before I buy one as this isn't the type of purchase that is easy to return if you aren't satisfied (unless dealing with a big box store).

 

[digitalman]

My neighbor has a Dixon Speed ZTR30, and loves it, but I'm at a loss on a price for it.

I saw a couple of dealer who had the prices online. Looks like it is about $2400.

 

[djdicetn]

I saw a couple of dealer who had the prices online. Looks like it is about $2400.

Sounds about right, my local dealer shows Dixon ZTR pricing of:
42" Stamped (2012) 16 hp Briggs $2299
42" Fabricated 22hp Kawasaki $3399
46" Stamped 22hp Briggs $2699

IMHO, Dixons are good bang-for-your-buck, just not as high of quality as before Husqvarna bought them out:0(
That being said, though, nothing derogatory because I consider Husqvarna lawn tractors as some of the best for the money and the Husqvarna ZTR's no slouches either(even the ones that are obviously orange painted Dixons:0)
I made an offer last fall on a 52" Dixon DX100 and consider them an excellent entry-level Commercial ZTR.
P.S.
Oooopsss....that was the 42 & 46 " Dixon SpeedZTR(my local dealer doesn't stock the 30":0(