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I am closing in on retirement and have the time and desire to mow my own lawn again. I know I am purchasing a zero turn mower just that I am snow blinded at this point by all the potential mowers.
Strictly residential use, home is on 3 acres with about 1.5 acres of NJ grass, relatively level with a few elevation changes ( they are short and gradual), and no gate issues but there are more than a few trees, gardens, a pool, rock walls and large rock formations. Fair to say my cutting time will be matched by my trimming time. I have no physical limitations but I do want to sit (no standers) and a smoother ride would be a nice option. I am looking for a NEW high quality residential or estate machine.
Prefer 48 but would go 52? no larger. I have read so much on this site about the specs that I am catching price bump fever! Do I really need ZT3400 gears, Kawi FS engine or even a Kawi engine over a Kohler or B&S?tc? I have looked at Husqvarna M-ZT52, Toro Titan MX4880, Gravely痴 ZT HD48 & Pro-Turn 48, Ferris FS600/700.
Some of the mowers I mentioned are not very available locally (under 25 miles) to me so does after service availability trump brand?

Opinions appreciated, thank you in advance for your helpful comments.

Mike

This spring I stated the process of a new mower and I just bought an Exmark Pioneer S-Series 60 inch with a 27 hp Kohler with 3400 hydro to replace an older cub cadet ztr. I went from 1.4 acres to mow 3 plus acres of my own and some for my father in law around his home and farm. Pretty flat but bumpy with back yard incline. Few trees to mow around.

When looking, I wanted to buy for quality and longevity so stayed away from box store (loses, Home Dep, etc) as they are targeting residential and I wanted a little better than that. I also wanted, and feel it is very important, to have a local dealer I trusted to service my mower and help with any issues. I looked at all the local dealers and had it down to Exmark, Gravely, Hustler, and Bad-Boy mowers (in that order). These along with toro and snapper (and a few others) all have mowers that you will find compare on three levels....residential (hydros seem usually to be between 2200 to 3000), Semi Commercial "called prosumer" (3000 to 3400), and Commercial (3100 and up and other) with overall frame/deck quality improving at each level. All the key makers have a version that will meet your needs all with their own strengths and weaknesses. Guys here will chime in on their opinions just like I am. Great help to me when looking.

here is a link to who makes what 89 Riding Mower Brands, 38 Mower Manufactures, Who Makes What - TodaysMower.com
AND
an updated 2014 preview Zero-Turn Mower Preview 2014 | Green Industry Pros )

I feel I bought the best for my money (though spending a little more than some other nice mowers that compare) in the Exmark Pioneer S I decided on for what I was looking for (quality in cut, ride, power AND longevity/service). My opinion about engine (Kawi vs Kohler) is that it depends on who you talk to...kind of the ford vs chevy idea. Seems the opinion is they are both a step up from a B and S engine now days. The deck to me is important...I like fabricated/welded for longevity with proven cut.

Best is to demo each one you are thinking about (on your years if possible) and see what feel right to you. Hope this helps. Its only my opinion of many you will likely get. Good luck and feel free to ask any time.

Berners said:

I am closing in on retirement and have the time and desire to mow my own lawn again. I know I am purchasing a zero turn mower just that I am snow blinded at this point by all the potential mowers.
Strictly residential use, home is on 3 acres with about 1.5 acres of NJ grass, relatively level with a few elevation changes ( they are short and gradual), and no gate issues but there are more than a few trees, gardens, a pool, rock walls and large rock formations. Fair to say my cutting time will be matched by my trimming time. I have no physical limitations but I do want to sit (no standers) and a smoother ride would be a nice option. I am looking for a NEW high quality residential or estate machine.
Prefer 48 but would go 52? no larger. I have read so much on this site about the specs that I am catching price bump fever! Do I really need ZT3400 gears, Kawi FS engine or even a Kawi engine over a Kohler or B&S?tc? I have looked at Husqvarna M-ZT52, Toro Titan MX4880, Gravely痴 ZT HD48 & Pro-Turn 48, Ferris FS600/700.
Some of the mowers I mentioned are not very available locally (under 25 miles) to me so does after service availability trump brand?

Opinions appreciated, thank you in advance for your helpful comments.

Mike

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All the ZTR's you mentioned are very good choices for your needs. For reliability and durability you should seriously consider the Kawasaki engines, even though they are a bit pricier. You don't absolutely need ZT-3400(although they are very heavy duty Commercial grade), but I would recommend at minimum the ZT-2800 or ZT-3100 trannies. To get the smoother ride, find one that has(or you can inexpensively upgrade to) a full suspension seat. I hear ya about the price bump fever. I started out looking for $5k-$6k, but wanting Commercial grade quality I soon found out I would be looking at around $7k.

I bought my 52" Gravely Pro-Turn 100 XDZ Commercial ZTR in the Fall of 2012 and retired in the Fall of 2013. Best retirement investment I made. No worry about expensive repairs or worse replacing a mower during retirement. I would advise you to get the best(Commercial grade if possible) that you can afford so that you too will be "set up" for retirement. I only have about 1.5 acres, but I invested $6,800 out-the-door for a Commercial ZTR that will be the last mower I ever need to buy. A dealer you can trust that is within 25 miles or so is VERY important. Mine's about 30 miles away and has treated me like royalty since my purchase(he gives me the same discount he gives his commercial customers on parts and accessories).

Good luck finding the ZTR that is exactly what you need!!!

Thank you for the reply and your comments. I am leaning heavily to stepping up to the Toro Z Master 2000 48". It is a step up in quality that I do not need to make but will "never regret". The ride is nice, the specs are great and the price is just a small amount over budget with the rebate available now.
Mike

Berners said:

Thank you for the reply and your comments. I am leaning heavily to stepping up to the Toro Z Master 2000 48". It is a step up in quality that I do not need to make but will "never regret". The ride is nice, the specs are great and the price is just a small amount over budget with the rebate available now.
Mike

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A number of Toro's mowers also come with a 5 year warranty. Gives one a bit more peace of mind.

Berners said:

Thank you for the reply and your comments. I am leaning heavily to stepping up to the Toro Z Master 2000 48". It is a step up in quality that I do not need to make but will "never regret". The ride is nice, the specs are great and the price is just a small amount over budget with the rebate available now.
Mike

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Nice mower. You will be glad for the step up in the long run. Congrats. Share some pics when you can.

The zm2000 is a fine machine. Exmark is made by toro, so they are very similar. If you have a dealer near by for support then it sounds as though you have found your mower. Probably a good choice to go with the heavier made mower just for the deck alone. The deck on the z master will handle any possible run ins with that rock wall without bending something.

My Toro Z Master 2000 48" was delivered yesterday. I am glad that I went with a heavier duty choice. Doubt I needed the zt3400, Kawi FX series engine.... and other professional grade specs but am sure I will never regret it. I got a good quality mower and was able to keep it under my target of 6,ooo. Now the learning experience begins.

Berners said:

My Toro Z Master 2000 48" was delivered yesterday. I am glad that I went with a heavier duty choice. Doubt I needed the zt3400, Kawi FX series engine.... and other professional grade specs but am sure I will never regret it. I got a good quality mower and was able to keep it under my target of 6,ooo. Now the learning experience begins.

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Congrats on your new ZTR!!!!! I almost pulled the trigger on a 52" Z-Master 2000 myself in 2012. Post some pics(we wanna see it:0)

My new ride! Toro Z Master 2000 48" Deck

Berners said:

My new ride! Toro Z Master 2000 48" Deck

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Great looking mower. You should be set for years.

I've been dreamin of the Husqvarna R 322T AWD because it is AWD and about half the price of any other AWD or 4WD riders I can find. Plus, it is a FRONT deck mower that can also attach implements.

piloto said:

I've been dreamin of the Husqvarna R 322T AWD because it is AWD and about half the price of any other AWD or 4WD riders I can find. Plus, it is a FRONT deck mower that can also attach implements.

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Cool looking mower. Would like to see a commercial deck, some different engine options, and a larger fuel tank for the price.

Berners said:

My new ride! Toro Z Master 2000 48" Deck

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New mower looks great. Let us know how it performs.

Careful with that ROPS. If it hits a tree the mower will keep going. Will raise your front off the ground. Mine did and scared the@#$%^ out of me. The rear of the mower hit the ground and lost I removed the ROPS as I am on flat ground with lots of trees.

pcclipper said:

Careful with that ROPS. If it hits a tree the mower will keep going. Will raise your front off the ground. Mine did and scared the@#$%^ out of me. The rear of the mower hit the ground and lost I removed the ROPS as I am on flat ground with lots of trees.

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What's an ROPS ?

piloto said:

What's an ROPS ?

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Roll over protection system.

piloto said:

What's an ROPS ?

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"Roll Bar" for a lawn mower instead of a race car:0)