Zero Turn buying help!!

[audibink]

I just moved to a tight 3/4 acre lot that is dead flat and smooth. I been shopping the past 2 weeks and I still can't make up my mind. I am looking at a 42" deck and a zero turn that bags well because of trees.
I am looking to spend around 3 grand but will spend up to 4 if recommended. I take care of my equipment and am looking for a 10 plus year zero turn.

These are the mowers that have caught my eye.

Snapper ZTR 285Z - 21 HP B&S

TimeCutter SS4235- 20 HP Kohler

Hustler Raptor- 21.5 HP Kawasak

Gravely ZT42- 23 HP Kawasaki

Arriens Zoom 42- 20 HP Kohler

I am open for any suggestions and opinions!
Thanks for your time and help!

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Out of those four, my first choice would be Gravely. The engine is the one I would prefer. Then my second choice would be either the Toro or the Ariens, though I think there are other great zero-turns out there, that other people will likely point out.

 

[audibink]

Anybody else?

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Anybody else?

I see you edited your post to include the Hustler Raptor....that's definitely a contender.

 

[RatRacer]

Other than the Hustler, the rest are Home Depot/Lowes golden geese
They all have non-serviceable transmissions( EZT= ZT-2200 sealed units)
They all have stamped decks (except Raptor)

Bump up to $4K, and get a Toro MX5060. A little wider, but more towards "10 year " features.

 

[CauZey]

I have a Husqvarna RZ4222F 22hp vtwin brigs , steel fab deck . Love it . Doesn't give off any cheap vibe like the zero turn Ariens or craftsman I looked at before buying

 

[Ric]

I just moved to a tight 3/4 acre lot that is dead flat and smooth. I been shopping the past 2 weeks and I still can't make up my mind. I am looking at a 42" deck and a zero turn that bags well because of trees.
I am looking to spend around 3 grand but will spend up to 4 if recommended. I take care of my equipment and am looking for a 10 plus year zero turn.

These are the mowers that have caught my eye.

Snapper ZTR 285Z - 21 HP B&S

TimeCutter SS4235- 20 HP Kohler

Hustler Raptor- 21.5 HP Kawasak

Gravely ZT42- 23 HP Kawasaki

Arriens Zoom 42- 20 HP Kohler

I am open for any suggestions and opinions!
Thanks for your time and help!

I agree with RatRacer other than the Hustler because it does have the Kawasaki FR engine there's not anything there I would consider and wouldn't really consider it because it also runs the EZT Transmission. He's also right about the non-serviceable transmissions( EZT) I'd stay as far away from the EZT as I could, your Transmission should be at least a Hydro-static 2800 and up if you want something that's going to last. If you want a unit that's going to last you 10 plus years you'll be hard pressed to find it IMO with 3 or 4K

If your looking for a Homeowner unit try the Titan ZX-4820 for 3/4 acre it would probably last your 10 plus years. Check the spec's on it, it's close to your price range.

http://www.toro.com/en-us/Homeowner/Mowers/Zero-Turn-Mowers/Pages/Model.aspx?pid=TITAN-ZX4820-74841

 

[Brucebotti]

Other than the Hustler, the rest are Home Depot/Lowes golden geese
They all have non-serviceable transmissions( EZT= ZT-2200 sealed units)
They all have stamped decks (except Raptor)

Bump up to $4K, and get a Toro MX5060. A little wider, but more towards "10 year " features.

I agree! I just purchased a Toro MX5060 and love it. It met my criteria of a Kawasaki engine, welded deck, and serviceable transmissions. It is very well built and should last for years with proper maintenance. I started out with a $3000 limit, but that quickly escalated. I got it for $3829 delivered via liftgate.
Good luck in your search, and keep us posted.
Bruce

 

[audibink]

Thanks guys for all your advise. I did have a local shop offer me a Gravely ZT XL 48" for $3,800 which seems very fair and best bang for the buck.
Gravely ZT XL

Any thoughts?

 

[Ric]

Thanks guys for all your advise. I did have a local shop offer me a Gravely ZT XL 48" for $3,800 which seems very fair and best bang for the buck.
Gravely ZT XL

Any thoughts?

Well the reasons I suggested the Titan were its ground speed is 7.5mph and Blade tip speed is 18000 and would give you a better cut. It also has a 13 position cutting height vs the 7. I guess it comes down to what is important to some may not be as important to others.