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Zero Turn buying help!!
#1
A
audibink
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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!
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!
#2
lawn mower fanatic
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.
#4
lawn mower fanatic
I see you edited your post to include the Hustler Raptor....that's definitely a contender.
lawn mower fanatic
Anybody else?
I see you edited your post to include the Hustler Raptor....that's definitely a contender.
#5
RatRacer
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.
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.
#6
CauZey
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
#7
Ric
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
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
#8
B
Brucebotti
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
B
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
#9
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audibink
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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?
Gravely ZT XL
Any thoughts?
#10
Ric
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.
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.
#11
A
audibink
Speed is not very important. It's a tight 1 acre and not many open areas. Never thought about the tip speed and more cutting positions.
I do like the ZT XL because I can get a powered bagger for all the crazy leaves I will have.
A
audibink
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.
Speed is not very important. It's a tight 1 acre and not many open areas. Never thought about the tip speed and more cutting positions.
I do like the ZT XL because I can get a powered bagger for all the crazy leaves I will have.
#13
RatRacer
That unit will fit in your 10yr scheme. All the primary parts are serviceable for the longevity.Unfortunately, needing a powered bagger is the pitfall for fabbed decks compared to stamped decks.
RatRacer
Speed is not very important. It's a tight 1 acre and not many open areas. Never thought about the tip speed and more cutting positions.
I do like the ZT XL because I can get a powered bagger for all the crazy leaves I will have.
That unit will fit in your 10yr scheme. All the primary parts are serviceable for the longevity.Unfortunately, needing a powered bagger is the pitfall for fabbed decks compared to stamped decks.
#14
M
man00
M
man00
Does not the Hustler also have the non-serviceable transmissions?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.
#15
RatRacer
Yes, the EZT's. That was its only demerit of the provided list in his OP, but the most $ bang if he stayed with that list.
RatRacer
Does not the Hustler also have the non-serviceable transmissions?
Yes, the EZT's. That was its only demerit of the provided list in his OP, but the most $ bang if he stayed with that list.
#16
txzrider
txzrider
All for the size of his lot I have a hard time believing the ezt's would not be fine! (epecially since he said flat and smooth) In fact I made that bet(my Country Clipper has EZT's) since my lot while slightly smaller... has a pretty good slope. I made my purchase based on the experience of using my snapper for 15 years and 0 issues with it's hydros's (eaton 7800's). Now granted ezt's may not compare to the eatons... I have no way of knowing. But I do know how much abuse I put on those and if the ezt's are half as good... I will easily make 10 years. If they dont make 10 years... and this site is still around... I will be happy to eat crow!
#17
RatRacer
I too hope that would be the case. But they have only been out right at 10 years now, their longevity history is still an unknown. The other factor to consider, since it's flat terrain, is his indicated major tree slalom putting the extra demand on them.
RatRacer
All for the size of his lot I have a hard time believing the ezt's would not be fine! (epecially since he said flat and smooth) In fact I made that bet(my Country Clipper has EZT's) since my lot while slightly smaller... has a pretty good slope. I made my purchase based on the experience of using my snapper for 15 years and 0 issues with it's hydros's (eaton 7800's). Now granted ezt's may not compare to the eatons... I have no way of knowing. But I do know how much abuse I put on those and if the ezt's are half as good... I will easily make 10 years. If they dont make 10 years... and this site is still around... I will be happy to eat crow!
I too hope that would be the case. But they have only been out right at 10 years now, their longevity history is still an unknown. The other factor to consider, since it's flat terrain, is his indicated major tree slalom putting the extra demand on them.
#18
A
audibink
I found a Exmark Quest S-Series for a pretty good price. What does everyone think of them. It does have the fab deck
A
audibink
I too hope that would be the case. But they have only been out right at 10 years now, their longevity history is still an unknown. The other factor to consider, since it's flat terrain, is his indicated major tree slalom putting the extra demand on them.
I found a Exmark Quest S-Series for a pretty good price. What does everyone think of them. It does have the fab deck
#19
lawn mower fanatic
Well it's a step down from the Titan... :frown:
But it can compare with the other lower-end models you listed.
lawn mower fanatic
I found a Exmark Quest S-Series for a pretty good price. What does everyone think of them. It does have the fab deck
Well it's a step down from the Titan... :frown:
But it can compare with the other lower-end models you listed.
#20
B
Brucebotti
The Quest S with the 50" deck is identical to my Toro MX5060 with a few minor detail changes. It has the fab deck, the Kawasaki motor and the Z-2800 serviceable hydro units. I thinkit is a great mower and that you will be happy with it.
Bruce
B
Brucebotti
I found a Exmark Quest S-Series for a pretty good price. What does everyone think of them. It does have the fab deck
The Quest S with the 50" deck is identical to my Toro MX5060 with a few minor detail changes. It has the fab deck, the Kawasaki motor and the Z-2800 serviceable hydro units. I thinkit is a great mower and that you will be happy with it.
Bruce
#21
A
audibink
LOL well I guess unfortunately I was looking at the 42" which has the ZT2200 Trans
A
audibink
The Quest S with the 50" deck is identical to my Toro MX5060 with a few minor detail changes. It has the fab deck, the Kawasaki motor and the Z-2800 serviceable hydro units. I thinkit is a great mower and that you will be happy with it.
Bruce
LOL well I guess unfortunately I was looking at the 42" which has the ZT2200 Trans
#22
txzrider
RR why would "major tree slalom" make a difference? It is what ZTR's were built for correct?
txzrider
I too hope that would be the case. But they have only been out right at 10 years now, their longevity history is still an unknown. The other factor to consider, since it's flat terrain, is his indicated major tree slalom putting the extra demand on them.
RR why would "major tree slalom" make a difference? It is what ZTR's were built for correct?
#23
lawn mower fanatic
I don't know who's right on this one. I can see where RatRacer is coming from. To give another example, self-propelled systems on "push" mowers are made to drive the mower, but the more often you use it, it might start to have problems and fail. Maybe it's the same with a ZTR; they are made to do that, but the more time it's worked, eventually something will go wrong.
lawn mower fanatic
I too hope that would be the case. But they have only been out right at 10 years now, their longevity history is still an unknown. The other factor to consider, since it's flat terrain, is his indicated major tree slalom putting the extra demand on them.
RR why would "major tree slalom" make a difference? It is what ZTR's were built for correct?
I don't know who's right on this one. I can see where RatRacer is coming from. To give another example, self-propelled systems on "push" mowers are made to drive the mower, but the more often you use it, it might start to have problems and fail. Maybe it's the same with a ZTR; they are made to do that, but the more time it's worked, eventually something will go wrong.
#24
txzrider
txzrider
this is not question that you need to decide who is right... this was and is only my opinion. There is very little to compare in the systems of a self propelled lawn mower and a modern ztr. Unless that self propelled mower was a honda or other high end mower with a hydro tranny.. and even then the wear on a self propelled mower would be in the differential. dual hydros do not utilize a differential, and short of overloading them, it would seem like any use would be the same type of use... i.e. going forward puts the same wear as going backwards, or going left and right the hydros are in use and that load is the same.
#25
P
Pochie
P
Pochie
My reply won't help you decide but I wanted to tell you how I purchased my first and hopefully last mower. For the last 26 years I've used 2 Sears lawn tractors and 1 Cub Cadet Hydro. I still have the Cub and '02 Sears. Being of an age that I thought I'd never live to, I was tired of laying on the floor and cleaning decks and blades. I looked at nearly every ZTM. My price range limit was $6,000. The only ZTM that has the tilt-up deck was a Walker, Steiner and Ventrac. I also have a Cyclone Rake for high grass and leaves in the fall and I have to get off the mower to dump and clean the catcher. It works 100% but due to age I didn't want to do that anymore. The dealer let me use a Walker for a weekend and it was excellent! I finally ordered the 23 HP MT with the power dump and some other options and the price was $13,600. I am single, have no kids so I purchased it. It is like driving a Starship compared to my other mowers. It is FUN and going around trees is a joy, verses the Cub (1991) with a turning radius like a battleship. It is also the smallest and fits nice for my property (2.5 acres). It cuts just as well in slightly wet grass. It does take more care in cleaning the catcher but so far I am pleased with it and it is a labor of love. The big trade-off for me was the deck and power dump. Good luck in your search.
#26
A
audibink
ha that is awesome to hear! I found a beautiful Walker MS for my little flat yard at a great price. I think I am an love and will get it next week. So many good features that you just don't get with other mowers. The other kicker is I am very tall and I feel so much more comfortable on it then a standard ZT
A
audibink
My reply won't help you decide but I wanted to tell you how I purchased my first and hopefully last mower. For the last 26 years I've used 2 Sears lawn tractors and 1 Cub Cadet Hydro. I still have the Cub and '02 Sears. Being of an age that I thought I'd never live to, I was tired of laying on the floor and cleaning decks and blades. I looked at nearly every ZTM. My price range limit was $6,000. The only ZTM that has the tilt-up deck was a Walker, Steiner and Ventrac. I also have a Cyclone Rake for high grass and leaves in the fall and I have to get off the mower to dump and clean the catcher. It works 100% but due to age I didn't want to do that anymore. The dealer let me use a Walker for a weekend and it was excellent! I finally ordered the 23 HP MT with the power dump and some other options and the price was $13,600. I am single, have no kids so I purchased it. It is like driving a Starship compared to my other mowers. It is FUN and going around trees is a joy, verses the Cub (1991) with a turning radius like a battleship. It is also the smallest and fits nice for my property (2.5 acres). It cuts just as well in slightly wet grass. It does take more care in cleaning the catcher but so far I am pleased with it and it is a labor of love. The big trade-off for me was the deck and power dump. Good luck in your search.
ha that is awesome to hear! I found a beautiful Walker MS for my little flat yard at a great price. I think I am an love and will get it next week. So many good features that you just don't get with other mowers. The other kicker is I am very tall and I feel so much more comfortable on it then a standard ZT
#27
G
GT182
G
GT182
Try a Big Dog, and then try out the ones in your list.
I'm a Kubota person but.... if I ever go to a ZTR it will be a Big Dog.
I'm a Kubota person but.... if I ever go to a ZTR it will be a Big Dog.
#28
djdicetn
I am a VERY happy Gravely owner, but I am not very impressed with their XL models. I would recommend you ask that dealer what he would put you on a ZT HD 44 or 48 for. A much better quality ZTR and has the ZT-3100 trannies.
djdicetn
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?
I am a VERY happy Gravely owner, but I am not very impressed with their XL models. I would recommend you ask that dealer what he would put you on a ZT HD 44 or 48 for. A much better quality ZTR and has the ZT-3100 trannies.