Zero Turn buying help!!

[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

 

[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?

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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

 

[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.

 

[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.