Zero Turn Info

[Jkali]

Hello, I live on 6 acres, but only about 2.5 of it is cleared. May end up being around 4 cleared acres in the next year or two. I have a pond, lots of trees, a couple sheds to mow around. Also, a small portion of the yard is fenced in for my dogs. I have a JD 100 series lawn tractor right now and it is just too small and slow. I am going to upgrade to a Zero turn in the next few days, and want to get some pro oppinions about my choices.

I have it narrowed to three brands based on the two dealers in the area.

Anyway, my choice is between the Dixie chopper Zee 2 with 48" deck, the husqvarna RZ5424 with Kawasaki engine, or a gravely of some type. I havent checked out the gravely's yet, but the one time I was in the store they were less than inviting/borderline rude. This really makes we want to just go with the other dealer and eliminate gravely, but will consider if they are that much better.

Pretty much what I want to know is, for residential use are the DC and Gravely's worth the extra $$. I want to buy something that will last for many years, but dont want to pay more than I need to. The DC zee 2 was well over 4 grand, while the husqvarna RZ5424 with the kawasaki has a larger deck, and is only $3200. I dont want to buy used because im not very mechanically inclined, and if there were issues I'd end up paying for it to be fixed.

Also, I do tow a dump cart behind the mower a lot and sometimes it is loaded with a few hundred pounds. DC is the only one with a towing capacity listed.

Any and all info is appreciated, and thanks in advance!

 

[Kodie's Lawn Service]

:welcome::welcome::welcome::welcome::welcome::welcome::cool2::cool2::cool2::cool2::cool2::banana::banana::banana::banana::tractor::tractor::tractor:
Please also look at Toro and Cubcudet :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:very good brands
And Welcome to mowerforum

 

[Ric]

Hello, I live on 6 acres, but only about 2.5 of it is cleared. May end up being around 4 cleared acres in the next year or two. I have a pond, lots of trees, a couple sheds to mow around. Also, a small portion of the yard is fenced in for my dogs. I have a JD 100 series lawn tractor right now and it is just too small and slow. I am going to upgrade to a Zero turn in the next few days, and want to get some pro oppinions about my choices.

I have it narrowed to three brands based on the two dealers in the area.

Anyway, my choice is between the Dixie chopper Zee 2 with 48" deck, the husqvarna RZ5424 with Kawasaki engine, or a gravely of some type. I havent checked out the gravely's yet, but the one time I was in the store they were less than inviting/borderline rude. This really makes we want to just go with the other dealer and eliminate gravely, but will consider if they are that much better.

Pretty much what I want to know is, for residential use are the DC and Gravely's worth the extra $$. I want to buy something that will last for many years, but dont want to pay more than I need to. The DC zee 2 was well over 4 grand, while the husqvarna RZ5424 with the kawasaki has a larger deck, and is only $3200. I dont want to buy used because im not very mechanically inclined, and if there were issues I'd end up paying for it to be fixed.

Also, I do tow a dump cart behind the mower a lot and sometimes it is loaded with a few hundred pounds. DC is the only one with a towing capacity listed.

Any and all info is appreciated, and thanks in advance!

To begin with for the amount of property you're going to be mowing and if you're looking for something that will last for many years I'd stay away from a residential unit and buy commercial grade. I'd personally be looking at the Toro, Hustler or Exmark line of commercial ZTR also Dixie Chopper and Gravely as long as you stay in there commercial line. I'd also keep my JD for towing purposes as the Ztr mower is not noted for it's towing ability.

I know you say you don't want to buy used but if I were you I'd start looking on Craigs-list for a used commercial unit with low hours, a Toro, Hustler or Exmark in the 60" cut range for the amount of property you're going to be mowing.

Out of the three makes your looking at the Gravely and there Gravely Pro turn or there ZT/HD would be my first choice. Something you also may want to consider when buying new is the Warranty, most Commercial mowers will have a better warranty than the Residential. I just purchased A Toro Grandstand and what sold me on it was it has a 5yr 1200 hour warranty and a lot of your Commercial mowers will offer a 3year unlimited hour warranty's.

If I can ask, what part of Florida are you in?

 

[Rivets]

Towing, especially any heavy loads with a Z-turn will shorten it's life greatly. I'm even talking about the commercial units. I hate to say this, but follow Ric's advice. One of the few times we agree.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

:welcome: to LMF!

I agree with Ric.
I would save your JD for towing. As Ric said, I would look at a used Hustler, Exmark, or Toro. And not a residential model by those brands. From your choices I would say either Gravely or Dixie Chopper, though.

Look at this thread--it compares a lot of the brands you are looking at: http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=102253.

Let us know what you are thinking and make sure you tell us what you decide! :smile:

 

[Kodie's Lawn Service]

To begin with for the amount of property you're going to be mowing and if you're looking for something that will last for many years I'd stay away from a residential unit and buy commercial grade. I'd personally be looking at the Toro, Hustler or Exmark line of commercial ZTR also Dixie Chopper and Gravely as long as you stay in there commercial line. I'd also keep my JD for towing purposes as the Ztr mower is not noted for it's towing ability.

I know you say you don't want to buy used but if I were you I'd start looking on Craigs-list for a used commercial unit with low hours, a Toro, Hustler or Exmark in the 60" cut range for the amount of property you're going to be mowing.

Out of the three makes your looking at the Gravely and there Gravely Pro turn or there ZT/HD would be my first choice. Something you also may want to consider when buying new is the Warranty, most Commercial mowers will have a better warranty than the Residential. I just purchased A Toro Grandstand and what sold me on it was it has a 5yr 1200 hour warranty and a lot of your Commercial mowers will offer a 3year unlimited hour warranty's.

If I can ask, what part of Florida are you in?

Best way to go with what Ric says :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Jkali]

If I can ask, what part of Florida are you in?

I live in cocoa fl, about 15 minutes west of cocoa beach.

Thanks for all the help everyone! The Dixie chopper dealer, also has toro, and exmark so I will make sure I read up on these before I go back this wed.

 

[Kodie's Lawn Service]

I live in cocoa fl, about 15 minutes west of cocoa beach.

Thanks for all the help everyone! The Dixie chopper dealer, also has toro, and exmark so I will make sure I read up on these before I go back this wed.

Post pics when you buy :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Post pics when you buy :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Yeah I can't wait to see it! :thumbsup:

 

[AmericanTurf]

Ric said it right. Ill add that the bigger grasshopper comes with a kabota diesel 25 hoarse. Made out of heavy duty thick gauge steel. It will last a life time. Other than that the xmark. Good luck to you.