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ZTR recommendations
#1
P
ProudMarineDad
P
ProudMarineDad
Hi,
I'm new to the forum and like what I see so far. I am thinking about purchasing a ZTR but am restricted to a 38" or smaller deck due to my 1999 Tacoma PreRunner bed not holding any bigger as well as my storage building's door width.
This really drops my choices way down. The only ones that I have seen that come under the 38" deck is from Dixon, Toro, Simplicity, Snapper, Ariens, and Gravely. These all fall in my price range of around $2500 but there is not a local dealer for Ariens or Gravely with 50 miles of my hometown in upstate SC.
I really liked the Gravely the most from the choices I saw but like to purchase within easy driving distance in the event I need to take it in.
If money wasn't an issue, I like the Ferris Evolution but a $5000 mower is bit out there.
I currently have a Toro lawn tractor with 16 hp 38 in deck that I am thinking about giving to my son who got married and has a new house.
Thanks for any input and advice,
PMD
I'm new to the forum and like what I see so far. I am thinking about purchasing a ZTR but am restricted to a 38" or smaller deck due to my 1999 Tacoma PreRunner bed not holding any bigger as well as my storage building's door width.
This really drops my choices way down. The only ones that I have seen that come under the 38" deck is from Dixon, Toro, Simplicity, Snapper, Ariens, and Gravely. These all fall in my price range of around $2500 but there is not a local dealer for Ariens or Gravely with 50 miles of my hometown in upstate SC.
I really liked the Gravely the most from the choices I saw but like to purchase within easy driving distance in the event I need to take it in.
If money wasn't an issue, I like the Ferris Evolution but a $5000 mower is bit out there.
I currently have a Toro lawn tractor with 16 hp 38 in deck that I am thinking about giving to my son who got married and has a new house.
Thanks for any input and advice,
PMD
#2
Parkmower
Parkmower
I think Husqvarna makes a 38" also. Start by talking to your local dealers. They should be able to help you out with what you need.
#3
djdicetn
Hope you're not planning on loading a zero turn mower into the bed of a Tacoma truck...I wouldn't recommend it:0(
So, how much area will you be mowing and what's your maximum budget???
djdicetn
Hi,
I'm new to the forum and like what I see so far. I am thinking about purchasing a ZTR but am restricted to a 38" or smaller deck due to my 1999 Tacoma PreRunner bed not holding any bigger as well as my storage building's door width.
This really drops my choices way down. The only ones that I have seen that come under the 38" deck is from Dixon, Toro, Simplicity, Snapper, Ariens, and Gravely. These all fall in my price range of around $2500 but there is not a local dealer for Ariens or Gravely with 50 miles of my hometown in upstate SC.
I really liked the Gravely the most from the choices I saw but like to purchase within easy driving distance in the event I need to take it in.
If money wasn't an issue, I like the Ferris Evolution but a $5000 mower is bit out there.
I currently have a Toro lawn tractor with 16 hp 38 in deck that I am thinking about giving to my son who got married and has a new house.
Thanks for any input and advice,
PMD
Hope you're not planning on loading a zero turn mower into the bed of a Tacoma truck...I wouldn't recommend it:0(
So, how much area will you be mowing and what's your maximum budget???
#4
P
ProudMarineDad
Right now it's just my yard which is about a 1/2 acre but I think I am about to start back mowing my mom's yard. The size of her yard is maybe a little bigger that mine. The size is not the problem for her so much as the amount of plants and trees she has.
Why wouldn't a ZTR fit in my truck if it is a smaller deck than my Toro 38" tractor?
P
ProudMarineDad
Hope you're not planning on loading a zero turn mower into the bed of a Tacoma truck...I wouldn't recommend it:0(
So, how much area will you be mowing and what's your maximum budget???
Right now it's just my yard which is about a 1/2 acre but I think I am about to start back mowing my mom's yard. The size of her yard is maybe a little bigger that mine. The size is not the problem for her so much as the amount of plants and trees she has.
Why wouldn't a ZTR fit in my truck if it is a smaller deck than my Toro 38" tractor?
#5
djdicetn
ZTR's are "different" than a lawn tractor. With a lawn tractor, the "deck" is usually the "widest component" which is why you could maybe fit a 38" Toro lawn tractor in your Tacoma. For instance, I have a Gravely Pro-Turn XDZ 152(52" deck) but the mower, at it's widest point is 67.75" wide. You had better measure your truck bed and storage shed and take a tape measure when you go shopping for a ZTR. Plus, I too drove my old lawn tractors up a ramp into my 1995 Chevy Silverado Z71' bed....but I would NEVER attempt driving a ZTR up a ramp like that into a truck bed(they weigh MUCH more than a lawn tractor). I bought a 6' X 12' Lone Wolf Trailer in case I ever needed to haul my Gravely. I would suggest you consider investing in a trailer if you will be hauling a ZTR. BTW, my last lawn tractor(a 54" Craftsman) fit just fine in my garage......my new Gravely 52" ZTR "BARELY" fits(and to think I was looking for a 60" ZTR:0) See what I mean????
djdicetn
Right now it's just my yard which is about a 1/2 acre but I think I am about to start back mowing my mom's yard. The size of her yard is maybe a little bigger that mine. The size is not the problem for her so much as the amount of plants and trees she has.
Why wouldn't a ZTR fit in my truck if it is a smaller deck than my Toro 38" tractor?
ZTR's are "different" than a lawn tractor. With a lawn tractor, the "deck" is usually the "widest component" which is why you could maybe fit a 38" Toro lawn tractor in your Tacoma. For instance, I have a Gravely Pro-Turn XDZ 152(52" deck) but the mower, at it's widest point is 67.75" wide. You had better measure your truck bed and storage shed and take a tape measure when you go shopping for a ZTR. Plus, I too drove my old lawn tractors up a ramp into my 1995 Chevy Silverado Z71' bed....but I would NEVER attempt driving a ZTR up a ramp like that into a truck bed(they weigh MUCH more than a lawn tractor). I bought a 6' X 12' Lone Wolf Trailer in case I ever needed to haul my Gravely. I would suggest you consider investing in a trailer if you will be hauling a ZTR. BTW, my last lawn tractor(a 54" Craftsman) fit just fine in my garage......my new Gravely 52" ZTR "BARELY" fits(and to think I was looking for a 60" ZTR:0) See what I mean????
#6
txzrider
txzrider
my 1st ztr was a snapper with a 33 inch deck, I was able to put it in my 94 mazda b4000 as well as my 03 avalanche. My 38 inch decked country clipper fits as well. I have noticed in the smaller decked ZTR's that in general they keep the width at the wheels not wider than the deck. Of course you will have to flip up the chute or possibly take it off. biggest issue I had was ramps... the short ones that fit in the truck bed, caused too steep and angle, had to make much longer ones to keep the angle down.
#7
P
ProudMarineDad
Thanks guys for the input. I didn't realize the difference between the two types of mowers. I just was looking at the deck widths. Since I started this thread, I talked to a local guy who runs a landscaping business and he said I would be better off buying another tractor than a ZTR because I could get more for my money with a tractor.
I had looked at the 20hp/38" Simpiicity Regent EX and the Husqvarna LTH2038. It's not my yard size that factors in my needs so much as the thickness of my grass. Never owned either brand but not sure if Simplicity is worth $1000 more.
P
ProudMarineDad
my 1st ztr was a snapper with a 33 inch deck, I was able to put it in my 94 mazda b4000 as well as my 03 avalanche. My 38 inch decked country clipper fits as well. I have noticed in the smaller decked ZTR's that in general they keep the width at the wheels not wider than the deck. Of course you will have to flip up the chute or possibly take it off. biggest issue I had was ramps... the short ones that fit in the truck bed, caused too steep and angle, had to make much longer ones to keep the angle down.
Thanks guys for the input. I didn't realize the difference between the two types of mowers. I just was looking at the deck widths. Since I started this thread, I talked to a local guy who runs a landscaping business and he said I would be better off buying another tractor than a ZTR because I could get more for my money with a tractor.
I had looked at the 20hp/38" Simpiicity Regent EX and the Husqvarna LTH2038. It's not my yard size that factors in my needs so much as the thickness of my grass. Never owned either brand but not sure if Simplicity is worth $1000 more.
#8
txzrider
txzrider
While I agree with most of what was stated above regarding differences between gt and ztr's, I would not consider trading the manerverability (sp) of a ztr for a cheaper lt/gt. and in the smaller deck sizes of ztr, I bet the weight diff is not that much. that being said on purely a cost basis, the lt are much cheaper. I will never go back. As an example when I bought my 33 " deck snapper, I mowed my house, my parents , my mom-inlaws all in a 4 hour period(including travel) using ramps(2 8 foot 2x10's ) . No way to have done that with a traditional lt.
#9
djdicetn
If $2,899 is not out of your budget range take a look at the Husqvarna YT48XLS. If I were to buy another lawn tractor...that would be it!! It's got a Kawasaki engine, hydro tranny with a locking differential and something few lawn tractors have....a "fabricated deck"(with a lifetime warranty). The 3Year bumper-to-bumper and 5Year Chassis and Axle warranties ain't shabby either. I know the 48" may negate your ability to transport in your truck(and may not fit in your shed), but I'd keep it in the garage instead and get a cheap used trailer for hauling it. It's a beast of a lawn tractor!!! Check it out in the link below and see what you think:
Husqvarna YT48XLS - Garden tractors
djdicetn
Thanks guys for the input. I didn't realize the difference between the two types of mowers. I just was looking at the deck widths. Since I started this thread, I talked to a local guy who runs a landscaping business and he said I would be better off buying another tractor than a ZTR because I could get more for my money with a tractor.
I had looked at the 20hp/38" Simpiicity Regent EX and the Husqvarna LTH2038. It's not my yard size that factors in my needs so much as the thickness of my grass. Never owned either brand but not sure if Simplicity is worth $1000 more.
If $2,899 is not out of your budget range take a look at the Husqvarna YT48XLS. If I were to buy another lawn tractor...that would be it!! It's got a Kawasaki engine, hydro tranny with a locking differential and something few lawn tractors have....a "fabricated deck"(with a lifetime warranty). The 3Year bumper-to-bumper and 5Year Chassis and Axle warranties ain't shabby either. I know the 48" may negate your ability to transport in your truck(and may not fit in your shed), but I'd keep it in the garage instead and get a cheap used trailer for hauling it. It's a beast of a lawn tractor!!! Check it out in the link below and see what you think:
Husqvarna YT48XLS - Garden tractors
#10
P
ProudMarineDad
Looks good. Wish I had a garage. I live in a 45 year old house that has a car port. Thanks for showing it to me though.
That is what I was thinking. I have never used my current LT to pull anything and living in SC, won't ever need a snow plow.
P
ProudMarineDad
If $2,899 is not out of your budget range take a look at the Husqvarna YT48XLS. If I were to buy another lawn tractor...that would be it!! It's got a Kawasaki engine, hydro tranny with a locking differential and something few lawn tractors have....a "fabricated deck"(with a lifetime warranty). The 3Year bumper-to-bumper and 5Year Chassis and Axle warranties ain't shabby either. I know the 48" may negate your ability to transport in your truck(and may not fit in your shed), but I'd keep it in the garage instead and get a cheap used trailer for hauling it. It's a beast of a lawn tractor!!! Check it out in the link below and see what you think:
Husqvarna YT48XLS - Garden tractors
Looks good. Wish I had a garage. I live in a 45 year old house that has a car port. Thanks for showing it to me though.
While I agree with most of what was stated above regarding differences between gt and ztr's, I would not consider trading the manerverability (sp) of a ztr for a cheaper lt/gt. and in the smaller deck sizes of ztr, I bet the weight diff is not that much. that being said on purely a cost basis, the lt are much cheaper. I will never go back. As an example when I bought my 33 " deck snapper, I mowed my house, my parents , my mom-inlaws all in a 4 hour period(including travel) using ramps(2 8 foot 2x10's ) . No way to have done that with a traditional lt.
That is what I was thinking. I have never used my current LT to pull anything and living in SC, won't ever need a snow plow.
#11
djdicetn
One last recommendation(and these are a little pricey as well...but come with a small deck size-the R 120S @ $2999 has a 42"). They are referred to as a "articulating rider" and have a very unique design and are reported to deliver a VERY professional cut. Check out the link below:
Riding Lawn Mowers - Mower and accessories, reviews, buying guide and comparison charts Husqvarna
djdicetn
Looks good. Wish I had a garage. I live in a 45 year old house that has a car port. Thanks for showing it to me though.
That is what I was thinking. I have never used my current LT to pull anything and living in SC, won't ever need a snow plow.
One last recommendation(and these are a little pricey as well...but come with a small deck size-the R 120S @ $2999 has a 42"). They are referred to as a "articulating rider" and have a very unique design and are reported to deliver a VERY professional cut. Check out the link below:
Riding Lawn Mowers - Mower and accessories, reviews, buying guide and comparison charts Husqvarna
#12
Parkmower
Parkmower
What about like a 36" hydro walk behind.
#13
P
ProudMarineDad
I saw those. I like the way you can flip the deck up for washing it. I think CountryClipper has decks like that too. I've never owned a Husqvarna product. I've heard some good and bad things about them. I'm assuming the bad comes from their line from the big box stores.
Anyone had issues with Husky products?
P
ProudMarineDad
One last recommendation(and these are a little pricey as well...but come with a small deck size-the R 120S @ $2999 has a 42"). They are referred to as a "articulating rider" and have a very unique design and are reported to deliver a VERY professional cut. Check out the link below:
Riding Lawn Mowers - Mower and accessories, reviews, buying guide and comparison charts Husqvarna
I saw those. I like the way you can flip the deck up for washing it. I think CountryClipper has decks like that too. I've never owned a Husqvarna product. I've heard some good and bad things about them. I'm assuming the bad comes from their line from the big box stores.
Anyone had issues with Husky products?
#14
B
Brucebotti
I'm with you on the "never going back". I just purchased my first ZTR two months ago after 40 years of lawn & garden tractors. Despite the learning curve (remember, I'm an old fart:laughing
, there is no comparison. The best way to describe it is before I "had" to mow the lawn, now I "want" to mow the lawn.
Bruce
B
Brucebotti
While I agree with most of what was stated above regarding differences between gt and ztr's, I would not consider trading the manerverability (sp) of a ztr for a cheaper lt/gt. and in the smaller deck sizes of ztr, I bet the weight diff is not that much. that being said on purely a cost basis, the lt are much cheaper. I will never go back. As an example when I bought my 33 " deck snapper, I mowed my house, my parents , my mom-inlaws all in a 4 hour period(including travel) using ramps(2 8 foot 2x10's ) . No way to have done that with a traditional lt.
I'm with you on the "never going back". I just purchased my first ZTR two months ago after 40 years of lawn & garden tractors. Despite the learning curve (remember, I'm an old fart:laughing
, there is no comparison. The best way to describe it is before I "had" to mow the lawn, now I "want" to mow the lawn.Bruce
#15
txzrider
txzrider
did I hear country clipper mentioned ?? :thumbsup: Yep i love my flip up deck!! which by the way is 38 inches... they quit making it now the smallest is 42 inches I think. Bought mine off craigslist for only $2300 with only 27 hours. By the way some Country Clipper dealers still have some 2 year old stock so they may have a 38 inch deck like mine in stock they will make you a deal on ... they offered me one off the showroom floor for $3k before I found mine on CL. If they do have any that old... They make make you a better deal. Mine has worked great.
#16
lawn mower fanatic
See this: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/husqvarna-dixon-forum/17966-would-you-buy-husky-again.html
lawn mower fanatic
Anyone had issues with Husky products?
See this: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/husqvarna-dixon-forum/17966-would-you-buy-husky-again.html
#17
P
ProudMarineDad
P
ProudMarineDad
Found my next mower. It's even faster than a ZTR.
http://wot.motortrend.com/flash-gra...n-4-seconds-w-video-386723.html#axzz2ZL3G1q3G
http://wot.motortrend.com/flash-gra...n-4-seconds-w-video-386723.html#axzz2ZL3G1q3G
#18
lawn mower fanatic
That's my next mower! :thumbsup:
lawn mower fanatic
Found my next mower. It's even faster than a ZTR.
Flash Grass: 109-HP Honda Mower Goes 0-60 mph in 4 Seconds (W/ Video) - MotorTrend WOT
...
That's my next mower! :thumbsup:
#19
djdicetn
You having any luck finding something to fit your needs??? My last lawn tractor was a 2006 Craftsman YS4500 with a 54" deck and a 24hp Briggs & Stratton Intek. It was made by Husqvarna for Sears and aside from the B & S Intek not being a very good engine, the lawn tract itself was awesome!! Several users here have Husqvarna(lawn tractors & ZTR's) and have onlly good things to say about them. Personally, I recommend Husqvarna lawn tractors as the best bang-for-your-buck if someone is shopping lawn tractors. Also, note that the Dixons are now made by Husqvarna, are pretty decent machines but again the smalles deck size is 42". Let us know how your search is going!!!
djdicetn
I saw those. I like the way you can flip the deck up for washing it. I think CountryClipper has decks like that too. I've never owned a Husqvarna product. I've heard some good and bad things about them. I'm assuming the bad comes from their line from the big box stores.
Anyone had issues with Husky products?
You having any luck finding something to fit your needs??? My last lawn tractor was a 2006 Craftsman YS4500 with a 54" deck and a 24hp Briggs & Stratton Intek. It was made by Husqvarna for Sears and aside from the B & S Intek not being a very good engine, the lawn tract itself was awesome!! Several users here have Husqvarna(lawn tractors & ZTR's) and have onlly good things to say about them. Personally, I recommend Husqvarna lawn tractors as the best bang-for-your-buck if someone is shopping lawn tractors. Also, note that the Dixons are now made by Husqvarna, are pretty decent machines but again the smalles deck size is 42". Let us know how your search is going!!!
#20
lawn mower fanatic
lawn mower fanatic
ATTENTION:
If this thread looks a lot smaller it is because all of the posts related to a different subject by another user were moved to a new thread, since he felt bad for "hijacking the thread". Here is the walk-behind discussion:
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/mower...buying-pricing-help-moved-another-thread.html
If this thread looks a lot smaller it is because all of the posts related to a different subject by another user were moved to a new thread, since he felt bad for "hijacking the thread". Here is the walk-behind discussion:
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/mower...buying-pricing-help-moved-another-thread.html
#21
P
ProudMarineDad
I am thinking about the Simplicity Axion ZTR with 33" deck and looked at the same mower with Snapper. When did this happen? So is it Snapperlicity now? I guess I would choose by color, huh?
The smallest Husqvarna ZTR with the 30" deck is almost too small but I do like the way that you can take the foot pan out to get to the top of the deck. The Toro SS3200 ZTR is probably my 4th choice. Anything else is out of my price range or is too big.
Of course, I could just buy a full size truck and build a garage to solve the size restriction. Wow, I sound like a politician.
P
ProudMarineDad
You having any luck finding something to fit your needs??? My last lawn tractor was a 2006 Craftsman YS4500 with a 54" deck and a 24hp Briggs & Stratton Intek. It was made by Husqvarna for Sears and aside from the B & S Intek not being a very good engine, the lawn tract itself was awesome!! Several users here have Husqvarna(lawn tractors & ZTR's) and have onlly good things to say about them. Personally, I recommend Husqvarna lawn tractors as the best bang-for-your-buck if someone is shopping lawn tractors. Also, note that the Dixons are now made by Husqvarna, are pretty decent machines but again the smalles deck size is 42". Let us know how your search is going!!!
I am thinking about the Simplicity Axion ZTR with 33" deck and looked at the same mower with Snapper. When did this happen? So is it Snapperlicity now? I guess I would choose by color, huh?
The smallest Husqvarna ZTR with the 30" deck is almost too small but I do like the way that you can take the foot pan out to get to the top of the deck. The Toro SS3200 ZTR is probably my 4th choice. Anything else is out of my price range or is too big.
Of course, I could just buy a full size truck and build a garage to solve the size restriction. Wow, I sound like a politician.
#22
lawn mower fanatic
Yep they are the exact same. Well, the height of the Simplicity is 1.00 inch taller, so if you need that extra inch, go with the Simplicity! :wink:
ZTR Riding Mowers | Zero Turn Mower Axion | Simplicity
150Z Zero Turn Mower | Snapper Lawn Mowers
Simplicity took on Snapper in 2002.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snapper_Inc.
lawn mower fanatic
I am thinking about the Simplicity Axion ZTR with 33" deck and looked at the same mower with Snapper. When did this happen? So is it Snapperlicity now? I guess I would choose by color, huh?
Yep they are the exact same. Well, the height of the Simplicity is 1.00 inch taller, so if you need that extra inch, go with the Simplicity! :wink:
ZTR Riding Mowers | Zero Turn Mower Axion | Simplicity
150Z Zero Turn Mower | Snapper Lawn Mowers
Simplicity took on Snapper in 2002.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snapper_Inc.
#23
txzrider
txzrider
proudmarinedad... I got 15 years out of my Snapper 33inch ZTR. It had 4 knurled nuts that were only hand tight to remove the cover over the deck. I have no idea if the quality is still the same... but my Snapper was a great mower. I could have repaired it, but I kind of fell in love with the slide out deck of my country clipper.
#24
djdicetn
Hey, I overlooked a potential for you in the Gravely line. I normally first think about the ZT HD series and know they don't come with a deck smaller than 44". But the entry-level Gravely ZT series does have a 34" deck model that has a MSRP of $2,299. If you have a gravely dealer nearby you may want to take a look at the ZT 34 and compare it to some of the others you are considering.
djdicetn
I am thinking about the Simplicity Axion ZTR with 33" deck and looked at the same mower with Snapper. When did this happen? So is it Snapperlicity now? I guess I would choose by color, huh?
The smallest Husqvarna ZTR with the 30" deck is almost too small but I do like the way that you can take the foot pan out to get to the top of the deck. The Toro SS3200 ZTR is probably my 4th choice. Anything else is out of my price range or is too big.
Of course, I could just buy a full size truck and build a garage to solve the size restriction. Wow, I sound like a politician.
Hey, I overlooked a potential for you in the Gravely line. I normally first think about the ZT HD series and know they don't come with a deck smaller than 44". But the entry-level Gravely ZT series does have a 34" deck model that has a MSRP of $2,299. If you have a gravely dealer nearby you may want to take a look at the ZT 34 and compare it to some of the others you are considering.
#25
P
ProudMarineDad
Yeah, I saw those but the closest dealer is about 60 miles from here. In fact, I liked the looks of them a lot but not sure if I want to buy from a dealer from that far away if it needs worked on for whatever reason.
Thanks for tip anyway.
P
ProudMarineDad
Hey, I overlooked a potential for you in the Gravely line. I normally first think about the ZT HD series and know they don't come with a deck smaller than 44". But the entry-level Gravely ZT series does have a 34" deck model that has a MSRP of $2,299. If you have a gravely dealer nearby you may want to take a look at the ZT 34 and compare it to some of the others you are considering.
Yeah, I saw those but the closest dealer is about 60 miles from here. In fact, I liked the looks of them a lot but not sure if I want to buy from a dealer from that far away if it needs worked on for whatever reason.
Thanks for tip anyway.