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ZTR required and in need of some opinions.
#1
K
KD0UTE
K
KD0UTE
I have moved from suburbia Denver, CO to old country Nebraska and am loving it. We are in need of a ZTR mower though as we have quite a few trees to manuever around and the 9N with brush buster isn't quite cut out for that type of job. The rest of the area is tall grass and weeds which I am trying to get under control. I will be mowing with the ZTR anywhere from 6-12 acres plus some smaller residential lots for family.
Anyways, I am leaning towards the 725D GrassHopper as I like the idea of fueling less and having the torque for plowing/blowing operations in the winter with a .5 mile driveway. The only thing is the cost of the GH is much more which I am willing to pay for or I can get a cheaper mower like a Hustler and use the savings on an Arctic cat 500 4 wheeler for other operations around the acreage.
Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated on which option I should do.
Anyways, I am leaning towards the 725D GrassHopper as I like the idea of fueling less and having the torque for plowing/blowing operations in the winter with a .5 mile driveway. The only thing is the cost of the GH is much more which I am willing to pay for or I can get a cheaper mower like a Hustler and use the savings on an Arctic cat 500 4 wheeler for other operations around the acreage.
Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated on which option I should do.
#2
S
Shughes717
Have you thought about looking into a ventrac mower? I know it's pricey, but it would be cheaper than buying a mower and a 4 wheeler. There are also all kinds of attachments for them, including a plow and a snow blower. The implements can be attached and detached without leaving your seat. They are 4 wheel drive, they articulate, and you can even get one with a cab. There are several low hour used ones for sale in tractor house in the $10k to $11k range.
S
Shughes717
I have moved from suburbia Denver, CO to old country Nebraska and am loving it. We are in need of a ZTR mower though as we have quite a few trees to manuever around and the 9N with brush buster isn't quite cut out for that type of job. The rest of the area is tall grass and weeds which I am trying to get under control. I will be mowing with the ZTR anywhere from 6-12 acres plus some smaller residential lots for family.
Anyways, I am leaning towards the 725D GrassHopper as I like the idea of fueling less and having the torque for plowing/blowing operations in the winter with a .5 mile driveway. The only thing is the cost of the GH is much more which I am willing to pay for or I can get a cheaper mower like a Hustler and use the savings on an Arctic cat 500 4 wheeler for other operations around the acreage.
Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated on which option I should do.
Have you thought about looking into a ventrac mower? I know it's pricey, but it would be cheaper than buying a mower and a 4 wheeler. There are also all kinds of attachments for them, including a plow and a snow blower. The implements can be attached and detached without leaving your seat. They are 4 wheel drive, they articulate, and you can even get one with a cab. There are several low hour used ones for sale in tractor house in the $10k to $11k range.
#3
K
KD0UTE
K
KD0UTE
Those Ventracs look awesome! Only issue is the nearest dealer is 260 miles. I see on tractorhouse like you said they are running around 10k for lowish hours. Will definitely keep it in mind.
#4
S
Shughes717
Dealer support may be an issue, but it would suit your needs perfectly. If you purchased one you would have to make any repairs needed yourself, but it could do everything. The bucket attachment with the thumb is sweet.
S
Shughes717
Those Ventracs look awesome! Only issue is the nearest dealer is 260 miles. I see on tractorhouse like you said they are running around 10k for lowish hours. Will definitely keep it in mind.
Dealer support may be an issue, but it would suit your needs perfectly. If you purchased one you would have to make any repairs needed yourself, but it could do everything. The bucket attachment with the thumb is sweet.
#5
1
1striper1
1
1striper1
Shughes knows his stuff! Not that I need one but I need to look at a Ventrac.
I like the option of having a wheeler around for other chores including moving snow. As I have learned, a wheeler with a plow has it's limitations when it comes to pushing snow.
Before I add more about the snow moving, how big is your driveway and other areas that need snow pushed around on them?
I like the option of having a wheeler around for other chores including moving snow. As I have learned, a wheeler with a plow has it's limitations when it comes to pushing snow.
Before I add more about the snow moving, how big is your driveway and other areas that need snow pushed around on them?
#6
Z
zmister11
Z
zmister11
Before I add more about the snow moving, how big is your driveway and other areas that need snow pushed around on them?[/QUOTE]
His driveway is a half a mile. That's a long driveway lol
His driveway is a half a mile. That's a long driveway lol
#7
1
1striper1
His driveway is a half a mile. That's a long driveway lol[/QUOTE]
Thanks zmister. I reread his post (stoopid me!) and saw the .5 mile d'way.
(IMO) You aren't gonna want to plow a 1/2 mile driveway of Nebraska snow with a wheeler. I've got 125' and I don't like doing THAT with a wheeler.
If it's an open 1/2 mile think about the drifting you're going to experience.
My opinion is that you're going to need two pieces of equipment or if the Ventrac with a blower can handle the d'way...one piece with different attachments. That .5 d'way tosses a wrench into the works.
Doesn't Deere make something similar to a Ventrac?
1
1striper1
Before I add more about the snow moving, how big is your driveway and other areas that need snow pushed around on them?
His driveway is a half a mile. That's a long driveway lol[/QUOTE]
Thanks zmister. I reread his post (stoopid me!) and saw the .5 mile d'way.
(IMO) You aren't gonna want to plow a 1/2 mile driveway of Nebraska snow with a wheeler. I've got 125' and I don't like doing THAT with a wheeler.
If it's an open 1/2 mile think about the drifting you're going to experience.
My opinion is that you're going to need two pieces of equipment or if the Ventrac with a blower can handle the d'way...one piece with different attachments. That .5 d'way tosses a wrench into the works.
Doesn't Deere make something similar to a Ventrac?
#8
S
Shughes717
Thanks zmister. I reread his post (stoopid me!) and saw the .5 mile d'way.
(IMO) You aren't gonna want to plow a 1/2 mile driveway of Nebraska snow with a wheeler. I've got 125' and I don't like doing THAT with a wheeler.
If it's an open 1/2 mile think about the drifting you're going to experience.
My opinion is that you're going to need two pieces of equipment or if the Ventrac with a blower can handle the d'way...one piece with different attachments. That .5 d'way tosses a wrench into the works.
Doesn't Deere make something similar to a Ventrac?[/QUOTE]
That is a good ?. I have never seen one, but Deere makes a lot of equipment that may be common in some regions and not seen in others. It does appear that there are plow attachments and blower attachments for the front of their lawn tractors. My experience with John Deere has been that special attachments will usually cost more than most other companys. Pay extra for the deer emblem and green/yellow paint.
S
Shughes717
His driveway is a half a mile. That's a long driveway lol
Thanks zmister. I reread his post (stoopid me!) and saw the .5 mile d'way.
(IMO) You aren't gonna want to plow a 1/2 mile driveway of Nebraska snow with a wheeler. I've got 125' and I don't like doing THAT with a wheeler.
If it's an open 1/2 mile think about the drifting you're going to experience.
My opinion is that you're going to need two pieces of equipment or if the Ventrac with a blower can handle the d'way...one piece with different attachments. That .5 d'way tosses a wrench into the works.
Doesn't Deere make something similar to a Ventrac?[/QUOTE]
That is a good ?. I have never seen one, but Deere makes a lot of equipment that may be common in some regions and not seen in others. It does appear that there are plow attachments and blower attachments for the front of their lawn tractors. My experience with John Deere has been that special attachments will usually cost more than most other companys. Pay extra for the deer emblem and green/yellow paint.
#9
K
KD0UTE
K
KD0UTE
I demoed the hustler raptor SD and it does a good job at high speed, but the mid mount prevented me from getting near our fruit trees. Going to demo grasshopper next week. What was nice though was the 4,000 for the hustler. It did go through gas quickly though. I don't think I will be able to afford the ventrac PLUS the attachments.
Our driveway is gravel not sure how snowblower will do on it. Also it does have a northern wind break to help against drifting but sometimes it makes it worse. So still up in the air at this point.
Our driveway is gravel not sure how snowblower will do on it. Also it does have a northern wind break to help against drifting but sometimes it makes it worse. So still up in the air at this point.
#10
S
Shughes717
If you are going to look into a ztr mower for 6 to 12 acres the fastrack sd would be the lowest end of the hustler line I would go. It's much faster than the raptor sd, holds more fuel, and is made heavier. The ideal hustler mower for an area that big would be the x one or super z, but you would be looking at $8k to $12k for mowers in that range. Grass hopper is a good brand as well. What other brands do you have available in your area?
S
Shughes717
I demoed the hustler raptor SD and it does a good job at high speed, but the mid mount prevented me from getting near our fruit trees. Going to demo grasshopper next week. What was nice though was the 4,000 for the hustler. It did go through gas quickly though. I don't think I will be able to afford the ventrac PLUS the attachments.
Our driveway is gravel not sure how snowblower will do on it. Also it does have a northern wind break to help against drifting but sometimes it makes it worse. So still up in the air at this point.
If you are going to look into a ztr mower for 6 to 12 acres the fastrack sd would be the lowest end of the hustler line I would go. It's much faster than the raptor sd, holds more fuel, and is made heavier. The ideal hustler mower for an area that big would be the x one or super z, but you would be looking at $8k to $12k for mowers in that range. Grass hopper is a good brand as well. What other brands do you have available in your area?
#12
S
Shughes717
You may want to look into a husqvarna R 322t. It is also 4wheel drive and articulates. It would be slower than the ventrac, and only holds 3 gallons of fuel, but it also has a plow attachment. 6 to 12 acres would take a while to mow with it, but it also has the attachments you would need for half the price of one of those used ventrac mowers. Walker would be another good option. Great front mount mowers.Can get a blade for the front of them as well.
S
Shughes717
Exmark, Husqvarna, snapper, toro, john deere, scag, walker, GH, craftsman
You may want to look into a husqvarna R 322t. It is also 4wheel drive and articulates. It would be slower than the ventrac, and only holds 3 gallons of fuel, but it also has a plow attachment. 6 to 12 acres would take a while to mow with it, but it also has the attachments you would need for half the price of one of those used ventrac mowers. Walker would be another good option. Great front mount mowers.Can get a blade for the front of them as well.
#14
S
Shughes717
Kubota, like john Deere, has mower attachments for just about any job. They are a quality product, but they too are very pricey. I don't know what your budget is, but any new kubota lawn tractor that can handle a plow and 6 to 12 acres is going to run better than $10k to $12k after the attachment is purchased.
S
Shughes717
Forgot to mention we do have a kubota dealer about 50 miles away
Kubota, like john Deere, has mower attachments for just about any job. They are a quality product, but they too are very pricey. I don't know what your budget is, but any new kubota lawn tractor that can handle a plow and 6 to 12 acres is going to run better than $10k to $12k after the attachment is purchased.
#15
1
1striper1
What is your budget?
Is there somebody locally you can pay to plow until you can afford something to properly handle the job? Or find an old pickup with a plow just for doing the d'way.
You may find that that north side wind break that you mention only adds to the drifting you will get in a northeast wind blowing snowstorm.
What do your "neighbors" use to plow their roads?
Mowing 6-12 acres you're going to want a 72" or larger deck. What about a used or demo commercial unit?
1
1striper1
Forgot to mention we do have a kubota dealer about 50 miles away
What is your budget?
Is there somebody locally you can pay to plow until you can afford something to properly handle the job? Or find an old pickup with a plow just for doing the d'way.
You may find that that north side wind break that you mention only adds to the drifting you will get in a northeast wind blowing snowstorm.
What do your "neighbors" use to plow their roads?
Mowing 6-12 acres you're going to want a 72" or larger deck. What about a used or demo commercial unit?
#16
S
Shughes717
I agree that a commercial mower would be best for that much acrage. Anything other than a zero turn would be better with a 72" or larger deck. A heavy duty commercial 60" zero turn could handle it well. The fastrack sd I mentioned could handle it, but it would be a good work load, and wouldn't be able to plow with it. That's a lot of cash to spend and would still have to get something else for the plowing.
S
Shughes717
What is your budget?
Is there somebody locally you can pay to plow until you can afford something to properly handle the job? Or find an old pickup with a plow just for doing the d'way.
You may find that that north side wind break that you mention only adds to the drifting you will get in a NE blowing snowstorm.
What do your "neighbors" use to plow their roads?
Mowing 6-12 acres you're going to want a 72" or larger deck. What about a used or demo commercial unit?
I agree that a commercial mower would be best for that much acrage. Anything other than a zero turn would be better with a 72" or larger deck. A heavy duty commercial 60" zero turn could handle it well. The fastrack sd I mentioned could handle it, but it would be a good work load, and wouldn't be able to plow with it. That's a lot of cash to spend and would still have to get something else for the plowing.
#17
1
1striper1
I was going to suggest a SCUT or a used tractor with a belly mower but we don't know what his budget is and he has those trees that he wants to mow around.
Maybe he's shopping for a second mortgage? :wink:
EDIT - sell the 9N and put it towards the equipment you want and need?
1
1striper1
Anything other than a zero turn would be better with a 72" or larger deck. A heavy duty commercial 60" zero turn could handle it well.
I was going to suggest a SCUT or a used tractor with a belly mower but we don't know what his budget is and he has those trees that he wants to mow around.
Maybe he's shopping for a second mortgage? :wink:
EDIT - sell the 9N and put it towards the equipment you want and need?
#18
P
possum
P
possum
You are not going to plow out a blizzard swept drive way in Nebraska countryside with an ATV or a over sexed lawnmower. I have never seen a pickup plough that could buck Kansas or Nebraska wind made drifts. Motor graders, bulldozers, and large truck mounted plows and blowers are used most of the time. Buy a used payloader, a large used skid steer, a large tractor with a PTO blower on it. A solid drifted driveway is a very hard thing to clear. ATVs, pickup trucks, SUVs, are very hard to remove from the middle of a driveway a half mile long. Buy as many tools as needed to mow the lawn. Buy as many toys as you want to play on like an ATV. And buy a tool to remove Nebraska snow or make arrangements to have the snow removed long before Halloween. I have cleared a lot of snow in Kansas on a mile long road. In a ten year period I needed help seven times to clear me out from the other end. I had a 656 International Hydro with chains, a bucket loader, loader blade, and back blade. The fuel alone was a major problem to keep enough of on hand.
#20
K
KD0UTE
Budget will be around 8-12k depending on how good a mood my wife is at the moment.
I don't think I want the deck any larger than 60" because of the trees that I mow around are a bit tight. Probably could remove every other one and would be fine, but that's for another day.
The idea of having a SCUT for moving snow would be great, but I just don't think we can afford anything like that at this time and we have been lucky so far this past winter didn't amount to much. I just know I am going to wake up one morning and be looking at those 3-6ft drifts and be SOL. At that time I know a 4 wheeler couldn't do much and I have thought about buying a plow for my truck (05 Tacoma), but it wouldn't be all that much better either since it's too light.
Probably going to check out the Kubota Dealer tomorrow to see what they have available. The BX's look nice.
K
KD0UTE
What is your budget?
Is there somebody locally you can pay to plow until you can afford something to properly handle the job? Or find an old pickup with a plow just for doing the d'way.
You may find that that north side wind break that you mention only adds to the drifting you will get in a northeast wind blowing snowstorm.
What do your "neighbors" use to plow their roads?
Mowing 6-12 acres you're going to want a 72" or larger deck. What about a used or demo commercial unit?
Budget will be around 8-12k depending on how good a mood my wife is at the moment.
I don't think I want the deck any larger than 60" because of the trees that I mow around are a bit tight. Probably could remove every other one and would be fine, but that's for another day.
The idea of having a SCUT for moving snow would be great, but I just don't think we can afford anything like that at this time and we have been lucky so far this past winter didn't amount to much. I just know I am going to wake up one morning and be looking at those 3-6ft drifts and be SOL. At that time I know a 4 wheeler couldn't do much and I have thought about buying a plow for my truck (05 Tacoma), but it wouldn't be all that much better either since it's too light.
Probably going to check out the Kubota Dealer tomorrow to see what they have available. The BX's look nice.
#21
1
1striper1
1
1striper1
I really have nothing meaningful to offer anymore and wish you nothing but the best of luck.
#22
K
KD0UTE
K
KD0UTE
I appreciate everyone's input and unfortunately I have a larger pool to choose from...which means more research 
Anyways once I figure out needs/wants and how often equipment will be used versus costs and maintenance I will post.
Thanks again for everyone's input.
Anyways once I figure out needs/wants and how often equipment will be used versus costs and maintenance I will post. Thanks again for everyone's input.
#23
1
1striper1
1
1striper1
You need to determine the cost/value of being snowed in for days vs. having to mow around trees. You did your family a disservice by not thinking about this before. You got LUCKY last winter. Do you want to test mother nature again...and again....and...?
Sorry to be so blunt but putting ones family in harms way strides a nerve with me. If you were alone....have at it.
Sorry to be so blunt but putting ones family in harms way strides a nerve with me. If you were alone....have at it.
#24
K
KD0UTE
A disservice...is it not a disservice to put my family in debt and buy things we cannot afford? If the snow is too much for my wife and I to get out with our truck then we do not need to be on the roads. We have emergency kits (wife is a nurse) I am a HAM operator so communications will not be a problem. IF the roads are so bad that we are snowed in for days without power that is why I have a generator that attaches directly to our line into the house. Granted fuel can run in short supply, but getting out of my driveway doesn't solve the problem with the rest of the country roads and the icy highways.
I sir do not put my wife in harms way and God willing my future children's lives.
I may and probably did blow this out of proportion, but you also struck a nerve with me.
K
KD0UTE
Sorry to be so blunt but putting ones family in harms way strides a nerve with me. If you were alone....have at it.
A disservice...is it not a disservice to put my family in debt and buy things we cannot afford? If the snow is too much for my wife and I to get out with our truck then we do not need to be on the roads. We have emergency kits (wife is a nurse) I am a HAM operator so communications will not be a problem. IF the roads are so bad that we are snowed in for days without power that is why I have a generator that attaches directly to our line into the house. Granted fuel can run in short supply, but getting out of my driveway doesn't solve the problem with the rest of the country roads and the icy highways.
I sir do not put my wife in harms way and God willing my future children's lives.
I may and probably did blow this out of proportion, but you also struck a nerve with me.
#26
K
KD0UTE
K
KD0UTE
Because everyone who lives in the country has everything they need before they do? Notta chance.
#27
S
Shughes717
It sounds as though to me KD0ute is preparing for the up coming winter. He is attempting to find equipment that suits his needs, and is seeking suggestions as to what he can purchase to fulfill those needs while staying in his budget. There is some time to shop around before another winter sets in. I hope he has luck finding something. I must admit that i have never had the amounts of snow in my area that you guys are talking about. We got 19" in 2009, but that's the most I have ever seen. I had no trouble getting around in it with a 4 wheel drive truck. I can't imagine what kind of weather conditions some members on this site must endure further north.
KD0ute, if you have decided on a plow for your truck and are just looking at a mower then the kubota z725 or z726 would be great options as well. They are mid mount ztr mowers, but are heavy duty and could handle your acrage with ease. Would be in the $8k range as well. You may also want to check out the snapper pro s200xt. It will run in the $9k range. Great mower. My father owns one that he uses to mow about 9 acres with. I don't know if you have horses, but in case you do exmark was offering an equine discount on their mowers. The laser z is an excellent mower as well.
S
Shughes717
You were not prepared to make this move....EOS.
It sounds as though to me KD0ute is preparing for the up coming winter. He is attempting to find equipment that suits his needs, and is seeking suggestions as to what he can purchase to fulfill those needs while staying in his budget. There is some time to shop around before another winter sets in. I hope he has luck finding something. I must admit that i have never had the amounts of snow in my area that you guys are talking about. We got 19" in 2009, but that's the most I have ever seen. I had no trouble getting around in it with a 4 wheel drive truck. I can't imagine what kind of weather conditions some members on this site must endure further north.
KD0ute, if you have decided on a plow for your truck and are just looking at a mower then the kubota z725 or z726 would be great options as well. They are mid mount ztr mowers, but are heavy duty and could handle your acrage with ease. Would be in the $8k range as well. You may also want to check out the snapper pro s200xt. It will run in the $9k range. Great mower. My father owns one that he uses to mow about 9 acres with. I don't know if you have horses, but in case you do exmark was offering an equine discount on their mowers. The laser z is an excellent mower as well.
#28
K
KD0UTE
Went to the GH and Exmark dealer last night and I enjoyed both the 727K and the Laser Z. Our ground is smooth enough for 11 mph so that isn't a factor, but I felt the GH was a smoother ride where the dealer was. Both cut well. I am going to the Kubota dealer tonight to test drive different machines and can hopefully make a decision by the end of next week. The exmarck and GH didn't have any used products so they would be a new buy. I like the idea behind the diesel kubota engine over the kawasaki's and kohler's, but I am not sure if it is worth the price increase.
K
KD0UTE
KD0ute, if you have decided on a plow for your truck and are just looking at a mower then the kubota z725 or z726 would be great options as well. They are mid mount ztr mowers, but are heavy duty and could handle your acrage with ease. Would be in the $8k range as well. You may also want to check out the snapper pro s200xt. It will run in the $9k range. Great mower. My father owns one that he uses to mow about 9 acres with. I don't know if you have horses, but in case you do exmark was offering an equine discount on their mowers. The laser z is an excellent mower as well.
Went to the GH and Exmark dealer last night and I enjoyed both the 727K and the Laser Z. Our ground is smooth enough for 11 mph so that isn't a factor, but I felt the GH was a smoother ride where the dealer was. Both cut well. I am going to the Kubota dealer tonight to test drive different machines and can hopefully make a decision by the end of next week. The exmarck and GH didn't have any used products so they would be a new buy. I like the idea behind the diesel kubota engine over the kawasaki's and kohler's, but I am not sure if it is worth the price increase.
#29
S
Shughes717
Demoing all of the brands before you buy is the best way to ensure you get the mower you want. Good luck and let us know what you went with.
S
Shughes717
Went to the GH and Exmark dealer last night and I enjoyed both the 727K and the Laser Z. Our ground is smooth enough for 11 mph so that isn't a factor, but I felt the GH was a smoother ride where the dealer was. Both cut well. I am going to the Kubota dealer tonight to test drive different machines and can hopefully make a decision by the end of next week. The exmarck and GH didn't have any used products so they would be a new buy. I like the idea behind the diesel kubota engine over the kawasaki's and kohler's, but I am not sure if it is worth the price increase.
Demoing all of the brands before you buy is the best way to ensure you get the mower you want. Good luck and let us know what you went with.
#30
R
rbstern
You do realize that people lived in such circumstances before the invention of four wheel drive, air lift ambulances, ham radios, etc? Many still do. We're talking about equipment that represents a luxury to most of the living, breathing souls on this planet.
R
rbstern
You were not prepared to make this move....EOS.
You do realize that people lived in such circumstances before the invention of four wheel drive, air lift ambulances, ham radios, etc? Many still do. We're talking about equipment that represents a luxury to most of the living, breathing souls on this planet.
#31
S
Shughes717
I don't think 1striper1 meant to offend, it just came out wrong. I understand that he posted out of concern, but ended up ranting a little. You are right, people have lived in those conditions for thousands of years, but most in today's times don't have the basic survival skills that people did 50 to 100 years ago. I do disagree with 1striper1 though. It appears to me that KD0ute is preparing for the weather conditions where he lives.
S
Shughes717
You do realize that people lived in such circumstances before the invention of four wheel drive, air lift ambulances, ham radios, etc? Many still do. We're talking about equipment that represents a luxury to most of the living, breathing souls on this planet.
I don't think 1striper1 meant to offend, it just came out wrong. I understand that he posted out of concern, but ended up ranting a little. You are right, people have lived in those conditions for thousands of years, but most in today's times don't have the basic survival skills that people did 50 to 100 years ago. I do disagree with 1striper1 though. It appears to me that KD0ute is preparing for the weather conditions where he lives.
#32
1
1striper1
1
1striper1
Don't get me started guys. I've been around yuppie couples from Denver who move to the "country" and think that "it" will never happen to them and if it does, their Prius' and/or bicycles will bail them out.
#33
S
Shughes717
LMao, i guess it did strike a nerve with you. I have never lived in a city in my life, but I don't think I would do much better in an environment like the one y'all are talking about my first season. It would take me a bit to get adjusted to it. I got a mental picture of a city guy trying to get through 2 feet of snow on a bike and can't stop grinning:laughing:
S
Shughes717
Don't get me started guys. I've been around yuppie couples from Denver who move to the "country" and think that "it" will never happen to them and if it does, their Prius' and/or bicycles will bail them out.
LMao, i guess it did strike a nerve with you. I have never lived in a city in my life, but I don't think I would do much better in an environment like the one y'all are talking about my first season. It would take me a bit to get adjusted to it. I got a mental picture of a city guy trying to get through 2 feet of snow on a bike and can't stop grinning:laughing:
#34
K
KD0UTE
I was born and raised in the country within Nebraska, moved to Colorado for the military and finish masters degree. This yuppie was simply asking for recommendations on equipment that does not come cheap. This yuppie thought that a forum based on mowing would be able to provide that information, and most were able to.
Thanks for the advice 1striper1, I will be sure to put some snow tires on my bike and studded tires on my prius, I shouldn't have any problems after that.
K
KD0UTE
Don't get me started guys. I've been around yuppie couples from Denver who move to the "country" and think that "it" will never happen to them and if it does, their Prius' and/or bicycles will bail them out.
I was born and raised in the country within Nebraska, moved to Colorado for the military and finish masters degree. This yuppie was simply asking for recommendations on equipment that does not come cheap. This yuppie thought that a forum based on mowing would be able to provide that information, and most were able to.
Thanks for the advice 1striper1, I will be sure to put some snow tires on my bike and studded tires on my prius, I shouldn't have any problems after that.
#35
S
Shughes717
Lol, let us know what you decided to go with. Mower and plow. Hopefully you can get something that will be able to pull your Prius and bike out of the snow. :laughing:
S
Shughes717
I was born and raised in the country within Nebraska, moved to Colorado for the military and finish masters degree. This yuppie was simply asking for recommendations on equipment that does not come cheap. This yuppie thought that a forum based on mowing would be able to provide that information, and most were able to.
Thanks for the advice 1striper1, I will be sure to put some snow tires on my bike and studded tires on my prius, I shouldn't have any problems after that.
Lol, let us know what you decided to go with. Mower and plow. Hopefully you can get something that will be able to pull your Prius and bike out of the snow. :laughing:
#36
K
KD0UTE
I am down to two. GH 725d and the kubota zd326. Just have to decide whether the attachments on the GH are worth the extra cost. I got quoted 12,500 for the zd326 with 60 inch rear discharge. I got quoted 13,200 for GH with 60" side discharge.
K
KD0UTE
Lol, let us know what you decided to go with. Mower and plow. Hopefully you can get something that will be able to pull your Prius and bike out of the snow. :laughing:
I am down to two. GH 725d and the kubota zd326. Just have to decide whether the attachments on the GH are worth the extra cost. I got quoted 12,500 for the zd326 with 60 inch rear discharge. I got quoted 13,200 for GH with 60" side discharge.
#37
S
Shughes717
What about the GH do you think makes the extra $700 worth spending over the kubota? Not being sarcastic, I am really interested to read your thoughts on what makes the GH worth the extra cost.
S
Shughes717
I am down to two. GH 725d and the kubota zd326. Just have to decide whether the attachments on the GH are worth the extra cost. I got quoted 12,500 for the zd326 with 60 inch rear discharge. I got quoted 13,200 for GH with 60" side discharge.
What about the GH do you think makes the extra $700 worth spending over the kubota? Not being sarcastic, I am really interested to read your thoughts on what makes the GH worth the extra cost.
#38
Z
zmister11
Do you like the rear discharge? I've heard from a few people that it doesn't mulch very well. I would be very mad if I spent that much money if it doesn't mulch it up
Z
zmister11
I am down to two. GH 725d and the kubota zd326. Just have to decide whether the attachments on the GH are worth the extra cost. I got quoted 12,500 for the zd326 with 60 inch rear discharge. I got quoted 13,200 for GH with 60" side discharge.
Do you like the rear discharge? I've heard from a few people that it doesn't mulch very well. I would be very mad if I spent that much money if it doesn't mulch it up
#39
K
KD0UTE
We were able to run it for a short bit on some brome grass/weeds that was about 9-12 inches tall. The clippings were larger than a side discharge no doubt, but it spread it out over the entire 60 inches of the deck so when you looked back it did just lay on top of the cut grass. Granted cutting that tall of grass will be noticeable no matter side or rear discharge. What I liked was the idea of being able to go in either direction to trim near buildings or trees and have less grass blowing back in my face on the windy days. Once the grass is of a normal height like mowing buffalo or blue grass I don't think seeing the clippings would be as bad. There isn't as much clumping as you get with side discharge or at least in that short demo we had. Also not worrying about the side discharge kicking something out and hitting any vehicles or something near by is a plus. I would really like to be able to demo it for an hour or so on my property, but that isn't in the cards.
@Shughes717 - the Difference would be that the GH has the ability to have the extra attachments i.e. snowblower, v-plow etc. Instead of me having to purchase another machine to do that job. I just don't know how effective it truly is and that's what I am trying to research today. Also, the powerfold deck would be extremely useful.
I like the 6.5" depth on the zd326 over the 5" on the GH. But I am still hesitant on the rear discharge.
K
KD0UTE
Do you like the rear discharge? I've heard from a few people that it doesn't mulch very well. I would be very mad if I spent that much money if it doesn't mulch it up
We were able to run it for a short bit on some brome grass/weeds that was about 9-12 inches tall. The clippings were larger than a side discharge no doubt, but it spread it out over the entire 60 inches of the deck so when you looked back it did just lay on top of the cut grass. Granted cutting that tall of grass will be noticeable no matter side or rear discharge. What I liked was the idea of being able to go in either direction to trim near buildings or trees and have less grass blowing back in my face on the windy days. Once the grass is of a normal height like mowing buffalo or blue grass I don't think seeing the clippings would be as bad. There isn't as much clumping as you get with side discharge or at least in that short demo we had. Also not worrying about the side discharge kicking something out and hitting any vehicles or something near by is a plus. I would really like to be able to demo it for an hour or so on my property, but that isn't in the cards.
@Shughes717 - the Difference would be that the GH has the ability to have the extra attachments i.e. snowblower, v-plow etc. Instead of me having to purchase another machine to do that job. I just don't know how effective it truly is and that's what I am trying to research today. Also, the powerfold deck would be extremely useful.
I like the 6.5" depth on the zd326 over the 5" on the GH. But I am still hesitant on the rear discharge.
Attachments
#40
Z
zmister11
Oh okay great. Yeah I would definitely say that the rear discharge has its uses. It would be nice to mow any way you want near houses
Z
zmister11
We were able to run it for a short bit on some brome grass/weeds that was about 9-12 inches tall. The clippings were larger than a side discharge no doubt, but it spread it out over the entire 60 inches of the deck so when you looked back it did just lay on top of the cut grass. Granted cutting that tall of grass will be noticeable no matter side or rear discharge. What I liked was the idea of being able to go in either direction to trim near buildings or trees and have less grass blowing back in my face on the windy days. Once the grass is of a normal height like mowing buffalo or blue grass I don't think seeing the clippings would be as bad. There isn't as much clumping as you get with side discharge or at least in that short demo we had. Also not worrying about the side discharge kicking something out and hitting any vehicles or something near by is a plus. I would really like to be able to demo it for an hour or so on my property, but that isn't in the cards.
@Shughes717 - the Difference would be that the GH has the ability to have the extra attachments i.e. snowblower, v-plow etc. Instead of me having to purchase another machine to do that job. I just don't know how effective it truly is and that's what I am trying to research today. Also, the powerfold deck would be extremely useful.
I like the 6.5" depth on the zd326 over the 5" on the GH. But I am still hesitant on the rear discharge.
Oh okay great. Yeah I would definitely say that the rear discharge has its uses. It would be nice to mow any way you want near houses
#41
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
I see your point. I am by no means an expert on moving snow, but I would think a v plow would be a little easier to push through snow than a blade style at an angle because it will divert snow to either side instead of rolling it to one direction. A diesel mower should be better at moving snow than a gas due to it being much heavier. I hope you get something that works well for you. Let us know what you get and keep us posted on how it works this winter.
#42
1
1striper1
Let's see if your studded Prius get's you out of this. :laughing:
1
1striper1
You are not going to plow out a blizzard swept drive way in Nebraska countryside with an ATV or a over sexed lawnmower. I have never seen a pickup plough that could buck Kansas or Nebraska wind made drifts. Motor graders, bulldozers, and large truck mounted plows and blowers are used most of the time. Buy a used payloader, a large used skid steer, a large tractor with a PTO blower on it. A solid drifted driveway is a very hard thing to clear. ATVs, pickup trucks, SUVs, are very hard to remove from the middle of a driveway a half mile long. Buy as many tools as needed to mow the lawn. Buy as many toys as you want to play on like an ATV. And buy a tool to remove Nebraska snow or make arrangements to have the snow removed long before Halloween. I have cleared a lot of snow in Kansas on a mile long road. In a ten year period I needed help seven times to clear me out from the other end. I had a 656 International Hydro with chains, a bucket loader, loader blade, and back blade. The fuel alone was a major problem to keep enough of on hand.
Let's see if your studded Prius get's you out of this. :laughing: