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ZTR vs Compact Tractor
#1
B
bckskin2
B
bckskin2
I mow around 5 acres some trees, some pine tree, a hill and some ditches. I have a JD X500 and a New Holland TC30 with a finish mower. The finish mower is OK for pastures, but scalps badly.I get tired of doing all the mowing with the JD as it kills my back. I want a ROPS for the ditches. I have a good JD, Exmark, and Dixon & NH. dealers close. I keep waffling between a ZTR and a compact tractor. The ZTR is pretty much a one trick pony, but does that trick really well. A compact with a mid mount can do a lot of things. I might even get crazy and trade the NH in on a newer tractor with a mid mount.
Suggestions?
Suggestions?
#2
Vanousb
Vanousb
If you are mowing for a lawn look or looking to cut your mowing time, i would go zrt. Seems you have tractors for doing tractor stuff.
You mentioned trees and ditches, but what about hills? Gates? All questions to influence which zrt? What is your budget? A better zrt that will last will cost more than a lowes or other box store residential. Easy to get up into big dollars quick.
I have an 2013 Exmark pioneer s series 60 inch cut with 27 hp kohler. You mention jd killin your back. I have comfort seat on my pioneer and its good. Better than others i drove when looking. Looking at total suspension seat for even better. Each brand usually has seat upgrade. I Went from 2.5 hour to 1 in mowing time. Have 3 plus acres that was field, so still little rough, with slight hill on back end with more area in future that i mow. I wanted more commercial like mower features with long term durability, great traction, power, big fabricated mowing deck, etc. as well as smoother ride. Also wanted local dealer i trust and a warranty i valued...so Exmark it is for me. Drove gravely, bad boys, and hustlers along with the exmark before deciding. The pioneer just felt the best to me for money paid. I suggest driving a demo of each you are looking at to feel the difference.
The makers you mention will all have there own models to meet your needs. What does your new holland carry for zrts? NH here carries bad boys and kubota mowers.
The folks on this site will be very helpful with opinions. They were to me. Each is serious about thier choice of mower they own and will tell the pros and cons of it.
Be sure, with zrts, that you compare apples to apples...each brand has residental level, almost commercial level, and commercial level mowers.
You mentioned trees and ditches, but what about hills? Gates? All questions to influence which zrt? What is your budget? A better zrt that will last will cost more than a lowes or other box store residential. Easy to get up into big dollars quick.
I have an 2013 Exmark pioneer s series 60 inch cut with 27 hp kohler. You mention jd killin your back. I have comfort seat on my pioneer and its good. Better than others i drove when looking. Looking at total suspension seat for even better. Each brand usually has seat upgrade. I Went from 2.5 hour to 1 in mowing time. Have 3 plus acres that was field, so still little rough, with slight hill on back end with more area in future that i mow. I wanted more commercial like mower features with long term durability, great traction, power, big fabricated mowing deck, etc. as well as smoother ride. Also wanted local dealer i trust and a warranty i valued...so Exmark it is for me. Drove gravely, bad boys, and hustlers along with the exmark before deciding. The pioneer just felt the best to me for money paid. I suggest driving a demo of each you are looking at to feel the difference.
The makers you mention will all have there own models to meet your needs. What does your new holland carry for zrts? NH here carries bad boys and kubota mowers.
The folks on this site will be very helpful with opinions. They were to me. Each is serious about thier choice of mower they own and will tell the pros and cons of it.
Be sure, with zrts, that you compare apples to apples...each brand has residental level, almost commercial level, and commercial level mowers.
#3
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
Do you use your tractor for anything other than mowing, such as gardening or pulling trailers? If so then you will be disappointed in a zero turn. If you are only mowing and you want a great cut in half the time then a commercial zero turn is the only way to go. I mow 4.2 acres and I will never own anything other than a zero turn. I don't want to spend 5 hours on my short weekends mowing. Completely agree with the post about trying the mowers before you buy. Some dealers around here will bring a mower to a potential customer's property and let them demo their product. Probably not a good idea to purchase any mower brand that does not have a dealer in your area. If you ever do need to get parts it could be a nightmare. You mentioned having ditches to mow and 5 acres. You will need at least a semi commercial ztr so be prepared to spend somewhere between 5000 and 7000.
#5
BKBrown
BKBrown
If you have hills and could use some additional attachments --- check out the Ventrac Tractors.
www.ventrac.com/
The 4231 is in my avatar.
www.ventrac.com/
The 4231 is in my avatar.
#6
Vanousb
That is what my Exmark dealer did for me. Brought the demo to my house and let me mow my entire yard to see how it felt. Gravely, Hustler, and Bad Boy dealers let me ride it in the space beside the dealerships. Got a feel for all four, but liked to know how it was ride on my own yard.
Vanousb
The Dixon dealer will let my try a unit at home.
That is what my Exmark dealer did for me. Brought the demo to my house and let me mow my entire yard to see how it felt. Gravely, Hustler, and Bad Boy dealers let me ride it in the space beside the dealerships. Got a feel for all four, but liked to know how it was ride on my own yard.
#7
R
Rd05lly
R
Rd05lly
I was kicking the idea around too. I went ZTR as mostly used for mowing most compact are under powered for anything but mowing. You have a tractor i would keep it and get a ZTR.
#8
Buckeye10
Buckeye10
Buy an ExMark. When I worked for a landscaping company out of high school for 2 years that is all they had. The owners did zero maintenance at all to these things. Their idea of an oil change was to add some. The oil was jet black. They never did one oil change during the 2 years I worked there and my buddy who worked there also can back this up. I couldn't believe the way they took care of their equipment. 4 years later I saw my old company mowing on the exact same ExMarks. They are just tough and durable machines. That was back in 2003. I bought mine in 2008. It still runs like its brand new. I actually do oil changes unlike my old employer but I would definitely recommend this mower to anyone.
#10
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
Most of your ztr manufacturers offer the same engines and pumps so the comment about choosing a brand because the oil didn't have to be changed makes no sense. You should look for local dealer support, and the brand that you felt most comfortable with. They will all ride and handle a little different. Everyone on here that owns a zero turn can give you good insight on the some of the things that made them choose their mower over the other brands they looked at, but I can tell you that they are all fine mowers. You should test the mowers and choose the one you think is the best fit for your job. They all have specific strengths. Some brands have better dealer support in your area that I may not have in my area. I see the gravely mowers on here frequently. Look like great mowers, but I don't have a dealer near my area. Some will offer a mower with top end components for the same price that other brands offer for mowers with mid level components.
#11
djdicetn
If you have a nearby Gravely dealer, I recommend that you look at them before deciding. They have been manufacturing farm & lawn equipment since 1916 and are some of the most solid and durable ZTR's you will find. Ariens bought Gravely a few years back so they would have a fully Commercial line but they didn't change anything about the way they build them. If you demo one of their Pro-Turn 100 XDZ's I think you'll be thoroughly impressed. Here's a link if you want to check out the specs and pricing(just click on Find A Dealer):
Pro-Turn 100 Commercial Zero turn Mower
djdicetn
I mow around 5 acres some trees, some pine tree, a hill and some ditches. I have a JD X500 and a New Holland TC30 with a finish mower. The finish mower is OK for pastures, but scalps badly.I get tired of doing all the mowing with the JD as it kills my back. I want a ROPS for the ditches. I have a good JD, Exmark, and Dixon & NH. dealers close. I keep waffling between a ZTR and a compact tractor. The ZTR is pretty much a one trick pony, but does that trick really well. A compact with a mid mount can do a lot of things. I might even get crazy and trade the NH in on a newer tractor with a mid mount.
Suggestions?
If you have a nearby Gravely dealer, I recommend that you look at them before deciding. They have been manufacturing farm & lawn equipment since 1916 and are some of the most solid and durable ZTR's you will find. Ariens bought Gravely a few years back so they would have a fully Commercial line but they didn't change anything about the way they build them. If you demo one of their Pro-Turn 100 XDZ's I think you'll be thoroughly impressed. Here's a link if you want to check out the specs and pricing(just click on Find A Dealer):
Pro-Turn 100 Commercial Zero turn Mower
#12
B
bckskin2
B
bckskin2
Dixon DX 161
The Dixon dealer sold the 72", but he has a DX161 demo unit he will sell for $6,500.00 the DX260 is too rich for my blood unless I want to start a lawn service. I my bring it home and try it in the real world.
The Dixon dealer sold the 72", but he has a DX161 demo unit he will sell for $6,500.00 the DX260 is too rich for my blood unless I want to start a lawn service. I my bring it home and try it in the real world.
#13
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
Re: Dixon DX 161
The Dixon dealer sold the 72", but he has a DX161 demo unit he will sell for $6,500.00 the DX260 is too rich for my blood unless I want to start a lawn service. I my bring it home and try it in the real world.The Dixon dx161 is plenty of mower for your job. Fx series Kawi engine, zt3400 hydros, and blue is a great color. Good looking machine. Let us know if you pull the trigger on it.
#15
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
Re: Blue
Have you demoed the mower yet? If so how did you like it?
Blue does match my New Holland TC30 that I bought from the same dealer.
Have you demoed the mower yet? If so how did you like it?
#16
djdicetn
djdicetn
Re: Dixon DX 161
The DX161 comes with either a Kawasaki FX or Briggs & Stratton Commercial. I hope the demo you are looking at has the Kawa. In the Fall of 2012 I made a counter offer to my Dixon dealer of $6,150 OTD on a DX152 with the Kawa(his best price was $6,391). He never responded to my counter offer. If that DX161 has the Kawa, I would offer $6,500 out-the-door(my dealer is showing the DX161 for $10/month for 48 months @ 0% interest which comes out to $7,680....BTW, don't believe otherwise, whenever a dealer offers 0% financing there is a $200-$300 financing "fee" built into the price otherwise the finance company would go out of business). At $6,500 OTD that DX161 with a Kawa engine would be a very good deal!!
The Dixon dealer sold the 72", but he has a DX161 demo unit he will sell for $6,500.00 the DX260 is too rich for my blood unless I want to start a lawn service. I my bring it home and try it in the real world.
The DX161 comes with either a Kawasaki FX or Briggs & Stratton Commercial. I hope the demo you are looking at has the Kawa. In the Fall of 2012 I made a counter offer to my Dixon dealer of $6,150 OTD on a DX152 with the Kawa(his best price was $6,391). He never responded to my counter offer. If that DX161 has the Kawa, I would offer $6,500 out-the-door(my dealer is showing the DX161 for $10/month for 48 months @ 0% interest which comes out to $7,680....BTW, don't believe otherwise, whenever a dealer offers 0% financing there is a $200-$300 financing "fee" built into the price otherwise the finance company would go out of business). At $6,500 OTD that DX161 with a Kawa engine would be a very good deal!!
#17
B
bckskin2
B
bckskin2
Ultra 52"
Dixon Ultra 52 - Zero Turn Mowers The dealer is going to bring out a Ultra 52" for me to try. It is a 2013 and I can get it less that the ZTRs at the big box stores. The only things I am not thrilled with is no roll bar and the Kohler engine, but at $2,500.00 less that the DX it looks like a bargain. What is the problems with the Kohler engine for residential use?
Dixon Ultra 52 - Zero Turn Mowers The dealer is going to bring out a Ultra 52" for me to try. It is a 2013 and I can get it less that the ZTRs at the big box stores. The only things I am not thrilled with is no roll bar and the Kohler engine, but at $2,500.00 less that the DX it looks like a bargain. What is the problems with the Kohler engine for residential use?
#18
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
Re: Ultra 52"
Good looking mower. If the hills and ditches you mow are very steep I would still look at the dx, the zt3100 hydros don't quite handle hills as well at the zt3400 and zt5400 do. Wouldn't want an 800 lb mower rolling on top of me without a rops either. If the ditches are mild you should be ok. Nothing sold at a box store will suit your needs. You are on the right track. Had a kohler on a residential tractor mower for 10 years with minimal problems. I prefer the Kawi though.
Dixon Ultra 52 - Zero Turn Mowers The dealer is going to bring out a Ultra 52" for me to try. It is a 2013 and I can get it less that the ZTRs at the big box stores. The only things I am not thrilled with is no roll bar and the Kohler engine, but at $2,500.00 less that the DX it looks like a bargain. What is the problems with the Kohler engine for residential use?
Good looking mower. If the hills and ditches you mow are very steep I would still look at the dx, the zt3100 hydros don't quite handle hills as well at the zt3400 and zt5400 do. Wouldn't want an 800 lb mower rolling on top of me without a rops either. If the ditches are mild you should be ok. Nothing sold at a box store will suit your needs. You are on the right track. Had a kohler on a residential tractor mower for 10 years with minimal problems. I prefer the Kawi though.
#19
djdicetn
djdicetn
Re: Ultra 52"
How much is the dealer asking??? Does it have a full Warranty?? The Kohler Courage(Google is your friend) has a history of problems due to design flaws, but it may only be the single cylinder Courage engines. Another user on the forums got an Ultra with the Kohler twin and seemed to be real happy with it. Strict adherence to maintenance(oil/filter change after break-in, then every 50 hours) and that Kohler Courage Pro may serve you just fine for Residential use. See what the dealer would charge you to add a ROPS to it. Also, a suspension seat can be added(highly recommended upgrade on a ZTR), but I don't know what that cost would be. If you are getting it at a very good price, you may still get a great deal with adding a ROPS and suspension seat. The ZTR itself....ZT-3100 trannies, fusion blades & cast iron spindles is a very good Residential ZTR, and would be a minimum match for your needs......but with you mowing 5 acres with it I would still recommend the DX Commercial series. What's the scoop on that DX161? It'll have the ROPS, the ZT-3400's, Kawa FX Commercial engine w/canister dual stage filter and an 11gal fuel capacity(won't need to refuel in the middle of cutting 5 acres). It's really your better choice to meet your needs. You still may want to check into upgrading to the full suspension seat for mowing 5 acres!!
Dixon Ultra 52 - Zero Turn Mowers The dealer is going to bring out a Ultra 52" for me to try. It is a 2013 and I can get it less that the ZTRs at the big box stores. The only things I am not thrilled with is no roll bar and the Kohler engine, but at $2,500.00 less that the DX it looks like a bargain. What is the problems with the Kohler engine for residential use?
How much is the dealer asking??? Does it have a full Warranty?? The Kohler Courage(Google is your friend) has a history of problems due to design flaws, but it may only be the single cylinder Courage engines. Another user on the forums got an Ultra with the Kohler twin and seemed to be real happy with it. Strict adherence to maintenance(oil/filter change after break-in, then every 50 hours) and that Kohler Courage Pro may serve you just fine for Residential use. See what the dealer would charge you to add a ROPS to it. Also, a suspension seat can be added(highly recommended upgrade on a ZTR), but I don't know what that cost would be. If you are getting it at a very good price, you may still get a great deal with adding a ROPS and suspension seat. The ZTR itself....ZT-3100 trannies, fusion blades & cast iron spindles is a very good Residential ZTR, and would be a minimum match for your needs......but with you mowing 5 acres with it I would still recommend the DX Commercial series. What's the scoop on that DX161? It'll have the ROPS, the ZT-3400's, Kawa FX Commercial engine w/canister dual stage filter and an 11gal fuel capacity(won't need to refuel in the middle of cutting 5 acres). It's really your better choice to meet your needs. You still may want to check into upgrading to the full suspension seat for mowing 5 acres!!
#20
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
Re: Ultra 52"
Agree with your post. What part of tennessee do you live in djdicetn?
How much is the dealer asking??? Does it have a full Warranty?? The Kohler Courage(Google is your friend) has a history of problems due to design flaws, but it may only be the single cylinder Courage engines. Another user on the forums got an Ultra with the Kohler twin and seemed to be real happy with it. Strict adherence to maintenance(oil/filter change after break-in, then every 50 hours) and that Kohler Courage Pro may serve you just fine for Residential use. See what the dealer would charge you to add a ROPS to it. Also, a suspension seat can be added(highly recommended upgrade on a ZTR), but I don't know what that cost would be. If you are getting it at a very good price, you may still get a great deal with adding a ROPS and suspension seat. The ZTR itself....ZT-3100 trannies, fusion blades & cast iron spindles is a very good Residential ZTR, and would be a minimum match for your needs......but with you mowing 5 acres with it I would still recommend the DX Commercial series. What's the scoop on that DX161? It'll have the ROPS, the ZT-3400's, Kawa FX Commercial engine w/canister dual stage filter and an 11gal fuel capacity(won't need to refuel in the middle of cutting 5 acres). It's really your better choice to meet your needs. You still may want to check into upgrading to the full suspension seat for mowing 5 acres!!
Agree with your post. What part of tennessee do you live in djdicetn?
#21
djdicetn
djdicetn
Re: Ultra 52"
Wilson County/Mount Juliet...where R U?
Agree with your post. What part of tennessee do you live in djdicetn?
Wilson County/Mount Juliet...where R U?
#22
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
Re: Ultra 52"
Friendship in Crockett county. West Tennessee. We are about 3 hours apart. Glad to see a fellow tennessean on here.
Wilson County/Mount Juliet...where R U?
Friendship in Crockett county. West Tennessee. We are about 3 hours apart. Glad to see a fellow tennessean on here.
#23
djdicetn
djdicetn
Re: Ultra 52"
Yep, I've seen several other Hillbillies like myself posting on these forums over the last couple of years:0)Friendship in Crockett county. West Tennessee. We are about 3 hours apart. Glad to see a fellow tennessean on here.