Looking to buy a ZTR. Been shopping and researching for about a month. Want to stay under $3K. Yard is 1.1 acres. Front third is level. Middle third has the house on it with lawn on both sides of the house. Back third slopes down 15% to 20% for about 30 feet. Rest at the back is level. 20+ trees and mulch bed areas (which I why I've decided on a ZTR). While overall the yard is pretty smooth, there are several areas that are bumpy, with lots of ridges and rocky areas, etc.
I've narrowed my search to:
- Cub Cadet RZT50 (22hp). I think I could get it for about $2700.
- Cub Cadet RZT42 (20hp). I think I could get it for about $2300.
- Husqvarna RZ5424 (24hp). I think I could get it for about $2700.
- Husqvarna RZ4619 (19hp). I think I could get it for about $2400.
- Toro Timecutter Z4235 (22 hp). I think I could get it for about $2600.
- Ariens Zoom42 (16.5 hp). I think I could get it for about $2200.
Anyone have any strong opinions about which would be best for me? Specicially:
1) Anyone worried about units with lower HP (e.g. <22) given the slope in the middle of my yard?
2) Anyone worried about units with larger decks (e.g >42in) might not handle the dips and bumps well?
3) Anyone feel strongly about one brand over another?
4) Anyone feel strongly about buying from big box retailer v. yard equipment retailer v. online?
Thanks!
I've narrowed my search to:
- Cub Cadet RZT50 (22hp). I think I could get it for about $2700.
- Cub Cadet RZT42 (20hp). I think I could get it for about $2300.
- Husqvarna RZ5424 (24hp). I think I could get it for about $2700.
- Husqvarna RZ4619 (19hp). I think I could get it for about $2400.
- Toro Timecutter Z4235 (22 hp). I think I could get it for about $2600.
- Ariens Zoom42 (16.5 hp). I think I could get it for about $2200.
Anyone have any strong opinions about which would be best for me? Specicially:
1) Anyone worried about units with lower HP (e.g. <22) given the slope in the middle of my yard?
2) Anyone worried about units with larger decks (e.g >42in) might not handle the dips and bumps well?
3) Anyone feel strongly about one brand over another?
4) Anyone feel strongly about buying from big box retailer v. yard equipment retailer v. online?
Thanks!