Wife and I are buying a new house. 2.3 acres, lots of trees, house, pool, detached garage, shed, and one out-building...so, guessing I will have closer to 2 acres to mow. Haven't dealt with a lawn mower since I was a kid...and I don't want to mow this with dad's old Simplicity Broadmor 727...though, I hope that the mower I buy last that long (still mowing with that 1969 mower).
So, first question. Zero Turn or Garden Tractor? As I see it, we will get a separate snow blower...so, no worries there. But, I want to make sure I can pull an aeriator, dethatcher, lawn roller, spreader, and small garden trailer full of mulch. Does this limit me to the tractor?
Everyone is telling me Zero Turn is faster/better and to go that direction regardless. So, if I go that way, what one? I have looked at Spartan RZ 55", Gravely ZT 52", Snapper Pro 360Z 52", Toro, Hustler Raptor SD 54", John Deere Z525E 48", Ex-mark ???, and Simplicity Courier 52". Aside from cost, what should I be looking for or at? The only thing I can tell is that the Simplicity has shocks...but, is that important or just another item to wear out and cost $$$? So far, the dealers I have visited all say that John Deere is overpriced (except the John Deere dealership). And, all the delaers agree that the Toro is sub-par (even the Toro dealers are directing me to other models on their showroom).
Just on the surface, the Spartan seems really nice but at the higher end of my budget. The other one I see that I like is the Simplicity.
Advice please...
So, first question. Zero Turn or Garden Tractor? As I see it, we will get a separate snow blower...so, no worries there. But, I want to make sure I can pull an aeriator, dethatcher, lawn roller, spreader, and small garden trailer full of mulch. Does this limit me to the tractor?
Everyone is telling me Zero Turn is faster/better and to go that direction regardless. So, if I go that way, what one? I have looked at Spartan RZ 55", Gravely ZT 52", Snapper Pro 360Z 52", Toro, Hustler Raptor SD 54", John Deere Z525E 48", Ex-mark ???, and Simplicity Courier 52". Aside from cost, what should I be looking for or at? The only thing I can tell is that the Simplicity has shocks...but, is that important or just another item to wear out and cost $$$? So far, the dealers I have visited all say that John Deere is overpriced (except the John Deere dealership). And, all the delaers agree that the Toro is sub-par (even the Toro dealers are directing me to other models on their showroom).
Just on the surface, the Spartan seems really nice but at the higher end of my budget. The other one I see that I like is the Simplicity.
Advice please...