Looking for a heavy-duty rural use ZTR.

[Locust Cutter]

Hello all, new member here from KS!
A bit of background: I mow between 4.5-5 acres/week (4.5 is un-improved to barely improved rough) of Bermuda, native/Prairie, weeds and otherwise. I'm currently using a 50" deck Deines 1800HT, which is OK, but not what I'm looking for. It's under-powered and I don't like how quickly the deck fouls up in dry, healthy grass, much-less wet weeds (the rest of the machine is great). I try to mow often enough to only cut 2-2.5" max, but sometimes I'm cutting 4-5". I'm looking for used, but may finance a new unit and am brand agnostic. I am specifically looking for a 60" front-deck ZTR, preferably diesel, with a bagging option (easily/quickly convertible to discharge, otherwise it'll be a rear-discharge) with twin tail wheels and either a suspension or spring seat. I am non-commercial at this point, but will likely be commercial again in the future and have much harder usage conditions than most city mowers. I also am mowing ditches with a 30-45 degree slope, s stability is a concern. I'm looking at the 700 series Grasshoppers and the H-Series Walkers right now, but am curious if there are any other GOOD choices. I need something reliable, tough, flexible and worth the money (assuming 4-14K depending on age/condition, attachments). I primarily discharge but would like to able to bag at times. Are there any stand-out choices, or units to avoid?
Thank you in-advance and God Bless!

 

[Rd05lly]

Go with the grasshopper side discharge to bagging in mins. They are also built in KS power fold deck is sweet too.

 

[Shughes717]

Grass hopper and walker are both known for quality front deck mowers. What brand dealers do you have near by? John deere front deck mowers are ok. Have some experience with them. They are a little too pricey for me, but you can't beat the dealer support.

 

[Locust Cutter]

Go with the grasshopper side discharge to bagging in mins. They are also built in KS power fold deck is sweet too.

I'm thinking about it strongly.

Grass hopper and walker are both known for quality front deck mowers. What brand dealers do you have near by? John deere front deck mowers are ok. Have some experience with them. They are a little too pricey for me, but you can't beat the dealer support.

Most of the major ones are close at hand with good dealers: Grasshopper, Toro/Exmark, Walker, Hustler (I've been through their plant and it's something else), Deere, Scag, Dixon, Zipper, Deines (Marty-J), Ferris, Gravely, Bad Boy, Dixie Chopper and Wright (that I know of). However for a diesel, front-deck, 61"+ ZTR, It looks like Grasshopper and Ferris are the about the only choices. Now I'm torn between the 725D, 930D and F8000x... I may have to Demo a few.

 

[BKBrown]

It's not a Zero Turn, but if you are looking for heavy duty and multiple attachments -- check out Ventrac !

 

[Shughes717]

Personally I am a big fan of ferris, but I only have experience with their mid mount line. Have you considered the is5100z? My uncle is mayor of a small town near where I live. They use front mount grasshoppers and love them. The kubota max torque diesel seems to be a great engine.

 

[Vanousb]

I would highly advice demoing the ones you get it down to. If possible see if the dealer will let you demo on your one property. Will help you get a feel for each. definitely helped me in making my decision this year.

 

[DSepe]

Demo the units you like. Most websites have a page in which you can set up demos. The only one you listed that I have seen in action is the F800X at my Uncle's farm...and yes it is a badass machine! Just because you mentioned 30-45 degree slopes I will throw in the Dixie Chopper XCaliber 4X4.