Model Overload !!! Help Me Choose ZTR Mid Level

[Carscw]

I have never heard of the zt2800 going bad. I have over 3000 hours on 2 mowers with them. With me on the mower close to 1000 pounds.
Have a buddy that is over 300 pounds still going strong on a 2006 model. Has to have over 6000 hours.
Been on this group for five years do not think anyone has had a bad EZT drive.

 

[BoylermanCT]

The ZT2800 won't go bad with the extra weight, but a 600lb mower with driver will certainly perform differently than a 800lb mower with driver. So given the extra weight, the upgraded drives would be a good thing. Plus the better drives go faster, and that is a good thing!

 

[DK35vince]

No matter where you buy the mower a shop will still fix it. Even if you buy a mower from the same dealer I use. If they are working on your mower when I bring mine in. They will stop working on yours and get mine done first. Why you ask ? Because you only buy one mower every 5 years. I buy 4 every 2 years.

Every 5 years.
I bought mine hoping to get 20 years or more.

 

[Carscw]

Every 5 years. I bought mine hoping to get 20 years or more.

I don't think they make them anymore.

 

[DK35vince]

I don't think they make them anymore.

I'm averaging around 70 hours per year.
20 years will be in the 1400 hour area.
My Super Z looks to be a very well built machine. Should be no problem.

 

[jekjr]

I will second the bad boy.
I been running toro for years and love them. But the past year they have made changes I do not like. I have spent a lot of time deciding what mower to replace my 4 Toro's with.
I have looked at everyone on your list but the craftsmen.
I cut foreclosed homes do I need a mower that can handle abuse. One day I cut nice manicured yards. The next day I might cut 4 foot tall weeds. The only mower that I believe will handle this for $5000 or under is a bad boy. They are built tough and give a great cut.

I have not personally operated a Bad Boy but I know of several in my area that were nothing but junk. Not sure what all was wrong with them other than they stayed at the shop more than they ran.

 

[jekjr]

We just bought a place with 2.5 acres and lots of trees so we are looking for our first ZTR. The ground is a little rough so I've decided to go for a mid level $3-4,500 model with Fab deck. I had no idea how many models there were, and the fact that the only ones on sale are the Craftsman is making it difficult to make a purchase. Information overload. I've narrowed it down to this list. Open to 48 or 54". Curious what others opinions are,
All the specs start running together. I don't know about the underpinnings (nuts and bolts). I figure that is where corners get cut by some manufacturers. I just don't know which ones.

1) Dixie Chopper Zee 2
2) Bad Boy ZT Elite
3) Gravely ZT XL
5) Big Dog Alpha MP
6) Craftsman Pro Series http://www.sears.com/craftsman-24.0...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2 .
(There website doesn't give exact specs, like the others, so I'm not sure it is in the same class. With their 5% back on the Sears card I can get for $3333 right now on the 48", substantially cheaper than the others)

Any others I should take a look at as well?

I would not touch the Crapman for sure. I would strongly look at a Scag Tigercat or Tigercat 2. I know of people in my area that have Tiger Cubs that are 20 years old and running as good as ever. I know we have had incredible results with our Tiger Cats. Gravely makes good mowers as well although I am not sure what model is what.......

 

[jarlaxle]

What did you think of the Zee 2? I am strongly considering one myself. Trying to decide on it vs the Snapper Pro S50XT. The snapper is about $600 more but has 3100 hydros and an FX series Kawasaki engine.