My first ZTR

[Kangel]

Hi to all and glad to be in forum because I know there is plenty of experienced people here.
I'm looking to buy my last mower I will ever need hopefully, right now I have two craftsman riders for my 1.5 acres that I mow, I'm almost 57 and I want the job done quicker. I want a ztr.
Budget...$4000 to $5500. From my reading, I would want a lower end commercial mower instead of a residential. "More Power"..heh. Built better. Right? Looking between 44 and 48 inch cut.
Questions: What is going to be my best engine for this size mower?
Can you guys suggest some ztr models for me and why they would be good chioces, pro's and cons.
What about the kind of deck?
I really want a nice comfortable ride also.
Which hydro 2800 or 3100?
Thanks if you can help, I done so much looking on the net my head is spinning.:confused2:

 

[woi2ld]

same here.......i dont know where to start ..........i would luv to narrow it down to just 3-5 ZTR's so i can make a decision OR JUST A FEW TO DEFINATELY CONSIDER

 

[Kangel]

Could someone atleast comment on a 24hp Kawasaki FR engine, I was looking at the Gravely, not sure about the motor, mower looks good but I'm not buying squat without hearing from some satisfied buyers.:smile:

 

[Black Bart]

Could someone atleast comment on a 24hp Kawasaki FR engine, I was looking at the Gravely, not sure about the motor, mower looks good but I'm not buying squat without hearing from some satisfied buyers.:smile:

The Kawasaki is very good I would rather have that than a Kohler or Briggs.

First step is what brand does local dealers sell.
If at all possible buy from a reputable dealer near you, You don't want to drive 50 miles every time you need service.

Usually their are John Deere dealers near every location and they are excellent machines, also look at Simplicity.

You say you want a mower that will last that means you don't want the throw away mowers.

Regardless of brand if it retails for less then 5K it is not going to last as long as you want it to.



Tell us what brands are near you then we can better help.

 

[Kangel]

Well the only dealers around here that sell specific brand is John Deere and Club cadet. There are other places that sell numerous brands so they don't count I guess. What would I have to spend then if 5 grand won't get me there?

 

[Black Bart]

Well the only dealers around here that sell specific brand is John Deere and Club cadet. There are other places that sell numerous brands so they don't count I guess. What would I have to spend then if 5 grand won't get me there?

How far are the other dealers from your home.

Of the 2 you mention it would be a easy choice for me the JD for several reasons.

Unfortunately you will not get a commercial mower for 5K you will have to settle for a residential mower.
I have a 180 JD that is 25 years old and it probably has another 25 years left in it.

The 180 is a residential mower so if you take care of one it will last a long time.

 

[KennyV]

Like Black Bart has said, a true commercial grade ZTR is going to be more $$...

It would seem you are wanting a machiene you are going to take care of and expect it to last... A comercial line mower will do that.
But with reasonable care, a few of the best made residential ZTR mowers could also handle 1 and a half acres for a long time with no more than regular parts replacement.

There are just too many cheep throw away brands included in the residential group to make it an easy selection... You will have to come up with a list of possible, and then see the comments on particular models...

Do you regularly do your own service work... ? If you do, you'll be familiar with a design that is easy to work on..., look at the most replaced items... blades and belts... some are a real challenge to do the most routine work...

There is a wide range of low priced mowers... but not so many well made & serviceable mid priced ... :smile:KennyV

 

[Black Bart]

The Z465 with a 62 inch deck retails at $5449.00 but in the spring they have factory rebates of about $350.00 plus most dealers will go a little under list.

In the Spring you could probably get one for 5K but today their is no rebates.
Only incentive now is 12 months same as cash NO INTEREST

Z445 with a 54 inch deck retails #4749.00

 

[Kangel]

Like Black Bart has said, a true commercial grade ZTR is going to be more $$...

It would seem you are wanting a machiene you are going to take care of and expect it to last... A comercial line mower will do that.
But with reasonable care, a few of the best made residential ZTR mowers could also handle 1 and a half acres for a long time with no more than regular parts replacement.

Could you suggest some of these residential mowers so I can look at them?

 

[wildbill]

ZTRs are fun to mow with. I have 2.9 acres of which I mow about 1.5 acres. I have a 42" Craftsman rider, it takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours to mow. I'm 63, retired, live on SS and mower repair jobs. If I had money 2 burn, which I don't, I might get a ZTR but only for the fun of it. My 42" Craftsman is going into its 12th season, have changed blades a couple times, belts once. but, I do take good care and keep it up.

If I had a suggestion for a purchase I would look seriously at Xmark, Scagg, and Toro. The Kawasaki motor on the Xmark is a great motor. As far as comfort goes, take a look at someone mowing with a ZTR.... the faster you go, the more you bounce. So, comfort is mowing at a moderate speed whether its a rider or a ZTR. As for one that will last many years, its all dependent on the TLC provided. :thumbsup: