Newbie-WHICH $3000 ZTR?

V

vetteless

Forum Newbie
Losing the old Cub tractor and getting a Zero Turn. Need to buy local, new, either 48"/50" and at that $3k price point. Here's whats out there at the local shops.

Hustler Raptor-no reviews since its new.
Ariens Zoom 50
Gravely ZT 50
Toro TimeCutter SS5000
Cub Cadet RZTS

I can do my own annual maintenance. Are there any real differences between machines at this level other than color?

Thanks folks!
 
I don't have any experience with any of these mowers, but I do know the Ariens and Gravely you are looking at are pretty much the same machines. :rolleyes:
 
vetteless said:
Losing the old Cub tractor and getting a Zero Turn. Need to buy local, new, either 48"/50" and at that $3k price point. Here's whats out there at the local shops.

Hustler Raptor-no reviews since its new.
Ariens Zoom 50
Gravely ZT 50
Toro TimeCutter SS5000
Cub Cadet RZTS

I can do my own annual maintenance. Are there any real differences between machines at this level other than color?

Thanks folks!
Click to expand...

vetteless,
Yep, just like eluded to by user lawn mower fanatic, Ariens now owns Gravely so the low-end Gravely ZT and the Ariens Zoom are about the same "quality"(I don't believe they are the same machine, one painted red and one painted orange....but I could be wrong). Same goes for a Dixon ZTR made by Husqvarna or an Ex-mark made by Toro(sme mfg, but "most" models have MANY differences in their build/components). How much area will you be mowing and how long do you expect the ZTR to last(durability/longevity is almost always better the more you spend and $3K is pretty well the entry level ZTR so it won't be the same as a $5K model in that same brand). If you are mowing 2-3 acres, 4-5 months/year an entry level might not hold up under that work load. Give us more info and we'll try to give you some advice.
 
djdicetn said:
Ariens now owns Gravely so the low-end Gravely ZT and the Ariens Zoom are about the same "quality"(I don't believe they are the same machine, one painted red and one painted orange....but I could be wrong).
Click to expand...

I could be wrong, too...but to me these mowers look almost identical! :rolleyes:
ariens.jpg gravely.jpg
 
lawn mower fanatic said:
I could be wrong, too...but to me these mowers look almost identical! :rolleyes:
View attachment 14157 View attachment 14158
Click to expand...

lmf,
You are probably right on those entry models, but if you move up one series at a time in each brand you will come to a point where the Gravely is a Gravely and there is nothing comparable on the Arien side(especially in the Commercial series which Ariens never really had before buying Gravely). Same goes for the Dixon/Husqvarna when you get into the Dixon Ram & DX(Commercial) series. Husqvarna did add some "new models" this year that for some reason look a lot like an orange Dixon:0) And probably the same goes for Ariens. This is common in multi-brand manufacturers(the Ex-marks I think have different decks and maybe drives than the Toros, but come off the same assembly line too. User ric can probably elude to the differences/similarities between the Ex-Mark & Toro better than I.
 
lawn mower fanatic said:
I could be wrong, too...but to me these mowers look almost identical! :rolleyes:
View attachment 14157 View attachment 14158
Click to expand...

Ohhhhh! Twins.......
img-thing
 
Seanroos said:
I bought a Toro Timecutter SS 4235 last year and I am having problems with it already.
Click to expand...

Seanroos,
What kind of area and conditions is the lawn(s) you are mowing? What aspect of the ZTR is giving you problems? I never even considered a Timecutter, but did look at the Toro Titan Residential and Z-Master 2000 Commercial. I am pretty leary of any models of ZTR's they sell in the big box stores. Hate to hear you are having problems an hope they are not too serious!!
 
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