Replacing Finish Mower with a Zero Turn

[Texasmark]

I have three ztr mowers. A JD, Kubota, and Toro. All of them are commercial mowers. The key to cutting rough ground is a good seat and having the tire pressure at recommended levels. I would not consider a Cub Cadet since I dont believe they have the quality they used to.

I agree on the seat comment but for me the recommended tire pressure absolutely not.

 

[Texasmark]

I love my Country Clipper ZT made in Corydon, Iowa. The best thing about it is the joy stick steering, twin sticks are obsolete.

I tested the CC because of the tilt deck. Reason I didn't buy it was because of the manual lift feature and with the 5' deck I wanted it was too heavy for me to lift. Hustler had a motor driven tilt deck I looked at several years ago. Didn't buy it because it was new on the market, I was curious as to the motor's life cycle, and to get the deck to tilt up you had to remove/change the position of several things to get it ready to lift. Just passed on it.

 

[BradCNY]

There's a place in Akron that sells used turf equipment, mostly from golf courses. They may have a commercial out front mower like what was pictured. Most of their equipment has very high hours so I would be careful. Finch turf equipment for JD equipment, or Moffets in Rochester for Jacobson equipment. Both those may have used mowers for sale. An out front mower will ride better than a Zero turn. A zero turn advantages is if you have a lot of obstacles to mow around.

 

[wh]

Bought a jd x485 with a 62 inch deck in 2003. Biggest deck/mower they had at time. Have 900 hours on it now. For area i mow would not consider a zero turn. Had to have lawn mowed last week due to back injury. Guy used a zero turn. Had to leave a few spots unmowed. Generally takes me 4 hours with the 485. Guy with the 60 inch zero mower did it in 3.75 hrs. Not much difference. Stick with a conventional mower if possible several will be using it would be my suggestion.

 

[StuartM]

It is for our Rod and Gun Club. Mow 2 acres of lawn weekly, about 2+ hours. May -October. I am looking at Cub Cadet and Bad Boy at Tractor Supply and Cub Cadet at local Kubota dealer. We just can't afford a Kubota, Ferris, or Dixie Chopper. Cub Cadet run from $3400 to $7300. Haven't priced the Bad Boy yet. I used one of them 6-7 years ago and was not favorable impressed. Do we buy based on cost? The Cub Cadets I have priced have Kew. engines rather than Kholer. Any other recommendations? Family has owned Dixie Chopper and Toro. Toro is old, maybe 20 years and just keeps chugging along.

Try looking at a gravely with upgraded seat and suspension front casters. There are many gravely mowers in my area that are 10 plus years old

 

[StuartM]

Not familiar with a finish mower to which you refer.

How rough is the terrain? I have rough terrain on my farm and a lower cost, stock ZT is an absolute joke. You need to spend some money to get into a comfortable seat if the machine is hard wired (rigid suspension/frame) like most. I bought a mid range Ferris thinking the springs would solve my problems and it had a very nice upgraded seat but the springs didn't do what I thought and the front rode better without those. Kept the rears and replaced the tires with ATV snow lugs, 2 ply 5 PSI max inflation pressure which were a marked improvement over OEM issue turfs.

The tiny front idler wheel tires are always needing to be aired....older the machine the worse it gets. Things like backing up cause the fronts to change directions and that puts strain on the sidewalls of the fronts inviting leaking. The more you air the fronts, the worse the ride especially if you try solid fronts that don't leak down....brutal.

Another problem is 3 blades. In the wetter months, the manufactured deck with its welded, right angle joined components just loves to cake up with grass and I have tried about all the tricks to prevent it unless not using the machine till later on in the summer when the plant moisture and environment are dryer. What works in the wetter conditions is the "stamped" 46" conventional, 2 blade riding mowers. The rounded corners and the absence of the center third blade work a lot better to prevent clogging and the conventional is softer riding and is all I use anymore this time of year.

Over the years (lots) I have spent lots of time, effort, and money to get this problem solved and what I said above is about the best I can do for now. Good luck.

What brand zero turn do you have?
Our 60 inch ferris and gravely don’t plug up or clump up

 

[kencombs]

I'm still happy with my Hustler Fastrac w/Kawasaki. 60" deck. Starting its 6th season. I used to use, and still have, a 60" deck on a JD455. The 455 is less than 1mph slower than the Hustler but mowing time is much less with the ZTR.

I mow about 4 acres weekly between mine and daughters place.

But, I gotta admit, the JD is much easier on the back and butt. Time savings and ease of use(less backing/turning/etc) more than make up for the ride issues.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

It is for our Rod and Gun Club. Mow 2 acres of lawn weekly, about 2+ hours. May -October. I am looking at Cub Cadet and Bad Boy at Tractor Supply and Cub Cadet at local Kubota dealer. We just can't afford a Kubota, Ferris, or Dixie Chopper. Cub Cadet run from $3400 to $7300. Haven't priced the Bad Boy yet. I used one of them 6-7 years ago and was not favorable impressed. Do we buy based on cost? The Cub Cadets I have priced have Kew. engines rather than Kholer. Any other recommendations? Family has owned Dixie Chopper and Toro. Toro is old, maybe 20 years and just keeps chugging along.

Bill
Old saying , you get what you paid for. Sounds like you are looking at cheapest box store home owners grade not commercial grade . Yet most home owners don't move 2 acres.
Why not look at an old farm tractor and a 6 ft rear mounted mower. Years ago I bought a Jubilee and a 6 ft woods mower for $5,000 because I had 2 acres to mow. The tractor was rebuilt. A tractor rides many times better than any XTR. I retired the Ford after buying a Kubota with a cab, because this time of the year I'm allergic to grass mold. My Ford is a backup mower in case something happens to my Kubota or Farmall C.
My boss would not trade here Farmall for the biggest and best ZTR. Think about tractors. The Federal prison in Terre Haute uses a John Deere and gang mowers..

 

[Hobo,NC]

It is for our Rod and Gun Club. Mow 2 acres of lawn weekly, about 2+ hours. May -October. I am looking at Cub Cadet and Bad Boy at Tractor Supply and Cub Cadet at local Kubota dealer. We just can't afford a Kubota, Ferris, or Dixie Chopper. Cub Cadet run from $3400 to $7300. Haven't priced the Bad Boy yet. I used one of them 6-7 years ago and was not favorable impressed. Do we buy based on cost? The Cub Cadets I have priced have Kew. engines rather than Kholer. Any other recommendations? Family has owned Dixie Chopper and Toro. Toro is old, maybe 20 years and just keeps chugging along.

A local friend that sales used mowers buys them from this guy he's headed out in a week are so to pick up a few. I had a neighbor looking for a Z turn we just missed a deal from this place.

Bill's Implement Sales | 4485 E Bayshore Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452

Bill's Implement Sales carries a huge selection of commercial landscaping equipment from industry leading brands.

www.billsimplement.com

 

[WNYBill]

I am looking at the Cub Cadet ZTX 54 or 60 inch. It has Hydro gear 3100 which is just below commercial, they are 3200 and up. Best price around $6400. A Kubota is about $2000 more for a similar machine. I am preparing a presentation for tonight's meeting. Anybody familiar with this model?

Bill
Old saying , you get what you paid for. Sounds like you are looking at cheapest box store home owners grade not commercial grade . Yet most home owners don't move 2 acres.
Why not look at an old farm tractor and a 6 ft rear mounted mower. Years ago I bought a Jubilee and a 6 ft woods mower for $5,000 because I had 2 acres to mow. The tractor was rebuilt. A tractor rides many times better than any XTR. I retired the Ford after buying a Kubota with a cab, because this time of the year I'm allergic to grass mold. My Ford is a backup mower in case something happens to my Kubota or Farmall C.
My boss would not trade here Farmall for the biggest and best ZTR. Think about tractors. The Federal prison in Terre Haute uses a John Deere and gang mowers..

That's what we have been using, a JD 40 and 6ft finish mower. The tractor is old and tired and I broke the finish mower Monday. Couldn't replace the tractor and mower for $15K and we don't have 15K. I've been using a zero turn for 20 + years at my house. I've found a new 2024 Cub Cadet ZTX 5 for

 

[WNYBill]

Bill
Old saying , you get what you paid for. Sounds like you are looking at cheapest box store home owners grade not commercial grade . Yet most home owners don't move 2 acres.
Why not look at an old farm tractor and a 6 ft rear mounted mower. Years ago I bought a Jubilee and a 6 ft woods mower for $5,000 because I had 2 acres to mow. The tractor was rebuilt. A tractor rides many times better than any XTR. I retired the Ford after buying a Kubota with a cab, because this time of the year I'm allergic to grass mold. My Ford is a backup mower in case something happens to my Kubota or Farmall C.
My boss would not trade here Farmall for the biggest and best ZTR. Think about tractors. The Federal prison in Terre Haute uses a John Deere and gang mowers..

Couldn't find a used tractor and mower for less the $15K and would still be fixing somebody else's problems. Have been riding a zero turn for 20 years at my house. In fact we use our worn out Toro to trim the club. It will mow nearly as fast as the JD/6 ft finish mower. I've found a Cub Cadet ZTX5, one step below commercial, for $6500. I'm still trying to fix the old finish mower I broke Monday (hit a piece of steel and tore the bearing carrier out of the deck).

 

[StuartM]

I am looking at the Cub Cadet ZTX 54 or 60 inch. It has Hydro gear 3100 which is just below commercial, they are 3200 and up. Best price around $6400. A Kubota is about $2000 more for a similar machine. I am preparing a presentation for tonight's meeting. Anybody familiar with this model?

That's what we have been using, a JD 40 and 6ft finish mower. The tractor is old and tired and I broke the finish mower Monday. Couldn't replace the tractor and mower for $15K and we don't have 15K. I've been using a zero turn for 20 + years at my house. I've found a new 2024 Cub Cadet ZTX 5 for

I would stay away from cub cadet. Quality has gone down hill

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Couldn't find a used tractor and mower for less the $15K and would still be fixing somebody else's problems. Have been riding a zero turn for 20 years at my house. In fact we use our worn out Toro to trim the club. It will mow nearly as fast as the JD/6 ft finish mower. I've found a Cub Cadet ZTX5, one step below commercial, for $6500. I'm still trying to fix the old finish mower I broke Monday (hit a piece of steel and tore the bearing carrier out of the deck).

I recently bought a used 6 ft landpride 2572 finish mower for $650 and Ford 6000 on Craig's list is listed for $3000

https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/grd/d/clayton-600-ford-tractor/7845961335.html

About 15 years ago I bought a Farmall c with a 6 ft woods belly mower for $1500

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/grd/d/westville-john-deere-750-diesel/7825480204.html

Might get the mower too.

 

[JMOR]

For wide open acreage, I suppose OK, but I hate the D*** Zero turns in my yard! Just destroys it....& don't tell me it has to do with operator, because I have used several landscape companies.

 

[GermantownGreen]

I'll second that question. I mow three acres with a Ford 2N pulling an old-style (side discharge) 5' finish mower. My riding mower (33 tears old) blew its head gasket for the second time last year, and I said enough and bought a Scag with a 22 horse Kawi engine to trim around stuff. Paid 6 grand for it, I hope I never come to regret that,

But in any case, not in a thousand years would I mow the lawn with the Scag. It is a designated trimmer for spots you can't get the Ford into, and that's all it will ever be. I will continue to mow my lawn with the Ford. It takes about 45 minutes to do the three acres, and that leaves me maybe a half hour of work with the Scag. I don't understand why it takes you that long to mow 2 acres.

PS: Texasmark is right on the money. Unless you spend a fortune or are mowing golf course greens, you will quickly come to regret the ride of a ZTR when used on a large area. My advice is: don't.

As far as brand recommendations go- I got the Scag because a friend who mows school district lawns for a living told me to not even think about another brand. So far, I think his advice has been solid.

Father in law has scag. It's seat is nice. Deck is tough. I have a country clipper, made in Iowa, it's tough, not as good seat as his.
Was easier to buy than his. GG Wes

 

[docmirror]

I mow a 3200' turf runway. I use a 60" Ariens Ikon with the Kaw engine. It's been flawless for many years. I replaced three blades last month. BTW, it's important to balance blades even new blades need balance before mounting. Getting around trees and posts and other things make the ZTR much faster. Ariens and Gravely are made in the US, except the Kaw engine.

They are not the cheapest, but you'll be riding it a long time.

 

[Hobo,NC]

I mow a 3200' turf runway. I use a 60" Ariens Ikon with the Kaw engine. It's been flawless for many years. I replaced three blades last month. BTW, it's important to balance blades even new blades need balance before mounting. Getting around trees and posts and other things make the ZTR much faster. Ariens and Gravely are made in the US, except the Kaw engine.

They are not the cheapest, but you'll be riding it a long time.

I brought my son a 52" Ariens Ikon with the Kaw engine its got to be the worst mower ever made. Its a $3500 home owner special
@ 175hr every bearing bearing bumper to bumper was shot. Just a simple belt replacement is difficult.

 

[showcrop]

I bought a ten year old Ferris with 1,000 hours on it for $1500.00 fifteen years ago. It came with a spare spindle and a spare hydraulic pump. I have had to replace a coil, a gas filter, a tire, a belt, and blades. It rides very well, I have yet to find any grass build-up under it. For my money a used commercial grade will outlast a new homeowner unit by two times.

 

[WNYBill]

At our meeting last night, the in-house welder says chances of fixing the finish mower are slim. Rust and not enough material and the vibration will make welding iffy. We voted to buy the Cub Cadet ZTX5 with the 3200 hydro gear trans axels. The ZTX 6 is considered commercial. Price was right and I hope to talk them into waiving the sales tax as a donation. Warranty, 4 year, 800 hr and lifetime on the frame and deck. Dealer , not a big box store. Checked FB Market Place and there were a lot more Ferris and Kubota than Cub Cadets. but couldn't see buying somebody else's problems. We have a nice JD 420 for sale!

Thank you all for the advice.

Bill

 

[showcrop]

At our meeting last night, the in-house welder says chances of fixing the finish mower are slim. Rust and not enough material and the vibration will make welding iffy. We voted to buy the Cub Cadet ZTX5 with the 3200 hydro gear trans axels. The ZTX 6 is considered commercial. Price was right and I hope to talk them into waiving the sales tax as a donation. Warranty, 4 year, 800 hr and lifetime on the frame and deck. Dealer , not a big box store. Checked FB Market Place and there were a lot more Ferris and Kubota than Cub Cadets. but couldn't see buying somebody else's problems. We have a nice JD 420 for sale!

Thank you all for the advice.

Bill

Buying someone else's problems is why we all have and love our old tractors, right?