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Zero Turn Mower recommendations

Yesterday's Tractor Forums
L

Logan in SE Texas

Member
Good morning all,
I have a 13 yr. old Gravely Z1542, which has 15hp Kohler engine and a 42" deck. Engine still runs strong but I made the mistake of buying the "homeowners model which means the drive motors are sealed. I have great service from dealer who was just starting out and has grown considerably. The frame has several large cracks and I am no longer willing to spend money on it.

I am definitely going to buy a "Commercial grade" this time. Also will be moving up in deck size, mowing about 1.5 acres. Of course price is always a factor but I know a commercial grade will last 15-20 years because I will maintain it.

What brands do y'all prefer? Size recommendations are also welcome. TIA!
 
I mow about the same 1.5 to 2 acres I have a cub cadet 54in 27hp kohler its 10 years old and have had very little trouble with it I use to mow with a 42 love the 54 cut my time about 1/4
 
I have a Scag, solid as a rock, but would buy a Ferris if getting new, they have independent suspension.
 
I have had a "Grasshopper" front mount diesel for about 6 years now. The only things I have done to it were changing the blades and the oil. It has a Kubota diesel engine, but you can get them with gas engines also.
 
I bought a new Bad Boy Lightning Z, with a 60 inch deck, in 2010. It has the Kawasaki 26 HP engine. I mow about 4 acres with it, including around the barns and outbuildings. The only things I have ever done to it is change the oil, grease the chassis, and replace the blades. It is built heavier than most other brands that I looked at. I fully expect it to last for many more years. It might even outlast me.
 
I have a Ferris commerical mower I like it. It's made in USA in NY state. Independent coil over shock, suspension on all for corners, 61 inch deck, 26 hp Briggs heavy built weighs 1300lbs. It's 4 yrs old all I have done is maintanence. They make diesel models up to 72 inch decks.
 
I have a 52" Gravely with 25 HP Kohler, and its heavily built and simple, with good access to everything. No problems yet, but have only had it since last fall.
 
(quoted from post at 09:42:31 05/01/18) Good morning all,
I have a 13 yr. old Gravely Z1542, which has 15hp Kohler engine and a 42" deck. Engine still runs strong but I made the mistake of buying the "homeowners model which means the drive motors are sealed. I have great service from dealer who was just starting out and has grown considerably. The frame has several large cracks and I am no longer willing to spend money on it.

I am definitely going to buy a "Commercial grade" this time. Also will be moving up in deck size, mowing about 1.5 acres. Of course price is always a factor but I know a commercial grade will last 15-20 years because I will maintain it.

What brands do y'all prefer? Size recommendations are also welcome. TIA!
Click to expand...

you have the best brand... upgrade to a commecial. I've got a zt-hd54 with the Kawasaki engine..best machine I've ever had and was about 4200+ about 4 years ago. Bought it online so no tax and drove about 100 miles to pick it up...

john
 
I know this is not quite what you were asking, but I bought a Hustler Raptor 52" deck from Lowes. I bought it because it was the best (only) choice that I had found at the $3000 price point that met my requirements. I wanted a Kawasaki 23 horse motor and a 52" WELDED deck. I have had it for 2 seasons and love it. The only issues I have had with it are that I hung a belt in some brush and had to replace it and thorns. I have had a devil of a time keeping the tires inflated. But I don't think that brand makes a difference with thorns (I have both Locust and Osage Orange trees).

Unlike my lawn tractor, I can go at full speed and it does a beautiful job of cutting the grass. It has cut my mowing time in half.

If you are looking for a low priced, semi-commercial mower, I would suggest looking at the Hustler Raptor.

Cliff(VA)
 

I bought a Country Clipper. 42" deck. Joystick controls. Kohler Courage engine. Starting on the 6th year. I also mow about 1 1/2 acres. I've done nothing to it other than change the oil and filter once per year, and sharpen the blades. Just now finished mowing for the first time this year. Never a hick-up or glitch.
 
If my 28 year old Honda rider would ever die, I think I'd go Kubota.

I'm mowing about an acre around the house. Probably overkill, but I would rather have a troublefree machine that would likely be the last one I'd ever buy.

Neighbor has a Husquvarna with Kawasaki engine and some parts seem good and others look pretty cheap.
 
Ive mowed couple acres for 18 years with a 50" husky mower with briggs engine.. Dont know that I personnaly would pay the dollars for commercial.. when you can buy a few like mine for the cost..

I change the oil and greese.. replaced few belts but still going strong.. I did recently buy a cub 50" as a backup because the husky is gettin up in years..

two cents worth..

I will say this.. I have heard from more then a few that have 60" decks that they wish they would have stayed with a 54" or 50" mowed better..

ok three cents worth..
 
I don't have any personal experience but the guys mowing professionally in my area are using Bad Boy, Dixie Chopper, and Scag.
 
I would not recommend Toro. Before mine had 5 hours on it I ran over a small stump a little more than an inch in diameter and it tore up the transmission. They covered it under warranty but it makes me a nervous wreck every time I mow afraid I will hit something.
 
Should have said this in original post.
My wife and I both have back and neck issues, I have looked hard at Ferris because of their suspension system. Is it worth the money???
 
We've had a Gravely commercial ZTR (60" deck, 25 HP Kohler) for 15+ years and 1,100+ hours of mowing. Aside from a deck spindle bearing failure it has been absolutely bullet-proof. Only service it's needed are routine belt and blade changes.

Would buy another in a heartbeat!
 
I have a ferris, works great. Suspension is indeed helpful, but remember, they are short wheelbase, so all ride ruff. BUT, suspension is suspension! No issue with parts, belts are available from Vbeltsuppoly.com at a very reasonable price and arrive in 2 to 3 days. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
 
It was for me, I go to the chiropractor once a week for years. If I ride the JD very long it takes me quite a while before I can strighten up and walk. I did add the suspension seat that Ferris has to mine also, guite price though. I can hop of the Ferris and walk like a normal person.
 

I have a Ferris that is 15 years old. I bought it 5 years ago. I have had to replace the hydraulic motors drive belt and an ignition coil. I have been happy with it. I get the parts from the same place as I get some Ford parts: Messick's on line store.
 
(quoted from post at 22:00:23 05/01/18) Should have said this in original post.
My wife and I both have back and neck issues, I have looked hard at Ferris because of their suspension system. Is it worth the money???
Click to expand...

Yes, absolutely. The Bad Boy I mentioned that I have in my first reply to your question also has four wheel independent suspension as well as a suspension seat. I tried out several different models and brands before buying this one, and the suspension really does make a difference. At the time I bought mine, the same basic machine was offered in both suspension, and non-suspension models. Having tried both, I highly recommend the suspension.

I would also recommend the Ferris mowers. However, I have no Ferris dealers near me and have three different Bad Boy dealers to choose from. So, I went with the commercial grade Bad Boy. It has been solid for 7, going on 8 years now.
 
I have a Toro Z Master with suspension seat and enjoy it. Kawasaki engine runs great. I cut several yards a week with it. About 800 hours on it and have only replaced belts and fluids.
 
(quoted from post at 02:59:09 05/02/18) My wife and I both have back and neck issues, I have looked at Ferris because of their suspension system. Is it worth the money???
Click to expand...

Hard ride the #1 reason I went with Exmark's Suspension Platform. It would have a Kawasaki engine no mater what I brought...

Exmark has a suspension platform.
Gravely has a air ride seat
Ferris some sort of shock system.

If I were were looking for the best ride it would be one of those three...
 
I have a Ferris that is 15 years old. I bought it 5 years ago. I have had to replace the hydraulic motors
Click to expand...

I'd be disappointed if I had a 15 year old machine that needed new hydraulic motors. What failed?
 
Lots of recommendations. I will offer my two cents. I bought a 725 diesal grasshopper a couple years ago and am happy with it. Couple reasons I went this route, one was the front mount deck which makes it easy to get under bushes etc. Other reason was dealer network. I have three active dealers within a 40 mile radius of me. My only other option on the front mount deck that I could find in my area was Walker. They also look like a good machine but only one active dealer and he is about 50 miles out.

I would actually recomend either of these units but more important is what your dealer support is. Of consideration also is the age of your dealer. Not many guys starting up a small engine shop from scratch anymore.

jt
 
Not all Ferris mowers have suspension, and not all that do have the fully independent suspension (swing axle front). I don't know why more zero's don't have suspension but they are very limited.

For suspension mowers I was looking at Ferris, Badboy and Spartan. They all have models with independent suspension, including the seats. If you haven't heard of Spartan look them up, they are a fairly new company based out of Arkansas . Spartan brand is from the guy that was half owner of Badboy before he split. Badboy and Spartan seem to be similar in options/builds ( imagine that..)
 
(quoted from post at 20:58:24 05/01/18)
I have a Ferris that is 15 years old. I bought it 5 years ago. I have had to replace the hydraulic motors
Click to expand...

I'd be disappointed if I had a 15 year old machine that needed new hydraulic motors. What failed?
Click to expand...

When reading it the next day I realized that it could be misleading. The motors didn't fail. It was the belt that powers them. It is extremely important though, to keep after the filter and oil changes because the pumps and motors are very expensive.
 
I mow with a 1987 John Deere F935. This is not a zero turn but it will turn sharp leaving about a one foot patch. I can say this, the Yanmar diesel engine is Flawless. Gobs of power. Do get a suspension seat. I like what is have since it does have a steering wheel and no joy sticks. I have been working hard to mow less. I mow about 1/2 and acre less today than three years ago. leaving some areas stand and grow to weeds with a one mower wide path to walk. Since I have been doing this I have noticed a increase in birds, rabbits, butterflies and bees. A big increase in bees. I also use not herbicides or pesticides.
 
WOW! Thanks for all of the replies and the information contained in them! This place is amazing, such a broad wealth of knowledge and experience AND so many WILLING to share. It will be within the next year that I pull the trigger on this, right now I am leaning heavily towards Ferris because I am about to move to within two miles of an established dealer. Thanks again!
 
I bought a new Cub Cadet TANK 2 years ago, 27 hp Kawasaki V-twin, 54 inch deck, full suspension seat and pivoting frt axle. Rides smooth enough for me in my yard. Cut my mowing time from 4 hours to about 2-1/2 hrs, was using 982 Cub Cadet with 50 inch deck. The deck on the Tank cuts SO much better than the old CC tractor deck. I used to crank on the steering wheel sawing back and forth turning around till I couldn't raise my arms, with the Tank I move the joy sticks a little and change speed and direction effortlessly. But I can't drink beer while I mow, have to use both hands all the time on the Tank.

Only other zero turn I would consider is a Bad Boyz, full suspension, Kawasaki engine, and I could "Mow with an Attitude", Love those commercials with Mallory Clark!
 
i bought a new one last year and we are pleased with it, my wife likes it so much she hid the keys for it keeps every one else off it....
 
When reading it the next day I realized that it could be misleading. The motors didn't fail. It was the belt that powers them. It is extremely important though, to keep after the filter and oil changes because the pumps and motors are very expensive.
Click to expand...

Ah.. Got it now. I had read it as the motors needed replacing.
 
Quite a few have mentioned the importance of being near or having a good dealer. Do these machines have issues that easy access to the dealer is important?

I'm serious. When I buy a machine like a mower, rototiller, etc, I don't expect to see the dealer again for years and years. Parts like filters and blades and maybe belts are all I would expect to need for a long time and you can buy those from pretty much anyone or on-line.

What type problems might one expect to have that would make having a dealer nearby important?
 
I went with a Scag with the small frame and 61 inch deck and Kawasaki engine at the recommendation of the dealer. I kept my last two Scag mowers for 10 years each. Couldn't be happier with any of the three purchases. Make sure to upgrade to the suspension seat if the model you buy does not have it as standard equipment. Ask your back after several hours on the mower and you will have the answer.
 
Hi, check out the grasshopper zero turn on the net. they have some real smart features. There's one at the golf course near me. Ed Will Oliver BC
 
Got both ,A Skag 61? turf tiger 27 kohler.One tuff rascal.Its 14 years old havespent$12.00 on it other than regular maintenance.also got a Ferris 3200z/37 hp Briggs big block as for the mowers one is as tough as the other,But the Ferris rides like a dream. The old Skag is tuff as nails.The Ferris is a 72?,Don?t think it burns as much gas as the Kohler.Love them both.put a pair those cleated tires on th Skag it will climb like a goat..Will put a set on the Ferris as soon as they start making that size.
 
Last year I bought a Ferris IS (industrial service)700Z 61" with the BS Vanguard with the premium air filter for $7200. I bought it because of it's suspension system primarily.

Front of mower deck is sloped which keeps clippings from blowing up over the deck and piling up like happens with my vertical front 52 DR Pro IZ and Fastrak 44.
The deck is high so there is good room for clippings to sweep out, which with the blade speed (fast) sweep the clippings far enough out to the side that a cross wind of 10-15 mph doesn't blow them back in your right eye.
It has a Rops so I had a place to put a 52" wide plastic canopy. Seat is the deluxe with thick foam.

The 26 Vanguard is a good solid engine. Usually I only run ? power. Had a Kawasaki engine offered but I have no experience with them. Fuel consumption is not an issue with it nor any of my BS engines for that matter.

Changes I made:

Soft ride is an absolute must so I changed the 22x10-12 (wheel diameter) 4 ply turfs to 22x10-8 (giving me a large balloon area to contain lots of air to absorb shocks) and went to 2 ply soft sidewall ATV tires with tire pressure around 6-8 psig...thing just floats. I got the snow stud type tread as I mow my pond with it too and the sides are a ⅓ slope requiring good traction for the 1000# machine. The tire shape and with the studs gives me super traction with minimal turf disturbance like was the problem with the bar-lug tires I put on the DR to do the same job, years ago.
Added springs under the seat which it didn't have to assist in the soft ride requirement.

I use large diameter, thin wire springs I saw under the seat of a Cub Cadet ZT at a TSC one day. Being the dimensions I quoted, they are very softly sprung.....not like most riding mowers which resemble engine valve return springs.

Problems:

As with any mower, cutting wet grass in the spring is a problem with buildup under the deck. In thinking it would be nice to have a flip up deck I explored some with it and it just wouldn't work for me and the places I mow. So I took some PVC and made a 3 nozzle squirter that I run up under the deck when finished mowing...turn the water on, shooting vertical into the underside of the deck and run the engine at full rpms with the PTO on (me sitting in the seat) for a few minutes. If I do this every time I mow I don't have a buildup problem.
 
I second Spartan!! Going to be the big thing I think. They are reasonably priced for what you get and are built like a tank. E.A. Nelson Company In Florence, AL is a dealer and sells ALOT of them. They should have really good prices and will ship anywhere.
 

I have a front deck diesel Grasshopper, good mower but the hydros have gotten weak and need replaced, I like the front deck but the machine sets low and is easy to get stuck, especially in a soft ditch line.
Bought a Gravely ZT HD 7 years ago and had no issues with it, last year Gravely updated the ZT HD with larger tires and a much improved seat, dealer allowed $2000 trade on our old mower so we upgraded, new ZT HD can also be equipped with roll bar and canopy, which we got along with the LED headlight kit.
Wife has only allowed me to use it once.

I do like the looks of the Farris front suspension, also like the pivoting axle on the Kabota mid mounts but that dealer asked $2k more over the Gravely's price for a comparable model.

Lots of good mowers out there, for me dealer support is key to the brand I'd purchase. In my area our Gravely dealer is the best, but he also sells Ferris, we had already made the deal before looking at a Ferris, but we are happy with another Gravely.
 
I think Kawasaki is a better engine than Kohler. Most hydraulic motors are made by same company I understand. A cub Cadet is cheaper than more commercial grades but is a good mower. I do volunteer mowing with one and it has held up well. I own a scag with a couple acres and it is a sturdy mower. Like everything else, you get what you pay for.
 
I'm a little late to this conversation, but I saw a video earlier that was quite interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7p0YNsZTHI

If money is no object, the very best machine I've ever seen in my life is made right near here in the tiny little burb of Greenbush, Minnesota. It's the Altoz brand (yeah, I'd never heard of them either) and they're built in the same plant that builds Central Boiler outdoor wood boilers. Here's their web address:
https://altoz.com/

I can tell you for sure, I'll never have a need for that kind of investment. They're pretty darn awesome, but I'd prefer to go with an older tractor with a rear bush cutter or a belly mower, depending on what I'm cutting.
 
I use a Deere 1435 front mount, 72", steering wheel operated, but basically zero turn thanks to the wide deck. Replaced a Grasshopper-built Woods 1680 with 48" deck and collection system. The wide deck does not cut quite as well, but the time saved is a good trade off- this ain't no golf course. Yanmar diesel runs great, and I can buy all consumables at the same time as I service all the other tractors. This has come a long way from my first zero turn, a 76" Yazoo three-wheeler with 16 horse single-cylinder Wisconsin.
 
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