I like the optional front flex forks for rough lawns. How does the Big Dog Alpha compare to the others you reviewed? Great Brand recognition = quality. YOU.AREDA.MAN!! There a many good brands but Ive used SeaFoam for years and its always worked well. Any thoughts on Gravely ZT XL model versus a Toro for my situation? PLEASE ADVISE. 2. The John Deere mulches, bags and side discharges the best of all the 42-inch ZTRs on the market. Hi JD, I have no problems with any of the engines. Just tell your friends about Todaysmower.com and MovingSnow.com. With the warmer weather and the rain weve had in North Texas, especially the last and projected next week, I have rye thats about a foot tall right now! It cuts well and is built like a tank. BTW Did you have a chance to look at the Bradley frame compared to the Bobcat? Not so much focused on comfort. The offset deck sticks out more on the left of the mower making it very easy to trim around stuff. I mow about 3 acres. The two best are Stihl and Husqvarna for the U.S. market. The Walker will also give you the best cut out of all the mowers and stripes as well as the best commercial decks. Toro TimeCutter MX Mulch Kit. What are your thoughts on these 3 mowers. Hi Rob, The Boulevards deck is definitely strong enough to step on it. Do you think ZTRs would handle this? As an old fart who has been using ZTRs since they were introduced in the early 90s Im going to tell you a secret no one else will tell you today. And maybe I wouldnt really be able to tell the difference. At 1350 pounds it weighs 50% more than a similar size residential mower. They both cut well and will last you a long time. I know you dont recommend buying used but Im looking at a Deere Z930M with 300 hours. The dealer will be glad to sharpen and balance them while its in for the tune-up. Please help! Hi Paul, want your view on a commercial quality/HD zero like the Scagg Tiger II 60ish deck, grasshopper, JD etc. Youll need to sharpen the blades twice a year and replace them every 2-3 years. That said, the larger displacement of the Kohler (725cc) will give you more torque going up the hills with thick grass. While the ZT2 would last much longer, my boss decided to go with the Jonsered tractor and its Costco guarantee even though Costco does not guarantee any product past the manufacturers warranty. I can buy a 2019 for 6K out the door ? Both are good engines. Of course, Im always partial to Exmark. Its not a bad idea for the first year. Change the oil, air filter, and the belts as needed. I like 60-inch decks but the 52-inch deck is plenty big for your lawn. The second brand is Country Clipper. Fabricated Deck 23 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin Gas Engine Zero Turn Mower with Lap Bar ControlAvailable at, Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 54 in. What would you recommend? I would never pay more for a Kawasaki FR than I would for a Kohler 7000. I have a rather small yard no more than 1.5 acres but I have a serious spinal cord injury that causes a very painful condition and constant mind numbing back pain so I probably shouldnt cut grass at all but I enjoy it and it allows me to feel productive which is something I miss ever since someones carelessness left me disabled about 4 years back. My main wants are dependability, comfort and look of cut. And trying to spend around $4-5k tops. If you still want to pick up the mulched leaves then get this sweeper> Agri-Fab 44 in. I researched and asked around about the engines and decided that all engines need good upkeep, and good clean air filtration is paramount. If she plans on being at her job for a while ask her to cost-justify the Ultima compared to the Jonsereds. Dave. Personally, I use Mobil One in all my engines and Ive never had an engine failure on any of my gas powered equipment, cars or trucks. I never recommend paying extra for the Kawasaki name. Hi Jake, I like the Ariens better. I got 1/3 acre to mow with not much obstacles in the way (4 trees). Well scratch my last replythe more I talk to my neighbors with riding mowers the more I hear that they wished they wouldve gone with a bigger deck even for our small 1/3 to 1/2 acre yardsIll hear that around 50 is what people think is enough/wish they wouldve gotten. The Vanguard is B&S true commercial engine. The John Deere 345r and the new Cub Cadet Ultima mowers are the best right now for bagging. Hi Paul and thank you for all the information, knowledge and insights you provide. I really like the cut of the fabricated deck on the Toro MyRide. Hydro-Gear ZT 3100 transmission. Blower has a steel blade. Now I own a house and boy there so much information about lawn mowers. Also, like the Ariens Facebook page. Turning downhill can cause the mower to lose traction and slide down the slope. It has a very small, cheap engine. John Deere Z530M. Ive compared the MZ Magnum and the ZT Elite to the Raptor SD and SDX and read many positive and negative reviews. Hi Chris, Quick change over to mulch or bag. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, 2022 The Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers Why Is, This article covers the EGO POWER+ 42 Z6, Ryobi Ryobi, Cub Cadet Lawn Tractors and Garden Tractors Good lawn tractors, Latest Deals at Cub Cadet Take 15% Off All PRO. Ryobi 75AH Less maintenance for upkeeping but couldnt find anything along with reliability, cut/bag/mulch, and they only sale at home depot (heard you should stay clear from big box stores for equipment). Its a few dollars more than the Ariens, but I like having a local dealer in case anything goes wrong. This will be my first zero turn. Do you think one would last longer than the other, or be more durable, or function better, or offer better traction? With the SmartSpeed you can easily pull 350 lbs without hurting the tranny. I have both brands and I use them all the time. Hi Daron, Would you please point me to where you read or heard that Toro only has a tow limit of 85lbs? Im looking to get something from Home Depot because I have A LOT of gift cards saved up. Please Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Please Note:If you click on most of the links in this article and buy any product I will make a small commission from that sale. This makes the TimeCutter machine prone to overheating and wearing out quicker than it should. They didnt have the optional step and grab bar, but I was able to get on and off by stepping on the deck and using the hand support in front of the left armrest to balance. We store towels, medicine, toiletry supplies, first-aid gear, massage devices, facial steamers, spare Painting your garage is a great way to improve the look of the space and make the walls easier to clean. Not because of serviceability but most of the other brands mow a lot better. The for the advice Paul. Quality of cut is secondary, because it is a rough country yard. I also have a tow behind cart I use for hauling dirt, rock and mulch. Hi Frederic, The 75742 is an excellent choice and a great value. This feature is mostly overlooked, but its highly important if you mow obstacle-filled lawns to ward off the possibility of damaging any important part in an accident. They are nice because once they are installed you dont need to mess with them for weeks at a time. My current seat does not have (that I can find) any electrical connections and a seated person is required to start the mower. Hi Adam, When the Husqvarna MZ came out 10 years ago there were very few ZTRs in the high residential/entry level pro category but today there are many more that have stronger frames, better cutting decks and ride better. Hi Rob, My first choice is the Ariens IKON XL at Home Depot. lol I was originally thinking the Toro 75742 or cubcadet ULTIMA ZT1-42 solely based on customer reviews and price but now Im wondering if I should spend the extra to get the Toro 75755 due to the MyRide. They are the same price. Which one do you think would be more durable? It cuts better and will last longer without any minor or major repairs. The ZT 3400 is the industry standard commercial tranny and youll find it on most commercial ZTRs in the $8000-$14,000 price range. I am enjoying your site. Thanks for the quick reply. They finally realized that their real mission was to make the best mowers for fewer people instead of making mowers for the masses. Have I helped you? Thanks for the response. Other than that I dont have a preference. My ground is uneven in places, due to settling. The MX5075 is a good choice because of the suspension seat butIn this case, they add the suspension but to keep the cost down they use a normal ZT2200 residential transmission. Its very comfortable to useand built well. Its very similar to the ZT X but has the stronger ZT2800 drives. I just think the Deere is a more refined machine, and it looks it. Seems as though your recommended ZTRs come from Big Box stores, which I prefer to purchase from a dealer. Look at this way, your paying the same amount as the Cub, and then making only a few additional payments to get a superior machine. Its not a popular brand and I dont know anyone who actually owns one meaning I dont know enough about it to tell you if its good or bad. It is more on the lush side in the spring and fall. Warren, RI, Hi Mike, I knew you would like it! Added to that if I ever move to a bigger lawn I wont have to buy a new mower. Hi Jeff, The Ariens IKON XD and the Gravely ZT X are the same mower. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. EL Mehdi (Medi), the founder and voice behind Desired Lawn Mower. Ill try and stop by to ask them if they are having the frames farmed out. (About $400 to replace) Im very nervous about recommending the Hustler Dash. thanks for your great reviews. Hi iamdgw, The Titan does not have the Smart Speed. Ive been using a walk behind for the past 5 years. 2022 The Best Residential Zero Turn Mowers, 2022 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 2022 The Sixteen Best 48-52 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 2021 The Sixteen Best 54-72 Inch Residential Zero Turn Mowers. Going to demo the Walker very soon and if I can manage to escape the seduction, Ill head down the road and pick up the Clipper saving a few bucks. RYOBI. Any advice would be well appreciated. You also have the Ariens XL 60 and the Hustler SD 60 at around the ZT2 price. They have two that I recommend. Looking for a workhorse that will last, not difficult to maintain, power through high grass, good cut and smooth ride. I often allow the grass to reach 10. The Model R is a culmination of over 40 years of commercial experience. In terms of riding stability and safety (making turns) on a 15 degree slope, would a 46 zero turn with a steering wheel be more stable than a lawn tractor with a 46 deck? The 375 gives me the R package, a 54 deck, and the 25 HP ELS engine. May 28, 2020 / Cub Cadet ZT2 or Toro Timecutter #4 They are both priced roughly the same, have similar specs and both carry 3 year unlimited hour warranties. I am looking at Scag Liberty z 48 and Bobcat ZT2000 48, Both look fairly similar. I rate products differently than most sites. Dont be surprised if your neighbors take videos just to show their friends how fast you are mowing . Both have heavy-duty fabricated decks and Kohler/Kawasaki engines. Here is my review: Cub Cadet hauler Ill put a picture below. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Toro timecutter HD or I dont think youll be happy with Husqvarna 254 over the years. A Cub Cadet owner can also purchase armrests for their mower, whereas the Toro doesnt accommodate this extra convenience. Hi Chris, The Ferris IS600z is a commercial mower and is really overkill for 2 acres. Check out my article here on the Toro Titan. But you are saying that isnt the case? Do you recommend I go with a 42 inch or 50 inch deck zero turn? The Intek is the standard Briggs engine and is found in lawn tractors under $2000 and ZTRs under $3000. Hi Larry, There is nothing wrong with the Toro or ExMark except the sales didnt meet Toros expectations. Its not the FX (commercial version) that everyone feels is the best engine on the market. (The lawn was wet both times that this happened.) Youll find a tag with the model and serial number. It has really helped me through the process of shopping and gaining confidence with my decision. This simply means you wouldnt need to bend over and grease now and then, and you also wouldnt experience any spindle problems with the Cub Cadet ZT1. Which one is quieter? Also I heard ztr tear up your grass, is this user error or do I need a feature to prevent this? The Radius E is the entry-level commercial Exmark. Think you figured that out. Its a much lighter weight mower than the Toro or Cub Cadet. Are they dependable? You'll find gas-powered models . Thanks for all you do to help your readers. It is straightforward and simple to use. ZTRs are NOT designed to pull things. The APEX is one of those mowers that it a solid step up from the MZ61. Looking around at other manufacturers They are all charging $800-$1100 for the ZT 2800 trannys over the ZT 2200. It uses ZT3200 commercial transmissions. The new model #991145 Gravely Compact Pro 44 Commercial mower is having many problems. I suggest mowing at 4 inches and then mow in the late afternoon. Aceitar Recusar. At the time I spent about $2k more because I was told it was a premium mower. (I live in central Ohio). I would need about 20 hours per year out of the machine, at about 45 minutes per cut. You will also find that both machines use a dual hydrostatic drive system for ultimate maneuverability and ease of ride. I appreciate any suggestions that you can offer. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 has a similar build. If the last what could the cause be? They are equipped with an exceptional suspension system to tread you on slopes angled at a crazy 20 degrees, surpassing the usual 15 degrees making it one of the best zero turn mowers for hills. You are using an out of date browser. Both are serviced by local dealers. The Walker Model R actually comes with the Kohler KT620 engine. I also like the Gravely/Ariens in that price range. The used one would be $900 cheaper, but it actually looks a little rough to me, including seat tears. 2. https://www.russopower.com/bob-cat-quickcat-48-stand-on-mower-20-5hp-kawasaki, https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bradley-Mowers-48SC-BS24V-48-Hydro-Drive-Stand-On-Compact-Zero-Turn-Mower-Briggs-Vanguard-24HP-Electric-Start/857626337?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227101833639&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=s&wl2=c&wl3=217425214023&wl4=pla-351178471162&wl5=9007349&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=857626337&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjw8LTmBRBCEiwAbhh-6DkrXIHh6wBIoiq3Nq8irCQhs-bWBoJAYhEHyGtOPxcEuDgjojV9gxoCVFQQAvD_BwE. I prefer a mower where the operator (not the whole mower) has a suspension seat. Commercial ZTRs 60 inches or wider are also rated for 15 degrees but because of the weight, a few can run on 20-degree slopes. Is the 3-blades on the Ariens an advantage for mulching? I was looking at this one from Home Depot: I would like to get something better preferably a zero turn to handle the flower beds but I am open to any suggestion you might have. Yes, there are after-market manufacturers that make pull behind leaf vacs but that doesnt mean you should be putting one behind your zero-turn. It helps keep the fuel fresh and some stabilizers also clean your carb and fuel system without messing it up. Come and get it in Northern Wisconsin. All of these machines seem to be comparable to each other but of course theyre a lot of money and I definitely want to make the right choice. I think I would prefer the new one. 35 HP Kawasaki FX1000v (999cc) engine and 16cc Parker HTG transmission 60" triple-7-gauge fabricated steel cutting deck with top, bottom and side reinforcements 3-year limited commercial warranty (no hour limitations) and 5 year / 1,750 hour limited deck construction warranty You're shopping available inventory from Trailers N More, LLC Even the engines are the same. Well cover popular mowers, such as Zero-turn mowers, tractor mowers, and walk-behind mowers, and highlight what makes one different or better than the other. For a rugged mower for two acres, I like the Ariens IKON XL and Ariens APEX at the Home Depot. heating oil prices in fayette county, pa; how old is katherine stinney Being disabled money isnt coming in like it used to be but my back is very sensitive so wondering if it is worth the extra cash? Plastic breaks and metal bends, so the inclusion of plastic isnt the end of the world. The Costco units. I am in search of zero turn to run the fence line, pond and camp area on 22 acres. Whats your take for a small zero turn for my under 1/2 acre yard? I have the Mulching kit installed but I cannot keep the deck from getting gummed up with clippings. It will do the job for you. Hydro Gear ZT-2100 and ZT-2200 Transaxles on the SS and SW and Hydro Gear ZT-2800 Transaxles on the MX and SWX and Hydro Gear ZT-3100 Transaxles on the Timecutter HD. Thanks. I dont have any issues with Hustler mowers. Zero-turn mowers are ideal because they ensure no patches of lawn go uncut, and theyre also pretty easy to get the hang of. Thanks again. Hi Joe, that would be the Ariens IKON XD 52. Youll be able to mow your whole property in about four hours. I expect the batteries to last 5-7 years. In fact you can buy the new 2020 50 (127 cm) TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower (75750) for less money. Mow high, mow in the afternoon and side discharge until the spring growth has subsided. Heres how operation works: The Toro TimeCutter employs the patented Toros Smart Speed Control System, and this allows the operator to choose a trim speed thats best for the area about to be mowed. I read everything you wrote about ZTRs, heck I even created a spreadsheet that shows, brand, model, engine, HP, transmission, deck type, deck size, and price. 2. Please rank or help me eliminate machines that would be overkill/over buy. I would expect both would hold up well for my use. I actually think hes wrong, Husqvarna has been building out the Jonsered name to include more items every year. It shows ZT-2200 on the MX5000 (both new and old versions) Want to do most maintenance myself, easy blade change etc. (about $2699) This is a great, inexpensive mower and I know it will last years: Check it out here. The next most important factor is a comfortable ride as my yard, although flat, can be a bit bumpy. Go visit them and see which dealers you like. Exmark radius E series 48 For example, my Dodge Caravan can pull 5000 lbs but I should not have more than 150 lbs on the hitch (tongue weight) Any more weight than that and the weight would push the rear of the van down too much making the van hard to steer or even understeer on a corner causing an accident. (I dont have a bagger) I usually mow in side discharge mode in the spring and then switch to mulching after the spring growth slows down. One of my favorites is the Country Clipper XLT. Husqvarna has the largest selection including the articulated made specifically for steep slopes. It will give you 2 3 x the life with less breakdowns and problems. For fall cleanup, Ill either bag or mulch and sweep. My neighbor let me try his Ferris IS600 to test the ride without actually mowing. They offer free set up and home delivery. The Cub is designed with a more open engine compartment so maybe the sound will be dispersed outwards better. Since both companies produce world-class machines, choosing one over the other can be a pretty challenging task for most mower buyers. Thank you so much! They wanted an engine that would last and one where they could do their own warranty approvals. I have 15 acres of grass with voles holes/tunnels, berms, bumpy grass and fences. They are rated for over 500 hours which for most people equals 2 hours a week for over 10 years. Again, I suggest mowing at 4 inches and then mow in the late afternoon. I will not be towing with it. The seat is thick, padded and has springs to help the ride. Though this might seem minor, have you ever tried mowing a very wet lawn? Any thoughts or comments? Husqvarna Z254F Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower. RYOBI 42 in. I took your advice in May and bought a TORO Timecutter 60 cut and the three speed are perfect. One forum post claimed to have tested and found that parts are interchangeable. Exmark has its own decks and its tuned for the commercial operators who like to mow as fast as the mower will go. I weigh 200, and the mowers are 500 and 575 lbs, putting us well under the 900 lb rating of the EZT. Since then I have went to a local dealer that sells Toro and Cub Cadet. Hi John, Sorry, I too busy with movingsnow.com and helping my daughter move into their new house. 679 cc Fuel Injected (EFI) V-Twin Engine Dual Hydro Gas ZeroTurn Riding Mower with Steering Wheel Control. Go over your machine and make sure they assembled it correctly. 1. If you are interested in the Bad Boy I would buy from a local dealer or make sure if you buy from Tractor Supply that you can get it serviced locally. You are correct about the Scag, Ferris, Walker they are either too high priced for the amount of mowing you do or in the case of the Ferris they have too many moving parts that will give you problems 10 years down the road. These start around $2500 and the good Cub Cadet and Husqvarna models are around $3200. Thank you! Hi Ryan, I too have a lot of leaves. My dad runs an old Wheel Horse, never had to rebuild anything on the motor or gear box and its going on 33 years. If you have any questions on what brand to buy get back to me with a list of your local dealers, please. But none of them add another year warranty like Gravely does. Hi Rob, each one has its advantages but they are so close in cut quality and durability the only real difference is the dealer support. They still convince municipalities to purchase them but the municipalities quickly realize the ZTRs are better for the type of mowing they do. I have videos up of the Ariens Edge and will have videos up of the IKON XD soon. My 12-year-old Craftsman 42 lawn tractor just died and decided to replace it with a ZTR. Hello Paul! I have looked at both in person and there is no comparison the ultra heavy duty Apex (same as the Gravely ZT HD that sells for about $5200) makes the ZT2 look very basic and average. Appreciate all the help and insight. I have a 4 acre property. The AeroForce cutting decks are attributed to a select few of the ZT1 series. Because that alone could be the difference maker for me. powerful 35hp v-twin kawasaki engine !!! Its not on my Top 5 list but it probably should be. Unfortunately, we dont have a residential model available. The Toro has the smart speed and a 3-point deck. You get a lot more mower with the Ariens IKON. . The wider decks get done faster and make it easier to trim around stuff. 3. Also, do you know anything about the toro engine compared to the Kawasaki. They both use a collection of Kawasaki, Kohler, and in-house engines (for the Toro TimeCutter) to function effectively. Browse a wide selection of new and used Heavy Duty Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Outdoor Power for sale near you at TractorHouse.com. For the Toro, the following are popular accessories: For the Cub, these accessories are often bought: To know more about the accessories that are commonly purchased for mowers, read this post. The only reviews I can find about the Cub Cadet ZT1 state the vibration is only at low rpms. The B&S Vanguard engine option is about $450 more than the B&S Commercial Turf. By the way, Home Depot is not going to carry Ariens mowers. I was leaning toward the Gravely/Ariens just trying to suss this as thoroughly as I can. If you ever have any issues with it and you bought it from your local dealer you will get a lot faster service. Q: What are your thoughts about transmissions with and without charge pumps? I do recommend that you have the dealer install it and make sure its programmed for your yard. 1.5 plus acre yard, mostly flat but bumpy enough to hammer 3 lawn tractors to death in 20 years. Who Makes The Best Lawn Tractor or Zero Turn For You? Toro TimeCutter SS Mulch Kit. Only applies to Pro machines. The Kawasaki I believe is the lower end residential mower engine and Kohler is the introduction lower end Commercial engine. What do you think about the Craftsman 42 inch Steering wheel zero turn. The only real difference is the deck. I believe youre right though on the 50 in for both. These two machines are different and have a different range of skill sets. Do you have a preference in the Ariens XD 52 vs the Toro 50? Its very easy to switch from mulch to bag to side discharge. It will do just fine and last you a long time. I will be cutting about 3.5 acres with a few rolling hills. Price/performance/and working your hills this is the best choice. I also noticed that once you like their facebook page their advertising will start to show up in your regular news feed and a lot of those ads talk about sales. In other words, it will last you years. You can get it with the two lap bars but they also offer their Joystick Steering System. cub cadet vs toro zero turn 2020. I have lower back issues. This is the only reason I havent bought one yet. And to make your mowing experience even better, consider the tips in this, link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. I have a feeling you will have to get into the 800-900 lbs, 50-60 inch ZTRs to get one that will work. There are 15-20 trees/plants and 3 buildings (home, garage, shed) to mow around. However, I just saw your comment that Toro is dropping their steering wheel models, so if I went that direction, Id almost certainly be getting the Cub Cadet, one of the models with a 46 cutting deck. and the picture! Ariens IKON XD Mowing Review. Just wondering if you know if and when Ariens will be having a sale or promotion going on? Toro: The Toro utilizes a patented Toro 452cc gasoline engine and a duel hydrostatic transmission. About to own 1.5 fairly flat property with some trees and become first time ZT owner, too. Thinking about the Deere 345r but worried the bagger will just get plugged all the time. Now that spring has come and gone (i live in georgia) everything has grown back up.. so i just want to make sure it would be ok 2 cut again with a mower since its pretty tall weeds and stuff or does it have to be bush hogged again? Hi Shane, mulching blades by themselves dont do much. To compare apples to apples (by price) my first choice is the Gravely ZT HD/Ariens APEX. Im not sure if he does anything different with the Scag. If you were only mowing 3 acres Id say go for it. Sure would appreciate any input (Brain muscle tired).. Hi Mark, Its very easy to get analysis paralysis when there are about 40 mowers that really could do the job well for you. I'm looking at the cub cadet ultima zt2 60 and the Toro timecutter 60. (The neighbors have a hill that is, if anything, a bit steeper than mine. serial number: 22012362. hours: 176. horsepower: 35 hp. However, the 4WD model is a bit out of my price range, and it now seems that few dealers still carry these mowers in the US. I think a 42 is the right size for me but this late in the season nobody has one in stock right now and can get he 50 for lesser price.