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Who makes the best zero turn mower

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Tired of pushin

05-26-2007 16:59:35

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I have about 15,000 sq. feet to mow. I have a push mower, 6HP and it is tiring, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to mow it all. I was looking at zero turn mowers on the net today. For about $2,600 I could get a zeroturn from cub cadet, toro, even deere makes one. It looks like the cub cadet and toro may be better, Kohler motor and a built in way to wash the cutter deck. Simplicity makes a quality product but it is $3600 when comparing to cub, toro,deere. I appreciate any comments from anyone who knows a lot about zero turn mowers and may have one.

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Tony7677

06-05-2007 14:40:36

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

I am a market researcher looking to pull together a group of people to discuss zero turn mowers...why they choose certain brands, satisfaction, etc.

I am not sure what this site's rules are. Is it appropriate to post more details here?

Thank you.

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Gene Mitchell, Jr.

05-28-2007 07:17:29

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

Just bought a ZTR mower 2 days ago after MUCH research! We mow @ 3 ac. with the Country Clipper Jazee 22/48" deck. Got a demo for 4295 and delaer is close in southern Michigan. Hands down the best for the money-I sat in the Sears, Toro, Cub, Tractor Supply models etc. The quality of the Jazee is far above others in that price range and they use commercial grade components. The beauty of the single joystick are many: free hand to sweep branches/bugs, take a drink, less tiring. Go to their website and compare. Consumers report rated ZTR recently but did not cover Country Clipper. Take the time and go see one-you dont want to repeat this in 4 -5 yrs.

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SOLID-STABLE-STILL JD

05-27-2007 19:08:57

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

buy a john deere. they will be in business when you need parts or service. they will also have a good resale value.
cub cadet and the rest wind up at the junk yard.

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evielboweviel

05-28-2007 11:21:52

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to SOLID-STABLE-STILL JD, 05-27-2007 19:08:57

we bought a Ferris of off a JD dealer because JD hadn't gotton into zerotturns at that time. Based on how it ran when deliverd and how ard it was to get them to work on it. It will be a cold day in he!! before they sell us another mower. Would not runright when first deliverd was in the shop over 4 times in the first two months and then only had 11 hurs on it.
Pretty typical of how JD service is on the tractors also. send them in pay thru the nose and get them back not fixed!
Ron

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BLinWMi

05-27-2007 06:47:22

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My 5 landscaping crews run Exmark and Deere in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

I admit I have never run a Dixie chopper or a Skag but I have run a Dixon on a diary farm I used to work on. I have run a landscaping company for the last 6 years, with 5 crews covering 3 states. I run Exmark and Deere for my zero turns. And only the commercial units. The Toro company owns Exmark so all the commercial Toro units are very similiar to the Exmarks, the big difference is the design of the deck. Toros claim to faim is under the deck, each blade cuts the grass and thows it forward and out, not to be touched by another blade, while Exmarks deck cuts the grass and then sends it to the next blade which cuts it and throws it to the next blade which recuts it and finally throws it out the discharge. This is nice on the Exmark because the grass clippings are smaller and will mulch down into the ground easier, but if ever cutting wet grass, the exmark system does not work the best, you end up with a green mess. I like the Deere commercial units, 7X7 series because of the strength of the deck and the new feature that the deck can be adjusted on the go from disharge to closed deck for mulching just by moving one lever. This is awesome for me because I prefer to discharge all the clipping instead of bagging, it saves dumpster space and is better for the lawn. I do alot of high level properties and they have very fancy mulch beds. I can discharge the grass for the open areas or close down the deck so I am not spitting cut grass into the nice clean mulch beds. I really like the Deere commercial units because of that feature and the heavier hydraulic system they use compared to most. It is not unusual for one of my mowers to run for a couple hours at a time and with constant turning these pumps get hot, but the oversixe fan cooled one Deere uses seems to work great. In short if you want a Zero Turn, don't go to Home Depot or TSC to get one. And don't be fooled that a Cub Cadet is what they used to be, they are no longer connected to IH, they are owned by MTD/Troybilt and are not worth the Cub Cadet name. I would definately be looking at a good used Toro/Exmark, a Deere or maybe a Skag commercial mower. I am quite often amazed at the prices on ebay that a guy could get a good used Exmark zero turn for, might be worth looking in to. If you have any questions, shoot me an email.

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sammy the RED

05-27-2007 08:56:28

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Re: My 5 landscaping crews run Exmark and Deere in reply to BLinWMi, 05-27-2007 06:47:22

BLinWMi,

I think I talked to you in Indiana one day last year ?

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BLinWMi

05-27-2007 09:08:19

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Re: My 5 landscaping crews run Exmark and Deere in reply to sammy the RED, 05-27-2007 08:56:28

At the Angola Indiana Burger King? Funny the people we run into.

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sammy the RED

05-27-2007 18:20:32

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Re: My 5 landscaping crews run Exmark and Deere in reply to BLinWMi, 05-27-2007 09:08:19

Yup, I was in my p/u with the MMPA plate on the front.

You still working on getting that herd going ?

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BLinWMi

05-27-2007 18:51:12

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Re: My 5 landscaping crews run Exmark and Deere in reply to sammy the RED, 05-27-2007 18:20:32

Yea still working on building a herd, have a dozen now,5 bred for fall calving, mostly swiss. Now that the mowing season is back in swing, will start buying a few more swiss calves from the guy down in Fort Wayne. Would love to have a herd of 30 or 40 but it will take a few years to get there. You have a great memory, I remember you had a plate on your red truck but was thinking it was a JD plate.

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mtgummibear

05-27-2007 01:11:43

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

I feel like I have unique perspective on this issue. I've used a commercial grade Toro (about $7000) and a $2500 Cub Cadet, and if you can afford the commerical grade I say buy it.

It will handle and ride much better than the "bargain" brands. My ground is rough and the cheaper Cub just about shook me to death. The transmission controls (joysticks so to speak) were also much more precise and therefore easier to use on the Toro.

Throw in the heavier construction and decks and I do think the commercial grades are worth the extra money IF you have the extra money to spend.

That being said I would take the Cub Cadet over any typical lawn tractor because any zero turn will cut down on the mowing time.

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baler 46

05-26-2007 22:37:37

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

Hi i agree wih MSB

I was in the same thing you are going thought.Needed a new mower wanted some thing with zero turn.Local dealer had country clipper and they look the best to me joy stick control,and they take a little time to get used to but i like it now.With country clipper the deck is 7 guage welded steel with reinforcment around the edges,they also have the deck so you can unhook a couple latches and lift the deck up and out for easy cleaning and sharpening blades and belts.Brigg &strattion engine, very comfortably seat,and dual hydrostatic transmission.Its fun to run,costly too.But i should get a lot of years of service out of it,close dealer best deal of it all.

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Spook

05-26-2007 22:24:02

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

I bought a Gravely, but I wouldn't do that again. I can't get the darn thing to cut very well, and the dealer is 50 miles away and no help. For what they cost, better to get something you can get service on.

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davpal

05-26-2007 21:42:30

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

To mow approximately 1/3 of an acre you are wasting your time on a zero turn mower. You could get by very nicely with a nice little rear engine rider with a 32 inch deck. They are very reliable and steer and handle better than most conventional lawn tractors. We had one for years when I was a kid and we loved it. You are only talking an area 100x150 feet. Mowing at 4 mph with a 32 inch deck you would be done in about 20 minutes or less. Most commercial zrt with 52 inch deck at 9.5 mph would mow your lawn in 5 minutes. Don't you want your mowing to last a bit longer than that?

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Boley

05-26-2007 21:10:59

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

My brother would say "Toro"!Year before last he paid $7000 for a watercooled gee whiz model and hasn't mowed a blade of grass since.His wife,son in laws,neighbors,people he barely knows ride it like they would a 4 wheeler over his eight acres having fun,and mowing his grass.

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JaredM

05-26-2007 20:54:30

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

We have a Walker zero turn and really like it. The seat sits low and the steering handles come up between your legs to waist level. It"s really nice for our place because it doesn"t put your head up in the trees like most do, and with lower handles you don"t scrape hands on branches. The deck is also slightly offset making it easier to mow close to trees.

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gene bender

05-26-2007 20:25:58

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

ask for a demonstration then get the one you are comfortable with plus parts and service which is almost as important as the mower itself

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John M

05-26-2007 20:09:51

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

In all honesty, I dont think you need a zero turn for that small amout of grass. I may get bashed but for that small amout, I think a Murry from Wally World would last you several years. Now, again I may get bashed, but if your dead set on a zero turn, look into a Cub Cadet Commercial. I personally have one and have cut my mowing time from 4 hours to 2 start to finish. main reason I got the Cub Cadet, dealership support! I have several dealers within an hours driving, and if they are closed, I can get filters and thing such as belts and blades from Homer Depot. No Scag,Grasshopper, or Dixie Chopper dealers close enough to drive a reasonable amount of time to.

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msb

05-26-2007 19:51:28

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

Not the cheapest, but the best designed ZTR with the nicest features by far, in my opinion---Country Clipper manufactured in Iowa by the Shivers grain equipment people.

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Lumpy

05-27-2007 08:03:11

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to msb, 05-26-2007 19:51:28

msb, I have a Country Clipper Zeton. I will agree with you 100%. The best ZTR on the market. I've tried them all. Deere, grasshoper, dixon, toro, dixie chopper, etc. The Clipper is the best, easiest to operate ( mine has the joy stick control ) ZTR money can buy. Mine is 5 yrs old and have never had a single repair. It still has the original belts on it. I mow 3.5 acres of grass a week. My unit was $700.00 cheaper than the deere or toro. Just my .02

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James Jackson

05-26-2007 19:44:49

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

Gooday bloke , recon that's about 3 1/3 acres . A good ride-on might handle it nicely for less $'s & a stronger machine = lasting longer @ less $'s . When we want to buy some small machinery - we go to the hire company and hire what we want for the weekend . Spend many hours on it & take it back . Re-peat , re-peat , repeat until you've found the one you like best . Got some neighbours & good friends who have spent big $'s on new & near new machinery that you can't ride on for more than one hour for discomfort & when you get off you can't stand up for 3 hours for having sore back , legs, , arms etc . Think seriously about the Hire companys until you find the correct one for your personal needs . James from down-under in Auzzie-land . Oh & good luck with whatever you decide . Ciao jj

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gene bender

05-27-2007 05:28:09

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to James Jackson, 05-26-2007 19:44:49

roughly 43,000 sq ft = 1 acre

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glennster

05-26-2007 19:20:35

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

i never usta (is that a word) think much about zero turns, always mowed with conventional tractors till i fell into a deal on an old commercial zero turn. man can those things cut grass!!!! liked it so much i got a second one. i bought 2 old hustler 295's. they are ugly as sin, but will cut 8 acres aday no problem. they dont like steep hills though. if you got even ground you can go with a big deck, but if your lumpy a narrower deck will work better without roto-tilling. i have 72" decks on mine. those zero turns are the berrys for trimming around trees too!!! heres a couple pics of mine. the one with the cab has a heater, also have a blade and snowblower for it.

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135 Fan

05-26-2007 23:05:27

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to glennster, 05-26-2007 19:20:35

A 295 Hustler is one of the finest mowers ever made. Hustler invented the zero turn mower. Hustlers use dual path hydrostatic drive just like a skid steer. Each wheel has its own pump and motor. They even make/made a 6 wheel drive hillside model that the cab could be tilted either manually or automatically so the operator was always sitting level. The 2 cylinder Continental is a very good engine as well. Excel that builds Hustlers used to make roll bars for John Deere, Maybe they still do. Dave

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jonathan s

05-26-2007 18:53:03

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

ok, i have a non comercial tero turn lawn mower made by grasshopper. i will take it over any of the other comercial lawn mowers out there. im 15 and i mow a cemetary and lawns for my job, the comercial lawnmowers are built very tough, my grass hoppper has a 52 inch 10 guage welded deck. the only problem is the price taag on the comercial ones. now with the comercial ones they have a stamped deck and cant take a beating and they eventually fall apert. the only good thing i see with the on comercail mowers is the price tag, but i think the comercial mowers are worth the investment. but this is just my two cents. hope it helps, jonathan s

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dds-inc

05-26-2007 18:18:56

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

I must apologize for my post below, for some reason I OVER-EXAGGERATED what you needed. I thought you had more land to mow, prolly when i saw that hugeeee number 15,000!

I think any non-commercial mower will work just fine on your property IF that's all the grass you're EVER going to mow. I am still standing by my statement that COMMERCIAL quality mowers last a LOT longer than the regular zero-turns.

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dds-inc

05-26-2007 17:50:00

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

It doesn't matter about the maker, it matters about who makes COMMERCIAL GRADE MOWERS. These mowers have very heavy duty decks and spindles, (sometimes hyd. lift) Better engines, (NO VERTICAL SHAFT JUNK) and better hydraulic pump systems.

Lemme tell you something straight up... KUBOTA makes the most heaviest duty mowers on Earth. The mechanics are all engineered through automatic transmissions and a 30 hp diesel with even up to 8 foot decks. I believe the drive shaft for the mower is all gear box.

HOwever, you WOULDN'T want to pay 15,000 for one, so check out other makes such as EX-Mark, Dixon, Toro, and others, i forget.

Don't get a deere, as they are cheesy. Don't get anytthing that isn't liable to bend the decks up and/or the pumps start to make you drive crooked.

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MF Poor

05-26-2007 17:43:56

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

Scag or Grasshopper. Dixie Chopper a close 3rd. Our church owns 20+ acres, most all of it grass. We've used about all the name brands. Scag seems to be the best, Grasshopper the best for the price.

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Walt Davies

05-26-2007 17:42:20

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

Buy one from Sears and get their repair service. I have it, it cost around $250 a year and last year they came out to my house and put a new engine 3 new mandrels new blade brake new tires on front about $3500 in parts and labor that I didn't have to pay out. And now I have a new 5 year old Lawn tractor.
Walt

They carry all the brands that mentioned.

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earthmasterk

05-26-2007 17:27:21

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

I own a Grasshopper and I think they are the best, but they are a lot more mower than you need for a small lawn.

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Gary from Muleshoe

05-26-2007 17:14:31

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

We have a Dixon at work that seems be a pretty good mower. My only dislike with it is the speed, it won't slow down enough for tall stuff. I have to go over it twice. If you are mowing it on a weekly basis it works fine.

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Dave 2N

05-26-2007 17:01:42

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Tired of pushing a mower, 05-26-2007 16:59:35

Kubota

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KEH

05-26-2007 17:26:29

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to Dave 2N, 05-26-2007 17:01:42

All the commercial grade mowers are good. I got a Dixie Chopper and love it. The chief advantage of a ZTR is, I'm sure you know, that they are so maneuverable.
The Kohler engine to look for is the Kohler Command engine which is the heavy duty series.
To get a commercial duty mower you will have to pay $5-6 K up.
The ones you are looking are cheaper grades. Go to a regular Cub Cadet dealer and look at the choices.
What I looked at when shopping for a ZTR was deck construction. The better ones have a deck fabricated from thick steel. not stamped from thinner metal.
The better ones have the platform over the deck hinged so you can easily get to the belts when they need changing. Belts WILL need replacing. Cheaper ZTRs have that platform bolted in place, probably to give more strength to the lighter metal in the frame.
Also, sit on the mowers. The better ones will be more comfortable. Buy a good one and you probably wont have to buy another one,
Having said all that, sounds like you have a fairly small yard and a cheaper one may last a long time and you can sweat out the belt changes. In that case, I would reccommend the Cub Cadet, bought from a real dealer. I understand The big stores just tell you to go to a dealer for repairs, so you might as well support a local.

KEH

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supermpuller

05-27-2007 12:22:43

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Re: Who makes the best zero turn mower in reply to KEH , 05-26-2007 17:26:29

I have a Cub Cadet Tank, its a commerical mower in 3 years no troubles just change oil and fill up gas tank.

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