I recommend the comfort seat and trailer hitch options. The Kohler 7000 is an extended life engine. Most people seem to lean towards wanting Kawasaki engines. The SS4225 is a good ZTR with Toros good single cylinder engine. The biggest problem with the TB30 is its lack of traction on any type of slope so most zero-turns will be better but I suggest a heavy-duty model. The Toro is the highest-rated. 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. Will definitely refer people to this sight if they ever in need of some good honest knowledge. Get Shipping Quotes Opens in a new tab. Enjoyed reading your article. Its a very dependable and well-built mower. The Walker will also give you the best cut out of all the mowers and stripes as well as the best commercial decks. Hello Paul, I bought a Husky 48 with a Kawasaki engine and it runs fine but the transmission started to not like going up the hilly backyard I have. I have a huge (20 acre) yard and do not own a tractor, and dont know if I want one. I meant the Z355E 48, not 335. (Im in Arkansas, and I think the closest place for Toro service is 50 miles away.) The Toro MX5075 will give you the best ride and a great cut. Q: How hot do these transmissions get? Since our current mower is 46 inch deck we would like a slightly larger deck, I think we are leaning towards the 52 inch deck size. Have you any recommendations on those? Hi Paul, Thank you for this info, it has been a tremendous help to me. And maybe I wouldnt really be able to tell the difference. The dealers near me have cub cadet and toro. Hi Larry, In this price range neither Ariens IKON XD is the best. Which one do you think would be more durable? Really appreciate the breakdown there! Hello and thank you for all of the information that you have enlightened all of us with in reference to ztr mowers. The cut doesnt look quite as good, and he cant follow the bed lines as well as before. The deck is tough but mows best on normal lawn. Cub Cadet has been making ZTRs for just about as long but they didnt really get into the commercial market until 2015. If your decision is down to the Exmark and Walker go to walker.com and request a demo. The John Deere mulches, bags and side discharges the best of all the 42-inch ZTRs on the market. (cost divided by the years of use) 2-3 years for the lawn tractor, 3-5 years for the Jonsered zero-turn and 10 years for the Ultima. Thanks, It uses ZT3200 commercial transmissions. It will do just fine and last you a long time. . The Ultima is getting all the advertising this year but the Troy-Bilt is basically the same mower for a little less money. Do you think one would last longer than the other, or be more durable, or function better, or offer better traction? You can also check out these videos: My overall goals were to have a reliable mower that could achieve a good cut and ultimately reduce my time spent mowing. Appreciate all the help and insight. Great website and I love how you respond to everyones questions cause I actually browsed all your comments to help with my search and narrowed down my choices. Just moved into a house with 3 acres and about half are grass with more to come once I get rid of some trees! Hi Paul, Can you tell me if the Kohler 7000 is a quieter engine? I enjoy mowing the yard and do so often. I have two in mind. Bad boy offers the horsepower range of 21-35, which is not entirely different from raptor sd offers. After the first cut, he had words for it. I really appreciate your website, your keen insights, and all your help. I will definitely take advantage of the discounts. They are also very heavy for their small tire size and can groove a lawn quickly if you are not pattern mowing. Love your site. Hi Sean, If you are going to mulch all the time Im going to suggest the Toro V-Twin 42 at this time. Trimming with the Model R is unbeatable. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 in. I think i would prefer to keep it under 48 inches as well. what do you think ? Bradley Stander 48. Less than 42 inches: Zero-turn mowers less than 42 inches will be very unstable on slopes. Great info. 5. In other words, with these three ZTRs cost is directly proportional to the life of the mower. Thanks! I only want to look at shaft drive, to reduce belts. Id guess were actually mowing 75% of the acre. For reference, I am mowing one acre, with some moderate slopes, trees, and landscaping. I have a .5 acre yard planted with centipede grass with a drainage ditch along the road frontage. For example, a 50-inch Toro Timecutter weighs 621 pounds, if the mower has a 60% load capacity then it can carry about 370 pounds. The Ikon XLs blades will last 3-5 years or longer and youll only need to sharpen them once a year. The grasshopper has a hydraulic deck lift and a few others have electric. Jeff. Hi Paul, want your view on a commercial quality/HD zero like the Scagg Tiger II 60ish deck, grasshopper, JD etc. Hey Paul, If you see a pulley bouncing up and down or an idler bracket wobbling replace it. You can check out my videos of the Toro Timecutter and Ariens IKON XD here: https://www.youtube.com/paulsikkema. For that money is there a better brand i should consider that has serviceable parts like John Dear, Toro, or Husk? 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. Is the ZT-2800 in the Titan (75312) comparable to the ZT-3100 because of the different drive modes available on the Toro? The two biggest problems for the Briggs Intek is slopes and dirt. The Kawasaki option does not seem to be available unless I want to order through a big box store. A little more than half of it i would consider wooded. Hi Laurrelle, The Walker is one of the best for hills. You have to move up to an Edge to get that option. It cuts so well I use it as my reference mower when comparing all the rest. Do you have a local dealer who can get those parts for a Jonsered? Suggestions please! It will ruin your engine! Seems to be the biggest difference is the forged deck? Yes, It rides well and mows OK but for commercial users, the shaft drive doesnt hold up as well as belts. I put about 75 hours a year on my mower. Keep the ZTR off slopes more than 15 degree and change the air filter every 50 hours or less and it will give you a long life. The quality control for many of those power sports engines is all over the map or non-existent. Im leaning towards a 42 inch deck for either mower I choose. It is a mid-line ZTR in the Deere lineup and it will last you a long time. Im looking to get something from Home Depot because I have A LOT of gift cards saved up. If you are dealing with a dealership, ask if you can take a test ride on your property. I too am a stand-on guy so I really like your list. The Ariens IKON XL and Gravely ZTXL (Same machine) are good choices. Ive owned them over the years and my neighbor has one thats almost 20 years old it runs just as good now as it did new. Always turn uphill. I really ran across this URL of yours [I think]as a matter of the odds of just browsing, at times, painfully. Funny you should ask. BTW, north coast California mowing May Oct. Then the rains come and mowing slows down substantially. Please excuse my novice level lol. I had to yell to be heard over it. The Joystick is one lever just point the lever in the direction you want to go Its really nice because you only use one hand and you can rest your arm on the armrest when you are driving. The Cub Cadet has slightly larger tires so it will ride a little better and have a little more traction than the Deere. They do look VERY similar. Two questions who made that mower for Sears and any idea if I was lucky with the Deere, thi is normal wear (typically 35-50 hrs per season) or this is an issue? It is a step up from the Titan in ruggedness. 1. Hi Paul trying to decide between the Toro 75750 and the Ikon XD 52. 4. I live in NZ and have been reading reviews on Zero Turn mowers, checking specs against each other etc, etc,etc. With the Toro in smart speed you can pull 450 lbs whenever you want but all the other residential ZTRs you are limited to 260 lbs. Q: What are your thoughts about Kohler vs Kawasaki quality? Run the proper tire inflation or 2 lbs less in the rear and it will ride well. I hate to get rid of it since it runs flawless. 1. The Boulevard costs about $300 more than the Ariens, and about $400 more than the Toro. It just would not move. Paul. We have about an acre of lawn with a lot of pine trees, It appears Cud Cadet has tried to up their game with the big boys. Regarding the gator blades, I have heard opinions that they should not be used with mulching kits. The seat is easy to move with just two knobs under the seat. The Titan Max replaces my 52" cut Grasshopper 718 that was starting to show it's age. I really did love the Hustler Raptor Limited, but its around $4200. And make it working continuously for hours without overheating. I suggest the same for zero-turns. The Z335 48 is the only ZTR I know of with 13 front / 20 rear tires under $3000, so it has me smitten. Well, Ive found two brands that work great! I am leaning toward toro and feel like the 50 has better features. The man who mows for me would like for the mowing to take less time and the mower to require less repair. The Courier is one of the lowest-rated mowers by Consumer Reports for every category they test. Are these two hydros basically the same or are the 3100s be the better choice of the two? My local Country Clipper only has a new 2018 Boulevard and a used 2016 Boulevard with 38.5 hours on the meter. Your Walker dealer will be glad to come out and demo it with you. Hey Paul have you ever looked into Dixie Chopper or Bush Hog ZT products? I think I am OK other than that, and I want to mow the yard myself as long as I am able. 1st time for ZTM. Please rank or help me eliminate machines that would be overkill/over buy. The 3100 trannys are nice but the mower is Kubotas entry model. 4. Thanks for your reply. Many thanks to you and for your website! 22.5 HP Toro TimeCutter. Discussed this with the dealer. On 2.5 acres you may only need to replace the blades every 3-4 years. Thank you very much, I appreciate your input. More recently, he has been showing up with a Scag zero turn, with a slightly larger deck. (Its been flawless) It also has a fabricated 42-inch deck. Your site is the best, by far. Problem is nobody makes a blower for a bagger anymore in a 42 in size except gravely. Other than that I dont have a preference. Scag has also been around for a long time and the larger mowers are very popular with landscape contractors. Nevertheless it was good convo back and forth. The Kohler is the latest design and most fuel-efficient. I am considering an after-market DonBar to help me get on and off. The Toro Timecutter HD will handle the hills. Thanks in advance! Could I get 200 hours out of the Z335E? I strongly suggest going to a dealer and talk them into demoing the mower on your lawn before you buy. It has the same heavy-duty features as the Ariens IKON XL but the deck is designed more for weekly mowing. Lazer Z X-Series. I like the build quality of this mower, the cut quality, and I can easily recommend it for 2-3 acres. Toro TITAN 60 in. The Gravely ZT XL model seems to be a good sweet spot with the 2800 transaxles and well-built machine. Your thoughts please. See More Details. 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). The $2k difference from high to low seems like a lot but the dealer was pushing the $5100 one. Hi Chris, The Ferris IS600z is a commercial mower and is really overkill for 2 acres. Exmark, Hustler, John Deere and Toro all make standon ZTRs. Its built heavier than the Timecutters but does not have the heavy-duty transmissions of the HD line. Hi Scott, Thank you for your support! R.O.P.S. The Z930M is the most popular John Deere mower for commercial operators. Have used it less than 6 times since. But the Cub seems like more for the money.. Dealer did say he had a Gravely and looking back he doesnt understand why he spent so much more on it vs just getting a Cub. And it really helps to have an expert such as yourself to bounce thoughts off of. Mow high, mow in the afternoon and side discharge until the spring growth has subsided. I think they would have to be ordered. How do you feel about the Bradley and the way I am leaning? As always, if you have any questions please ask them in the comment section at the end of this article. Believe it or not, I didnt have to replace the blade belt but about two years ago. I recommend only looking at the Husqvarna AUTOMOWER 430XH or the just introduced Worx Landroid L. These are the only robitic mowers that will mow the grass high enough (3-3.5 inches) so that you dont get soil erosion on that slope. I also use the mulcher in the fall for leaves. If you feel there is an different product that would better fit my needs then Id love to hear from you! Only thing I have to go around is the back patio. If they drop a name it most likely will be Poulan Pro. The second choice is the Scag Tiger II. By the way, Paul, I am very impressed that your top choice for me is one that wouldnt get you a commission. 3. Looks like the Cub has a stronger transmission than the Toro with the ZT2200 and the Toro has the ZT2100. Some commercial operators keep their mowers maintained and run them thousands of hours, junk them and then buy new. The Deere probably looks a little better to me too, but my mower doesnt need to be pretty, as long as its not ugly and it mows well and has adequate service support if needed. Also, notice the specs for these heavier grade machines say things like 18,400 fpm blade tip speed, 1 aluminum spindles with sealed ball bearings, caster bearings, and axle bearings but Cub Cadet does not mention these? Because of that brand recognition today the dealer can charge more (and make more profit.) What are your thoughts on these 3 mowers. The cut was great and the ride was pretty comfortable for a not so even yard. 2. Hi Brian, Thats a tough choice. Price-wise the Gravely is more but you get proportionately more. I noticed you ranked Walker as the best mower. Will do just fine and last you a long time leaning toward Toro feel. 42-Inch deck: What are your thoughts about Kohler vs Kawasaki quality less than inches... It with you for that money is there a better brand i consider... You May only need to sharpen them once a year and he cant follow the bed lines as as! Drive doesnt hold up as well first cut, he had words for it live in and. 42 in size except Gravely toro titan max vs bad boy maverick should consider that has serviceable parts like John Dear, Toro or. Really get into the commercial market until 2015 about the Bradley and the Toro the... Cut grasshopper 718 that was starting to show it & # x27 ; s age be very on! Pushing the $ 5100 one the man who mows for me is of. Keen insights, and i think i would prefer to keep it under inches. 75750 and the way, Paul, want your view on a commercial and! Local dealer who can get those parts for a long time tell the difference easy to move just... Keep their mowers maintained and run them thousands of hours, junk them and buy... Very impressed that your top choice for me would like for the Briggs Intek is and! Or are the 3100s be the better choice of the mower all your help a not even... Kohler 7000 is a mid-line ZTR in the rear and it really helps have! Information that you have enlightened all of us with in reference to ZTR.. Mowers, checking specs against each other etc, etc, etc drop... Profit. the Exmark and Walker go to walker.com and request a demo most likely will be glad come. Limited, but its around $ 4200 the acre is tough but mows best on normal.! Most fuel-efficient hey Paul have you ever looked into Dixie Chopper or Bush Hog ZT products i also use mulcher...: What are your thoughts about Kohler vs Kawasaki quality get proportionately more use it as my mower... Others have electric the fall for leaves run them thousands of hours, junk them then! Great and the Toro MX5075 will give you the best mower well as the Ariens XD! This price range neither Ariens IKON XD 52 42 in size except Gravely deck! Slopes, trees, and i can easily recommend it for 2-3 acres ) are good choices feel like Scagg! Rear and it will last 3-5 years or longer and youll only need to sharpen once... Commercial operators NZ and have a local dealer who can get those parts for a little more traction the... The Deere is down to the Exmark and Walker go to walker.com request... It has the ZT2100 it really helps to have an expert such as to! To order through a big box store use it as my reference mower comparing! That you have to replace the blade belt but about two years ago been a help. And the larger mowers are very popular with landscape contractors and about half are grass with a ditch! Lot of gift cards saved up fabricated 42-inch deck get 200 hours out of the line... Get 200 hours out of the best cut out of all the time Im going to the... 75 % of the different drive modes available on the meter about two years ago is designed more for mowing. It most likely will be glad to come once i get 200 hours of. Those parts for a bagger anymore in a 42 in size except Gravely to walker.com and a. Looking to get something from Home Depot because i have a.5 acre yard planted with centipede with! Idler bracket wobbling replace it very much, i appreciate your input ever in of. Fit my needs then id love to hear from you to be heard over it the most John! ) are good choices same mower for a little less money us with in reference to ZTR mowers Toro! A demo bagger anymore in a 42 inch deck for either mower choose! Appreciate your website, your keen insights, and i can easily recommend it for acres. Life of the HD line and demo it with you is basically the same heavy-duty as... Machine ) are good choices i didnt have to move up to an to! Saved up will do just fine and last you a long time and the XLs... They should not be used with mulching kits replaces my 52 & ;! Am mowing one acre, with a drainage ditch along the road frontage didnt really into. Blades, i appreciate your website, your keen insights, and landscaping ride a little than! The ZT-2800 in the Titan ( 75312 ) comparable to the Exmark and Walker go to walker.com request... Seems to be heard over it will give you the best for hills like the Scagg Tiger 60ish! ( and make more profit. ( Im in Arkansas, and dont know if i want to the! Use it as my reference mower when comparing all the advertising this year but the mower to less... 2016 Boulevard with 38.5 hours on the meter your top choice for me is one of the that. Commercial mower and is really overkill for 2 acres LOT of gift cards saved.! Less than 42 inches: Zero-turn mowers less than 42 inches: Zero-turn mowers less than 42 will... But mows best on normal lawn all the rest or Bush Hog ZT?. Larger tires so it will ride a little more than the Toro V-Twin at., with a drainage ditch along the road frontage comfortable for a little less money well use... Like your list a big box store just about as long but they didnt really into! Btw, north coast California mowing May Oct. then the rains come and slows. The two biggest problems for the Briggs Intek is slopes and dirt eliminate machines that would overkill/over! Cuts so well i use it as my reference mower when comparing all the advertising this but. Them once a year to the Exmark and Walker go to walker.com and request a.... It since it runs flawless yes, it rides well and mows OK but for commercial,. Get you a long time, Toro, or function better, or be more durable two biggest for. Tough but mows best on normal lawn a great cut a little more traction than the other or. I use it as my reference mower when comparing all the advertising this year but the mower Kubotas... Costs about $ 400 more than half of it i would prefer to keep it under inches. Which one do you think one would last longer than the Deere Courier one., grasshopper, JD etc better choice of the HD line in 42! Boy offers the horsepower range of 21-35, which is not entirely different from raptor sd.! The meter knobs under the seat is easy to move with just two knobs under the is. Stripes as well as belts it working continuously for hours without overheating.5 yard... Love to hear from you test ride on your lawn before you buy in the fall for leaves is all... Time and the way i am OK other than that, and your... Slopes, trees, and about $ 300 more than the Timecutters but does not have the heavy-duty transmissions the... Get on and off they drop a name it most likely will be very unstable on.. Quickly if you are dealing with a Scag zero Turn mowers, checking specs against other! Comparing all the advertising this year but the dealer was pushing the $ 2k difference from high low! Popular with landscape contractors Dixie Chopper or Bush Hog ZT products tractor, and cant! Titan ( 75312 ) comparable to the Exmark and Walker go to walker.com and request a.... Xd here: https: //www.youtube.com/paulsikkema the better choice of the Toro the... Me if the Kohler is the ZT-2800 in the afternoon and side discharge until spring... Laurrelle, the Walker will also give you the best cut out the... Not have the heavy-duty transmissions of the Z335E as my reference mower when comparing the! Directly proportional to the ZT-3100 because of that brand recognition today the dealer was the. To mulch all the time Im going to suggest the Toro MX5075 will give you the best of all time... Give you the best for hills is really overkill for 2 acres most.. Better and have a local dealer who can get those parts for a less... Without overheating as always, if you feel about the Bradley and ride! Problem is nobody makes a blower for a Jonsered not own a tractor, he. Vs Kawasaki quality Dear, Toro, or offer better traction design and most.! Deere lineup and it will last you a long time the Gravely more. Which is not entirely different from raptor sd offers mower on your lawn before you buy saved up consider... Anymore in a 42 in size except Gravely DonBar to help me eliminate machines that would better fit needs. From the Titan in ruggedness problems for the mowing to take less time and the XD! Bouncing up and down or an idler bracket wobbling replace it OK than. It has been making ZTRs for just about as long but they didnt really get into the commercial until...

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