Zero Turn Mowers

#2
Exmark has a good reputation from what I've heard. I have no experience with anything but our John Deere Z915 B commercial mower. It's a great machine. It's overkill for one acre, but just right for 3-4.

One thing to consider, most of these ZT mowers don't have decent (or any, for that matter) suspensions. They have lots of power and will mow heavy grass fast as lightning, but that does you no good if you can't stay in the seat, or stand the spine-crushing bumps. There are some out there that have advanced suspensions (I think Tucker has one). That's something to consider if you want to mow wide-open over ground that might not be as smooth as a parking lot.
 
#3
I run a Grasshopper 928D (Kubota diesel) with a 61" Powerfold front mount deck. Built like a tank and very easy on fuel compared to gas engine with equal HP. Having a diesel engine and a mower deck that raises 90 degrees vertical make maintenance a breeze.
 
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#7
Ae you mowing fields or somewhat manicured lawn? Most zero turn mowers aren't designed to mow fields. You'll eat up blades very quickly, and if the engine is water cooled you'll need to check the radiator often and make sure it isn't clogged with debris.

I work at a Kubota dealership and am partial to their equipment. Kubota mowers don't have a suspension system, but they do have suspension seats available. Look into the Kubota ZD1211-60. Diesel power with almost 25hp, no emissions required, and a 60" deck. A very well built machine.
 
#8
most will be lawn. I have a Kubota lawn tractor, it is just getting parts is often a wait at the different dealers. Mine is currently broken now waiting on parts again. I've fixed mine multiple times now just mowing a smaller yard.

I wanted ted to go commercial just for the dealer network considering most commercial dealers will stock a lot of the common failure parts.

My latest is a ball joint in the throttle rod that does down from the pedal. two $5 parts but a week out. Had the starter relay go early, engine smoking (kohler), blade options are pretty scarce. That's why I figured Inwoukd try Ferris, Scag, ExMark, Toro, JD, or something else

Thats a good point on suspension as well. I like to enjoy a good cigar since it's the only chance i get during the week away from family and work while I mow.

Also curious the the quality of cut and striping without kit, mainly with deck and pitch being correct. i figure I am going to go all out this time to hopefully last me until retirement !
 
#11
padronanniversary said:
most will be lawn. I have a Kubota lawn tractor, it is just getting parts is often a wait at the different dealers. Mine is currently broken now waiting on parts again. I've fixed mine multiple times now just mowing a smaller yard.

I wanted ted to go commercial just for the dealer network considering most commercial dealers will stock a lot of the common failure parts.

My latest is a ball joint in the throttle rod that does down from the pedal. two $5 parts but a week out. Had the starter relay go early, engine smoking (kohler), blade options are pretty scarce. That's why I figured Inwoukd try Ferris, Scag, ExMark, Toro, JD, or something else

Thats a good point on suspension as well. I like to enjoy a good cigar since it's the only chance i get during the week away from family and work while I mow.

Also curious the the quality of cut and striping without kit, mainly with deck and pitch being correct. i figure I am going to go all out this time to hopefully last me until retirement !
Click to expand...

You brought up a good point here, dealer support. We mow 2.5 acres every 3-4 days during the season. We run all JD equipment, not because I'm a fan boy, but because IF we breakdown, parts are available within 1 day (you pay the shipping) or 2 days (its on them). Plus, there is a Deere dealer on my travels to and from work. Food for thought.

 
#13
I was at a exmark dealer yesterday and noticed some type of suspension on their mowers. Just looked like small springs where the part your feet rest attach to the main frame. I didn't pay much attention because I was just their to get a filter and oil. I have a big dog and like it. It's a hustler with a different paint job and comes with some options as standard. Great seat, but no suspension.
 
#14
Xshot said:
I run a Grasshopper 928D (Kubota diesel) with a 52" Powerfold front mount deck. Built like a tank and very easy on fuel compared to gas engine with equal HP. Having a diesel engine and a mower deck that raises 90 degrees vertical make maintenance a breeze.
Click to expand...

If your budget can streach to cover a grasshopper that is the way to go.
 
#16
My comment is based off a cheaper brand than what you're considering but my Dad had one and it did great on level ground. His yard had a hill or two that he mowed parallel to the contour. That was ALWAYS a bitch. His was so light the front would turn down the hill. Not much of a problem on bigger ones from what I understand but something to consider.

I mow almost 2.5 acres with a JD 1025R. I considered a ZT but the flexibility with the 1025R really helps. Grading my drive, moving snow, front end bucket to move stuff really pays for itself.
 
#18
I ran a Scag Tiger Cat for the first three seasons after we bought the new place. It produced a clean cut and was a beast in heavy thick stuff.
I also used it to maintain a 1/2 mile long easement road and about two miles of ATV trails in the woods. It's a tough, tough mower, but the ride over the rougher stuff was brutal.
Last Fall I got the Ferris, with 4 wheel suspension.

Another very well built machine. Now that we've gotten accustomed to each other, I can mow everything in about half the time I was taking to get it done with the Scag.
I think the Ferris actually does even better in the thick stuff, and the blades are heavier and thicker than the Scag. They hold an edge very well, but they do cost more - about $65 for a set of 3 for the 61 inch.

I did have some hydro issues with the Scag after a couple of seasons. I have not had any issues with the Ferris, except a couple of set screws that should have been tightened better from the factory.

The acre around the house was done professionally and is smooth enough for any good mower. The other 6 acres can be quite rough at times, and that Ferris still bumps, but the difference is well worth the money spent for that suspension system.

In terms of servicing the mower, the Ferris wins hands down. Everything is easier to get to and you can tell it's made by people who have been making lawn equipment for a very long time. Briggs and Stratton is the parent company, and they have incorporated the Snapper/Simplicity mindset into the machines.
Mine has the 25 Kawasaki engine. The Scag had the 27 Kohler. Both are very good engines.
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/aIY2qN3.jpg"}[/IMG2]


[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/gR8fvqj.jpg"}[/IMG2]



Spray rig added.
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/RaJinQd.jpg"}[/IMG2]
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/qrLk9rp.jpg"}[/IMG2]




The Scag from a couple years ago.
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/vkXFucN.jpg"}[/IMG2]
 
#19
Damn, Tucker that is a nice looking place. Lots of work I am sure.
Now about this PARTY, as I understand it you are Vegan so there must be lots of salad growing around there. No ribs or other meat in BBQ pits. Don't want to dig up the grass.
Nice of you to host the event and I am sure we can get some nice grass tracks going on there. Smooth and sliding sideways.
We will all come out of there as salad shooters. FM
 
#20
https://spartanmowers.com
Check those out. My brother became a dealer this year. He swears by them. My cousin mows several acres and replaced his scag with one of the fuel injected Spartans. He says it's faster and uses considerably less fuel. They are a newer company based out of arkansas, so they may still be a more regional brand in the southeast.
 
#21
quick question, I live in a walk out type of house where basement walk out to back yard. I also have a fence in the backyard on sides of house, and the hill there is realatively steep. not sure if exact grade. with the lawn tractor i'm always going real real slow so not to crash into fence since brakes aren't going to do much without traction. rear tires spin and i'm always leaning back to get traction.

How are zero zero turns on hills going down, turning, and going up. I always see commercial guys traversing them rather than going straight up and down
 
#23
Tucker,

I see you have an aerator and times as well. How is it pulling those items on a zero turn, do you need special mounts or just a hitch pin? looks like you have metal arms coming off them.

thanks

Tucker301 said:
I ran a Scag Tiger Cat for the first three seasons after we bought the new place. It produced a clean cut and was a beast in heavy thick stuff.
I also used it to maintain a 1/2 mile long easement road and about two miles of ATV trails in the woods. It's a tough, tough mower, but the ride over the rougher stuff was brutal.
Last Fall I got the Ferris, with 4 wheel suspension.

Another very well built machine. Now that we've gotten accustomed to each other, I can mow everything in about half the time I was taking to get it done with the Scag.
I think the Ferris actually does even better in the thick stuff, and the blades are heavier and thicker than the Scag. They hold an edge very well, but they do cost more - about $65 for a set of 3 for the 61 inch.

I did have some hydro issues with the Scag after a couple of seasons. I have not had any issues with the Ferris, except a couple of set screws that should have been tightened better from the factory.

The acre around the house was done professionally and is smooth enough for any good mower. The other 6 acres can be quite rough at times, and that Ferris still bumps, but the difference is well worth the money spent for that suspension system.

In terms of servicing the mower, the Ferris wins hands down. Everything is easier to get to and you can tell it's made by people who have been making lawn equipment for a very long time. Briggs and Stratton is the parent company, and they have incorporated the Snapper/Simplicity mindset into the machines.
Mine has the 25 Kawasaki engine. The Scag had the 27 Kohler. Both are very good engines.
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/aIY2qN3.jpg"}[/IMG2]


[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/gR8fvqj.jpg"}[/IMG2]



Spray rig added.
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/RaJinQd.jpg"}[/IMG2]
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/qrLk9rp.jpg"}[/IMG2]




The Scag from a couple years ago.
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/vkXFucN.jpg"}[/IMG2]
Click to expand...

 
#25
Neither of my mowers came with hitches, but they were easily found and added after I got them.
Here is a stock photo of the Ferris hitch.
It was not on Ferris when I took the photos.

FerrisUSEN_Attachments_TrailerHitch.jpg


Yes, I pull the aerator, dethatcher, and a utility cart with the Ferris using the single pin hitch.
The Kawasaki has been rock-solid thus far, but I'm only about one season in.
 
#33
I have been happy with my Toro zero turn mower. I only cut about 2 acres a week with it but it has been reliable for 4 years now. My yard isn't what you would call heavy duty though just your standard fescue, Bermuda , crabgrass and dandelion mix . :)
 
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