I've been researching quite a bit looking for a ZTR. I have a little more than 3 acres with a slope. When I think I have it narrowed down to a mower, I find something else I like. I'd like to keep it around $4k. Right now the Hustler Raptor SD, Toro MX5050, and a JD ztrac are on the list. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.
Help me choose, please.
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I have a eXmark pioneer with 60" fab deck and really like it. They have models to fit about any budget.
https://www.exmark.com/products/mow...4529498094&utm_campaign=Michigan Exmark+Brand
https://www.exmark.com/products/mow...4529498094&utm_campaign=Michigan Exmark+Brand
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Also look at Dixie chopper there made in the USA and pretty easy to work on. You should be able to get a zee2 2348 for bout ur price just call multiple dealers and get the best price its possible to get a older unit still on the floor. I bought a zee1 2348. 2012 model in spring 2015 for $2,300 which is bout a $3,500 - $4,000 unit.
I looked everything over and picked up a Bad Boy zero turn. The price was right at Tractor Supply and I mow 4.5 acres with no problems. Measure every garden edge and tight spot on your property that you will be mowing and get the largest deck you can. I wanted a 60" but had an area of 57" access so I went with the 54". the price should fit your budget.
I just bought a Gravely ZT HD 52 a few weeks ago. The dealer's location and his reputation played a very heavy part in my decision. Dealer satisfaction ratings of product quality, service, parts availability, tech support, etc. are about the same with Gravely, eXmark, Ferris, Toro, and Scag. Grasshopper is out in front of all of them. I couldn't afford a Grasshopper and there were no decently close Scag or Ferris dealers. As Opie stated, measure your narrow spaces and don't buy one that won't fit between them. And as Alleyyooper stated about the eXmark, Gravely has models to fit various budgets. All of the manufacturers mentioned in this thread thus far make some nice machines. It really boils down to the quality of service you have available locally. I had Gravely, Dixie Chopper, eXmark, Toro, Husqvarna, and Bad Boy within 25 miles and got the best machine I could afford from the best dealer (IMHO of course). I wouldn't want to drive 100 miles one way for a specific mower and have to waste multiple days for warranty work or have to order online and wait for a simple replacement part that is keeping the mower out of service.
Your mention of a slope is a flag raiser, depending on the angle of the slope. Many zero turns have a higher top speed than even the larger GTs. With a higher top speed comes less hill climbing torque.
Keep this in mind for your search and find out the top speed of the models you are looking at, and torque ratings of the hydros used in them.
Keep this in mind for your search and find out the top speed of the models you are looking at, and torque ratings of the hydros used in them.
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I went with the Raptor SD because it has 1" blade shafts and the front forks are 3/8" instead of 5/16 or 1/4. Also, Hustler has an interest free for 24, 36 or 48 month promo going right now. I got the 54" for $3600 from the dealer near me. By the time they added tax and $50 processing fee for the financing I'm out a total of $4200. Didn't want to go with a big box store because they have no support. It was actually cheaper through the Dealer
If you are moving from a tractor style, you are really going to be happy. I too had interest free financing with my Gravely. It's good to have so many manufacturer choices so we can get these good prices and incentives. I hope you like yellow...cause it's really yellow!
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Well actually I'm moving from a John Deere 2155 55 horse tractor to the Raptor 54". From 65+ acres to 1 acre. Ahh, love the downsizing. I went with Hustler mainly because where I retired from they had the commercial Hustlers and those guys couldn't tear them up and they sure tried. They bought some Kubota replacements after the Hustlers aged out and those lasted only a few years then they went back to Hustler. According to Hustler the SD's are built with the same durable qualities as the commercials are. My neighbor down the road has a Gravely they bought in 09 and they swear by it plus I've heard they are real dependable. Oh, my 2155 was yellow also because it was originally a city tractor and it was painted yellow. I'm glad too because the paint is better than the factory JD green and yellow.
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Other than the slope i have a similar size space to mow. Mostly flat other than one mild hill on the side of a retention pond.
I have been using a 2011 JD Z445 for the last 2 years and i could not be happier. This was the last year (i think) that they put the kawasaki's in them. I have 550 hours on it now and its been a great mower. Its fast enough to get it done quickly but not so fast that i feel i can never get up to speed.
I have been using a 2011 JD Z445 for the last 2 years and i could not be happier. This was the last year (i think) that they put the kawasaki's in them. I have 550 hours on it now and its been a great mower. Its fast enough to get it done quickly but not so fast that i feel i can never get up to speed.
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