A garden tractor has a heavier duty transmission so it wont burn out after a few years. 2. Hi Trent, It will finish mow at 8 mph and if you dont need a perfect cut it will mow at 10 mph. If I buy the Boulevard, Ill try to make that up to you somehow. 42 inches. I dont have red squirrels eating out of my hand, but my hens and roosters do every day! Its now owned by a Chinese company though the mowers are still made in Beatrice, KS. In other words, you will only get about 2-4 years out of it. The 52 Vanguard is $4800 at SLE, but it only gives you 4 more deck.. The best riding lawn mowers in 2023. The Toro is an efficient, easy-to-operate mower thats fitted with most of the components the Cub utilizes. Is Your Yard Suitable For a Zero-Turn Mower? Because of the number of trees on the property, I feel like a lawn tractor would end up increasing the amount of time it takes me to mow over my current self-propelled mower so Im looking at ZTRs. Also, Id consider the CC RZT42S. The Frames are different so the Deere looks lighter because it uses smaller tubing. Ill have to take a look at the land again and make a decision. Hi Joe, Im not a big fan of the 300 series Deere ZTRs. Titan IronForged Deck 24.5 HP Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower with MyRIDE, Cub Cadet Ultima ZT3 60 in. Q: Is Kohler EFI engine a reliable engine? In the 42 range, Toro is a clear winner. Its not the ZTR you are using the wrong equipment for the mowing you have to do. P.S. In this post, well look at both companys mowers in a little more detail. And which engine should I choose if I go with the edge? The Ariens IKON XL 42 comes to mind. How do these compare to the new Ariens? These mowers will give you a much longer life. Consumer Reports agrees with me on this. 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 mowers battery, fuel, and some other electronic components are under the seat. 1. This will save a lot of wear and tear on the transmission. Your review the other day was spot on. factory warranty !!!! If your lot is very rough and you want to mow parts of it only a few times a year its the best choice. So unless you can think of anything else I need to consider that might change my mind, I think Ill be going with the green and yellow Z-TRAK to start my ZTR experience. I imagine itll see approximately 1 hour of use a week during the mowing season. I suggest the same for zero-turns. I weigh 200, and the mowers are 500 and 575 lbs, putting us well under the 900 lb rating of the EZT. For the few extra dollars buy the Toro or Ariens. Im not sure what Sears is up to so Im not recommending their mowers until I know where the company is headed. Can you tell if your local Home Depot uses an authorized John Dear or Toro dealer for assembly, setup, delivery for their ZTs? Should I be looking at ExMark as well? With todays ethanol-blended fuel you need a gas can that seals tight. Agri-Fab Sweeper. Solid, Paul. Do you think I should go down to a 42, or stay with the larger engines and beefier decks that come with the larger mowers? Thanks for your reply. Heres how the bodies of both mowers differ: The Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200S features a sturdy 10-gauge unibody steel frame, and the enginewhich is protected by a rear engine guardis situated directly behind the drivers seat. LapBars can really put a strain on your shoulders after a while. Hi Brad, All three have transmissions capable of mowing slopes. The Gravely ZT XL is also the same mower with the next larger transmissions and a 4-year warranty instead of 3 years. Hi Daron, Most commercial guys will point you to the Toro/Exmark because they have been making a commercial ZTR since 1996 and its still the one to beat. (Its been flawless) It also has a fabricated 42-inch deck. You do get what you pay for when you move up to the XT2: Larger Front and rear tires. I am looking to purchase a 60 ztr to mow 3 acres of mostly flat yard. The Briggs is the base Intek and the Kohler will have a longer life. The best mower in that price range for ride, cut quality, cutting speed and long life components including the drive belts is the Exmark Lazer Z X-Series. I have an Exmark Quest with the same fab deck as the 42 inch Toro. I am looking between the Ariens Ikon X 52 and the Toro MX5000. heavier deck, and stronger transmissions. However, based on some of your previous reviews, it seems that I would probably need to be looking at a higher end garden tractor with a robust transmission and motor. I also have a tow behind cart I use for hauling dirt, rock and mulch. A good size for snow blowers and push mowers. Im not sure which is more important for stability when turning on the hill. Have a small hill in front of the house and the sis who back is all a slope. Plastic breaks and metal bends, so the inclusion of plastic isnt the end of the world. Run your fingers inside the grooves of the pulleys and make sure there is no debris or rocks stuck in them. Well, Ive found two brands that work great! Walker will gladly come out and demo one on your property. 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. I am 6 and over 200 pounds but my wife is much smaller frame, so something that fits different body types is ideal. It will easily last through your sons learning stage and go on to last you years. My Exmark Quest 42 which is the same as the MX4250 has the ZT-2200. The start sequence is enabled by a pressure switch from weight in the seat. The Z930M is the most popular John Deere mower for commercial operators. Headlights on zero turns have been quite the talk, so if you mow in areas that are peppered with lots of shades and darker skies, the headlights will offer an extra sense of security and stamina to the scene. They will also mow that taller pasture with the mulch plate installed if you lift the deck up as high as it can go. I have seen some concern about the non-serviceable transmission on this model. 2. Then if you still need help deciding which mower to buy feel free to come back and ask more questions here. My machine will be for personal suburban residential use. Headlights are the kinds of features that you either get on commercial zero turns or you get installed, but the Cub Cadet has them fixed for you at the get-go! Cost $5500 plus. I dont have any issues with Hustler mowers. Thanks, You helped me 5 years ago buying a Big Dog Alpha and have followed and supported you since. Thank you for what you do. It has the upgraded Toro IronForged fabricated deck. So, kudos to Toro company for this magnificent idea! Its the same mower as the IKON XD with the stronger ZT 2800 transmissions. The angle of the belt from the engine to mower is less when the deck is higher and that seems to help. Ive also read about the Ariens mowers you recommend. Hi Laurrelle, The Walker is one of the best for hills. I cant decide between the Ariens Ikon XD 42 or the Toro Time Cutter 42 with My Ride though my comfort is not the issue, I just want to best cut. Also I wonder if they all have 2200 axles, I thought I read that the toro had 2800s. Thanks! -I have a Ferris IS3200 mower with wide cut. As I look at prices for what I can get for a 50 with Toro and Ariens it looks like I can get either at around $3100 which is $400 more than what 42 V-Twin costs. 4. The deck is a lot stronger than the stamped deck and will handle banging against tree roots, etc. Let me know if Im completely out to lunch on this. Im looking to spend around $3k or less for the mower; what would you suggest? 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. Lots to still contemplate. John Deere Z345R Costco wont carry those items. Run the proper tire inflation or 2 lbs less in the rear and it will ride well. I also read on your previous comments to another user that it provides the best cut, bag, mulch, and side discharge. But, like most mowers made by MTD in that time-frame (2012-2015) many of them had problems with the deck drive belt coming off a lot. A cheaper belt is a cheaper belt. . 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. Which do you recommend to have the best cut and ability for the slope? I think I have a truly fun exercise for you with a varied list of contenders. Thanks, Mark. I read several of the links about trying to decide which one to get and after your expertise I recently purchased a TORO Time Cutter 75760 60. This makes for less mowing time depending on the size of your yard. 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. We need a new mower and at our Husky dealership they had a Rhomba like battery mower that can do up to a 35% grade. The steel bars featured at the rear of the Cub Cadet zt1 might be for overall fancy-fancy, but they are built for protecting the engine from any exerted force that could be damaging should you bump into obstacles whilst mowing in reverse. ZTRs are NOT designed to pull things. The Challenger adds the option of a Deluxe seat, which I might need to smooth my rough yard, but the Edge and Challenger are probably out of my price range. But when you are comparing the Ariens models the new IKON XD compares closer to the Bad Boy Magnum. I expect the Deere will be up to that task. Most cost $8000 and up. Clean your deck with the deck wash every time you mow when the grass is still wet under the deck. Since the Ariens Apex won the round out of the timecutter and ultima how does it stack up against the mz61. I am looking at a 60 Toro Z Master 2000 with 708cc 24.5 HP V Twin Toro Commercial Engine. What do you think? Post author By ; impossible burger font Post date July 1, 2022; southern california hunting dog training . One more question: There is a hauler that can be purchased with the Ultima ZT2. Buy at Amazon. They seem comparable but I like the Hydrogear 3100 transmission on the Kubota and the John Deere Kawasaki engine. Hi Brian, Thats a tough choice. It was a great lawn tractor when it was a Craftsman but it is not the right tractor for you from Costco. 3. Belts, blades, steering dampeners, bearings, idler pulleys, front wheel bearings, new tires, clutch repair etc., are all 2-3 times more expensive than your current residential machine. What model should i be looking at for a rough and hilly yard? Home Depot sometimes runs a 10% off special if the HD Credit card is used. Build Quality/durability, cut quality including mulching ability, and ability to use for towing small items are my priorities in that order since price is equal. 25 cu. Its a few dollars more than the Ariens, but I like having a local dealer in case anything goes wrong. Hi Paul, I have 1 acre of land, flat, with fenced backyard and trees on the side in the front yard. I am used to walk behind operation / handling 2. 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. Any thoughts on those? But, you would notice that because one blade would cut higher than the other. Great website and article! price is less of a concern for me than performance. Thanks for your time Have used it less than 6 times since. Lets see if we can sort them all out. Take, for example, the Cub Cadetits powerful engine is one of its most appealing qualities, and without it this mower would be a shell of its current self. , Ariens Edge 42. 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. However, Im not sure how comfortable I am going to feel on that hillside. I live in the upstate of SC, have a mixture of cool season and warm season grasses, and I try to control the crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. 2022 hustler super z for sale - 2022 hustler super z with hard to find 66 inch awesome cutting deck !!! I researched Zero Turn mowers. Toro and Cub Cadet both offer really good parts availability and local service. I was looking at getting a new mower. Two small wheels are at the very front of the mower, and these always move in conjunction with the main wheels. The Kohler EFI and Exmark RED technology give you the power you need when you need it and will also reduce fuel consumption by 20% over other engines. In general, stamped decks cut better fabricated decks are tougher and handle more abuse. I know I want a fabricated deck. The 2019 JD Z740 and the 2019 Exmark Radius X. I cut 2+ acres with a some what rough ( lack of rolling the last two years ), A medium incline for a drain field. Hi Eric, The Toro rides better the Gravely is a heavier built machine. Been using a 42 in cone drive dixon for 20 years with blower bagger. I got an email from them today that they will be selling at 20% off. That mower should be in the $2700 range and the fact you have to spend an EXTRA $160 for a hitch is ridiculous. I am searching for my first zero turn rider. You dont seem to mention Bobcat what are your thoughts on both of these machines? The 2016 is $900 cheaper, and I would ordinarily be tempted, but it looks a little rough, including some tears in the seat. I would like to get your thoughts about riding mower options for my property. I was also able to drive a zt1 50 at a cub dealer but he told me I could not engage the pto as then it would be considered used. Like using a sit-on zero turn to mow a customers 1/4 acre lot, they screw the grass up in spots where they gotta do a 180, need to use the weed wacker a bunch more because of the poor choice of mower.. . Toro does not offer tractor mowers, and so the best we can do here is attempt to compare Cub Cadets 54-inch tractor mower with Toros 54-inch Zero-turn mower. Although I like the Ariens Edge and IKON XD they dont have a bagger for it right now. The most recommended dealer for service in my area sells mainly Hustler ZTs in my price range. They have two that I recommend. Since my post Ive started looking at the scab patriot 61 inch. The XT2 should give you 10 years of service if you do the normal maintenance on it and dont let teenagers try and wreck it. I like 60-inch decks but the 52-inch deck is plenty big for your lawn. I prefer the 50 inch model because the deck sticks out the side farther which makes it easier to trim around stuff. Would this be enough to see a difference? I would prefer one with mulching capacity that doesnt bog down, create mohawks, or leave grass clumps on my lawn or, worse, my sidewalk and driveway. 2. A Walker mower has a lot less stress on the transmission than the mid-mount ZTRs. I attribute that to the uncovered engine and its close proximity to the operator, and perhaps to the fact that the engine enclosure basically directs the sound straight up right in back of the operator. Spec-wise they are almost identical. Is this not the best value out there in commercial mowers? Ive taken over an old horse pasture. Let me start with the cart. Hi Frank, there is only one the Ryobi 38 inch rider. I was able to cut some grass at an ariens dealer with the Ikon x 52. I do think Ill like the wider rear tires on the Deere though. Agri-Fab Sweeper. My question is are the Ferris mowers worth it compared to some of these on your list? Watch this video: Paul hope all is well. Who Makes The Best Lawn Tractor or Zero Turn For You? Thats good to know. Now thats different from what a ZTR can pull. All the new decks are much deeper so you get better airflow and you can use bagging blades to throw the grass into a bagger. This is the only reason I havent bought one yet. Great Brand recognition = quality. Howdy Paul. Recap: willing 2 spend 6-7k. The ZT2100 transmissions are too light-duty to pull a leaf vac. You dont need the armrests because of the way you drive the Walker. The long wheelbase also makes it a pain to move around on trailers because you can fit three-four ZTRs in the same space as two Grasshoppers. I think they would have to be ordered. Hi Paul, All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. Also I heard ztr tear up your grass, is this user error or do I need a feature to prevent this? And it really helps to have an expert such as yourself to bounce thoughts off of. My choice though is the IKON XL 52. But was is really important to me is finding a mower that will last as long as my JD LX280 has, one that is as safe as possible on my slopes, and one that has an awesome cut. I can get 10% off at HD or Lowes so I plan to buy from one of them unless I find other deals I cant pass up. When Kawasaki first introduced their engines in the mid-90s you could buy one $300 cheaper than the competitors. Cutting Width (in.) recommendedNo-Spill 1405 2-1/2-Gallon Poly Gas Can. I looked at the Toro Time Cutter 54 with my ride and decided for $200 more to get the 60 without MyRide as it has a beefier trans and larger wheels in front. My John Deere riding mower had issues with grass building up under the deck, but its 2004 model. Troy-Bilt Zero-Turn Mower Review Inexpensive Quality ZTRs. I think I like the idea of a lighter, more nimble mower, but perhaps the heavier one is better for most general applications. Since I can get the zt2 for only $300 more than the zt1, do I take my chances on it and hope the deck is good? The deck couldnt handle the bumpy ground. never go flat front tires !!! Worldlawn 52 diamondback The owner is the type that likes to jump into a market, disrupt it, and move on to something else if he cant make a fortune. In in the market for a zero turn and im not sure which one to go with. These start around $2500 and the good Cub Cadet and Husqvarna models are around $3200. Keith, If you feel comfortable doing this: Please wear safety glasses, a face shield or a motorcycle helmet and shield. Paul, Its made for lawns like yours. It costs more than the Raptor because it has a few extra features like arm rests. Ariens Ikon 42. So now I am wanting to look for a machine that is between 42-60 inches, floating deck, deck lifts up for easy blade replacement/clean and performs well for lawn cutting/orchard. I also like the Gravely/Ariens in that price range. Loncin and the manufacture that makes MTDs Powermore engine are exceptions. The deciding factor was the protection of Costcos Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee which guarantees Refunds for products with a limited useful life expectancy, sold with a product-specific limited warranty will be prorated. For long-time, large-volume customers, Costco might generously replace the mower. Its engine offers more power than the Cub Cadet mower and its fuel tank is larger than its competitor. I prefer a mower where the operator (not the whole mower) has a suspension seat. Ive got about two acres of mostly flat lawn at my house. For the reason the cutting blades maintaining high rotational speed is applauded, there is a corresponding feature consisting of large wing-like spray blocking fenders to keep the grass from dowsing its landscaper with clippings. agpro of new albany is the premier power equipment in the midwest ----- financing available, we take trades, delivery available -----only 191 hours----- ag pro is your premier equipment . In the bulleted info points about the Toro above it reads: Hi John, Sorry, I too busy with movingsnow.com and helping my daughter move into their new house. These mowers are also quieter, but youll be paying for all these benefits. I have the Mulching kit installed but I cannot keep the deck from getting gummed up with clippings. reviews and youtube clips indicate this thing can mow fast and stripe. We have a dealer here that undercuts the prices, but their service and customer relations is poor. option as I could buy two of those for the price of the Walker or Clipper, Decisions, decisions.. Hi Wilson, Yes, Bradley is a hard sell to many people because he has never set up a larger dealer network. I want the look of a nicely manicured lawn. Hey Paul, I have a little over an acre. Country Clipper Boulevard (deck tilt) 2021 Cub Cadet Lawn and Garden Tractors New Models! Check it out here: Ariens Ikon 42. Based on my reading here (and other online platforms), Im pretty much in line with everyone elsereliability, durability, maintainability, reasonable cut (dont need golf course perfection! Ive pretty much narrowed my choice down to the JD Z355R (maybe the Z375R) or the Toro MX5075 (a bit under 2 acres, somewhat bumpy, with a few hills and some trees and obstacles to dodge). The Vanguard is B&S true commercial engine.