(I dont fertilize it, or treat it with lawn chemicals). 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 am looking at Scag Liberty z 48 and Bobcat ZT2000 48, Both look fairly similar. Ive been a regular reader of your sites for several years, and have found a lot of valuable information in them over the years. It gives you a slightly more even cut. Its well worth the extra money. If you feel there is an different product that would better fit my needs then Id love to hear from you! The decks are robust and can handle the work. Bottom line is how your gut feels about spending the extra dollars. You get the heavier trannys and a reinforced deck. The 375 gives me the R package, a 54 deck, and the 25 HP ELS engine. There a many good brands but Ive used SeaFoam for years and its always worked well. Which one is quieter? Hi Brad, All three have transmissions capable of mowing slopes. You will like the cut of the John Deere a lot. The Kawasaki I believe is the lower end residential mower engine and Kohler is the introduction lower end Commercial engine. Cub Cadet Hauler | There are cheap yard carts, good carts and just plain junk. Hi Art, Good comment! In fact, I have that deck on my Exmark and I use that deck as my reference cut for most of my videos when Im demoing other mowers. Have you heard of the transmission concerns? 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. (all those clipping need someplace to go and raising the deck up will let them drop into the grass) They will both work flawlessly on your normal lawn. Hydro-Gear transmissions. EZT transmissions will hold up to regular mowing on normal slopes. At 1350 pounds it weighs 50% more than a similar size residential mower. For years they sold a contractor grade engine that was $300 cheaper than the rest and it held up well so even though theyve raised their prices many small owner/operators still want the name. 3. Ive been told to get a fabricated deck, though Ive read what you say about the John Deere stamped decks being good. 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). Lastly, $3.5K $5.5K or thereabouts would be presentable to the Queen Beejust sayin. He spends as much time with his granddaughter as he can. Read more here: How to Support TodaysMower.com. And which engine should I choose if I go with the edge? LapBars can really put a strain on your shoulders after a while. Hey Paul, Very informative article! Bagger, tow behind, sweeper, or blower. The front half of the lawn is level, and thus can be mowed with even a basic riding mower. You get a great mower at an honest price. 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. They dont have many dealers but if you order from them they will always take care of you if you ever have a problem with their products. So here is where Im at: my father in law suggested to go ahead and get something that will last instead of going with a steering wheel option i was originally thinking about. The Toro V-twin is proving to be a very good engine so it really doesnt matter if you get one with the Kohler or Toro. Other fuels stabilizers to check out: Fuel Stabilizers. Bad Boy Vs Toro Timecutter Residential Mowers | Zero Turn Mower. Loncin and the manufacture that makes MTDs Powermore engine are exceptions. Thanks again for all your suggestions. Cub Cadet vs. Kubota It looked fairly safe and stable to mow this way. Im obviously wanting good cut quality and longevity out of the machine. What can you tell me about these two, is it worth paying the extra $? The dealer will do the tuneup and make sure everything is working perfectly. Hi Paul you have a great site, easily the best reviews around! The quality control for many of those power sports engines is all over the map or non-existent. It will do the job for you. Check them out here: Toro TimeCutter MX5075 with MyRIDE Suspension System 50 in. I actually think hes wrong, Husqvarna has been building out the Jonsered name to include more items every year. (about $2699) This is a great, inexpensive mower and I know it will last years: Check it out here. (The equivalent Toro without the MyRide is $3699 50 TimeCutter MX5050 Model 74774.). Which models might you suggest? 6. With the belt loose wiggle the pulley on the electric clutch up and down (on the bottom of the engine) there should be no play. a lot better over the years. In fact, I strongly suggest you NEVER get near a ditch with a sit-down ZTR. Our budget is 3k and under at Lowes our yard has 20 pines that line both sides that we have to cut in between and some minor slopes. I just want to make the best choice I am not stuck on any one brand. I really, really like the Bradley Standers. They are mulching blades made for mulching they work wonderfully with mulching kits. One of my favorites is the Country Clipper XLT. (Im assuming your lawn is rough). Universal Suspension SEAT KIT for Lawn Mowers. Toro is consolidating their residential mower line and the new MyRide is selling faster than they can make them. The Ariens IKON XL and Gravely ZTXL (Same machine) are good choices. First of all, great article. Cub Cadets commercial stuff is awesome but its going to take a while yet before it catches on with the commercial guys. I havent been able to see much on the cut quality of the apex and if its worth the extra $1000. If you want a heavy-duty mower and its the last one you ever want to buy then the ZT HD is a good choice. I want to try a ZTR mainly because I feel like Im wrestling the steering wheel constantly and I have to back up and pull forward too much at the corners of the yard. It will ruin your engine! Our turn-tight craftsman mower has been OK, but I really think that a zero turn would improve our efficiency cutting this yard. The 4-point deck doesnt bounce on rough ground and follows the wheels of the mower. Very comfortable to mow with The cut is even no lines. Have your readers commented on it one way or the other? The fuel tank is located under the seat and the wide-tread rear tires, ensuring a low center-of-gravity for outstanding stability . Both are good dependable mowers. 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? When we need parts and service, I imagine we may end up going to Tractor Supply well see. Hi Daron, If you do a lot of towing the Toro TimeCutter is the best choice in that price range. Its only $300 more than the MX5075 but you get a whole lot more mower. Run your fingers inside the grooves of the pulleys and make sure there is no debris or rocks stuck in them. Hi Charlie, Is the dealer getting some in or will your local Ariens Dealer order the mower? The only real difference is the deck. Ive heard good and bad things about both brands. When not in use, should the deck be kept at a specific height (all the way up or down)? The Cub Cadet 42 and 46-inch ZTRs have a stamped deck that does not cut as well as the Toros fab deck. A 34-44 inch just doesnt have the proper weight distribution, not to give you issues with traction. Check Price. Q: Is Kohler EFI engine a reliable engine? The Ariens company also makes the Gravely ZT XL. DO NOT use the Atomic blades on this deck for mulching (atomic blades have teeth/notches on the back of the blade). They both have the best cut. Think you figured that out. One or two tree stumps, some large anthills. (Most commercial decks depth are 5-6 inches) Yard is level. Others suggest Hustler, Bad Boy, and Husqvarna. Want the best bang for the buck, if I am going to spend 12 to 17 grand for a mower. I can buy a 2019 for 6K out the door ? Could you narrow it down to 2 Chews up small twigs from trees like nothing. So yes they are going to have a demo day in April and will take a look. We also have a gorilla yard cart and would like some thing with a hitch pin to pull around firewood or brush etc. But, you would notice that because one blade would cut higher than the other. I have an ExMark 42 inch. Paul, Kawasaki FR and FX engines. , Hello and thank you for all of the information that you have enlightened all of us with in reference to ztr mowers. The only reviews I can find about the Cub Cadet ZT1 state the vibration is only at low rpms. Are they dependable? Any thoughts on that machine? I am now in the need for something more robust as the big dog has had a tough time on my farm. Hi Daron, There is no difference in the mower just the service after the sale. Unless you have a local dealer that will treat you well Id stay away from them. Would the HG-2800 hydros on the toro be any concern for longevity going up my hilly terrain. The Ultima is getting all the advertising this year but the Troy-Bilt is basically the same mower for a little less money. Sorry for the long back story, but I thought it was important to provide as much detail as possible. Whats odd, the closest dealer that stocks the mower I want is 50 miles away. Just so you know. The IKON XL is actually the toughest mower of the three. Yes, the biggest difference is the fabricated deck. 2. Earl, Depends on the slope. For the few extra dollars buy the Toro or Ariens. Love the articles. This deck is the best cutting 42-inch deck in the industry and its very rugged a lot more rugged than a stamped deck. If you dont have the experience get a 36-44 inch walk-behind and use that until you get the experience. I began to lean towards a local Toro dealer and the MX 5075 but hes telling me carb compliance in California is preventing that model. Hi Dave, Everyone is very satisfied with the Toro/Exmark engine. (It will be set up and delivered by a local dealer) I checked the Redding, CA website and they can get either one to you in about 2 weeks. By Paul Sikkema. So, every young kid who was getting into the lawn mowing business bought the Kaw because they were cheaper. The decks just dont have the depth the commercial decks have to hold the grass and recut it well. Using Toro Fuel Treatment with every fill up provides protection for two and four cycle small engines. I weigh 200, and the mowers are 500 and 575 lbs, putting us well under the 900 lb rating of the EZT. Cast Iron Cleaner 8"x6" Square Cast Iron Scrubber, Premium Stainless Steel Scrubber with Hanging Ring, Ultra-hygienic Anti-Rust Chainmail Scrubber for Cast Iron Pans. There are two companies that make good flip-up deck mowers. Im leaning towards the Toro and more of the 50 inch model with the Kawasaki engine. Do you have an opinion on these two units or recommend a mother brand in the same price point? Flat-out, straight-line mowing its faster than the Walker. The wider decks get done faster and make it easier to trim around stuff. Thanks a mil. Ive noticed that they offer two different engines though. I want something that will last me a very long time. Check out this video I mow a ditch that Ive never been able to mow with any other ZTR. Its a very nice mower, cuts very well and it will last you many years. Hi..I am looking for the best battery (about 1.5 acres) riding mower with a steering wheel, that will bag, about 38 in, power steering, dont have to change the blade when I am mulching or cutting (bagging).Thank you. Im already beginning to spend some coin having local vendors mow (3x now). Appreciate all the help! Any ideas? Well, Ive found two brands that work great! 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. I used to cut it with a Bobcat 48 W/B but would like a rider now. I expect the batteries to last 5-7 years. Of course, durability is important. 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). Follow Chip as he takes you through a detailed testing and performance analysis of Toro Titan 60\" and Bad Boy ZT Elite 60\".Product in the video: Toro TITAN MyRIDE (60\") 24.5HP Zero Turn MowerBuy it here: https://www.mainstreetmower.com/collections/lawn-mowers/products/toro-titan%C2%AE-myride-60-24-5hp-zero-turn-mower..Shop all models from the TORO TITAN series through our online store: https://www.mainstreetmower.com/collections/lawn-mowers/product-series_titanShop online from our extensive online product inventory: https://www.mainstreetmower.com/Show your love; follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetMower/Stay updated about our shop , through our Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmower_fl/ Turning downhill can cause the mower to lose traction and slide down the slope. I prefer the Walker. Remember the 2018 will have the full warranty the used 2016 will not have the same warranty, if any. Pretty set on a Kaw engine. The Gravely has the best deck for cutting longer grass and it will handle the hills. Hi iamdgw, My first choice is the Gravely/Ariens ZT-HD/APEX. Now it just keeps throwing the belt off. Considering that I dont seem to need the step-handrail, do you still consider the Boulevard my best option? Hey Paul. My ground is uneven in places, due to settling. Ill look then up. The only mention I find from a few owners with this deck is vibration at low RPMs. 4 Rough hilly acres to mow. The Toro TITAN MAX Havoc edition. Charlie Victor. The for the advice Paul. I dont think youll be happy with Husqvarna 254 over the years. With the Radius X you can easily cut over 5 acres an hour with it and have a perfectly level cut. Ive seen it cut roadside grass two feet tall cleanly on the first pass. Do you agree with that? Ive also read about the Ariens mowers you recommend. I have a .5 acre yard planted with centipede grass with a drainage ditch along the road frontage. Hi Ryan, Id stay with the Deere. I suggest the same for zero-turns. In in the market for a zero turn and im not sure which one to go with. I know the Pro Z might be a little much for a residential mower but Im willing to pay $1400 more for the upgraded mower, providing the Kohler Motor is reliable and the transmission with charge pumps will add longer life to transmissions. Both have the same Kawasaki engine and appear pretty similar on the surface. Both have dealer support and both have the same sticker price. I recommend the Cub Cadet Z-FORCE S 48 as your cheapest option. So with proper care anything will last a lifetime. The Toros select speed control is also the best for pulling loads without worrying about your transmissions. Of course, Im always partial to Exmark. The Gravely ZT XL is also the same mower with the next larger transmissions and a 4-year warranty instead of 3 years. A lot of deck designs have a harmonic vibration at certain speeds. Always use the John Deere or Briggs & Stratton Yellow Oil Filter and change the oil at the recommended intervals. p.s. Thank you. The Toro is harder to work on. I have a little over an acre. This 60-inch zero turn features a 26 HP Kohler 7000 series engine with a canister air cleaner. Hi Frederic, The 75742 is an excellent choice and a great value. The cost difference is around $1200 between the two. ), since Im hoping to do a bunch of that myself. Thank you! 1. Thanks for your opinion on my choices. I usually go out and mow them as they fall (every 4 or 5 days) and then use the sweeper to clean up the fine leaf clippings once or twice. Its the Capital one Savor Card, google it if interested in the promo. This particular Bad Boy ZTR has a 725 cc Kohler engine with an integrated drive system. Come and get it in Northern Wisconsin. Paul Conclusion We have John Deere, Hustler, Bad Boy, Kubota, Husqvarna, and Grasshopper dealers, as well as stores such as Lowes, Home Depot, and Tractor Supply which carry other brands. I suggest buying the size so that you dont keep more than a month of fuel around the house. Most components are identical but the decks are slightly different. Exmark radius E series 48 Thank you for your input! I have an Exmark Quest with the same fab deck as the 42 inch Toro. 1. If you replace the bracket replace the spring at the same time. So at least Ive narrowed it down to 4 potential brands. I had no idea where to start looking, but thanks to you Im on top of it now. I took your advice in May and bought a TORO Timecutter 60 cut and the three speed are perfect. Toro and Cub Cadet both offer really good parts availability and local service. Its Ariens Decision not Home Depots. The Radius E is the entry-level commercial Exmark. Super Lube 82016 Anti-Corrosion & Connector Gel, Translucent Amber Amazon 2 $599 USD Dreamscape PermLine Aluminum Landscape Edging - 15 Strips, 8ft Each (120 Ft Total) , Bronze Duraflex Professional Quality Landscaping Border, Aluminum Divider for Lawn, Garden, Flowerbed Amazon 3 $17 USD Appreciate all the help and insight. . Toro is aimed more towards residential and government use. Toro TITAN 60 in. The zero-turn is also a good residential mower. I like both of them a lot. I think I have narrowed my choices to the Toro MX5075 and the Ariens IKON XL. They are nice because once they are installed you dont need to mess with them for weeks at a time. Also, like the Ariens Facebook page. The Boulevard doesnt have the step and rail. Why? By the way it was a trade-in at a local dealer where it was originally purchased and serviced. If it still wiggles the bearings are bad and you need to replace the spindle. If you want to learn more please go over to this post: Number 1, 2, 3, and 5 are good choices for your yard and what you want to do. Two, If you are pulling a cart always put the smart speed in tow. Toro TimeCutter MX5075 with MyRIDE Suspension System 50 in. The only Country Clipper dealer within 100 miles is 17 miles from my home, and he has 2 Boulevards in stock: a new 2018 and a used 2016 with only 38.5 hours on the meter. The fully articulated deck hugs all the dips and bumps in your yards and does a great job of striping. You also have the Ariens XL 60 and the Hustler SD 60 at around the ZT2 price. My problem is that most dealers are out of stock right now, so I need to make a choice without actually testing one myself. Plus youll get done faster! But the Toro TimeCutter HD with MyRIDE 48 in. The Gravely ZT HD is the same mower as the Apex. 4. Both have great engines. In other words, with these three ZTRs cost is directly proportional to the life of the mower. Any suggestions? I plan on being here long term and dont have any equipment as of now. Hi Daron, What Toro means is hitch/tongue weight or the downward force on the hitch, not what it can pull. OEM might even be kevlar belts but they pretty much always cost more. (see it here at the Home Depot) It will have the weight to give you great traction along the drainage ditch. Trina Lundblad | Homeowner (Equipment) | 952-887-7146 | trina.lundblad@toro.com. John deere, gravely, bob cat, toro, exmark. Ive been hearing good things about the g5 gator blades but havent found a fit for the new ultima models. Now, if you have no one around when you are mowing and have strict instructions with all the kids and adults in your neighborhood not to come on your yard when you are mowing you may try lifting the side discharge chute high enough so the grass clippings spread evenly. There is also the Z525E but I keep reading about the Tuff Torq hydros burning up after the 2 yr warranty :(. Have a 5ft gate (55 inches clear). My five is in engine, transmutation and durability with Max cut height in mind. Because that alone could be the difference maker for me. These have the better tranny with the ZT-3100 but I feel like I read on your site that for towing a leaf vac maybe even more would be required? That said, I dont recommend it for rough bumpy lawns and especially not areas like your 1 1/2 acres that you dont mow every week. As much as you love the regular Toro Timecutter with the fabricated deck I would even consider that Also, any recommendations for best time of year to purchase? Which would you recommend? 2020 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, I dont have a problem buying through the Home Depot. It also has the heavy-duty ZT2800 transmissions. Thats a hard question to answer. In addition, there is an optional jack for it so you can quickly raise the front of the mower to work on the deck. Has a very nice seat. Thanks. This turned into long story long so again i really appreciate your time! Hi Paul, A 50-52 inch mower has a wider stance so youll feel more comfortable on your slope. Yes, Id stay away from the Husqvarna mowers. The Ariens/Gravely, Bad Boy Elite, and Toro Titan are all priced around $5000. And yes the Ultima XT2 can pull it loaded around your property once in a while. Now that spring has come and gone (i live in georgia) everything has grown back up.. so i just want to make sure it would be ok 2 cut again with a mower since its pretty tall weeds and stuff or does it have to be bush hogged again? Its now owned by a Chinese company though the mowers are still made in Beatrice, KS. Hi James, the MyRide will give you the best possible ride. The Ryobi is holding up well and the owners like it a lot. Fab 24.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed. Hi Brian, Thats a tough choice. Both are listed at the same price. Country Clipper Boulevard (deck tilt) Ill be mowing my 1 acre, flat-to-mildly sloping residential lawn with minimal trees. Thinking about the Deere 345r but worried the bagger will just get plugged all the time. Thanks again! Time to decide, I have narrowed my search down to two. If you want to mow your lawn higher that 2.8 inches the AUTOMOWER 430XH will cut up to 3.5 inches and cut slopes up to 24 degrees. Scag has also been around for a long time and the larger mowers are very popular with landscape contractors. Any other concerns about this model? It even has a heavy deck and a very good motor.
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