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Jimmy King
Well-known Member
I have a Cub Cadet Z Force 44. I have had it 3 years with no problems. 44 inch cut and a 20 HP Kolar. Only one thing I don"t like about is the throtle, push forward for speed so when you go around a bush it will throdle it back. I am not saying it"s the best but very good for the money.
Too Far Gone
Member
The ones that end with opper,like the Grasshopper and Dixie Chopper are very good I understand,but some commercial cemetery mowers here use the Dixon and they seem to last with some routine maintenance.Look for what brand has a gearbox on the deck and greasable bearings on the towers.I have neighbors with much newer mowers than our JD 425 AWS(not a zero turn,but close) who are always replacing tower bearings.We keep ours greased and it still has the original bearings in the deck,and the mower is about 11 or 12 years old
I run a Husqvarna (spelling?) with a 61 inch deck and its one grass eating machine with a huge heavy steel (NOT pressed sheet metal) deck and huge heavy quills and big pulleys and belts and springs. I WOULDNT TRADE IT FOR A DIXIE CHOPPER OR GRASSHOPPER EITHER
Thats my story n Ima stickin to it
John T
Thats my story n Ima stickin to it
John T
Vernon in Ks
Member
Hustler Z
you're going to get a ton of opinions on this, but here goes. Grasshopper, dixon, dixie chopper, Jacobsen. They're all good brands. I'd stay away from craftsman, cub cadet and store John Deeres. The Deere's from a real dealer are better. My neighbor has a commercial jacobsen and it's a heavy duty machine. Has hydraulic drive on the deck.
Stephen in SoKY
Member
I really like my Grasshopper, well, as much as I can like a lawnmower. Built like a tank, easy access for belt replacement, twin hydrostat pumps and does a great job of leaving the lawn looking nice.
Bob M
Well-known Member
We have been cutting approx 2 acres with a Gravely 260 (60" deck, 25 HP) for 9 years now. Other than a set of blades, a blade drive belt replacement and a battery it has required no service whatsoever.
My son has had an Exmark for about 4 years. It's the same size as the Gravely only with a slightly smaller (22 HP?) engine. It had electrical issues when new which were repaired under warranty. It also required a blade clutch replacement after the belt came apart and pieces got jammed into the clutch.
Personally I much prefer the Gravely. It's more heavily constructed. It's also better designed for easy service. And the Gravely's steering is noticably better (smoother).
The Exmark however has a higher top speed. It thus will cut light grass a bit faster. Also it cost about $1,000 less.
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HOWEVER....if money were now object I'd look at a Kubota diesel zero turn. The outfit that does lawns where I work runs several of these - very nice machines!
My son has had an Exmark for about 4 years. It's the same size as the Gravely only with a slightly smaller (22 HP?) engine. It had electrical issues when new which were repaired under warranty. It also required a blade clutch replacement after the belt came apart and pieces got jammed into the clutch.
Personally I much prefer the Gravely. It's more heavily constructed. It's also better designed for easy service. And the Gravely's steering is noticably better (smoother).
The Exmark however has a higher top speed. It thus will cut light grass a bit faster. Also it cost about $1,000 less.
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HOWEVER....if money were now object I'd look at a Kubota diesel zero turn. The outfit that does lawns where I work runs several of these - very nice machines!
Anthony S DeVries
New User
I would throw in the farris line of zero turns. I have a 61 inch with a 32 horse motor and love it. It is also a nice and heavy deck and is one of the few that has shocks to improve your ride comfort.
showcrop
Well-known Member
I just bought a six year old Ferris with 1060 hours on it just because it was a good deal and I have a knee that's giving out. I knew they were a good brand and it's heavy duty commercial. Another friend in the business said don't let it go. He swears by Exmark. Do you know where the grease fitting for the center blade is? I haven't got my manual yet.
I bought a Deere zero turn last year. I got mine from a John Deere dealer. While talking to the dealer I asked about the "box store" Deere mowers. The dealer told me that they are the exact same as the ones he was selling. In fact when someone buys one from the "box store" the information is sent to mother Deere and the dealership closest to your home contacts you about warranty and service information. If someone has any issues the dealer has to take care of it not the "box store" Pricing is also set by John Deere so the dealers and the "box stores" have to sell at the same price.
I own a Ferris and so far it has been great. IS3100 model. 32hp 72" deck. I am mowing 14 acres of tree rows.
Since I had a broken tail bone, one of the features I needed was a smooth ride. Ferris has the 4 wheel independent suspension. Then I put the Exmark suspension seat on it. Exmark dealer wanted $550, got it from Harbor Freight for $300.
The deck articulates with the suspension so it won't scalp.
Mine was a just a tad more than a comparable Exmark but to me the suspension was more than worth it.
Rick
Since I had a broken tail bone, one of the features I needed was a smooth ride. Ferris has the 4 wheel independent suspension. Then I put the Exmark suspension seat on it. Exmark dealer wanted $550, got it from Harbor Freight for $300.
The deck articulates with the suspension so it won't scalp.
Mine was a just a tad more than a comparable Exmark but to me the suspension was more than worth it.
Rick
John M
Well-known Member
- Location
- Nunyafn business
I have a Cub Cadet "Commercial" mower that Ive had for 3 years and havent had any problems at all, except the battery has gotten a littleweak late in the season this year. If I can bag leaves one more time with it, I wont have to change it until next year. The reason I got it vs one of the others mentioned here, is theres more than one Cub Cadet dealer around me, and the closest one on any of the others was/is 60 miles away for me. Plus in a pinch, if I need a belt of blade, Home Depot has them most of the time.
regularguy
Member
You will get a lot of opinions on the best mower and everyone thinks that theirs is best, I have a Exmark and I love it, I had a Dixie Chopper before that and things didn't work out so well.
If I were you I would find a good local dealer that I trusted and demo a machine or two and see if you can live with it, support from the dealer will go along way in making sure that you are happy with your purchase.
I have a Dixie Chopper and like it. Having said that AFIK all the commercial grade ZTRs are good. It's a matter of getting the best price from a nearby GOOD dealer.
What I learned while reaseaching mowers: You want a mower with a floorboard that is hinged and raises up easily for maintenance of the deck pulleys, bearings and belts.
The deck should be heavy welded steel, not pressed steel, with the exception of the best grade John Deeres, JD has the capability to press thick steel.
Engine should be a heavy duty version, ask dealers about best engines.
BTW the lighter duty mowers don't have the hinged floor board because they are made lighter and the floorboard helps stiffen the lighter frame.
KEH
Clodbuster
Member
For 2 years I have had a 72" front deck Grasshopper......best money I ever spent.
2002 so it was gently broken in when I bought it.
2002 so it was gently broken in when I bought it.
I have a Bob-Cat (not affiliated with the Skidsteer company) and it has been fine. Nice and well built and heavy with a welded deck. Motor on the other hand has not. B&S has crapped out twice within 400 hours. I should of upgraded to the Kawasaki.
Careful on sticking with the welded steel decks. While it is true that they are more commercial and definitely heavier duty, the advantages of a stamped steel deck are starting to come through. They have better suction, lift, vacuum or what ever you want to call it, of the grass before cutting. Granted the stamped steel is thinner but some commercial mowers are switching to stamped steel decks for the more refined cut they leave. If you are looking as a homeowner, there is nothing wrong with a good quality stamped steel deck. Even more so if you are looking for a manicured looking cut. I used one of my neighbors stamped steel decks on my lawn and was impressed. Sort of the reason that JD is working hard on making a better stamped steel deck as someone previously mentioned.
Also, weight is not everything. While heavy duty steel is nice the less pressure your mower puts on the lawn the better. That is why you see a lot of the pros using walk behinds.
I just have a heavy duty, welded steel deck commercial mower as a homeowner and learned some of the disadvantages of them.
BTW a trick I was taught about frame stiffness. If you mow a lot with the mower and see one of the front wheels come completely off the ground while traveling over bumps (easy to notice the way the front wheels work on a zero turn) , the mower is indeed very stiff.
Careful on sticking with the welded steel decks. While it is true that they are more commercial and definitely heavier duty, the advantages of a stamped steel deck are starting to come through. They have better suction, lift, vacuum or what ever you want to call it, of the grass before cutting. Granted the stamped steel is thinner but some commercial mowers are switching to stamped steel decks for the more refined cut they leave. If you are looking as a homeowner, there is nothing wrong with a good quality stamped steel deck. Even more so if you are looking for a manicured looking cut. I used one of my neighbors stamped steel decks on my lawn and was impressed. Sort of the reason that JD is working hard on making a better stamped steel deck as someone previously mentioned.
Also, weight is not everything. While heavy duty steel is nice the less pressure your mower puts on the lawn the better. That is why you see a lot of the pros using walk behinds.
I just have a heavy duty, welded steel deck commercial mower as a homeowner and learned some of the disadvantages of them.
BTW a trick I was taught about frame stiffness. If you mow a lot with the mower and see one of the front wheels come completely off the ground while traveling over bumps (easy to notice the way the front wheels work on a zero turn) , the mower is indeed very stiff.
Cockshutt Mike
Member
I bought an X-Mark after talking with many of the land scappers in my area, about 75% use nothing but X-Mark. I have had it for three years and not one problem. I mow 3-4 acres of my own and have used it to mow other yards in my area. The zero turns don"t like banks or hills!
evilboweviel
Member
have two ferris 60" and a Hustler Super Z 72" at work. guys will take the Hustler out first everytime. It does have flex forks and flex seat.
way, way less repairs and maintenance on the Hustler and parts are way faster to get. Ferris parts are 3-12 weeks to get. Ferris does have the independent wupension and that was why they were bought, parts availabilty is why there will be no more Ferris at work
anybody who thinks you can't run a zero turn on a hillside needs to come watch these guys run on the slopes and hill sides
good luck
Ron
way, way less repairs and maintenance on the Hustler and parts are way faster to get. Ferris parts are 3-12 weeks to get. Ferris does have the independent wupension and that was why they were bought, parts availabilty is why there will be no more Ferris at work
anybody who thinks you can't run a zero turn on a hillside needs to come watch these guys run on the slopes and hill sides
good luck
Ron
I have ten Toro's that run about non stop. Similar to an Ex-mark. For the use and abuse they get, they last a loooonnnng time. I have several with 3,000+ hours on them. The first thing that goes wrong on mine are the Kohler 25hp engines at about 2,500 hours. All I buy now are ones with Kawaski engines. I would take a good look at the engine on what you buy also. I have 44" and 52" walk behind mowers that have 12.5 hp Kawaski's that have 9,000 to 11,000 hours on them that my Dad bought in the mid to late 80's. That's a long time for an air cooled engine on commercial work. And, they use no oil. Zero turn mowers are the way to go.
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
got a ZD 29 Kubota with 800 hours on it and has never been in the shop.
j bertrand
Member
Land Pride are good if you have a dealer close.
I don"t have one but my cousin went shopping for one a little over 2 years ago. This was two years ago so things may have changed. He looked at every thing every dealer had with in 45 miles. He ended up with a used Scag turf tiger. He has mowed 5 to 7 yards a week for two years with it. He has replaced blades and one tire. He is hard on equipment, he has run over about every thing you can think of with it.
Unless you are not who I am think"n of, the dealer (can"t recall the name) in Nebo just south of Providence is pretty good about selling good used stuff and parts.
Dave
Unless you are not who I am think"n of, the dealer (can"t recall the name) in Nebo just south of Providence is pretty good about selling good used stuff and parts.
Dave
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
Keep about 5 acres mowed with Hustler Z, 25 HP Kawasaki, 60 inch deck, 24 inch rear tires. Runs like a dream. Tom
BillinCentralMO
Well-known Member
We mow alot of grass. We have a Hustler "Z" and you just can't beat the quality. Seen , run and owned many. This Hustler is the best of all of them period. No doubt about it.
I've got one that hasn't been mentioned. I recently aquired 61" cut Great Dane with a 25HP Kohler. Being a mechanic by trade I've looked it over and can say that is is very well made, and uses alot of standard, off the shelf parts so when repairs are needed they should be fairely easy. I've got a buddy that runs a landscaping company and he runs Scag's and another brand. I can't remember which one of them it is but one runs a hydrostatic transaxel assembly (pump and drive motors all made together) instead of a seperate pump supplying two individual drive motors liike the Great Dane. I do know the transaxel has been an expensive problem with his mower a few times since it was bought and I looked at one for another friend that was leaking and wound up going back in for a warranty job.
I've worked on several brands over the past few years for my buddy and his other friends in the business and from what I've seen beyond the actual drive setup just about every mower is nearly identical to another.
I've worked on several brands over the past few years for my buddy and his other friends in the business and from what I've seen beyond the actual drive setup just about every mower is nearly identical to another.
John M
Well-known Member
- Location
- Nunyafn business
KEH,
My CC is the same way, the deck is stamped in the sme press the box store decks are, but is ALOT thicker than those. The color is supposedly how you can tell the difference, but I could tell by looking.
My CC is the same way, the deck is stamped in the sme press the box store decks are, but is ALOT thicker than those. The color is supposedly how you can tell the difference, but I could tell by looking.
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
i have a dixon mow 3 acres weekly machine is 6 years old with honda engine have never did anything but change oil and blades
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