Hi K.C., I never recommend buying used unless you are very mechanically inclined, have engine and transmission expertise and get such a good deal that you can fix all the little things that will go wrong. Look forward to your suggestions. Trimming with the Model R is unbeatable. (Its like having a locking diff on a Garden Tractor) I suggest the Z-Force S 48 for long life and the extra weight for traction. Personally, I use Mobil One in all my engines and Ive never had an engine failure on any of my gas powered equipment, cars or trucks. Both show it online so should be able to at least order the model I want. On the downside, there was feedback that the steering and control of the mower needed getting used to. Ill be mowing my 1 acre, flat-to-mildly sloping residential lawn with minimal trees. Hi Dick, The Toro TimeCutter and Cub Cadet XT1 will give you about the same life expectancy as your old Toro. Appreciate all the help and insight. Hi Rob, Yes, there is a substantial difference between the Timecutter and HD models. The joystick seemed a little twitchy, but I think I could get used to it. So let me go quickly through some of the options youve mentioned. The layout of the yard leaves me with multiple pie-wedge corners when I mow around the outside of each section. The new governor system on it is a lot quicker to pick up under a heavy load and the engine does not bog down. The Compacts (all brands) are only for small residential flat areas that have gates you have to deal with. Hi Joe, that would be the Ariens IKON XD 52. 26 HP Titan MAX IronForged Deck Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower at Tractor Supply Co. Great Customer Service. I have looked at both in person and there is no comparison the ultra heavy duty Apex (same as the Gravely ZT HD that sells for about $5200) makes the ZT2 look very basic and average. Both are listed at the same price. Do you have a preference in the Ariens XD 52 vs the Toro 50? Its very easy to switch from mulch to bag to side discharge. I think Im leaning towards the Gravley/Ariens product. I live in the Pacific NW, have an acre of level-to-slight hill to mow. Those 700-1500 hour machines can nickel and dime you to bankruptcy. My second choice is either the Toro or Cub Cadet 50 inch. Recap: willing 2 spend 6-7k. 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. I mow a little over 1/2 acre that is flat but not smooth or soft ground. 1. Hi Paul. Easy-to-operate controls. (I dont fertilize it, or treat it with lawn chemicals). I have 2 acres I mow Is this too much acreage for a mulch kit?i feel like Im shortening the life of the mower by stressing it. Finally, given I dont have a trailer and that my truck is a stepside bed, most of these mowers, I dont think will fit in my truck. 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. Hi Paul, Im looking at zero turns for hilly and bumpy terrain. I have 2 acres to mow and Ive most recently tried out a Ferris IS600z. I am leaning towards the Ryobi, but there isnt much online about it besides the HD and the manufacturers site. The other local Toro dealer is Ace Hardware. That is a much larger market than Lawnmowers and there are hundreds of little hole-in-the-wall making engines for that market sector. I just visited the local Gravely dealer and looked at the ZT XL 52. I do like the 42 inch Toro over the 46 inch Cub Cadet. If you are interested in the Bad Boy I would buy from a local dealer or make sure if you buy from Tractor Supply that you can get it serviced locally. Two big Maples and six oaks keep me busy in the fall and a dozen pin oaks that dont drop their leaves till spring. However, I just saw your comment that Toro is dropping their steering wheel models, so if I went that direction, Id almost certainly be getting the Cub Cadet, one of the models with a 46 cutting deck. Hi Jon, I have no preference. Although I like the Ariens Edge and IKON XD they dont have a bagger for it right now. I like the ZT XL 52. The small front casters will make it ride rougher than many of the other mowers in that price range. It gives a nice cut, and with the maneuverable front mounted mowing deck, he is able to follow the bed lines nicely. John I wanted to have beefier Transaxles. When you want to take care of an extensive lawn, this lawnmower can keep up. Keith, If you feel comfortable doing this: Please wear safety glasses, a face shield or a motorcycle helmet and shield. Hi Tommy, I like both the Toro and the Ariens/Gravely a lot. Ariens IKON XD Mowing Review. Instead, they shred the grass into little cotton balls That leave a mess on your lawn. Personally, Id go with a little heavier machine. I personally have this deck and I like it a lot. The Boulevard doesnt have the step and rail. He suggested to try and find something that was like a residential/commercial type hybrid. Hi James, The John Deere uses both the Intek and the ELS Briggs engines in various mowers. If there is a grinding noise or when you spin the blade it does not feel perfectly smooth replace that spindle. Seems as though your recommended ZTRs come from Big Box stores, which I prefer to purchase from a dealer. i just need help deciding which mower to go for, i run my own gardening business of three years and its now time to upgrade to a ZT, I do a few commercial jobs which are about 1 acre in size and alot of smaller residencial properties with small gate access around 1/2 acre. Calculator tells me (for my peace of mind) that I ought to be looking in the 50-60 range if I dont want to spend much more than a few hours doing my lawn every other weekend. 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. Fab 22.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed, Toro TimeCutter HD 48 in. The Deere cuts well. For a rugged mower for two acres, I like the Ariens IKON XL and Ariens APEX at the Home Depot. Hi Ted, If you buy from the Box stores I recommend reading the operators manual before you go mow with it. We can get the veterans discount at Lowes and Home Depot. Check Price. It is more on the lush side in the spring and fall. The $2k difference from high to low seems like a lot but the dealer was pushing the $5100 one. Im also showing that Lowes is not going to carry most models in stock. Both are a lot more agile so you can go around obstacles faster. It has larger rear wheels than the Toro or Cub Cadet and that gives it better traction. Which would you recommend? Two of the best in-class lawn mowers, from the two biggest powerhouses, go head-to-head in this review and comparison video by Main Street Mower. Yes, Toro is discontinuing their steering wheel models. All three 24 HP models are comparatively expensive, starting from $6,699 to $6,949. Hi Jake, I like the Ariens better. Just wanted to mention a few things the Apex is currently $300 off, making it a very good deal. I do wish I could have the ELS engine, but maybe I can find a way to enhance the existing stock configuration to extend engine life, and in the process improve my chances. The Ultima deck is a good deck but residential mowers, in general, dont like to mulch when cutting the grass at 2 3/4 inches or less. (same mower ones red the other is orange) The larger 20 inch rear tires really make a difference for traction on slopes. Other than that I dont have a preference. Now it just keeps throwing the belt off. However, I like the 60 inch deck for the price and also the fabricated deck. Decent engine, decent transmissions and built well. Please Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Please Note:If you click on most of the links in this article and buy any product I will make a small commission from that sale. ZTRs are NOT designed to pull things. Its not a popular brand and I dont know anyone who actually owns one meaning I dont know enough about it to tell you if its good or bad. Hi JD, You will be a lot happier with the cut of the Toro than the Simplicity. Other thought was to get the 75742 then add the Rop Shop suspension seat but at that point Im only a couple hundred from the 75755 so probably not worth it. I bought an MTD from HD 14 years ago and I mow about 1 1/2 acre. The fully articulated deck hugs all the dips and bumps in your yards and does a great job of striping. 4 Rough hilly acres to mow. Hi Ryan, Id stay with the Deere. I think I would prefer the new one. Mar 11, 2020 / Toro MyRIDE. Walker brand ZTRs can typically handle steeper slopes because of their low center of gravity. Electric Riding Mower Lithium-Ion and Lead Acid Battery- 10 Best Tips. Do you have a preference between those 2? The Toros and the ZT X use the ZT2200 transmissions. When we need parts and service, I imagine we may end up going to Tractor Supply well see. Hi Ryan, I have no preference between the Kawasaki FR or the Kohler 7000. This is Walkers first-ever residential mower. Fab 24.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed. Their lawn care contractor mows with zero turns, but they mostly back down the hill, and drive back up.). I can tell you Ive had my Cut Cadet Ultima ZT2 54 for 2 1/2 months now, and it rocks! He said he prefers the Toro with the Kawasaki engine over the Cub. I was able to steer it OK, and it handled the sloped areas with no problems. My dad owns a Cub GT 2042 and I borrowed it recently and was really un-impressed with the mulching. And with my analytical mind, I go back and forth and change my mind on many of these. I think you made my decision much easier! A friend says I should get a Kubota that will last the rest of my life. Loncin and the manufacture that makes MTDs Powermore engine are exceptions. If you have a problem holding a gas can the SureCan is a great can. Toro Time Cutter HD: If you are rough on your equipment the deck and deck hangers on the HD are tougher than the Walker. Im looking at the cub cadet ultima zt2, ariens apex and Toro timecutter all in 60 inch. Good for your lawnmowers, snow blowers, weed wickers, leaf blowers and other small engine power equipment. When Sears and Husqvarna parted ways it looks like Husqvarna kept all the molds and just slapped the Jonsered name on it. You are paying quite a bit extra with the Toro to get the suspension platform. The yard is not what Id call perfectly evenprobably typical for the countrybut the man who mows says its not bad. Let me start with the cart. A 900-hour machine is ripe for $300-$1500 of minor repairs. Stamped Decks Inexpensive Mow well, bag well, and are great for smooth lawns. 5. Is the ZT-2800 in the Titan (75312) comparable to the ZT-3100 because of the different drive modes available on the Toro? EZT transmissions will hold up to regular mowing on normal slopes. I am orderingI dont think I can live with the regrets Ill have if I pass on this and buy a $4200 Gravely/Hustler locally! Zero-Turn Mower $3499 Ive used a California trimmer reel mower for the past 6 years, but want less maintenance and speed. Conclusion Costco wont carry those items. Thank You in advance! Exmark has its own decks and its tuned for the commercial operators who like to mow as fast as the mower will go. Also, can you still find the Husqvarna articulating mower? Please rank or help me eliminate machines that would be overkill/over buy. It makes the mower capable of avoiding cold start wear. The Bad boy MZ MAGNUM is much lighter-duty mower than the Ariens/Gravely. I dont think anyone has an IKON XL or a TORO 5075 MyRIDE for me to compare. If it still wiggles the bearings are bad and you need to replace the spindle. I really like your reviews and expertise. I recommend only looking at the Husqvarna AUTOMOWER 430XH or the just introduced Worx Landroid L. These are the only robitic mowers that will mow the grass high enough (3-3.5 inches) so that you dont get soil erosion on that slope. However, some on the forums have reported using them in light commercial use for years with no issues. The grasshopper has a hydraulic deck lift and a few others have electric. Buy Toro 60 in. Bad Boy MZ Magnum, 54 in. Its being replaced with the Z560 https://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/zero-turn-mowers/z560/967929901/. It has smooth-running V-Twin and bags well. He did a great job and cut down a lot of the smaller trees etc. Do not which one cannot be rebuilt or can for that matter. Hi Pete, The Toro is very easy to work on. Thank you for the research and in-depth articles; Ive learned a great deal already. Toro TimeCutter MX4200. The difference between the Gravely ZT X 52 and the Ariens IKON XD is where its sold. My understanding is he was originally a part owner in Bad Boy mowers he didnt like the direction Bad Boy was heading so he started his own brand of ZTRs. The IKON XL and the Toro MyRide are much better choices. If you really want a Toro it would be the Toro Titan Model 75310. For example, if they have 2 Husqvarna dealers in a town and someone else wants to sell their products theyll let them sell the Poulan Pro or Jonsered brand. Im not familiar with Husky but the Husqvarna decks are not as good. The Toro is the same engine that I have lower back issues. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks for the feedback! For the few extra dollars buy the Toro or Ariens. I mow just under 2 acres of mostly flat to gently sloping grass. What are your thoughts about those in comparison to the other. There is one close to your price range and I do highly recommend it. Clean your deck with the deck wash every time you mow when the grass is still wet under the deck. The type of grass will also make a huge difference. I had no idea where to start looking, but thanks to you Im on top of it now. You may not like the Walker for your tasks. You also have the Ariens XL 60 and the Hustler SD 60 at around the ZT2 price. The Toro engine is developing a stellar reputation. The Gravely ZT HD is the same mower as the Apex. I also like the toro my ride and ariens ikon x john deere and cub cadet ultima. That his asking price. Although, I really didnt want to spend that much. I do like the ZT1 by Cub Cadet as well and the Z335E by John Derek. Any suggestions? Any advice would be well appreciated. The two best brands are the Grasshopper and the Walker. He is a very good mechanic, but I want to help him with a proper mower. As time goes by and my father in law and neighbor get older Ill be cutting probably in the 10 acre range. Hi Clark, I loved the old Dixons but they had such a shallow deck that you couldnt use a high-lift/bagging blade on them so they had to use the blower to suck the grass out of the deck and throw it into the bagger. Many commercial operators go back to the 30-36 inch walk-behinds because the small standers just arent that great. The second choice is the Toro Titan with MyRide. Wide track rear wheel base. Hi Jack, for that much lawn I suggest a high-end residential or entry-level commercial mower. When checking online pricing for the Z930M I found many of them with over 2000 hours still being sold. Scag Liberty Z with the Kawasaki engine 48 Mike C. My first choice for slopes is the Ariens IKON XD 52. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50. Yes, I like the Ariens but if you put the Ariens and Country Clipper side-by-side youll go with the Clipper. The Walker also rides great because you sit directly over the large drive tires. Its a heavy-duty mower but the Deere will have more options available like baggers and mulch kits. Anything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated. Hi Paul, I have 1 acre of land, flat, with fenced backyard and trees on the side in the front yard. Im looking at the 42 inch airlines ikon x and the hustler raptor. Of course, Im always partial to Exmark. I firmly believe you get what you pay for. If you are used to a mid-mount ZTR and then use the Walker for an hour youll never go back to the mid-mount. The Toro engine is not as well-known as the Kawasaki FR but has better reliability. Hi Frank, I wrote an article comparing it to the Ryobi and Cub Cadet here: 42-inch Electric Zero Turn Mowers Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? The 3100 trannys are nice but the mower is Kubotas entry model. Do you think one would last longer than the other, or be more durable, or function better, or offer better traction? Fabricated Deck 24 HP Kawasaki FS Series Engine with Front Wheel SuspensionAvailable at, Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 54 in. 4. I intend to keep my air filter well serviced. Its a very heavy-duty mower. Hydro-Gear ZT 3100 transmission. Yes, they look cool but if you put one next to a comparable commercial mower (Toro, Exmark, Scag, etc) you will find cheaper parts in the Spartan. Think you figured that out. If I got a tractor, how beefy of a model would I need to get? Thanks again for the information! 1. Ask him about any specials he has coming up because a lot of dealers will have a spring special (i.e. I suggest that you dont mulch until your lawn growth has settled down. Hi Wilson, Wow, what a wonderful list to work with! The Bobcat ZT2000 tends to be a little heavier duty than other brands. Services issues are quickly fixed with Ariens Bad Boy has fewer dealers and the quality can be spotty. solid! Fab 22.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed, Agri-Fab 44 in. ), The Ryobi is a good choice. It has a very small, cheap engine. Ariens Edge 42 Some day, we may find a good reason to switch over. (I dont have a bagger) I usually mow in side discharge mode in the spring and then switch to mulching after the spring growth slows down. They are very intense about quality and never compromised by making residential models for the masses. The deck wont lift up for transport or going over curbs. In in the market for a zero turn and im not sure which one to go with. Skip to the end of the images gallery. Q: What are your thoughts about transmissions with and without charge pumps? ), good speed, would like towing capability (limited I suppose), and riding comfort (albeit, reliability is more important to me). Paul, I purchased a 2018 Gravely ZTHD52 last spring. It comes in a 42-inch deck model and a 50-inch deck model. All in all the Badboy and Hustler will have a stronger frame and deck, but on the Badboy the weakest link is the briggs engine making the kawasaki on the toro sound like the best buy for me. This sliding has even caused the mower to slide into a ditch, when I was cutting the side of the road, and it flipped over!!!!! Plus I just really like it over anything else under $3000. One, Keep the mowing speed to no more than 5-6 mph. If you let your orchard get more than 8 inches tall before you mow I strongly suggest a side discharge deck. Cub Cadet has put a lot of time into designing a deck that cuts just as well and from what Ive seen so far (on YouTube) it cuts very, very well. I use 2 tablespoons per gallon of fuel. 3400 pumps, 23 tires, 7 gauge deck, 10mph, B&S Vanguard for $4200? One con. For $300 more you can get the 75746. The gray AUTOMOWER 435X AWD Model 967 85 33-66 is the homeowner version. Now, The commercial Kawasaki FS and FX are great engines. Please Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Please Note:If you click on most of the links in this article and buy any product I will make a small commission from that sale. Father in law says he believes i could take a 60 inch back there with no problem and just lift the deck to avoid any small stumps etc that was left over from the guy clearing. The Ikon XLs blades will last 3-5 years or longer and youll only need to sharpen them once a year. Thanks for your help! My second choice is the Ariens IKON XL. On the perimeter of our yard there is about a total of a half acre of wooded area which we do not cut. 2. The Liberty Z Scag is a residential mower and is the cheapest in the Scag line. You get the heavier trannys and a reinforced deck. One last question: is fabricated deck better than stamped? I did not want to step into the $4000 price class to get something like the Hustler SD w/ ZT2800s (the Ikon XL lacks 13 tires). I wish they didnt have so many mowers to choose from because it makes deciding that much harder. Should I be looking at ExMark as well? The Toros controls are further back than the Country Clipper. Thanks Paul. I say all that to ask your thoughts on the Toro MyRide and whether its worth the money? Hi Paul, great website and very informative. Hi Robert, On paper, the Liberty Z meets all the criteria for a good $4500 ZTR. 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. The Apex with the commercial style 5.5 deep deck and ZT3100 drives will last longer, cut better and mow FASTER, especially in demanding conditions like tall or wet grass.it will also be more comfortable over your mixed 10 acres, it has 22 rear tires, and weighs 853 lbs.,compared to the ZT2 at 640 lbs. See More Details. Home Depot has both the MX5075 and MX6050 available in CA compliant models. Titan IronForged Deck 24.5 HP Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower with MyRIDE, Cub Cadet Ultima ZT3 60 in. Thanks Paul. Appreciate the in depth insight on the towing/tongue weight. Have you heard of the transmission concerns? The Toro TITAN MAX Havoc edition. The ZT 3400 with charge pumps has no o-ring issues. For fall cleanup, Ill either bag or mulch and sweep. Appreciate it. The Titan 48 inch with MyRide is easily the best riding and best cutting residential mower. Paul The second contractor uses a Walker mower. I have been trying to decide on a new mower. My ground is uneven in places, due to settling. There is one mower that is designed for this type of work. Hi James, I made a comparison list of the two here: Product comparison. My wife has demanded I either take down some trees, buy some equipment that can handle the job, or hire it out. Paul does most of his writing out in his workshop where he feeds the wildlife and birds in the yard. Was more of a general question. If hill is wet I can walk behind to have more control The Ariens Apex is the mower I would buy for my father. Price-wise the Gravely is more but you get proportionately more. trans) Now I just have to find one!! The 375 gives me the R package, a 54 deck, and the 25 HP ELS engine. My question is are the Ferris mowers worth it compared to some of these on your list? Ive been looking at a couple different options and would like your advice on which one to go with. (You can raise the deck vertically once its on the trailer so it doesnt take up as much room.). You helped me purchase my last mower which was a 46 Craftsman Pro and it worked out great for our needs at our last home (hills/very few trees). Thanks! Arent the Toro engines made in China? The FasTrac is more in line with the mowers we are discussing here though. However, the 4WD model is a bit out of my price range, and it now seems that few dealers still carry these mowers in the US. 1. 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. Thanks in advance for all your help! Your second issue is many ZTRs are light in the front and the mower could tip over backwards going up that steep of a slope. This machine was a beast. R.O.P.S. Its a very dependable and well-built mower. And I have a good mower shop just a mile away that is not a dealer, they will service whatever you bring. Hi Kirk, if you want the best cut possible get the Deere. It was a great lawn tractor when it was a Craftsman but it is not the right tractor for you from Costco. Your dealer also carries more Husqvarna products that are not sold at retailers. I appreciate your suggestion, and I am going to check out the Gravely ZTRs this week, at my local dealer. If you were only mowing 3 acres Id say go for it. You seem very knowledgeable in the area and I would appreciate your opinion. Thanks Paul for the quick response. My main concern is will the EZT hydros and B&S engine be OK? Which one is better and is it worth the money to get the ikon xl? Bookmark the permalink . I dont know how steep of slopes it covers. The Briggs is the base Intek and the Kohler will have a longer life. Problem is nobody makes a blower for a bagger anymore in a 42 in size except gravely. That said, The Kawasaki FR engine you find on this price range of mowers is nothing special. 2. Good for your lawnmowers, snow blowers, weed wickers, leaf blowers and other small engine power equipment. Hi Kathy, You will be very happy with the Patriot. I would like a mower with a long life-expectancy that is fast and dependable, cuts down on our extensive weed-eating, and wont fall apart when/if we mow the ditch or pull a cart or lawn sweeper. The dealer I prefer carries both Toro and Ariens, so that is not a factor. Any recommendations? Also, Toro mowers have larger caster for cubs with sealed ball bearings compared to John Deere mowers. Use this dealer locator page to find a dealer in your area (Country Clipper dealers). The ELS version is an Extended Life engine and advertises 50% more life than the Intek. The Toro fab deck cuts better and the Toro will also pull more but overall the Cub Cadet is one of my top choices for a 42-inch ZTR. About half of this area is a long wide slope in the front (well under 13deg that Deere warns about). I have a rather small yard no more than 1.5 acres but I have a serious spinal cord injury that causes a very painful condition and constant mind numbing back pain so I probably shouldnt cut grass at all but I enjoy it and it allows me to feel productive which is something I miss ever since someones carelessness left me disabled about 4 years back.

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