Zero turn mowers

[Onkel Neal]

Anyone have some good zero turn machine experience they can share? I am looking to get one in the spring. Preferably 60" with 24~27 HP. I know, commercial grade is best, but probably out of my budget ($6000). I am looking at the Husky, Exmark, Ferris, and Toro. Needs to be capable of mowing 7 acres week in and out.

[em2nought]

Another option might be something like the Exmark Turf Tracer. I'd try to get commercial, even if I had to get used I think. I used Turf Tracers for four years with a skid plate on behind instead of a wheel, it was a bit like waterskiing
http://r2.greenindustrypros.com/files/base/GIP/image/2015/12/16x9/640x360/EX16_Turf_Tracer_X_Series_InUse_1_crHR.5671c6cf20c cb.jpg
Regarding engine choice, I've read that the commercial Kohlers are better than the commercial Kawasakis now

[Skybird]

http://r2.greenindustrypros.com/files/base/GIP/image/2015/12/16x9/640x360/EX16_Turf_Tracer_X_Series_InUse_1_crHR.5671c6cf20c cb.jpg

Where's the sports in that? :D

[Eichhörnchen]

Get some sheep

[u crank]

Needs to be capable of mowing 7 acres week in and out.

That's not a lawn. That's a hay field.:D

[STEED]

I want a A.I mower that comes out my shed and cuts the grass then empty the clippings and finally return to the shed job done. :)

You maybe thinking STEED hates mowing the lawns and you would be right. :haha:

[em2nought]

Where's the sports in that? :D

With those ECS controls it's a bit like driving a tank too! :up:

[Onkel Neal]

Another option might be something like the Exmark Turf Tracer. I'd try to get commercial, even if I had to get used I think. I used Turf Tracers for four years with a skid plate on behind instead of a wheel, it was a bit like waterskiing
http://r2.greenindustrypros.com/files/base/GIP/image/2015/12/16x9/640x360/EX16_Turf_Tracer_X_Series_InUse_1_crHR.5671c6cf20c cb.jpg
Regarding engine choice, I've read that the commercial Kohlers are better than the commercial Kawasakis now

I get a lot of people telling me get commercial, I have been looking through the craigslistings. It's hard to say if a used commercial machine at $5000 is a better choice than a new $6000 residential machine. Doing research is tough, there are 5 million brands and models and the "features" are all solidly touted in their marketing.

I'm not sure I trust my coordination with a standup model, though, I think a seated model is a better idea for me.

[Jimbuna]

I could imagine you riding around the ranch in one of these and lets be honest, you could also run over a few Commanches if ever you were after a little more excitement :)

http://i.imgur.com/1H1UUMM.jpg

https://www.deere.com/en_US/products/equipment/riding_mowers/zero_turn_mowers/residential_ztrak_mowers/residential_ztrak_mowers.page

[em2nought]

The ECS controls can be a bit hard on your hands if you have any pre-existing injuries compared to a zero turn's controls also. I'd probably look for an Exmark or Hustler with a commercial Kohler engine if it was for me.

Drive your truck down to FL and I'll load you up with a hardly used Turf Tracer(I'm still paying the last $1000 on it lol) along with two spare older ones for parts at a steal for $4000.00 lol I'll toss in an additional engine, weedeater, and edger too. ha

Only 48" though

[August]

Anyone have some good zero turn machine experience they can share? I am looking to get one in the spring. Preferably 60" with 24~27 HP. I know, commercial grade is best, but probably out of my budget ($6000). I am looking at the Husky, Exmark, Ferris, and Toro. Needs to be capable of mowing 7 acres week in and out.

That's not a lawn. That's a hay field.:D

Yeah is zero turning that important on such a big field? Might be unnecessarily limiting your options.

[Commander Wallace]

Get some sheep

:haha:


Anyone have some good zero turn machine experience they can share? I am looking to get one in the spring. Preferably 60" with 24~27 HP. I know, commercial grade is best, but probably out of my budget ($6000). I am looking at the Husky, Exmark, Ferris, and Toro. Needs to be capable of mowing 7 acres week in and out.

I know a few people who have the Husqvarna zero turn with engines in the 18-24 horsepower range and they all have about 2 acres to mow. One friend has 1.25 acres and it takes them about 75 minutes to mow their lawn but they tend to take their time. Their lawn is sculpted like a golf course.

With that much acreage, you may be better off with 20-24 twin cylinder tractor with pull behind gang mowers that can cut 8-10 feet on a pass. The pull behind can be powered or un-powered like this one. The mowers are $ 1500.00 Add 2000.00 for the tractor and you are set. The advantages of the powered unit is that if the throttles for the powered pull behind unit are set at 40-60 % , the blades will spin and cut at least 100x or more over the area they are going over resulting in a golf course type smooth cut.
http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/700x700/250/250033_700x700.jpg

[STEED]

Get some sheep

What Eichhörnchen really means is this..:03:

http://bikinilawn.com/images/frontpic.jpg

I hear he has a fresh young lady every week cutting his lawn. :DL

[Commander Wallace]

What Eichhörnchen really means is this..:03:

http://bikinilawn.com/images/frontpic.jpg

I hear he has a fresh young lady every week cutting his lawn. :DL


If that's the case, Eichhörnchen is my hero. :Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:

[Catfish]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y174/penaeus/redneck-airforce_zps2gjekizk.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/penaeus/media/redneck-airforce_zps2gjekizk.jpg.html)

[Gargamel]

I want a A.I mower that comes out my shed and cuts the grass then empty the clippings and finally return to the shed job done. :)

You maybe thinking STEED hates mowing the lawns and you would be right. :haha:

These have been on the market for over a decade. Relatively cheap too. $1000 or so.

[STEED]

These have been on the market for over a decade. Relatively cheap too. $1000 or so.

It will have to climb a step to get in and out the shed and climb up my wheely bin open the lid drop off the clippings and close the lid. I have a feeling none on the market can do that. :03:

Maybe in 50 years time give or take. :)

[August]

It will have to climb a step to get in and out the shed and climb up my wheely bin open the lid drop off the clippings and close the lid. I have a feeling none on the market can do that. :03:

Maybe in 50 years time give or take. :)

Given technologies ever increasing rate of advancement i'd bet it'll be a lot sooner than that. Maybe before the decade is out.

[THE_MASK]

How easy is it to get parts/servicing etc .
What about something like a Kubota mower/bucket tractor ?

[fireftr18]

I had experience with the tractor style riding mower, the zero turn mower, and the style em2nought posted.
I hated using em2nought's. I have nothing good to say about it. I never really got used to using it, even after a couple years. I was even injured using it, and didn't do anything wrong. :wah:
I loved the zero turn, and if needed would get one. Easy to use, fun to use, comfortable, and fast. The first time I got on one, it took about 5 minutes to learn the controls, then about 10 minutes to get used to them. The drawback is that it can tear up some grass, not that I ever done anything like that. :D
The tractor style is comfortable and easy to use. For the large area you have, it may be more relaxing to use than the zero turn. The controls are similar to a car. In some, you can set the speed and not worry about it.
You may want to consider Wallace's idea.
Catfish's lawnmower is great, but the one STEED posted is the best one. :O:
For the size area you have, definitely go with commercial grade. You'll thank yourself for spending the extra money.

[STEED]

Given technologies ever increasing rate of advancement i'd bet it'll be a lot sooner than that. Maybe before the decade is out.

August, hope you are right on that one. :)

[em2nought]

Oh yeah, a Turf Tracer can mess your day up. I've run behind mine in a tight circle at full speed with one hand on one control trying to reach the other control with my other hand because I panicked, and forgot to just let go. :D

Like a standard transmission, I think the controls makes those mowers a tiny bit more theft resistant.

[nikimcbee]

http://www.incimages.com/uploaded_files/image/news-articles-2009-11-mowing-pop_989.jpg

[Aktungbby]

Dear Onkel: Upon much reflection and having spent time on '70 championship fairway tractor mowing with huge echeloned reel-array in 100 F. humid-heat myself-age 22...the place to look is 'Used machines' since they all require maintenance, PM and minor repairs from the getgo.:k_confused: As an old trucker yourself U know this! With a seven acre problem,( my brother rides a John Deere and his 1 acre takes an hour); so figure 4 hours minimum for your 'week-in week-out' job. The key to saving time is blade swath width: so 60" or bigger:up: is the key on your 'Ponderosa' (my brother's is under 40"):down::ie 20%+ efficiency per swath:yeah:: http://www.ebay.com/bhp/used-zero-turn-mowers (http://www.ebay.com/bhp/used-zero-turn-mowers) this appeared to be the gizmo of choice: age, hours, and blade swath : 4 EXAMPLE:
60" DIXIE CHOPPER ZERO TURN 25HP KAWASAKI LAWN MOWER "WORLDS FASTEST LAWNMOWER" (http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-DIXIE-CHOPPER-ZERO-TURN-25HP-KAWASAKI-LAWN-MOWER-WORLDS-FASTEST-LAWNMOWER-/201808501954)

$2,999.00 (won't break you financially:O:)http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mm7dI02lew7lj6-tOqvHaOA.jpg (http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-DIXIE-CHOPPER-ZERO-TURN-25HP-KAWASAKI-LAWN-MOWER-WORLDS-FASTEST-LAWNMOWER-/201808501954)'60" ZERO TURN XWK 2503 QUAD LOOP DIXIE CHOPPER WITH 25HP KAWASAKI ENGINE. THIS IS A VERY STRONG RUNNING COMMERCIAL MOWER THAT IS VERY FAST.' $2,999.00 :up: Try it once After adding seatbelts!...then hire some 18 yr old kid who drives and loves fixing his own car- and appreciates a steady gig!:shucks: Make sure he wears a bike helmet to prevent sunstroke and the beer-can holder has bottled water!:Kaleun_Cheers: I see already the seat's been duck-taped: Texas sunlight and heat at 50+ years R the enemy to U...and any vinyl yer sittin' on! :arrgh!: http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-DIXIE-CHOPPER-ZERO-TURN-25HP-KAWASAKI-LAWN-MOWER-WORLDS-FASTEST-LAWNMOWER-/201808501954 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-DIXIE-CHOPPER-ZERO-TURN-25HP-KAWASAKI-LAWN-MOWER-WORLDS-FASTEST-LAWNMOWER-/201808501954)

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah is zero turning that important on such a big field? Might be unnecessarily limiting your options.

It has quite a few trees. Plus there will be a house, some patio and garage buildings eventually.

I'm going to go have a look at these next week. Several people have recommended them for the best ride as well as a good cut.
https://sleequipment.com/ferris-is700zb2761-zero-turn-lawn-mower.html?gclid=CjwKEAiArIDFBRCe_9DJi6Or0UcSJAAK1 nFvtfPEn60Zp4FrDrvR0TerFOCFgbTJDWwuSKZtfN70XhoCeCT w_wcB

[Platapus]

zero turn? Bah

https://s14-eu5.ixquick.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=http%3A%2F%2Ft3.gstatic.com%2Fimage s%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcSrST5IWL--lvcVcXGvx_DQshPspuCgC9Gv8PzL-t7z9mjy2OXo&sp=49169233e109252b7bc8203fb6d95bb5

Only have to do it once or twice a season.

[vienna]

http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/169/764/67e.jpg




<O>

[THE_MASK]

Ahhhhhhhh vienna .

[Catfish]

zero turn? Bah

https://s14-eu5.ixquick.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=http%3A%2F%2Ft3.gstatic.com%2Fimage s%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcSrST5IWL--lvcVcXGvx_DQshPspuCgC9Gv8PzL-t7z9mjy2OXo&sp=49169233e109252b7bc8203fb6d95bb5

Only have to do it once or twice a season.

This is a Warthog turn, not a Zero :O:

[Onkel Neal]

Seriously, guys, if you have anything to add about mowers, thank you. Let's try to allow non-joke threads to remain on topic. We have lots of whacky threads for the humor.

[Catfish]

Sorry, cannot comment because i do not know said firm, nor their products.
I cannot praise Briggs and Stratton though, all mowers with said engines we owned had cheap plastic carburettors (you read that right) that are unservicable and good for two seasons until completely failing. Replacing the whole carburettor is not too expensive, but a fail in my book.

Those were smaller engines for personal use though, i read in the link you provided that it features a B&S "Commercial Turf Series engine", so the quality may be better.

[August]

It has quite a few trees. Plus there will be a house, some patio and garage buildings eventually.

I'm going to go have a look at these next week. Several people have recommended them for the best ride as well as a good cut.
https://sleequipment.com/ferris-is700zb2761-zero-turn-lawn-mower.html?gclid=CjwKEAiArIDFBRCe_9DJi6Or0UcSJAAK1 nFvtfPEn60Zp4FrDrvR0TerFOCFgbTJDWwuSKZtfN70XhoCeCT w_wcB


Looks like it would do a great job. You planning on getting mulching blades or are you going to bag the cuttings?