Zero turn mowers
It looks like it's time for me to buy a mower. Due to an arrangement within the family, I've been using dad's zero turn commercial machine to mow my yard, but it looks like he's going to be moving in the next year, so it's time for me to make a purchase.
I've been using his Country Clipper with a 60" deck to mow about 2 1/2 to three acres. He mows a similar amount with it. It works well, when it works, but we have entirely too many breakdowns on it at only 400 hours. His has a single joystick control. Took awhile to get used to it, but I'm undecided as to whether I want another one with this type of control. The cables seem to stretch and get out of adjustment about twice a year.
Do any of you guys have experience with different models of this type of mower? Locally, I can buy Deere, Scag, Cub Cadet, Swisher, Country Clipper, Grasshopper, and Ferris. I have to have at least a 60" deck, but I'm considering going up to a 72" depending on price. I'm definitely not against buying used either, if I could find someone offering a reasonable price on one.
I've been using his Country Clipper with a 60" deck to mow about 2 1/2 to three acres. He mows a similar amount with it. It works well, when it works, but we have entirely too many breakdowns on it at only 400 hours. His has a single joystick control. Took awhile to get used to it, but I'm undecided as to whether I want another one with this type of control. The cables seem to stretch and get out of adjustment about twice a year.
Do any of you guys have experience with different models of this type of mower? Locally, I can buy Deere, Scag, Cub Cadet, Swisher, Country Clipper, Grasshopper, and Ferris. I have to have at least a 60" deck, but I'm considering going up to a 72" depending on price. I'm definitely not against buying used either, if I could find someone offering a reasonable price on one.
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...The vast majority of commercial outfits around here use eX-Mark brand. I have one of the smaller ones with a Kawasaki 17 hp and a 44" deck. In 7 years, all I've replaced is blades and also one hydraulic pump that was covered by warranty. Still has the original belt on it.
...Our yard is about 270' x 250' and we mow way over a half mile of road ditch. (both sides)
...Grasshopper and Scag are popular around here too.0 -
X-Mark are popular around here. From the road, they look very similar to the John Deere. 0 -
...Anymore, all the zero-turns are starting to look like they were made with the same cookie cutter. Just pick an engine you have confidence in, and make sure that the deck is heavy, welded steel, not a pressing. 0 -
My John Deere works great, 3 years old and only replaced normal wear parts. Most professionals in my town use the JD. 0 -
Let me know if you are in the DC metro area, my father in law shut down his landscape business and has a commercial 0 turn mower you can have really cheap! It is in excellent condition.
BTW: It is a Bobcat0 -
I mow my grass uphill both ways in the snow.And i do it without griping. 0 -
Cub Cadet 0 -
quote:Originally posted by cubslover
Cub Cadet
...Well, THAT figures. How about Tori on a Toro?0 -
quote:Originally posted by tapwater
quote:Originally posted by cubslover
Cub Cadet
...Well, THAT figures. How about Tori on a Toro?
I don't care what she rides(within reason), if someone buys it for her.
You offering?0 -
...Aw, cubs...the "within reason" part killed it for me. Anyway, 6K for the eX-Mark, 7 years ago is all I ever want to pay to cut grass. Someone needs to breed a strain of grass that only grows 2" per summer. 0 -
Every 5 or 6 years go to Walmart or Lowes and buy a $899.00 riding mower. Figure 30 years=$4500.00-$5000.00. Still have several thousand dollars to pay somebody else while in your 80's & 90's. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by gunsdens
Every 5 or 6 years go to Walmart or Lowes and buy a $899.00 riding mower. Figure 30 years=$4500.00-$5000.00. Still have several thousand dollars to pay somebody else while in your 80's & 90's.
...Nah. Maybe if you mowed golf course smooth lawns. I bought the cheapies and beat them to death in two years, max. Same size deck on the X-Mark, but the speed I can run cut my mowing time to about a third of what it was taking. Ya get what ya pay for. (sometimes)0 -
Have a Dixon that was bought new in 1984!!! Still running like a top, and we haven't cut it ANY slack at all since it was new. When this one wears out (if it ever does) will definately go back to another one. 0 -
The link below shows the brands that MTD owns.
http://www.mtdproducts.com/corporate/index.jsp
The old names of years ago are all made by the MTD company now. The hydrostactic transmission pumps are the biggest issue to decide on. Some low level Cub Cadet pumps are el-cheapo.0 -
I sell both swisher and husqavarna 0-turn had great luck with both. 0 -
I love my Scag. I think they are the best made. 
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I looked at two Scags today that are identical to yours. They had been used by a commercial guy and had 800 hours each on them, and they were still asking $8000 for them! I could have my choice of a number of 60" machines, brand new, for that.
It seems to be a real challenge to find a good value in a used machine. I'm accustomed to buying 5 year old used cars and assorted old equipment, doing a little repair now and then, and having dependable, affordable stuff around as a result. Unless something pops up, I'm afraid I'm not going to pull that off this time.0 -
Got a John Deere 717, with the kawi motor, I'll have to say its a good mower. A bit high, but a good mower. 0
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