Recommendations on zero turn mowers wanted

[TheBac]

Been thinking of buying a used zero turn to replace our Huskee Supreme 50" lawn tractor, which has given us good service, but is starting to show its age (15 years -- ~750hrs). IM getting tired of spending 2.5 hrs mowing the yard.

I know we've got lawn service people on the forum, so what brand would you guys recommend for residential work or what should I stay far, far away from?? Kohler or Briggs? Looking at 50-54" deck models. I mow approx 1.5 acres and am looking for a mower with a good reputation, not something I'll be spending a lot of time and money on to constantly service or replace parts.

Trying to stay under/around $2000, which may or may not impact your opinions.

Thanks for any info.

 

[OregonDMAX]

I have a Troy bilt zero turn that I got from the previous owner of my house when I bought it. They didn't take good care of it at all. I did basic maint and have been using it for over 2 years now with no issues. It has the kobalt 25 horse motor. I now about an acre in 30 mins or so

 

[lutzjk913]

Tom, I bought a cub cadet 50” zero turn with a Kawasaki engine. I can mow my 2 acres in under a hour with it. It was a little more than 2k but I bet if you shop around at the end of the year you will find some good deals.

Home Depot has a the new one with head lights and a commercial fabricated deck also. Pretty sharp looking and will definitely get the job done.

 

[Whitetail Addict]

My grandfather has a Ferris. I've used it a handful of times. It's what I'd buy if I didn't spend so much on other stuff.

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

I've got a Gravely ZT52HD with a 24HP Kawasaki on it. It's 6 years old with right at 400 hours on it. The only things I've done to it is change the oil & filters yearly, had to put a drive belt on it at 360 hours, and a few odds and ends here & there. It has been about as trouble free as possible, cuts awesome, doesn't plug up hardly ever, and runs at a decent speed cutting. There's some good machines out there. I would stick to around a 50-52" cut(any wider and scalping becomes an issue), stay away from Kohler engines made this century, I like Kawasaki, and try to find one with a deep deck.

 

[zakkb787]

Can’t really go wrong with Ferris, gravely, or some of the other big name brands. I’m a big fan of Kawasaki engines and fabricated decks. The 2k price tag is going to absolutely kill you in choices. Bad Boy Mowers are more of a budget friendly model, tho I can’t comment on quality even for home use.

 

[slowlml]

My dad has a 54in badboy mz magnum. I mow little under 4 acres with it few times a week the last 3 years. No major issues. Only two complaints. 1st the damn oil drain plug is a pain in the ass to get to and leaks all over the deck and frame. Rigged up an ez valve from a newer model with hose n fixed that. Second I've adjusted the arms every which way, even taken it to two different places and they still arent dead straight.

 

[02greysixer]

I just picked this up last weekend. 42" hustler with a kawi that will be cutting about an 3/4 of an acre at home and 3/4 at the shop. Wanted to stick with 42" because I have citrus trees at home close together and needed to be able to sneak between trucks at the shop. Right at $3k out the door brand new.

My dad has a Hustler 42" fast track that's going on 10yrs old. Deck and engine look just like mine but the frame and drives are different b/c it's the commercial version. It cuts 4 acres every 4 or 5 days during rainy season. Been a really good machine for him. Just basic maintenance and a couple spindles.
EDIT, SPOKE TOO SOON

While visiting my parents today pops wanted me to look at his mower cause it was acting weird. Left side pump/drive assy has crapped out. 450hrs

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[darkness]

I’ve got friends in Oklahoma that use a John Deere. I’ve ran it a couple times and it chews up anything in its path. He mows 15-20 acres every couple weeks with it. Takes about 8.5 hours. He got his mower at an auction and I think only paid $800 for it?

 

[six5creed]

If your buying a used one I’d look for one from a home owner, not one that has been used commercially. I’ve got a bobcat, 54” deck and has a Briggs and Stratton and I don’t like the engine.

 

[Ne-max]

Exmark, Scag, Hustler, Gravely, and Ferris will be the top of the line mowers but you wont get a new one in that price range.
I think Toro will be your best bet for the money. Witch they bought put exmark.

 

[gmac32]

I have a hustler laser z 72 inch cut. I love it . it has a 31hp kawasaki on it. No problems with it. I have almost 1500 hours on it. We mow about 6 acres once or twice a week. I like hustler mowers.

 

[bigmackmiller]

My top three brands in commercial flavor are SCAG, Exmark, & Gravely

 

[TheBac]

Thanks for everything, guys.

I ended up finding a 5 yr old Husqvarna RZ5426 for $1700. Owned by an 86 yr old couple for their 1 acre yard, but moving to a condo. Well maintained with regular service. Looks new. Low hours (~120), all paperwork.
26hp Briggs, just like my lawn tractor. New battery.


Now, to learn how to drive it competently. :roflmao:

 

[SmokeShow]

I'm late to the show but I enjoy my Cub Cadet Recon (discontinued model) with a 60" deck.

If it takes you more than a cutting a two to get the hang of it, I'll be surprised. They aren't difficult to maneuver.

 

[trashygasman]

Now, to learn how to drive it competently. :roflmao:

You’re not fully competent until you can drink a beer while driving it!:beer:roflmao:

 

[TheBac]

I see I made a typo. The mower has ~210 hours on it. Musta done the same thing I do when I type "teh" instead of "the"....typlexia?

There is video of me learning. Im hoping it doesnt show up on Bookface. :roflmao::roflmao:

 

[gassux]

good luck and if you have hills be careful, driving sideways can get interesting

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

You’re not fully competent until you can drink a beer while driving it!:beer:roflmao:

I learned how to run them with 1 hand when I was 15 working for a lawn service. When you get good enough, you can stand it up on just the back 2 tires to spin them around for 180 turns.

 

[TheBac]

Tried tonight....freakin' hilarious. Slow, Im ok. Fast, no bueano....yet. I've got to "think backwards", dont I?

Lawn's gonna look shitty for the next few weeks. :roflmao: