My only question is on the new Cub Cadet ZT2 is it worth the extra almost 900 dollars for the serviceable transmissions for a residential owner mowing 2.5 to 3 acres once a week or week and a half? Appreciate it. If your lot is very rough and you want to mow parts of it only a few times a year its the best choice. That Craftsman Pro is made by MTD. My land is rough and still with the frequent stump and small Yaupon bushs still popping up in east Texas. You are using an out of date browser. Bush Hog has had zero-turns for many years and the current models are heavy-duty well-built units. I not only look at the price, the craftsmanship, and the quality of cut but also the dealer network, ease of warranty service, and parts networks that support the product. We do also have a local Hustler dealer, but Im not familiar with what theyve got. Zero-turn mowers are ideal because they ensure no patches of lawn go uncut, and theyre also pretty easy to get the hang of. Since then I have went to a local dealer that sells Toro and Cub Cadet. My 12-year-old Craftsman 42 lawn tractor just died and decided to replace it with a ZTR. The tractor will be easier to master as it uses traditional pedal and steering wheel controls. Fabricated Deck 24 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin Gas Engine Zero Turn Mower with Lap Bar ControlAvailable at, Toro 60 in. The Cub Cadet tractor mower sports a heavy-duty AeroForce deck and rear diff lock to ensure optimal performance in hostile conditions. The dealer will do the tuneup and make sure everything is working perfectly. Ive got about two acres of mostly flat lawn at my house. Home Depot sometimes runs a 10% off special if the HD Credit card is used. Lourdani, The Z Master 2000 is the entry-level commercial Toro. The Costco units. John Would a front deck do big berms? I will be cutting about 3.5 acres with a few rolling hills. Ariens XD (Which is best between Kohler or Kawasaki) I like this cause I heard these are the best engines for lawnmowers so Im sure they are reliable. DO NOT buy the Dash. 8. Everyone really likes this mower. They both use a collection of Kawasaki, Kohler, and in-house engines (for the Toro TimeCutter) to function effectively. The Walker also rides great because you sit directly over the large drive tires. I do have a fence, trees and a few other yard obstacles. The hauler is rated to carry up to 1,000 pounds. I suggest mowing at 4 inches and then mow in the late afternoon. Hi Tawanda, A good 42-inch zero-turn is a good size for your yard. Since your lawn will be rough you want the strength of the HD line. Mostly everybody has said stay away from any of the John Deere! The other local Toro dealer is Ace Hardware. Hi Paul. Since I can get the zt2 for only $300 more than the zt1, do I take my chances on it and hope the deck is good? 10 years ago they were one of the best ZTRs on the market but today almost everyone else has passed them up for cut quality, service, etc. (I grew up with International Harvester tractors so the Reb/Black paint scheme appeals to me too!). If you really want a Toro it would be the Toro Titan Model 75310. You simply mow and tow, and mow again forgetting the existence of a spindle. I mow 2 1/2 acres with some inclines and trees. Freshly cut lawns are not only visually appealing, as they feel and smell great too. I have it professionally serviced last July and informed them of the issue. 22.5 HP Toro TimeCutter. Hi JD, You will be a lot happier with the cut of the Toro than the Simplicity. Find Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Outdoor Power from JOHN DEERE, CUB CADET, and FERRIS, and more, for sale in OHIO I was looking at this one from Home Depot: I suggest taking a look at the Exmark Radius E and Radius S before you look at the Scag. Looked at: Ariens, Walker, Ferris, Skag, Toro, ExMark, JD, Husqvarna, Hustler, Gravely, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Bad Boy, and Snapper maybe a couple others losing count. First a disclaimer, Im a Toro guy, so I favor the Toro. If you let your orchard get more than 8 inches tall before you mow I strongly suggest a side discharge deck. Use the cart alot in the summer it seems to move alot. So at least Ive narrowed it down to 4 potential brands. But the Toro TimeCutter HD with MyRIDE 48 in. But its biggest advantage is the mower will hang on slopes because the front wheels steer and both transmissions drive all the time. I think I would prefer the new one. Paul, Thanks for your help. 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. A 22 HP/725cc Kohler 7000 series V-twin OHV engine delivers high-performance power and exceptionally smooth, quiet operation. Do you recommend I go with a 42 inch or 50 inch deck zero turn? 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). Right now the ZTR market is saturated badly and there are new brands entering the market every month. Electric Riding Mower Lithium-Ion and Lead Acid Battery- 10 Best Tips. They arevented inside the spout so the fuel pours quickly yet seals tightly when not in use. 54 (137 cm) TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero Turn Mower (75754), Toros 42 (107 cm) TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower, Toro 21 (53cm) 60V MAX Electric Battery SMARTSTOW Self-Propel High Wheel Mower, Cub Cadet 60 Volt Max 21 Signature Cut Push Walk-Behind Mower. The decks are robust and can handle the work. I have an Exmark Quest with the same fab deck as the 42 inch Toro. I noticed you ranked Walker as the best mower. The Toro, since its 2019 model, is almost 1k less than an Xmark Radius e series I was also looking at. The mower is constructed this way so the operator can easily access the engine and cutting deck. I forgot in my first question to ask you about the Husqvarna MZ61 with the Kawasaki engine. Why? With 10 acres and horse pasture, go with the Apex. Toro TimeCutter MX4200. Any advise would be great. One last question, my dealer also carries the ExMark line, in addition to the Toro and Ariens I mentioned above. Well scratch my last replythe more I talk to my neighbors with riding mowers the more I hear that they wished they wouldve gone with a bigger deck even for our small 1/3 to 1/2 acre yardsIll hear that around 50 is what people think is enough/wish they wouldve gotten. I purposely did not expand on my Toro dealer experience. Hi, Paul, Please help! Yes, most people dont see the advantage of the steering wheel so Toro is discontinuing it. The joystick seemed a little twitchy, but I think I could get used to it. I suggest using the Cub Cadet blades until Oregon comes out with a set for the Ultima decks. Unless you have a dependable, local dealer, Id stay away from it. This makes the TimeCutter machine prone to overheating and wearing out quicker than it should. I do recommend that you have the dealer install it and make sure its programmed for your yard. In fact, I have that deck on my Exmark and I use that deck as my reference cut for most of my videos when Im demoing other mowers. By the way, the Kawasaki in the MZ is a residential grade engine. Which One Is Best For You? People like their Scag commercial mowers and owners really like how well this one bags but to me its just another middle-of-the-road mower. It built better than the commercial mowers we used 20 years ago. If you are going ANYWHERE near a ditch you need a 60 inch or larger ZTR and the angle should be less than 15 degrees. Its now owned by a Chinese company though the mowers are still made in Beatrice, KS. Seems like you get a overall better mower on the Cub than the Toro with the better transmission and extra features like the foot height adjustment, hour meter, headlights, etc. A 34-44 inch just doesnt have the proper weight distribution, not to give you issues with traction. 1st time for ZTM. Thank you sir, the 75746 it is!! Yet again, both the Toro TimeCutter and the Cub Cadet have quite reputable frames and are almost indistinguishable in terms of stamina. I am looking at a 60 Toro Z Master 2000 with 708cc 24.5 HP V Twin Toro Commercial Engine. While purchasing a mower online is possible, its not recommended for the following reasons: All things considered, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 is a powerful, durable mower whereas the Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200S is great at delivering a refined mowing experience. Hi Randy, The XT2 gives you taller wider tires, 2800 hydros, thicker handles, comfy seat, and a reinforced deck. Im not sure what Sears is up to so Im not recommending their mowers until I know where the company is headed. Your thoughts please. Bagger, tow behind, sweeper, or blower. He is very hard on the mower (over 150 trees to mow around) and its held up very well. My second choice is the Toro Timecutter HD 48 inch at the Home Depot. I am considering a 60 inch deck Ariens Ikon XD 23 HP. solid! John Deere Z530M. If . I intend to keep my air filter well serviced. Paul YouTube. This Toro Timecutter 75755 zero-turn mower combines comfort with versatility, thanks to its seat suspension system, straightforward controls, and hassle-free maintenance. Theres a local Gravely dealer that seems reliable and good to work with. Hi Morty, They dont list the tip speed but since they are advertising 7 MPH it will be at the max for residential mowers. Thought kubota z421kw was nice. This turned into long story long so again i really appreciate your time! Many repair shops carry a cheaper belt, although the same size, that is not designed for use on heat-generating engines. 4. Take, for example, the Cub Cadetits powerful engine is one of its most appealing qualities, and without it this mower would be a shell of its current self. Gravely ZT XL 52 with Kawasaki engine $4399 Could I get 200 hours out of the Z335E? I am looking at the Deere Z335E and Z375R. Regarding the gator blades, I have heard opinions that they should not be used with mulching kits. Its really a light duty mower and a few years of bouncing it around your property and it will start to have issues like the frame stress cracking, front casters breaking, etc. It will do the job for you. I decided Id get a ZTR this spring to replace my 15 year old, 42 Deere L110, Kohler 17.5hp, lawn tractor. Country Clipper Boulevard (deck tilt) Toro timecutter HD or I think i would prefer to keep it under 48 inches as well. I know i dont need anything crazy because ill be mowing up to an acre a week but i like nice things and always but more then i need. Arent the Toro engines made in China? Ive always liked John Deere, but I am concerned that their decks accumulate too much grass clippings and get clogged. It will easily last through your sons learning stage and go on to last you years. 2. Hi Mike, Your biggest problem is traction. Here's why I wouldn't 24 HP 725cc KOHLER 7000 series V-twin automatic OHV engine. I know the Ariens/Gravely has zt-3100 hydros. They are the same price. I have an ExMark 42 inch. One, Keep the mowing speed to no more than 5-6 mph. 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. I meant the Z355E 48, not 335. Toro does not offer tractor mowers, and so the best we can do here is attempt to compare Cub Cadets 54-inch tractor mower with Toros 54-inch Zero-turn mower. I know the Pro Z might be a little much for a residential mower but Im willing to pay $1400 more for the upgraded mower, providing the Kohler Motor is reliable and the transmission with charge pumps will add longer life to transmissions. I think I like the idea of a lighter, more nimble mower, but perhaps the heavier one is better for most general applications. You are right that the dealer can often make the difference, and the one I got mine from is awesome! Hi Dick, The Toro TimeCutter and Cub Cadet XT1 will give you about the same life expectancy as your old Toro. I was thinking of the Toro Timecutter 75742. It mows very well and is the right size for one acre. For that money is there a better brand i should consider that has serviceable parts like John Dear, Toro, or Husk? Cutting Width (in.) Hello Paul. I just think the Deere is a more refined machine, and it looks it. What direction would you lean? My ground is uneven in places, due to settling. Hello and thank you for all of the information that you have enlightened all of us with in reference to ztr mowers. Setting: Both are rated for a lawn up to .9 acres and max cutting height of 2.8 inches. Hi Daron, There is no difference in the mower just the service after the sale. Hey Paul have you ever looked into Dixie Chopper or Bush Hog ZT products? The usage will be 2-5 acres Texas Gulf Coast, mostly flat, no big slopes but some shallow ditches, some trees/obstacles, mostly turf grasses but with some rougher stuff. Thanks Paul, thats great that you drove this and would buy one. More recently, he has been showing up with a Scag zero turn, with a slightly larger deck. It will ruin your engine! Do they really ride that much better? Which one is quieter? 48-52 inch zero-turns will typically travel faster than 42-inch models and some models will cut grass as fast as 9 MPH! The transmission is mounted to the rear tires and cutting deck. Centipede grass needs to be cut at 1 1/2 inches, requires more power to cut and can quickly wear out cheap residential mower blades. You and Consumer Reports make me think the Toro MX5075 would be great. I was set on Scag, but now I think if I go with Scag, it should be the Patroit. Well we got the E170 and its a great mower but took forever to mow the lawn and sucked almost a tank of gas. This is Walkers first-ever residential mower. One or two tree stumps, some large anthills. The Frames are different so the Deere looks lighter because it uses smaller tubing. It is still a very popular mower with farmers who have long ditches and large areas to mow. Both will hold up on hilly terrain. In other words, it will last you years. Lets see if we can sort them all out. Yard is pretty flat with a little slope to get down to that wooded area.. but i also want to ask u if its safe for the mower to cut back in that stuff. Yes, the biggest difference is the fabricated deck. Thanks for the quick reply. I wanted to have beefier Transaxles. If you try to pull too much the transmissions can overheat and if you do it often enough they will fail. Do you think using the deck for a step is acceptable? Finally, learn to use your knees to cushion the ride and it is the second-best riding mower on this list. Exmark radius E series 48 That is an easy adjustment and found on page 20 of the operators manual. Both the Toro and Ariens have great cutting fabricated decks. When checking online pricing for the Z930M I found many of them with over 2000 hours still being sold. Robotic Mowers. Or Bagger for 42 inch Stamped Deck. Thanks Paul. My budget is $6,000 or less. You'll find gas-powered models . I have 15 acres of grass with voles holes/tunnels, berms, bumpy grass and fences. Id like to stay cost conscious but I am willing to pay more for an exquisite end result. lol I was originally thinking the Toro 75742 or cubcadet ULTIMA ZT1-42 solely based on customer reviews and price but now Im wondering if I should spend the extra to get the Toro 75755 due to the MyRide. Mower Blades, deck belts, air cleaner, oil filter, etc. Also when it comes to brands, I see a lot of high praise here for Ariens Ikon. Its a nice mower but I have been having issues with cut quality. Any advice you can give on each for a residential lawn? If you want the mower and need armrests here are the right ones: Cub Cadet Arm Rests. If you dive into the specs, there are a few small differences but none of which will make a difference in your cut. 2. Buy genuine and aftermarket Cub Cadet parts and accessories for lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, snow blowers, utility vehicles, garden tillers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, log splitters, chipper shredders, vacuums, string trimmers, edgers, trenchers, and pressure washers. If you want a one and done mower the Vanguard is definitely the engine to buy. Read more here: How to Support TodaysMower.com, I will list below three different types of residential zero-turn mowers. Blower has a steel blade. The only real difference is the deck. Later, if it gets harder to get on and off you can always add the step and hand bar. never go flat front tires !!! 42-inch Electric Zero Turn Mowers Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? I never recommend paying extra for the Kawasaki name. They are both great engines. Hi Anthony, Serviceable transmissions are something the internet wants but in reality, these transmissions hold up well. They are mulching blades made for mulching they work wonderfully with mulching kits. 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. Gravely ZT X 52 with Kawasaki engine $3499 (Its been flawless) It also has a fabricated 42-inch deck. The IKON XL is actually the toughest mower of the three. Thank you so much for the insight. One of the signature traits of the Toro TimeCutter is the ease of getting on and off; theres a little gap right at the front edge of the footplate for you to place your foot in for a step. Have your readers commented on it one way or the other? I live in Wisconsin and surely like to support the local manufacturers. 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. How does the Big Dog Alpha compare to the others you reviewed? The Walker Model R actually comes with the Kohler KT620 engine. So if you are nervous about the Briggs Intek in the John Deere lets focus on two Toro mowers. Theres no rival for this brand in terms of beating those slopes. Your site is the best, by far. Also, think about which dealer you feel will help you out the best down the road. John Deere Z345M 42 in. There are more parts to wear out on the Ferris and that bouncing can give you an uneven cut after a few years. Planted a bunch of young 5-8 trees around the property. It uses the same commercial deck they use on all the other models. Zero-turn Steering Wheel. Bradley is a small Midwest company thats been around for years. I like them both and cant decide which would be best for me. Its just about commercial grade and only about $800 more. Hi Paul. Thank you! The quality control for many of those power sports engines is all over the map or non-existent. If you cant get the Kaw I highly recommend the Toro. I only want to look at shaft drive, to reduce belts. This simply means you wouldnt need to bend over and grease now and then, and you also wouldnt experience any spindle problems with the Cub Cadet ZT1. Hi Jeff, There are NO ZTrs under $4000 that will handle that steep of slope. Husqvarna Z254F Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower. I do not need to tow anything. Its good for up to 1/2 acre and 25 degree slopes. Does anyone have experience with these two? Only the Timecutter has it. My yard is just over an acre, 95% flat with a small ditch in the front. Hi Jake, I like the Ariens better. It should be durable while providing maximum comfort during mowing. What would you recommend? About half of this area is a long wide slope in the front (well under 13deg that Deere warns about). The small front casters will make it ride rougher than many of the other mowers in that price range. Bobcat mowers have been around a long time and the mowers are very good. Hey Paul. If the basic version of either mower model isnt enough for you, take comfort in knowing that a range of enhancing accessories can be purchased. Unless your grass is wet from rain they will work well for you. I have been using a Husqvarna 48 lawn tractor and have been very satisfied with it. Let me start with the cart. Walker and Country Clipper. Paul Youll find a tag with the model and serial number. Both have deep 42 stamped steel decks 12 gauge on the Deere and 13 gauge on the Cub, and they both pretty much have the features I want, except the Cub doesnt have arm rests. Sorry for the long back story, but I thought it was important to provide as much detail as possible. Both mowers are good residential machines but I will have to say the Bobcat is a little more heavy-duty and it also will ride over rougher lawns better. Hi..I am looking for the best battery (about 1.5 acres) riding mower with a steering wheel, that will bag, about 38 in, power steering, dont have to change the blade when I am mulching or cutting (bagging).Thank you. Please stop back later this summer and tell us how you like your new mower! I believe youre right though on the 50 in for both. Also some of the areas gets fairly dusty if we go a couple of weeks without rain. Your site here and responsiveness is some of the best I have seen in my researching journey. Which models might you suggest? The Cub Cadet has slightly larger tires so it will ride a little better and have a little more traction than the Deere. By the way it was a trade-in at a local dealer where it was originally purchased and serviced. PLEASE ADVISE. Even the new MyRide MX5075 uses the 2200. Gravely ZT HD. Both have an excellent reputation. While Toro uses an IronForged deck, Cub Cadets deck is made with 11-gauge steel. Ariens Edge 42. Im wondering if you think its best to 1. Its pretty common to go through a belt a year with the with MTD 42 and 46-inch decks made before 2015. I dont necessarily want to mow the whole thing, but at least half of it. Fab 24.5 HP V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower or Now, The commercial Kawasaki FS and FX are great engines. heating oil prices in fayette county, pa; how old is katherine stinney It mows really well and is a very dependable mower. The best mower in that price range for ride, cut quality, cutting speed and long life components including the drive belts is the Exmark Lazer Z X-Series. Howdy Paul. To compare apples to apples (by price) my first choice is the Gravely ZT HD/Ariens APEX. Walker Model R. Either the 42 or 48-inch deck but the 48 will give you the best trimming capabilities. -Do you think 50 is overkill? Hi Tommy, The 2200 is not as weak as everyone wants you to believe. First of all, great article. I went to a kubota dealer today and saw a really nice mower (i imagine they are all nice in this range!) I was able to test drive the 2016. My Exmark Quest 42 which is the same as the MX4250 has the ZT-2200. Hi Shane, I like the Ariens IKON X a lot for a one-acre yard. In this post, well look at both companys mowers in a little more detail. They both use a collection of Kawasaki, Kohler, and in-house engines (for the Toro TimeCutter) to function effectively. But the real market is Europe so not everyone is selling here yet. The 50 inch Model 75750 will go through your gates with the side discharge up. 3. Toro TimeCutter SS4225. a lot better over the years. powerful 35hp v-twin kawasaki engine !!! I put my leaf clippings in a mulch pile but if you did your property this way I would guess you would have less than 10 bags. It has a very small, cheap engine. if I go with the ikon xl, which engine should I choose, Kawasaki or the Kohler? I like the build quality of this mower, the cut quality, and I can easily recommend it for 2-3 acres. Jul 19, 2020 Messages 2,205. By the way, Paul, I am very impressed that your top choice for me is one that wouldnt get you a commission. Hi T. Dan, Feel free to stop by anytime and tell us how the Jonsered is working out. When my wife mows, she complains about how bumpy I want a mulching deck since I mow around my market garden and I cant sell lettuce mix that is covered in grass clippings. Hi paul, Great review!!! Home Depot has both the MX5075 and MX6050 available in CA compliant models. Jonsered, Poulan Pro, and Husqvarna residential zero-turns are basically all the same. Both brands have a cutting height difference of 1 4.5 inches, only that the Cub Cadet functions on a pin system to adjust cutting heights, and the Toro TimeCutter relies on a lever which I honestly prefer over picking and dropping a pin especially when you have to constantly take your eyes off the track. Its not the ZTR you are using the wrong equipment for the mowing you have to do. Hi Daron, If you do a lot of towing the Toro TimeCutter is the best choice in that price range. Edge, I like the Kohler. 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. That said. Have you done any testing with the Husqvarna or any other mower manufacturers? If you feel there is an different product that would better fit my needs then Id love to hear from you! About Paul Sikkema
What do you think about the Craftsman 42 inch Steering wheel zero turn. Check it out here: Ariens Ikon 42. So many choices! Youll need to sharpen the blades twice a year and replace them every 2-3 years. You also have the Ariens XL 60 and the Hustler SD 60 at around the ZT2 price. Its not a manicured lawn but its not bad either. You may get a better deal at a local hardware or home improvement store. Most cost $8000 and up. Click on each item to see them at The Home Depot. Rivets thanks for the info. It is a mid-line ZTR in the Deere lineup and it will last you a long time. Thanks in advance! I really ran across this URL of yours [I think]as a matter of the odds of just browsing, at times, painfully. We have a dealer here that undercuts the prices, but their service and customer relations is poor. I prefer a mower where the operator (not the whole mower) has a suspension seat. The two best are Stihl and Husqvarna for the U.S. market. Looking around at other manufacturers They are all charging $800-$1100 for the ZT 2800 trannys over the ZT 2200. Thanks for your time. The start sequence is enabled by a pressure switch from weight in the seat. Also mowing the higher grass takes a lot more power and the batteries may not be able to mow that 1.5 acres all at one time. The deck is tough but mows best on normal lawn. I havent been able to see much on the cut quality of the apex and if its worth the extra $1000. Guys wear them out by trying to mow on hills greater than 15 degrees, pull carts full of dirt and gravel, mow side hills or ditches over 15 degrees and dont keep the outside free of grass and debris (overheating). Having a really hard time deciding between the two if I make the jump from a 42 to the 50/52. And the transmissions are not strong enough to pull that cart with more than 200 lbs in it. Its really interesting how the Internet can get facts turned upside down. I think I would spend the extra money for the new 2018, but I would welcome your advice. 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. Fabricated Deck 24-HP Kohler Pro, It is a hard one. 100 Ah Zero-Turn Electric Mower. It cuts great and is built to last way more than 20 years. But, Since you have a very rough lawn I recommend that you buy the Titan series with MyRide. 2023 Desired Lawn Mower, all rights reserved. But much of the remaining hillside (15 degree slope) ends at a tree line, so mowing straight up and down requires that I make turns on the hill.