Zero Turn Lawn Tractors, Take 2

Several years ago, I asked here about zero turns. I have just over an acre with hilly terrain and enough trees. I ended up with a Cub Cadet i1042 lawn tractor that was a zero turn (with an actual steering wheel, not looking like the tank turning levers).

Problem was, the deck had timed blades. I have had to replace them four times in the last five months due to the blades going out of phase and hitting. I have done everything to avoid the blades going out of phase.....low throttle blade engagement, clean the teeth on the pulley and belt....etc.

I am done with it. So, the search is back on. I would prefer a rear discharge to avoid the hayfield look and 44-46". Hustler brand came up as a highly recommended brand.

Anyone have feedback on Hustler...the mower brand? Or any other highly recommended brand that can handle terrain as a zero turn that is for residential use......under $3K-$3500.

 

Dixie Chopper will last your lifetime but a bit above your budget.

 

My stepdad has a gravely and really likes it. But ... I have no clue on cost.

 

Our corporation owns Dixie Chopper, think I get a discount.

 

ferris, or simplicity. a bit out of price range new but, you get what you pay for. blade speed is EVERYTHING, when going for the "not like a hayfield" look. the full length deck rollers give it the ball park striped look.

get over the steering wheel thing... I was a tractor guy, was "scared" of the sticks, after the second time mowing, you learn, you can do anything with them. the speed you can mow at, and the maneuverability of the zero turns, lets you have more time to do other things, than sit on a tractor. I mow around 3 acres, went from a simplicity garden tractor (sovereign 48" deck) to the citation xt ZT 50" deck, cut my mow time by 30% (no shit).

don't make another high dollar mistake, buy once, cry once... plan on it being the last mower you will buy. Ski

 

Man I am most likely in the minority but I've got a craftsman heavy duty and I ABUSE it.

I use it at my house, business and track and plow over everything and it works just as good as ever...

Track property is 9 acres with prob 6 being cut.
House is 3 acres
Shop is prob 2

It's definitely ready for oil change but man I am very satisfied.

 

I am more concerned about the size of most zero turns like Dixie Chopper fitting into my already crowded shed. Otherwise, I'd be all over a big deck monster zero turn.

 

Who actually makes it?

yes, I went there.

-jim

 

You don't need a big deck. Smaller decks will cut nicer and more maneuverable. Unless your yard is side open, it probably wont save you much time either. I cut about 1.5 acres with a Snapper 48" commercial walk behind, and probably couldn't cut more than 15 minutes off my hour and 45 minute normal time with one.
Go smaller zero turn.

 

I have the 52 inch hustler raptor for my 1 acre property with more than a few trees and it works great.

I've got the mulching attachment but if I could do it all over again I'd get a bag for the clippings.

Any specific questions you've got? I also did tons of research and at this price point the Hustler was the best value.

 

Where do you work? I'm at TSV.

 

A friend of mine did initial clean-up and maintained forclosed properties. They came across some reaaaally badly over-grown yards and beat the hell out of their Hustler zero-turns. Those things were tanks!

 

My Ferris 60in cut half an hours off of the time it took to cut my property compared to the 60" John Deere tractor with 4 wheel steering. Now down to about an hour if I am in a hurry. The suspension really helps too, not just a spring mounted seat but shocks and springs on the rear axle and an articulated fron axle.

 

Grasshopper. I have one that has the Kubota diesel and love it. It's super easy to work on, parts are pretty cheap and I can mow 11.5 acres in 3.5 hours on one tank a of fuel (3.25 ish gallons).

 

Had one of those at my last home. Took only 20min to mow that 3/4 acre with a bunch of trees

 

I want one of those Jacobson mowers with the rotary blades. My yard would look like a golf course if I used one of those, right?

 

Sure.

 

Yeah, a really shitty golf course.

 

Exmark.

 

No idea what my yard company uses but my lawn looks pretty good.