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> WOT: I need a new lawn tractor, Didn't one of our members build/design zero turn mowers?
Mark Henry
post May 17 2011, 10:23 AM
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IIRC one of our members work as an engineer for one of the manufacturers of these units? I don't know anything about the zero turn mowers

The old 50" husky has died and I don't feel like throwing any more cash at it.

I have 2 acres of lawn minimum (10 acres max if I had the speed to do it) to cut and the old girl took me about 3+ hours just to do that.
I've been looking at the Home Debit/ Lowes 54" entry level John Deere at $3k but I'm afraid it won't be any faster than to old mower. I'm also worried that this is just a cheap chinese LT built for the BigBox stores.

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/...tk=P_PartNumber

but they also have this zero turn

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/...tk=P_PartNumber

I have no clue what to look for with the zero turn mowers, if I could I'd buy a commercial unit, but I don't think I have the budget for it.
I have an ATV to do my snowplowing and utility trailer duties, so it's mostly just grass cutting.
$5k is about my budget max, I don't want to finance. Doesn't have to be brand new, but I don't really know what to look for other than the basics.

What do you like, suggest and/or use for a good LT in my price range?
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zymurgist
post May 17 2011, 10:32 AM
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I have no suggestions, but I'm watching this thread with interest. I have a '70 JD 140 with a tired Kohler 14HP engine with splash lubrication... thinking of swapping the motor for a Briggs & Stratton 18HP V-Twin with pressure-fed oiling. They just don't build 'em like that little old 140 any more.
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sawtooth
post May 17 2011, 10:42 AM
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Check out Dixon ztr's. I had one a few years ago (54" with the 24hp Kawasaki) and it was a fantastic piece of machinery. I could mow 1.5 acres in just under an hour, very fast and fun to drive. Last I checked they were in that price range, and made in the US I believe. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) Sad to have to get rid of it, couldn't justify keeping it with the small patch I have now.
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Mark Henry
post May 17 2011, 10:43 AM
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QUOTE(zymurgist @ May 17 2011, 12:32 PM) *

I have no suggestions, but I'm watching this thread with interest.


I also posted this on the Bird OT
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-d...actor-3-5k.html
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Mark Henry
post May 17 2011, 11:04 AM
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QUOTE(sawtooth @ May 17 2011, 12:42 PM) *

Check out Dixon ztr's.


I can't find a dixon dealer in Canada.
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sawtooth
post May 17 2011, 11:14 AM
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QUOTE(Mark Henry @ May 17 2011, 11:04 AM) *

QUOTE(sawtooth @ May 17 2011, 12:42 PM) *

Check out Dixon ztr's.


I can't find a dixon dealer in Canada.

Sorry, didn't pay attention to where you are located. Could be worth giving them a call, might have a dealer close to you that's not in their dealer locator.
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Cap'n Krusty
post May 17 2011, 11:37 AM
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In California, and Texas as well, we use fire. Fast, clean, and you don't have to worry about a big pile of clippings ....................................

The Cap'n
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Mark Henry
post May 17 2011, 11:40 AM
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QUOTE(Cap'n Krusty @ May 17 2011, 01:37 PM) *

In California, and Texas as well, we use fire. Fast, clean, and you don't have to worry about a big pile of clippings ....................................

The Cap'n


Sorry, but our grass is green (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif)
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Eric_Shea
post May 17 2011, 01:59 PM
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I got the ZTR from HD and it's officially paid for itself. Love the ZTR BTW.

(I usually burn the grass before I get on the mower... helps make the time go quicker) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
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mrgjones
post May 17 2011, 02:00 PM
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QUOTE(Cap'n Krusty @ May 17 2011, 10:37 AM) *

In California, and Texas as well, we use fire. Fast, clean, and you don't have to worry about a big pile of clippings ....................................

The Cap'n

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
Yeah, fire works well... Then we use mud to get rid of any of those pesky houses still cluttering up the hillsides. Its a proven system and shouldn't be discounted.
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Rand
post May 17 2011, 02:03 PM
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QUOTE(Mark Henry @ May 17 2011, 09:23 AM) *

IIRC one of our members work as an engineer for one of the manufacturers of these units? I don't know anything about the zero turn mowers

I think that would be Engman. Try a search for "zero turn mower" <-- linky
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Ericv1
post May 17 2011, 05:34 PM
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Try Scag or Exmark. They have some good commercial zero truns under $5,000. I've had a Scag for 4 years now and it's awesome.

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trojanhorsepower
post May 17 2011, 06:08 PM
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Yup I remember that to. Engman sounds right. I would avoid anything with a small Kawikasy.... I have been futzing with them for years and not had one that I liked. 5K won't get you a commercial mower. The good stuff is 10k and up. For a home owner most anything with a kohler or Honda should be OK.
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PRS914-6
post May 17 2011, 07:38 PM
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OK, I'm going to be a pompous know it all on this one as I have a LOT experience living on 5 rocky, stumpy acres.

Save your money and buy a high speed Hustler. It's a zero turn and even their "residential" version is far superior than most industrial units. The big difference is the deck. Almost all mowers use a "stamped" deck. Meaning a piece of sheet metal stamped to the right shape. Hustler fabricates the deck with heavier material. It's welded together instead of stamped. and they add a nice thick piece around the bottom so when you hit a rock it doesn't bend the deck. I have literally hit hidden rocks hard enough to bounce me backwards without damage.

In addition they have big beefy bearing spindles for the blades. I have hit rocks, roots, and everything in between hidden in the grass. When I hit a rock with the old mowers the bearing housings would break. Not this one.

I went through many mowers before buying one of these and never looked back. Expensive but worth it

I have the Residential Fastrak model
Click here for their web site

My mowing.....

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Katmanken
post May 17 2011, 08:44 PM
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Got me one of these fine Cub Cadet 105's. Mine is a 1970 and was built by international harvester- a tractor and farm machinery company. 10 HP Kohler cast iron engine, and that grille around the front and the front axle is cast iron. The rear axles and differential housing is one piece of cast iron.

Chassis is bent from 3/16 steel, and the flimsy stuff like the mower deck and fenders is 1/8 thick. It sits outdoors and starts rain or shine. In fact, 80% are still running.

It's made to accomodate a wide variety of attachable implements. Mine has a 48 inch 3 blade mower deck and the one in the picture looks like a 44 incher. I also have a buldozer blade that is quick attach and it will do grading or snow (with chains on the tires). Has a pin hitch and can tow anything. Mine has the hydrostat but manual trannys are available. It has a combo starter/generator that looks like it will fit a VW beetle and it can drive the tractor uphill. Engine has a drive shaft to the rear axle. It's designed to be fixed with an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver.

Sucker must weigh 800 lbs and that 10 hp can lift the front wheels off the ground if I'm not careful. Parts are available from Attic Moose in Canada

Best $300 I ever spent.

Ken


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Mark Henry
post May 17 2011, 08:45 PM
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My boy really likes this video of a hustler. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx43aAXFC7M


engman's Gizmow has a local dealer selling the 54" with the 27hp for $5500, I like it but it doesn't have many reviews.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)
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dirk9141973
post May 17 2011, 09:15 PM
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(IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) Bought my wife a 50" JD mower Mothers Day 1995 best spent $5,000 ever The box stores dont have the same quality as tractor dealers!
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PRS914-6
post May 17 2011, 09:41 PM
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QUOTE(Mark Henry @ May 17 2011, 07:45 PM) *

My boy really likes this video of a hustler. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)


Can't believe a guy would let his kid do that without a pair of glasses especially by the wall (IMG:style_emoticons/default/screwy.gif)

On the other hand, look at how far he is pushing the levers. I suspect he is mowing at less than 1/2 the capable speed of the mower. The Super Z is capable of 15MPH! The blades spin faster than normal mowers and you can mow pretty damn fast.

Sorry to sound like I work for them but I think it's an awesome mower and I don't impress easily.
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Mark Henry
post May 17 2011, 10:16 PM
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Yep, no hearing protection as well. If you listen to the dad it sounds like he's half in the bag.
Pretty smart kid, his feet don't even touch the floor.

My boy is almost ten and he's been cutting the lawn for two years. He's quite stoked about getting a new ride.
Don't think I can swing one, at least not new. What model do you have and how much did it cost?
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zymurgist
post May 18 2011, 07:08 AM
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Nice Cub Cadet, Ken. How's the Kohler engine working out for you? I have a 14HP Kohler in my 1970 JD 140 and I think it's on its last legs.
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