Suggest Zero-Turn for 2020

4stang6

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Looking to get onto a zero turn.Im coming from a riding mower but really looking to pull the trigger on a new zero turn.Options im looking at, Scag, Spartan, Gravely or Cub Cadet.Let me know what ya'll would recommend or what to stay away from.
 

ford fanatic

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Big Question, how much and what are you mowing...?

Can't beat a Scag, but any of those should be fine. Whatever it is make sure if it's gas powered it is equipped with a Kawasaki motor.

Be sure to stay away from the big box stores and buy from a reputable dealer. You'll have zero customer support if not.

I live on a 30 acre wooded lot where I cut and maintain about two acres. In 2010 I picked up a new Bob Cat 52" commercial zero turn, it's been a beast.

I did tons of research here LawnSite when I was buying, but I'm sure things have changed in the last 10 years.

3BD2F66B-46F4-4BB9-AAC3-752335B736D0.jpeg
 
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velocicaur

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I'd get the cheapest one unless you are mowing substantial area. A 42-48" is plenty for any typical residential yard.

Toro is huge in my area and I would say 90% of the commercial operations run them. I have a 52" commercial unit and a 42" residential unit. The 42" has been a great machine. I would buy a 42-48 unit for about 3000 bucks and run it for 5-6 years. They hold their value incredibly well. Do minimal maintenance on it (change oil, sharpen blades) and sell it in 4-5 years for ~2000 with 3-400 hours. Rinse and repeat. You'll always have a nice mower that gets the job done for less 200 bucks a year. Honestly thinking about unloading my 52" and exchanging it for a new residential unit.

I have never heard of Spartan mowers but I would be fine with the other three.
 

Rb0891

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I'd get the cheapest one unless you are mowing substantial area. A 42-48" is plenty for any typical residential yard.

Toro is huge in my area and I would say 90% of the commercial operations run them. I have a 52" commercial unit and a 42" residential unit. The 42" has been a great machine. I would buy a 42-48 unit for about 3000 bucks and run it for 5-6 years. They hold their value incredibly well. Do minimal maintenance on it (change oil, sharpen blades) and sell it in 4-5 years for ~2000 with 3-400 hours. Rinse and repeat. You'll always have a nice mower that gets the job done for less 200 bucks a year. Honestly thinking about unloading my 52" and exchanging it for a new residential unit.

I have never heard of Spartan mowers but I would be fine with the other three.

I have a hustler raptor 52". Half my neighborhood has a hustler of some sort. Has a thick welded deck. No problems in 5 years. Does great on 2 ac lawn.
 

gfcobra04

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I have a Hustler 53” FrasTrak it came with the house we just purchased and is about 15years old and runs like a top.
 

JetmechF16

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I cut 2 flat acres with a 2019 Spartan RZ-HD 54" Kawasaki FR730 and love it. The 2020 RZs have ROPS now which is awesome.
20190912_184150.jpeg
 

Recon

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I bet that thing is awesome.

It’s badass. Thing has wider rear tires (275) than my GT does. Got when we were out in the country with a 10 acre yard. Now being closer to the city while still remaining in the country it doesn’t have a problem with our 3 acre yard.


Pick your poison.
 

oldstv

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I cut an 8 acre commercial lot and my house is several acres too. Like above, I have a 72" kubota and it is a man. If you have much grass to cut I would consider a diesel. They sip fuel and will save you a ton on a gas bill.
 

DriftwoodSVT

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I use a John Deere Z960M (commercial series) with a 72" deck, Tweels and an air ride suspension for my 5.5 acres. Not cheap but does an amazing job.

My mother, father, step father, 2 uncles and a cousin have/had worked for John Deere. I had to keep it in the family and buy American.

Note: The L130 in the back is long gone. Had that when I had a little 1 acre yard.

Z960M.jpg
 
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13COBRA

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I'm still rocking a 2003 Grasshopper 725 with a 60" deck. No issues.
 

CobraG

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Looking to get onto a zero turn.Im coming from a riding mower but really looking to pull the trigger on a new zero turn.Options im looking at, Scag, Spartan, Gravely or Cub Cadet.Let me know what ya'll would recommend or what to stay away from.

We did the same last year, went from a riding mower to a zero turn. We ended up going with a Scag. So far it's been great.
Also, Scag has been around for a long time, must be a reason.
 

Booky

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I have been using a Toro 42" TimeCutter zero turn mower for several years. No problems and gets the job done on my average size residential yard.
 

specracer

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^^^ That thing is cool!

That deere very nice, like the airless tires.

Have had a 52" scag for ~5(?) years. Was $7-8k if I recall, no bagger.
 

GotHemi?

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Ive been thinking of getting one too and doing a ton of research. Thing is. My yard is tiny. Takes me about a hour to cut with my walk behind honda but id love to be done in 20 minutes. My total lot is only .75 acres. So im guessing .35-.50 acres is actually grass. I really feel like im just splurging and it isnt a necessity.

But from my research some of the best you can get for the 3k mark are

Gravely-Ariens-Big Dog-Hustler. Same manufacturer. Hustler even has a really cheap $2300 option with a Briggs. Idk if id go that cheap though.

Bad boy
Exmark


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ford fanatic

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Ive been thinking of getting one too and doing a ton of research. Thing is. My yard is tiny. Takes me about a hour to cut with my walk behind honda but id love to be done in 20 minutes. My total lot is only .75 acres. So im guessing .35-.50 acres is actually grass. I really feel like im just splurging and it isnt a necessity.

But from my research some of the best you can get for the 3k mark are

Gravely-Ariens-Big Dog-Hustler. Same manufacturer. Hustler even has a really cheap $2300 option with a Briggs. Idk if id go that cheap though.

Bad boy
Exmark


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How big is your Honda mower?

I had a yard about your size years ago and used a 48" commercial walk behind mower with a Sulky. About half the price of a Z turn.
 

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