Zero Turn Mowers - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sloride · #16 08-28-2013, 09:00 AM

I am currently using a Toro 50" zero turn on about two acres. Right at seven years old, a few issues in the first year, broke a couple spindles and were replaced under warranty even after the ninety days had passed with some complaining. Since then the usual, annual air filter, spark plug every third, still on original battery although last fall had to throw it on a trickle charge the night before due to slow crank on colder days. $2400.00 seven years ago and thought I would be satisfied if it lasted 10 years so I think it will do that. With the added deck width going from a 36" to the 50" cut mowing time to about one third and consumes less gasoline in the 21 HP Kohler compared to 13 HP B&S over the entire job. I was somewhat P.O.ed at first when opening up and seeing it was built by MTD in CA. I had this conversation with my neighbor when I first got it and said, they must make some money on these compared to an automobile, as it has no doors, fenders, 1/4 panels, radio, bumpers, air bags, glass, emission controls, exhaust system, computers, One cheep seat, no power of course, two pound of paint max. 4 tires that would maybe last 500 miles on the road, no engineering and building of the engine just buy the cheapest from Briggs, Kohler, Honda, Less than 500lbs? compared to 3500lbs Etc, etc. And how about this I have more $$ in my mower than my 85 300D daily driver that get me to work.

cmbdiesel · #17 08-28-2013, 11:05 PM

I have an old Walker zero turn. Excellent piece of equipment.
An American company that makes mowers in America, and I do not believe you could find a better built or engineered mower.

They might be a little more boutique than some of the other brands that have been mentioned here, but I would wager that they are better built with better parts and better design.

Here's their website - WalkerMowers.com | Commercial Riding Lawn Mowers | Out Front Mowing

Check out the 'about us' tab on their website too, very cool read, and a great American success story.

Skid Row Joe · #18 08-28-2013, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloride

I am currently using a Toro 50" zero turn on about two acres. Right at seven years old, a few issues in the first year, broke a couple spindles and were replaced under warranty even after the ninety days had passed with some complaining. Since then the usual, annual air filter, spark plug every third, still on original battery although last fall had to throw it on a trickle charge the night before due to slow crank on colder days. $2400.00 seven years ago and thought I would be satisfied if it lasted 10 years so I think it will do that. With the added deck width going from a 36" to the 50" cut mowing time to about one third and consumes less gasoline in the 21 HP Kohler compared to 13 HP B&S over the entire job. I was somewhat P.O.ed at first when opening up and seeing it was built by MTD in CA. I had this conversation with my neighbor when I first got it and said, they must make some money on these compared to an automobile, as it has no doors, fenders, 1/4 panels, radio, bumpers, air bags, glass, emission controls, exhaust system, computers, One cheep seat, no power of course, two pound of paint max. 4 tires that would maybe last 500 miles on the road, no engineering and building of the engine just buy the cheapest from Briggs, Kohler, Honda, Less than 500lbs? compared to 3500lbs Etc, etc. And how about this I have more $$ in my mower than my 85 300D daily driver that get me to work.

.........an interesting / neat perspective.......mower v daily-driver $$.

TwitchKitty · #19 08-29-2013, 06:22 AM

Get a couple sheep and keep your mower.

The money that you save will buy what you really want, cheap liquor and trashy women. ...maybe just some lipstick for the sheep, your call.

Air&Road · #20 08-29-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

Looking at the Wiki, Grasshopper appears all American-made, no Chinese garbage.

Most, if not all, of the commercial ZTR mowers are American made. That said there are some components that may very well be produced abroad. My Grasshopper and Bad Boy both are made right here in the US of A. I'm not totally sure about the others, but I fully expect that they are all designed and built here.

nate300d · #21 08-29-2013, 02:11 PM

I have been reading some reviews on the Cub Cadet ZTM's that are what they call 4 wheel steering. They have a steering wheel rather than tiller arms and the steering wheel controls the front wheels mechanically and the rear hydraulically.
People really seem to like the control an maneuverability of these.
The only 'long term' review of one of these was some telling that he is in is 3rd year of mowing 32 acres with a Z-Force® S Commercial. He reported no repairs, just regular maintenance. I am liking the idea of one of these. The only item on these Cub Cadets that I am not so sure about is the engine. They use Kohlers on most models. Several people have told me to avoid Kohlers. My complaint with Kohlers is the noise. My father has 2 Wheel Horse garden tractors with Kohlers and they are the loudest engine I have ever heard on a mower.

Air&Road · #22 08-29-2013, 02:47 PM

I'm not fond of those type mowers, but it's only a matter of preference. I expect that there are many people that like them.

As far as Kohlers go, which model Kohler model does it have? There were a few of the models that have been nightmares, but the horizontal shaft industrial quality motors and the old single cylinder motors have been very good.

I don't think that the one you describe is a commercial machine, so it most likely has a vertical shaft engine.

nate300d · #23 08-29-2013, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

I'm not fond of those type mowers, but it's only a matter of preference. I expect that there are many people that like them.

As far as Kohlers go, which model Kohler model does it have? There were a few of the models that have been nightmares, but the horizontal shaft industrial quality motors and the old single cylinder motors have been very good.

I don't think that the one you describe is a commercial machine, so it most likely has a vertical shaft engine.

His Wheel Horse are both horizontal shaft single cylinder. The one is the biggest garden tractor they make. I think it is a 16HP. You can hear it a long ways away.

TwitchKitty · #24 08-29-2013, 07:18 PM

I have a 1983 Case 444 Hydriv garden tractor with a Kohler 321. The Kohler is getting tired but it runs good and is easily rebuildable and has earned it.

Also have a newer Sears/Husqvarna 54" cut tractor style mower with a v-twin Kohler. Probably 50 hours on it. It kinda sounds like a Harley with a propeller. Both Kohlers seem to be good motors. Mostly my better-half runs the newer mower and she loves it. By the time we get the new place cleaned up the Sears mower will probably have taken a serious beating and a zero turn could be a consideration at that point.

Don't ever buy those cheap, crappy, weak batteries for lawn equipment. Spend a few extra bucks and get the one that is about twice as strong.

Baaah. Baaah.

Stoneseller · #25 08-29-2013, 07:42 PM

I'm quite impressed & loyal to Scag. Owned a 61" Wildcat with the 27 hp Kohler from 2005 to about 3 months ago. Sold the eight year old machine for $4k, about 1/2 what I paid. Pretty good residual value.
Now have a 61" Turf Tiger with 29 HP Kohler. A dream machine that handles inclines beautifully. Also discharges in all conditions better than just about any other commercial mower out there. I'll shop again in 10 years

sloride · #26 08-29-2013, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nate300d

I have been reading some reviews on the Cub Cadet ZTM's that are what they call 4 wheel steering. They have a steering wheel rather than tiller arms and the steering wheel controls the front wheels mechanically and the rear hydraulically.
People really seem to like the control an maneuverability of these.
The only 'long term' review of one of these was some telling that he is in is 3rd year of mowing 32 acres with a Z-Force® S Commercial. He reported no repairs, just regular maintenance. I am liking the idea of one of these. The only item on these Cub Cadets that I am not so sure about is the engine. They use Kohlers on most models. Several people have told me to avoid Kohlers. My complaint with Kohlers is the noise. My father has 2 Wheel Horse garden tractors with Kohlers and they are the loudest engine I have ever heard on a mower.

Who mows 32 acres without the batwings behind a tractor w/pto? I run out of beer doing 2 acres with a dedicated mower.

sloride · #27 08-29-2013, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

.........an interesting / neat perspective.......mower v daily-driver $$.

I am not the only one around here! Daily driver @$1500.00 / mower
@ $ 2400.00. Daily driver at 183 commutes annually for 25 miles one way. Mower used weekly about twenty weeks per year with exceptional weather, last year was real dry and went about 4 weeks with out any use so maybe sixteen teen uses for that year.

TimFreeh · #28 08-29-2013, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloride

Who mows 32 acres without the batwings behind a tractor w/pto? I run out of beer doing 2 acres with a dedicated mower.

I was also wondering about this.... a 32 acre lawn? Really? Maybe he's talking about multiple yards in a commercial service? Hope so.

sloride · #29 08-29-2013, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimFreeh

I was also wondering about this.... a 32 acre lawn? Really? Maybe he's talking about multiple yards in a commercial service? Hope so.

About time to turn that into an orchard or turn it into natural prairie growth, or row crops.

joegolden · #30 08-29-2013, 10:31 PM

Oh baby I saw this last week when I picked up a new pressure washer....The Dixie Chopper "worlds fastest lawnmower" so it says. Powered by a Cat diesel..