You will also find that both machines use a dual hydrostatic drive system for ultimate maneuverability and ease of ride. The quality control for many of those power sports engines is all over the map or non-existent. Additionally, I dont have to do the mowing which is hard to quantify. The Compacts (all brands) are only for small residential flat areas that have gates you have to deal with. I can buy a 2019 for 6K out the door ? Here is the Country Clipper website to locate a dealer in New Zealand: Country Clipper. I bought a Hustler FasTrack thinking it was going to be my last mower. 1. Not because of serviceability but most of the other brands mow a lot better. I would like to get your thoughts about riding mower options for my property. The Cub Cadet tractor mower sports a heavy-duty AeroForce deck and rear diff lock to ensure optimal performance in hostile conditions. Dump Carts There are cheap, good carts and expensive, bad carts. It uses commercial-grade ZT3100 transmissions. Find Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Outdoor Power from CUB CADET, FERRIS, and JOHN DEERE, and more, for sale in MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN Here are some of the frequently asked ones. We have a dealer here that undercuts the prices, but their service and customer relations is poor. Ask him about any specials he has coming up because a lot of dealers will have a spring special (i.e. Today the Kawasaki FR is the oldest engine on the market. There doesnt appear to be much difference between the two The Pro has slightly bigger transmission, 1 bigger rear tires and Kohler Confidant EFI Closed Loop EZT-740 engine with 12cc Hydro-Gear ZT 3400 transmission with charge pumps. -Its very easy to tip up the deck, remove the mulch kit and then use the Accelerator side mount grass catcher if needed. It will last for you if you do two things. BTW, I can get the Z335E for $2200 and the Z375R for $2650 by using a 10% off big box coupon and a $500 credit card bonus that I have available. (I live in central Ohio). Hi Frederic, The 75742 is an excellent choice and a great value. The deck couldnt handle the bumpy ground. It looked fairly safe and stable to mow this way. Hi Walter, The Ariens. Price-wise the Gravely is more but you get proportionately more. Im going to suggest the Ariens IKON XL 42 in. Who knows? The MX5050 is an old model. I also read on your previous comments to another user that it provides the best cut, bag, mulch, and side discharge. At the time I spent about $2k more because I was told it was a premium mower. Thanks for the response. ), since Im hoping to do a bunch of that myself. Thank you Paul. I really like how the deck sticks out the left side for trimming. If the last what could the cause be? Trying to decide between a 54 Magnum MZ ztr Bad Boy and a Ariens Ikon X 52, any words of advise? Prices all seems around the same $2,900 to $3,200 locally. Which brand wins the key to your shed? I do think Ill like the wider rear tires on the Deere though. (Its been flawless) It also has a fabricated 42-inch deck. There are a several dealers not too far from my location near AA so I will go and see what they are like. The last option Ive thought about is to use a robotic mower for the back hill, and go with a lower priced mower for the flat part. Consumer Reports agrees with me on this. The 52 Vanguard is $4800 at SLE, but it only gives you 4 more deck.. What direction would you lean? The Toro TimeCutter and Cub Cadet zt1 have models with different motors and capacities depending on the grade. There are Exmark, Hustler, John Deere and Toro dealers near me. Because that alone could be the difference maker for me. I guess I am torn between the Ariens Ikon 42 and the Cub ZT1 42. By Paul Sikkema. Most people are finding out that a good up front price ends up costing them later with this guy. Finally, I am a little concerned that your local dealer cant get a CA compliant mower. CR members with digital access can read on for ratings and reviews of the 12 best lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, and rear-engine riders on the market right now. I have looked at the Ariens Ikon 52, Bad Boy Elite, Skag Liberty Z 52, and Toro Timemaster with Soft Ride Suspension. 42-inch Electric Zero Turn Mowers Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? I strongly suggest going to a dealer and talk them into demoing the mower on your lawn before you buy. The Frames are different so the Deere looks lighter because it uses smaller tubing. Ive been reading your articles and I want to get your help. Should I be looking at ExMark as well? Any thoughts on those? They are one of the hidden gems of the mowing industry. Its been good but Id like to upgrade. I dont recommend lawn tractors for slopes over 15 degrees. I cant really understand why Bad Boy wants to charge you $600 more for the Kawaski FR 630. They own the Huskee brand name. Not sure if there is a limit on the amount or not. Probably not but if your property is rough, has slopes greater than 10 degrees, you want to get done as quickly as possible or you have teenagers who are learning to use a zero-turn then it is worth moving up to the XT2. The 75746 in particular will mow 2-3 miles an hour faster and still give you a perfect cut. Even on the Cub Cadet website they advertise it with a Kawasaki engine. Unless you have a dependable, local dealer, Id stay away from it. The lap bars are very adjustable to fit your driving style. Not so much focused on comfort. I just noticed that the 48 Accel Deep deck is 10 gauge, that is nice. The B&S Vanguard engine option is about $450 more than the B&S Commercial Turf. Hi Rob, My first choice is the Ariens IKON XL at Home Depot. Can a person get by with just buying the mulching blades as opposed to the entire mulching kit? I have videos up of the Ariens Edge and will have videos up of the IKON XD soon. Hi T. Dan, Feel free to stop by anytime and tell us how the Jonsered is working out. Hi Robert, On paper, the Liberty Z meets all the criteria for a good $4500 ZTR. The only real difference is the deck. Just moved into a house with 3 acres and about half are grass with more to come once I get rid of some trees! But, the price of Toro's zero turn mower is much higher than Cub Cadets. John Deere Z530M (Local Dealer) Hi Dan, Yes, the ZT1 has the same hydros as the Jonsered. Then decide the best mower for you based on the features you like and how well you like the dealer. Hi Mike, Your biggest problem is traction. Will the toro be underpowered? A 22 HP/725cc Kohler 7000 series V-twin OHV engine delivers high-performance power and exceptionally smooth, quiet operation. Hi Paul and thank you for all the information, knowledge and insights you provide. The shelter for the elderly homeless (where I live and work) has about 2 1/2 acres of mostly flat, open land to mow. What do you think? Id also like the ability to pull a dethatcher. One of my favorites is the Country Clipper XLT. Ive also always been partial to the 60-inch deck. There is a low, medium, and high trim speed. Oh, Im 62, in reasonable shape, dont mind the exercisein fact, kinda keeps the joints lubricated (smile). The Toro Titan with MyRide is the best riding residential mower on the market. 46 . Hi Charlie, Is the dealer getting some in or will your local Ariens Dealer order the mower? I am not reading about anyone having the EZT hydros die early on. Be aware ZTRs even the ones in this price range are lawn mowers. Best riding lawn mower overall: Toro Timecutter 75755 Zero-Turn Mower - See at The Home Depot. What can you tell me about these two, is it worth paying the extra $? The 75746 also comes with the U.S.A.-made Kohler engine. Im looking at the specs from a booklet recently supplied by the local Cub Cadet dealer, and for the ZT2 50, and it says that the power train is a Dual Hydro-Gear ZT-2800. 25 cu. Also I heard ztr tear up your grass, is this user error or do I need a feature to prevent this? Any thoughts on that machine? The cut of my cub cadet is pretty good so I assume the ultima would be as well. If you let your lawn get over 10 inches you may have to go back over areas to get a clean cut. I need a ZTR that can perform well on slopes. , In your case I suggest the Gravely. Machines are only as good as the person standing behind them. Hi Daron, There is no difference in the mower just the service after the sale. Pay, particular attention to the uncrating and setting up section of the manual. The large 30-inch deck will get your lawn mowed in half the time of a 22-inch machine. ft. Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper. Im already beginning to spend some coin having local vendors mow (3x now). Cub Cadet: The Cub Cadets 725cc professional-grade KOHLER 7000 V-twin engine is a lot larger than the Toro 452cc, and this mower can reach 7 miles/hour. Do you have a local dealer who can get those parts for a Jonsered? Nevertheless it was good convo back and forth. what do you think ? Hi Rob, Lets start with the Toro. I do not need to tow anything. This Toro Timecutter 75755 zero-turn mower combines comfort with versatility, thanks to its seat suspension system, straightforward controls, and hassle-free maintenance. Of course, Im always partial to Exmark. Its built like a tank, rides well and cuts very well. LapBars can really put a strain on your shoulders after a while. Hi Steve, I would never pay extra for a Kawasaki FR engine over the Kohler 7000. Im also showing that Lowes is not going to carry most models in stock. The Cub Cadet ZT1 42 inch or 50 inch also cut well and the fabricated deck on the 50 inch is very rugged. Im looking to spend less than 4000 Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! The type of grass will also make a huge difference. I live in the Pacific NW, have an acre of level-to-slight hill to mow. I bought the 42 inch because of a few tight landscaping spots but after having it for a few years I wish Id bought the 50 inch. Thanks for taking the time to answer. In all seriousness, thank you for helping me cull out the Deere and the Hustler, The Bradley is probably just too much of a pipe dream considering the distance to any dealer and fear of swimming that far from shore without a life jacket. 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. The mufflers are specd by the application. I am considering the Ariens Apex or a Bad boy MZ MAGNUM both based on price point and features. And, it is worth the extra for the IKON XL. GREAT website. My suggestion is to see what dealers are in your area. The Ariens IKON XL is one of the best at cutting taller grass. Which One Is Best For You? (The equivalent Toro without the MyRide is $3699 50 TimeCutter MX5050 Model 74774.). First off I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer all of these questions! Hi David, Both mulch well with the optional bolt-in mulching kits. Skaggs has a good blade change system, for no lift style. Hi Daron, Would you please point me to where you read or heard that Toro only has a tow limit of 85lbs? I suggest getting the Cyclone with the dual-wheel casters and the electric start engine. They do look VERY similar. Fab Deck 24 HP Kawasaki FR V-Twin with Roll Over Protection and Front Wheel Suspension Available assembled and delivered through, Ariens APEX 60 Kawasaki Model 991163 60 Cutting Width Kawasaki FR730 engine 24 hp/726cc. Both mowers are ideal for residential homeowners. We have been wearing out two standard 21 mowers, and we need to buy a riding lawn mower. Let me start with the cart. However, some on the forums have reported using them in light commercial use for years with no issues. I really feel you are paying extra for the green paint compared to the Toro or even the Cub Cadet. A garden tractor has a heavier duty transmission so it wont burn out after a few years. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 has a similar build. Perennial Rye and Tall Fescue have a lot more moisture in the stalk than Bluegrass, especially in the spring. I really ran across this URL of yours [I think]as a matter of the odds of just browsing, at times, painfully. Warren, RI, Hi Mike, I knew you would like it! But, if you want the best cut, the best mulching, and the best bagging the stamped decks are the right choice. It cuts great and is built to last way more than 20 years. Ariens Ikon 42. 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. I have about 1 acre of mowable grass. I was looking at a 52 Ariens Ikon XD and the dealer is trying to convince me I would be happier with a Gravely ZT XL due to the upgraded transmission better warranty and superior construction. This mower is self-propelled and can hang on any hill. The best part is the price, the Toro is quite a bit cheaper than the Cub. 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. Remember What I think is the best may not be the best for you so please take the time and read the entire article before you buy your mower. Hey Paul, They both have the best cut. The Toro Timecutter HD will handle the hills. Hi James, The John Deere uses both the Intek and the ELS Briggs engines in various mowers. Now I am contemplating having them rebuild transmission which I believe will cost me about $1500 or maybe just get a good used or new zero turn. One dealer is steering me toward the MZ Magnum, but I am concerned about its non-serviceable transmission and also think its not for two acres of mowing. My yard is just over an acre, 95% flat with a small ditch in the front. Flat-out, straight-line mowing its faster than the Walker. The seat is easy to move with just two knobs under the seat. Speed is nice, but the landscape will keep me moving slow to stay in the seat. The Ultima deck is a good deck but residential mowers, in general, dont like to mulch when cutting the grass at 2 3/4 inches or less. The body of a zero-turn mower is important for several reasons. A Walker mower has a lot less stress on the transmission than the mid-mount ZTRs. My choices are one of the 42 Toro MyRide (Kohler or Toro engine choice) or a 42 Simplicity Courier with the Kawaski engine. Remember DO NOT buy E15 fuel. powerful 35hp v-twin kawasaki engine !!! Believe it or not, I didnt have to replace the blade belt but about two years ago. Exmark and Toro are made in the same factory. What is your experience with robotic mowers? I basically just want a zero turn that will last me a very long time for $3000 or less. Is this not the best value out there in commercial mowers? Hi Paulwhat is your opinion on the Walker ZTRs vs the Exmark ZTRs? They are a little higher priced than what you have listed in this article for Residential ZTs but I have heard good things about them. The Kubota is overpriced for what you get. 22.5 HP Time Cutter V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed Model# 75742 Available at The Home Depot Also available at Tractor Supply, ACME Tools and your local Toro Dealer. For it being called a commercial mower, it is NOT one!!!!! The Z-force SX 48 has the 24 HP professional-grade Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin OHV engine. One last question: is fabricated deck better than stamped? But, like most mowers made by MTD in that time-frame (2012-2015) many of them had problems with the deck drive belt coming off a lot. 600 hours later the Honda v-twin 20hp had a $700 hickup and then 6 months later one of the Hydrogears self destructed and apparently Hydrogear no longer makes a replacement so off to the scrap yard. Id guess were actually mowing 75% of the acre. I only mulch, and as often the case in the NW , the grass here is damp. The ZT 3100 with charge pumps has a history of blowing the o-rings around 500 hours. Hi Trent, Id buy a Bradley in a heartbeat if I needed another mower. I do recommend that you have the dealer install it and make sure its programmed for your yard. Hi Paul, like Mark, my mower seems to eat the blade drive belt. Well cover popular mowers, such as Zero-turn mowers, tractor mowers, and walk-behind mowers, and highlight what makes one different or better than the other. (About $2999) If you husband is over 200 lbs I recommend the IKON. The only time I lift them up is if Im off using it to pull a cart around in the timber where there may be stumps or rocks to hit. ft. Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper. Ive never been a Cub Cadet fan, however, their new Ultimata series seems pretty legit after research. SO, you really did make my day today. Hi Rob, The Boulevards deck is definitely strong enough to step on it. It one of the best riding ZTRs on the market. Single-cylinder engines are, however, more affordable, and someone who mows once a week can make good use of a single cylinder. Clean your deck with the deck wash every time you mow when the grass is still wet under the deck. But I do know the mother of one of the Cub Cadet higher up personnel that could probably run interference for me on warranty repairs if need be. I have been looking at the Cub Cadet ZT2 and the Toro Timecutter. Check it out here: Thank you for your prompt response. The brands are both built for heavy-duty and do not deliver any less than that. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-42-in-22-5-HP-TimeCutter-Commercial-V-Twin-Gas-Dual-Hydrostatic-Zero-Turn-Riding-Mower-with-Smart-Speed-75742/310836498 The Gravely ZT HD is the same mower as the Apex. Hi Wilson, Wow, what a wonderful list to work with! I can tell you Ive had my Cut Cadet Ultima ZT2 54 for 2 1/2 months now, and it rocks! Hi Scott, Thank you for your support! I will have to think hard about the collection aspect I am seeking. Cleaning both cutting decks is a breeze. Your site has given me a good quick education. 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. I wanted to begin my research. Chews up small twigs from trees like nothing. It will easily last through your sons learning stage and go on to last you years. Hi Adam, The Patriot is going to give you a suspension seat and a commercial-grade engine. . Its a heavy-duty mower and is stronger than the TimeCutter series so it will last mowing your lawn. They are priced well especially compared to the Kubota and Hustler SD. Hi Paul, I think my earlier attempt at a reply went astray. In particular, I noticed the engine on the Deere was much louder than my lawn tractor. 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. And which engine should I choose if I go with the edge? I understand your frustration with power sports engines. This is because the spindles are sealed properly to prevent impurities from getting into it, staving off the potential of wear and tear by 99%. ZTRs 42 The Deere has the best cut in the industry but on your lawn, I doubt if you would see a difference between the Deere deck and the Cub Cadet. The Smart speed is a lever that lets you reduce the maximum forward speed so you are not tempted to push the transmissions too hard when towing and it allows you to go slow when trimming so you dont bang into stuff as much. I know I want a fabricated deck. If you are inexperienced with standons check out this article: Spartan. Paul, The Cub Cadet is the clear winner right now but we need to give the EGO a chance this year to prove itself. Consumers using both have found Toros decks more durable than Cub Cadets. I am leery of ordering one from an internet seller for after-sale service and support. They dont have many dealers but if you order from them they will always take care of you if you ever have a problem with their products. Its the 48 inch Bradley Stand-On. Its the Capital one Savor Card, google it if interested in the promo. When the mower is out of service, should the deck be at a specific height, like all the way up or all the way down? Our budget is 3k and under at Lowes our yard has 20 pines that line both sides that we have to cut in between and some minor slopes. They are fast but they can also mow 24-inch grass cleanly if needed. The Edge also has a pivoting front axle. 22.5 HP Toro TimeCutter. Because it has a Smart Speed control that lets you pull carts without damaging your transmissions. The choice seems tough here. Yes, Toro is discontinuing their steering wheel models. Worldlawn 52 diamondback But, you would notice that because one blade would cut higher than the other. And to make your mowing experience even better, consider the tips in this, link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. The stronger hydros on the ZT2 will last much longer for you. 2. The Walker also rides great because you sit directly over the large drive tires. Although I like the Ariens Edge and IKON XD they dont have a bagger for it right now. The mowers battery, fuel, and some other electronic components are under the seat. If you own a large patch of land, the Cub Cadet will serve you well for a long time. Is it okay to buy from BB stores if you take good care of the machine? Heres what I like about the Bradley (link below): ZT3400 drives / 23 rear tires. I have heard the EZT can be very reliable if the machine weight is not excessive and theyre not cutting 5 acres a week. Lastly, $3.5K $5.5K or thereabouts would be presentable to the Queen Beejust sayin. My neighbor let me try his Ferris IS600 to test the ride without actually mowing. It has strong transmissions that will last and is one of the best residential mowers for cutting taller grass. Toro researched and went with Loncin primarily because five years ago the quality control and warranty repairs for some of the other engine brands you recognize was becoming problematic. Gator Blades the mulching blades with the teeth on the back will just shred the grass and leave little puff balls all over your yard if you try to side discharge with them. Ive been using my Dads Ikonx52 bc his grandson was cutting his yard but that stopped so he needs his back now so my turn to cough up for a ZTM. Based on your article, I am considering the Toro MX5075 MyRide and the Arins IKON XL 52. (33) Synchro-Steer technology offers 4-wheel control and provides unrivaled stability for straight-line mowing on hillsides and slopes up to 20-degrees. Hi Randy, The XT2 gives you taller wider tires, 2800 hydros, thicker handles, comfy seat, and a reinforced deck. Been using a 42 in cone drive dixon for 20 years with blower bagger. And with 2 larger diameter tires, it may have a higher center of gravity that I may not care for. Hi Jim, Instead of waiting for a sale you can always ask the dealer to waive the setup and/or delivery fees. I have compiled the best of both worlds, pointing out their highs and lows to assist you in weighing your options. Hi Trent, The Commercial Series is an economical engine designed to have more 50% life than the Intek residential models. Not going to pull much or do much ground work with it. Should I be considering someone/something else? Find Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Outdoor Power from JOHN DEERE, CUB CADET, and FERRIS, and more, for sale in OHIO In terms of riding stability and safety (making turns) on a 15 degree slope, would a 46 zero turn with a steering wheel be more stable than a lawn tractor with a 46 deck? Bradley is a small Midwest company thats been around for years. John Deere. Thanks! Both have great engines. 48-52 inch zero-turns will typically travel faster than 42-inch models and some models will cut grass as fast as 9 MPH! You must log in or register to reply here. You get a lot more mower with the Ariens IKON. Id like to stay cost conscious but I am willing to pay more for an exquisite end result. Later, if it gets harder to get on and off you can always add the step and hand bar. I took your advice in May and bought a TORO Timecutter 60 cut and the three speed are perfect. 2. Hi Chris, Quick change over to mulch or bag. The cost difference is around $1200 between the two. Yes, Id stay away from the Husqvarna mowers. Post author By ; impossible burger font Post date July 1, 2022; southern california hunting dog training . Zero-Turn Lap Bar. I was leaning toward the Gravely/Ariens just trying to suss this as thoroughly as I can. It has the heavier duty trannys and really rides nice! Street price: Other thought was to get the 75742 then add the Rop Shop suspension seat but at that point Im only a couple hundred from the 75755 so probably not worth it.