This is Walkers first-ever residential mower. There are no other differences. -I have a Ferris IS3200 mower with wide cut. Probably could pull the cart full of rocks easily for a long time. Paul a number of years ago I purchased a Craftsman 42 inch mower (T2200) that you recommended. I have just under an acre to mow with one 18 degree slope that drops off to nearly flat in about a 12 foot run in my backyard. I would like to get something better preferably a zero turn to handle the flower beds but I am open to any suggestion you might have. Hi Rob, The Boulevards deck is definitely strong enough to step on it. GREAT website. (Clean and change the blades every 3-6 weeks), If you want to see everything involved with owning a robotic mower here is the operators manual for the 435 https://service.webec.husqvarna.net/documents/HUSO/HUSO2020_NAen/HUSO2020_NAen__1141841-95.pdf, Installation manual: https://service.webec.husqvarna.net/documents/HUSO/HUSO2020_NAenNAesNAfrLApt/HUSO2020_NAenNAesNAfrLApt__1140537-38.pdf. Im not sure if he does anything different with the Scag. Hi Jon, You wont over-stress your mower unless the grass is building up to the point where its stopping the deck. I would love not doing that since I have to almost schedule in like 3 hours per week and that is around other demands of my time and also around the weather which can be challenging. The Zero may seem a little alien with large levers for left and right turn controls. Hi Joe, Im not a big fan of the 300 series Deere ZTRs. It is developing a stellar reputation. Thank you again! The best mower in that price range for ride, cut quality, cutting speed and long life components including the drive belts is the Exmark Lazer Z X-Series. 22.5 hp Toro Commercial V-Twin 708cc w/Self-Cleaning Air Filter Housing, 3-Year, Unlimited Hour Residential Limited Warranty, Brushless DC 60V Battery L324 (6.0ah, 324 wh), 54 IronForged Fabricated 10 ga. High Strength with Bull Nose, 13 x 6.5 6 Front, 22 x 11 10 Rear, 3-year Unlimited Hours (Includes Powertrain). Q: Is Kohler EFI engine a reliable engine? Its 25% more fuel-efficient and responds to heavy grass a lot faster than the carbd engines. Would I be perfectly happy with the Toro for my very average small lawn? Seems as though your recommended ZTRs come from Big Box stores, which I prefer to purchase from a dealer. However, Im wondering if either of these would be substantially easier to work on for basic maintenance (oil/filter changes, blade sharpening, etc. This was my original choice before researching because well it was the only brand I knew. By the way, The Gravely ZT X/Ariens IKON XD are the same price as these and I really like them also! (It will be set up and delivered by a local dealer) I checked the Redding, CA website and they can get either one to you in about 2 weeks. I have been trying to decide on a new mower. Im trying to decide between a Toro 48 TimeCutter HD with MyRIDE (75211/75210) and a Gravely ZT HD 48. We do have wet grass often in the spring. They also have the traction to get up that slope. Have the dealer do the 1st annual tune-up? But its biggest advantage is the mower will hang on slopes because the front wheels steer and both transmissions drive all the time. Hi Paul, great website! 2. Will the toro be underpowered? Im looking to spend less than 4000 Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! You can get all three with the Kawasaki engine. It gives a nice cut, and with the maneuverable front mounted mowing deck, he is able to follow the bed lines nicely. Not because of serviceability but most of the other brands mow a lot better. I am strongly leaning toward a DR Leaf and Lawn vac for fall and spring clean up and am concerned with weight of that being pulled by the mower. I suggest stopping in to a local dealer and see what they have in the $6000-$9000 range. I basically just want a zero turn that will last me a very long time for $3000 or less. The Bad boy MZ MAGNUM is much lighter-duty mower than the Ariens/Gravely. Its worth the $5100 but the question is do you need that much mower? Thanks. They wanted an engine that would last and one where they could do their own warranty approvals. They have two that I recommend. I never recommend paying extra for the Kawasaki name. I just dont think I need a heavy duty mower, but maybe the heavier Cub would last longer. 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. The yard is not what Id call perfectly evenprobably typical for the countrybut the man who mows says its not bad. The decks are robust and can handle the work. If you are inexperienced with standons check out this article: Spartan. I mow our residential, flat, 1 acre yard with ~10 trees and fence in Pittsburgh, PA. I reached out to you before on some suggestions. powerful 35hp v-twin kawasaki engine !!! I am 6 and over 200 pounds but my wife is much smaller frame, so something that fits different body types is ideal. I couldnt be happier and you gave me some good advice last year, so thanks for that. Possible candidates would be a Toro TimeCutter HD or Titan, a Cub Cadet ZT2, or possibly a John Deere or some sort. Toro 75754 Timecutter 54 in. Thanks again. 2022 The Best Residential Zero Turn Mowers, 2022 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 2022 The Sixteen Best 48-52 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 2021 The Sixteen Best 54-72 Inch Residential Zero Turn Mowers. Or Bagger for 42 inch Stamped Deck. Been insightful for sure. 1. Comes down to maybe the paint color. There is one close to your price range and I do highly recommend it. My first choice for slopes is the Ariens IKON XD 52. Only applies to Pro machines. It seems to me Id get a stamped deck, better engine and some comfort things like arm rests if I do upgrade to the 50/52 in either model so the $400 may be very much worth it. Im seeking serviceable hydros, large tires, 5 cut height and probably 48-54 cut for ease of maneuvering and gates. I want a very good mulching zero-turn, preferably fabricated deck in the 42 to 46 range to fit through my storage doors. The cut doesnt look quite as good, and he cant follow the bed lines as well as before. Copyright Lawnmowerfixed.com 2018 Virginia, County Cavan, Ireland. 4. The ZT2100 transmissions are too light-duty to pull a leaf vac. I suggest the same for zero-turns. Thanks in advance for all your help! The Toros and the ZT X use the ZT2200 transmissions. I really like how the deck sticks out the left side for trimming. With the 48 inch deck, you can trim around a fence post and never slow down. The Kawasaki I believe is the lower end residential mower engine and Kohler is the introduction lower end Commercial engine. But, you would notice that because one blade would cut higher than the other. Hi Randy, All have the EZT2200 axles. If you cant get the Kaw I highly recommend the Toro. And Im perfectly happy to buy the ZT HD instead; I just hadnt really had Gravely on my radar before I talked with them. The deck also sits out front so you can trim under stuff and with the 48-inch deck, it will trim right around fence post and landscaping without leaving anything to trim. Walker and Country Clipper. I have a .5 acre yard planted with centipede grass with a drainage ditch along the road frontage. The Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet ZT1 are the same mower except the Troy-Bilt has MTDs own good V-Twin, has a lever height adjust and doesnt have that racing bar over the engine. The Cubs transmission is a Hydro-Gear EZT 2200, and its tank is 0.5 gallons larger than the Toros. 1.5 plus acre yard, mostly flat but bumpy enough to hammer 3 lawn tractors to death in 20 years. 2. Usually, for some brands, this feature is only added to the commercial zero-turn machines since they cover more acreages, but Toro has better plans for their residential ZTR mowers and now you get to change speed as you desire on the lawn. Hustler fixed all the issues with the Raptor series with the new XD. Also, like the Ariens Facebook page. Two small wheels are at the very front of the mower, and these always move in conjunction with the main wheels. Love your site. Im looking at the Ariels and Cub Cadet zero turn mowers. Hi Sean, I really dont have a preference. The joystick does seem nice, but I have no idea which one might be better for ride comfort, durability, etc. While the Cub wont be as nimble around the lawns as the Toro, it does offer other benefits. I wish the Ariens had a suspension seat, but I cant find one. The Boulevard doesnt have the step and rail. Instead, move up to the $4000-4500 heavy-duty ZTRs with ZT2800 or ZT32OO transmissions. Ive really been eyeing the MX5075 so Im glad you mentioned that one. If you are going ANYWHERE near a ditch you need a 60 inch or larger ZTR and the angle should be less than 15 degrees. That being said, both mowers are powerful and efficient, in large part because of the engines and transmissions they employ. Thank you for your diligence. The cheap ones ($20 or more now) dont have vents so it takes forever to fill the tank on your lawn tractor. I only mulch, and as often the case in the NW , the grass here is damp. Im spending days with my edger to get under the fences and around trees. However, I can live without mulching. Heavy-Duty Fabricated Decks Built with many commercial components so the mower will take a beating Good for acreages, estates, farm lawns, farm ditches, and mowing pastures monthly. My question is are the Ferris mowers worth it compared to some of these on your list? I did note that it was probably under-powered because the cutting deck would stop cutting while I was driving up the hill (and the motor seemed to struggle). What do you recommend? Hi Paul, Im looking at zero turns for hilly and bumpy terrain. You'll find gas-powered models . Cub Cadet ZT1 42E Electric Riding Mower. They are both priced roughly the same, have similar specs and both carry 3 year unlimited hour warranties. John Deere Z530M. The design of both these machines is almost similar. There are two models that are within your budget. What are your thoughts. I usually go out and mow them as they fall (every 4 or 5 days) and then use the sweeper to clean up the fine leaf clippings once or twice. But you might be struggling to figure out what kind of paint to use on garage walls. Step up to the ultimate all-around mowing experience with the Ultima Series from Cub Cadet. Thats why Tractor Supply carries Jonsered, Lowes carries Husqvarna and the Home Depot carries Poulan Pro. If you have any questions on what brand to buy get back to me with a list of your local dealers, please. Should i go kubota, scag, or exmark (if the latter are even available in that price range) and is it ok to cut maybe 2 foot tall weeded area. Im trying to find the balance between good quality and yet not go too overboard. I suggest mulching your leaves in the fall. Good to know. i just need help deciding which mower to go for, i run my own gardening business of three years and its now time to upgrade to a ZT, I do a few commercial jobs which are about 1 acre in size and alot of smaller residencial properties with small gate access around 1/2 acre. The type of grass will also make a huge difference. The models I list here cut great, bag well and have great parts and service networks. I'm looking at the cub cadet ultima zt2 60 and the Toro timecutter 60. Dont be surprised if your neighbors take videos just to show their friends how fast you are mowing . Much appreciate the insight. And maybe I wouldnt really be able to tell the difference. If the last what could the cause be? No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can (CARB Compliant), Universal Suspension SEAT KIT for Lawn Mowers, 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, 2020 50 (127 cm) TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower (75750), https://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/zero-turn-mowers/z560/967929901/, 2020 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 42 in. 2, Toro Timecutter HD48inch 75201 Both Gravely and Toro will be around for parts and service for years to come. My first choice is the Toro Model 75742. Yes, the biggest difference is the fabricated deck. On both the Toro and Cub, cut height is adjustable, with a range of 1 inches to 4.5 inches. Scag has good cutting decks so I expect it to be a good mower for the money. This is the only reason I havent bought one yet. Hi,Paul. Paul does most of his writing out in his workshop where he feeds the wildlife and birds in the yard. The Kohler Confidant is a commercial engine. It cuts very well and will last you a long, long time. It is well worth the extra $600. Fuel Stabilizer: When I go to the gas station and buy fuel I always put fuel stabilizer in the storage tank. Also I wonder if they all have 2200 axles, I thought I read that the toro had 2800s. The driveshaft is more durable than the Grasshoppers. Ive also read about the Ariens mowers you recommend. 2. #1 Home Improvement Retailer. I also read on your previous comments to another user that it provides the best cut, bag, mulch, and side discharge. Check Out The Cut & Clean TV MERCH!https://teespring.com/stores/cutandcleantvBest Residential Zero Turn Mower | Ariens IKON X vs Cub Cadet ULTIMA ZT1 LawnTha. The Toro has the smart speed and a 3-point deck. Ive always liked John Deere, but I am concerned that their decks accumulate too much grass clippings and get clogged. Ive pretty much narrowed my choice down to the JD Z355R (maybe the Z375R) or the Toro MX5075 (a bit under 2 acres, somewhat bumpy, with a few hills and some trees and obstacles to dodge). Toro TimeCutter MX4200. Does anyone have experience with these two? Hi Mike, If you want shaft drive you have to buy a Grasshopper or Kubota front deck mower. Any thoughts on that machine? I need a ZTR that can perform well on slopes. Wanted to get your thoughts on both. Unless you have a local dealer that will treat you well Id stay away from them. Like Walker, Country Clipper has been around for over 30 years and they specialize in rural or farm properties. The engines generate about 22 to 24 horsepower also depending on the grade of the model. It has baffles under the deck for mulching so it will take about 30 minutes to switch from mulch to bag. factory warranty !!!! He mentioned and agreed but also suggested that the Cub and Toro will tow the same. I do have a fence, trees and a few other yard obstacles. I would never pay more for a Kawasaki FR than I would for a Kohler 7000. If you have curbs/islands without handicap cutouts you will have to make a set of ramps to get over the curbs. It has ZT3100 commercial trannys. The Toro also cuts exceptionally well but it wont stripe without a stripe kit. Do you know of any difference between the ones you get from the dealer and the big box stores? What would you recommend? I favored the Kohler, but I dont care for the black and yellow or the dune buggy look. It will easily last you 10 years or more. It fills the bagger full all the time. I've worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how. 2. Fab Deck Zero-Turn Mower with MyRide. Do you have a suggestion for the engine choice, Toro twin 24.5 hp or Kohler 22hp? Centipede grass needs to be cut at 1 1/2 inches, requires more power to cut and can quickly wear out cheap residential mower blades. I cant decide between the Ariens Ikon XD 42 or the Toro Time Cutter 42 with My Ride though my comfort is not the issue, I just want to best cut. ), since Im hoping to do a bunch of that myself. John Deere, Toro, or Cub Cadet. Manage Settings The long wheelbase also makes it a pain to move around on trailers because you can fit three-four ZTRs in the same space as two Grasshoppers. Do you have an aftermarket blade recommendation for use with a mulch kit, other than the OEM blades that cub cadet sells? There are a lot of parts to install and youll need a helper to get all the bolts installed and tightened. I own a JD LX280, which has been a great mower, but I have been looking at a ZTR for a couple years as an addition to the JD. And the seat doesnt adjust as easily as the seat on the Deere, and well likely have different size operators rather frequently. Thats a hard question to answer. I also am looking at the 46 inch cub cadet. I prefer to by from a dealer for possible future support. Anyways wanted to ask your thoughts before purchasing as you seem to be incredibly knowledgeable in this area, MyRide worth the extra money or are there other mowers out there that are a better deal in your opinion? Its a heavy-duty mower but the Deere will have more options available like baggers and mulch kits. Remove the deck belt (you may want to remove the deck) spin each blade. I have some areas where Its nearly a football field long! It is a pretty smooth lawn, with about 8 trees and a lot of bed lines to cut along in the front half of the lawn. I just noticed that the 48 Accel Deep deck is 10 gauge, that is nice. 42-46 inch Fabricated Deck 1/2 to 1 1/2 Acres, 42-46 inch Heavy-Duty 10 ga Fabricated Decks, You can find a lot more information on the 42-46 inch ZTRs here: 2022 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 48-52 inch Stamped Deck Up to 2.5 Acres, 48-52 inch Fabricated Deck Up To 3 Acres. I think you made my decision much easier! Watch this video: Paul hope all is well. Lastly, $3.5K $5.5K or thereabouts would be presentable to the Queen Beejust sayin. Disappointed that the Toro no longer is available with the Kawasaki engine. I do not need to tow anything. This makes for less mowing time depending on the size of your yard. (The lawn was wet both times that this happened.) Hi Laurrelle, The Walker is one of the best for hills. Hi Brian, Thats a tough choice. I lived in a condo that took care of the yard for 9 years so I havent mowed in almost a decade. 2. The Frames are different so the Deere looks lighter because it uses smaller tubing. Zero-Turn Stand On. Zero-turn mowers are ideal because they ensure no patches of lawn go uncut, and theyre also pretty easy to get the hang of. Who Makes The Best Lawn Tractor or Zero Turn For You? Remember the 2018 will have the full warranty the used 2016 will not have the same warranty, if any. But, the price of Toros zero turn mower is much higher than Cub Cadets. Ive seen it cut roadside grass two feet tall cleanly on the first pass. 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. Lourdani, The Z Master 2000 is the entry-level commercial Toro. 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. Looking at either the Toro 42 in Time cutter with the Toro branded engine (75744) or the 50 in with the Kawasaki engine (75750) Then on the flip side on the Cub Cadet Im looking at the 46 in (ZT1 46) with the Cub Cadet branded engine or the 50 in (ZT1 50) with the Kawasaki engine. Charlie Victor. Trust me all the compacts will slide into the ditch and most likely turn over. Also some of the areas gets fairly dusty if we go a couple of weeks without rain. Mow the lawn with the deck raised up a notch or two higher and you should get more life. I think Im leaning towards the Gravley/Ariens product. Its worth a $1000 more because the frame, deck, and transmissions are all more heavy-duty than the Ultima Series and the Toro Timecutter. Ive also always been partial to the 60-inch deck. Q: What are your thoughts about Kohler vs Kawasaki quality? Two, If you are pulling a cart always put the smart speed in tow. Toro TimeCutter MX5075 with MyRIDE Suspension System 50 in. You could prefer the ease of entry or speed options that comes with the Toro TimeCutter, or rather choose to ride those hills with a Cub Cadet zt1 without worrying about the engine failing you; both brands come to the fight with very impressive features. Which would you recommend? Equipment. Q: How hot do these transmissions get? The XT2 should give you 10 years of service if you do the normal maintenance on it and dont let teenagers try and wreck it. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Hey Paul. never go flat front tires !!! In other words, cub cadet zero turn tractors are better for people having small to medium size lawns to mow. Personally, Id go with a little heavier machine. One, Keep the mowing speed to no more than 5-6 mph. And because Ive had good luck with my Deere/Kohler and I feel less enthusiastic about the Briggs, Im leaning towards the Cub. Both mowers are ideal for residential homeowners. The blocking fenders offer good coverage from the unruly clippings during mulching and mowing on your lawn or land. I visited the nearest Jonsered dealer today, and he said that Husqvarna has bought up several brand names and hasnt figured out how to deploy them in the marketplace. It mows really well and is a very dependable mower. Looking around at other manufacturers They are all charging $800-$1100 for the ZT 2800 trannys over the ZT 2200. Although the engines are mostly of the same company, the air filter system of the Toro TimeCutter is a little down the chart in quality as compared to the Cub Cadet. You are getting twice the mower, as Paul mentioned. Run the proper tire inflation or 2 lbs less in the rear and it will ride well. I am leaning toward toro and feel like the 50 has better features. Hi Jon, Wow! The IKON XL and the Toro MyRide are much better choices. Check them out here: Toro TimeCutter MX5075 with MyRIDE Suspension System 50 in. 2022 hustler super z for sale - 2022 hustler super z with hard to find 72 inch awesome cutting deck !!! So Home Depot or Tractor supply might be a viable alternative. (Im in Arkansas, and I think the closest place for Toro service is 50 miles away.) Headlights are the kinds of features that you either get on commercial zero turns or you get installed, but the Cub Cadet has them fixed for you at the get-go! Budget is around 3K or less. Hi Morty, They dont list the tip speed but since they are advertising 7 MPH it will be at the max for residential mowers. I often allow the grass to reach 10. On the other hand, cub cadet zero turn mowers are slightly smaller in size than Husqvarna so you can't expect them to meet your large mowing needs. Ill be mowing my 1 acre, flat-to-mildly sloping residential lawn with minimal trees. The brands are both built for heavy-duty and do not deliver any less than that. Not sure if there is a limit on the amount or not. So let me go quickly through some of the options youve mentioned. Are you kidding me? Its a nice heavy ZTR and with the smaller deck, it should have plenty of traction for the ditch. For reference, I am mowing one acre, with some moderate slopes, trees, and landscaping. They do look VERY similar. Because it has a Smart Speed control that lets you pull carts without damaging your transmissions. I put my leaf clippings in a mulch pile but if you did your property this way I would guess you would have less than 10 bags. I want something that will last me a very long time. Hi Paul. I have a little over an acre. It will last many, many years. I am looking at Scag Liberty z 48 and Bobcat ZT2000 48, Both look fairly similar. You are using an out of date browser. The engines generate about 22 to 24 horsepower also depending on the grade of the model. They are fast but they can also mow 24-inch grass cleanly if needed. The Apex with the commercial style 5.5 deep deck and ZT3100 drives will last longer, cut better and mow FASTER, especially in demanding conditions like tall or wet grass.it will also be more comfortable over your mixed 10 acres, it has 22 rear tires, and weighs 853 lbs.,compared to the ZT2 at 640 lbs. I have some bare dirt sections where a lot of dust flies so I think the beefier air filter (and engine) on the Vanguard will be worth it. (I live in central Ohio). My main concern is will the EZT hydros and B&S engine be OK? (Im assuming your lawn is rough). Which models might you suggest? Here are some of the frequently asked ones. Check it out here: Ariens Ikon 42. TodaysMower.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and we get a commission on purchases made through our links to Amazon. Well see what happens when the owner of the shelter balances longevity and cost. Thanks a mil. Read more here: How to Support TodaysMower.com, I will list below three different types of residential zero-turn mowers. Stepping up from there is the Ariens / Gravely APEX / ZT-HD 52. Bradley is a small Midwest company thats been around for years. Hi Daron, If you do a lot of towing the Toro TimeCutter is the best choice in that price range. The Courier is one of the lowest-rated mowers by Consumer Reports for every category they test. recommendedNo-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can (CARB Compliant)This one has a second handle in the back so it is very easy to use and hang onto when pouring into your fuel tank. I prefer to deal with local dealers versus the big box stores. When you buy the Ariens at a big box store you dont always get the same service after the sale as you do when you buy from a dealer. Though this might seem minor, have you ever tried mowing a very wet lawn? Fab 24.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed. And I usually just side discharge, but a mulching option and a bagging option would always be nice. I use a bungee cord to lift the discharge cover. The Kubota is overpriced for what you get. A zero-turn is the same way, Too much weight on the rear hitch will cause the front end to be light and even lift off the ground going up a hill.