Hes been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and shares his know-how and hands-on experience in our DIY repair guides. Either way, you have the Toro TimeCutter and Cub Cadet zt1 to the test with a spot for the best combatant. The Toro engine is not as well-known as the Kawasaki FR but has better reliability. Loncin and the manufacture that makes MTDs Powermore engine are exceptions. Finally, learn to use your knees to cushion the ride and it is the second-best riding mower on this list. I mow just under 2 acres of mostly flat to gently sloping grass. And I have a good mower shop just a mile away that is not a dealer, they will service whatever you bring. Any advice would be well appreciated. Someone who mows more than once a week is better off with a twin-cylinder engine, as they are more fuel-efficient and durable than their single cylinder counterparts. How does the Big Dog Alpha compare to the others you reviewed? Expect 500-800 hour engine life. But the biggest problem is to find one that works. That said, You can get armrests for the XT1 and install them yourself. free pickup and delivery or a discount on the turn-up) It is developing a stellar reputation. . The decks are manufactured to incorporate aerodynamic force for a much more intentional distribution of clippings; to avoid clumping, stragglers, trailing, and improve the overall cutting quality of the deck. The ZT2100 transmissions are too light-duty to pull a leaf vac. The brands are both built for heavy-duty and do not deliver any less than that. Here is the Country Clipper website to locate a dealer in New Zealand: Country Clipper. Just not sure I need that much but also dont want to deal with issues after I buy it!! Prices all seems around the same $2,900 to $3,200 locally. Fabricated Deck 23 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin Gas Engine Zero Turn Mower with Lap Bar ControlAvailable at, Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 54 in. Types of Lawn Mowers & Tractors. Skaggs has a good blade change system, for no lift style. Though this might seem minor, have you ever tried mowing a very wet lawn? My dad runs an old Wheel Horse, never had to rebuild anything on the motor or gear box and its going on 33 years. Yes, the Joystick does take a little practice but its actually a lot easier to use than lap bars and not as tiring. In the end, I do not think you will be disappointed with either. You should not use Gator Blades for SIDE-DISCHARGE. 22.5 HP Toro TimeCutter. Machines are only as good as the person standing behind them. Mow the lawn with the deck raised up a notch or two higher and you should get more life. He is a very good mechanic, but I want to help him with a proper mower. The next most important factor is a comfortable ride as my yard, although flat, can be a bit bumpy. Im going to be down in the Bradley, Il area the middle of June. The deck couldnt handle the bumpy ground. Appreciate you help. recommendedNo-Spill 1405 2-1/2-Gallon Poly Gas Can. This steering wheel model is heavy enough to go up the hill and the front steering wheels will help to keep it on the slope. Hello Paul, I bought a Husky 48 with a Kawasaki engine and it runs fine but the transmission started to not like going up the hilly backyard I have. Thank You in advance! When we need parts and service, I imagine we may end up going to Tractor Supply well see. As I look at prices for what I can get for a 50 with Toro and Ariens it looks like I can get either at around $3100 which is $400 more than what 42 V-Twin costs. The Toro mower doesnt have an all-metal deck, as it employs plastic parts. Nevertheless it was good convo back and forth. Those 700-1500 hour machines can nickel and dime you to bankruptcy. price is less of a concern for me than performance. However, based on some of your previous reviews, it seems that I would probably need to be looking at a higher end garden tractor with a robust transmission and motor. But you are saying that isnt the case? In addition, the easy access deck makes it very easy to clean and allows you to do your own maintenance on the blades. For years they sold a contractor grade engine that was $300 cheaper than the rest and it held up well so even though theyve raised their prices many small owner/operators still want the name. Can a person get by with just buying the mulching blades as opposed to the entire mulching kit? Hi Jeffery, I have no preference between the Kawasaki and Kohler. How does the Ikon xd 52 stripe. I live in the Pacific NW, have an acre of level-to-slight hill to mow. Hi JD, I have no problems with any of the engines. But if you have to drive 50 miles to get one serviced it not always the best choice. Husqvarna has two brands, Poulan Pro and Jonsered, that they use for retail sales and if they dont want to overpopulate an area with Husqvarna dealers. I have lower back issues. Hi Paul trying to decide between the Toro 75750 and the Ikon XD 52. I dont think anyone has an IKON XL or a TORO 5075 MyRIDE for me to compare. I really appreciate your website, your keen insights, and all your help. Thank you for your input! 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). 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. Your site has given me a good quick education. If you go any less than this price range and they ZTR will only last you a couple of years. Please rank or help me eliminate machines that would be overkill/over buy. But it only has lightweight EZT transmissions so using it commercially I would not expect it to last more than 3-5 years. I need something that will handle the cutting duties without leaving rows of grass clipping or mohawks. 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. Hi Paul, trans) Thanks in advance. But was is really important to me is finding a mower that will last as long as my JD LX280 has, one that is as safe as possible on my slopes, and one that has an awesome cut. 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. Asides from that issue, I totally commend having headlights on your zero-turn and purchasing a Cub Cadet for that good reason. Pull the lap bars together in front of you, as this will disengage the parking brakes. Have a wonderful day! Thank you for your input! While it is possible to purchase durable air filters to prevent the problem, its a little inconvenient nonetheless and because of that, the Cub Cadet wins this round with their powerful and durable engines. Appreciate all the help! With the warmer weather and the rain weve had in North Texas, especially the last and projected next week, I have rye thats about a foot tall right now! My choice though is the IKON XL 52. LapBars can really put a strain on your shoulders after a while. Thanks for the feedback! Your review the other day was spot on. I easily say that this mower is thru and thru a Walker and will probably be the last mower you ever buy. Ive just been getting more confused the past few weeks when trying to buy my first ZTR, and I hope you can help me. I will be cutting about 3.5 acres with a few rolling hills. Of those 400 there are actually quite a few good zero-turn mowers on the market right now. I just think the Deere is a more refined machine, and it looks it. $4399 $3499 = $900. This deck is the best cutting 42-inch deck in the industry and its very rugged a lot more rugged than a stamped deck. The rest of the time I doubt youll have more than 3-400 lbs in the cart and the heavy duty ZT2800 transmissions can handle that easily. I like my Husqvarna tractor, and the Z254F is on lots of recommended lists, but the user reviews concern me. They offer free set up and home delivery. If you ever have any issues with it and you bought it from your local dealer you will get a lot faster service. Thanks Paul. My neighbor let me try his Ferris IS600 to test the ride without actually mowing. I really ran across this URL of yours [I think]as a matter of the odds of just browsing, at times, painfully. If you want a one and done mower the Vanguard is definitely the engine to buy. Hi JD, You will be a lot happier with the cut of the Toro than the Simplicity. The Bobcat ZT2000 tends to be a little heavier duty than other brands. It is still a very popular mower with farmers who have long ditches and large areas to mow. Also, any recommendations for best time of year to purchase? Yard is about 1 acre. 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. Hi Ryan, I have no preference between the Kawasaki FR or the Kohler 7000. That mower should be in the $2700 range and the fact you have to spend an EXTRA $160 for a hitch is ridiculous. I live in the upstate of SC, have a mixture of cool season and warm season grasses, and I try to control the crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. If you try to pull too much the transmissions can overheat and if you do it often enough they will fail. 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 48 48SC-BS24 is on sale for $4207 at sleequipment.com which seems to make it the best value of the 4 Bradley Stand on options. Cost $5500 plus. Based on your post and previous comments I know this is going to be 1 of the 2 choices so go ahead and scroll up and pick 1 of the 3 others lol. The Deere cuts well. Thinking about the Deere 345r but worried the bagger will just get plugged all the time. Residential ZTRs are rated for no more than 15-degree slopes. In front of the seat is a non-slip floor pan, and its here where one rests their feet while mowing. Skag, Ferris, ExMark and Walker are on the heavy price point side for similar specs in these others (at least thats my interpretation of what Im reading). Toro TimeCutter MX4200. Seems as though your recommended ZTRs come from Big Box stores, which I prefer to purchase from a dealer. I guess I am torn between the Ariens Ikon 42 and the Cub ZT1 42. My personal first choice is always a stand-on but I dont recommend stand-on mowers smaller than 40 inches. Hi Paul you have a great site, easily the best reviews around! Thank you. Only thing I have to go around is the back patio. If you are interested in the Bad Boy I would buy from a local dealer or make sure if you buy from Tractor Supply that you can get it serviced locally. The owners really like how it mulches with the Toro mulch kit installed. And yes the Ultima XT2 can pull it loaded around your property once in a while. I primarily side discharge the clippings during the summer months but do mulch all of my leaves in the fall. He doesnt expect Jonsered riding mowers to be around for very long. The dealer I prefer carries both Toro and Ariens, so that is not a factor. My ground is uneven in places, due to settling. Since Cub Cadet is the newest and they tried to hit all the consumer pain points which includes noise, Ill have to guess the Cub Cadet is quieter. With occasionally pulling a small cart of wood/ mulch, should I go with the 2800 transaxle over the 2200 transaxle? powerful 35hp v-twin kawasaki engine !!! But that just wont be possible for under $3000. I just had a ..make my day Clint Eastwood moment but in a good way (smile). The Cub Cadet tractor mower sports a heavy-duty AeroForce deck and rear diff lock to ensure optimal performance in hostile conditions. 2. But when you are comparing the Ariens models the new IKON XD compares closer to the Bad Boy Magnum. Since our current mower is 46 inch deck we would like a slightly larger deck, I think we are leaning towards the 52 inch deck size. Its 25% more fuel-efficient and responds to heavy grass a lot faster than the carbd engines. Thanks! Bagger never gets plugged. 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. If I recall correctly, Bradley actually had a stand-on before Bob Cat. The highest-rated zero-turn lawn mower that Consumer Reports recommends is the Gravely ZT HD 48 991152. I plan on being here long term and dont have any equipment as of now. The FasTrac is more in line with the mowers we are discussing here though. In my opinion, the Iron-Forged deck cuts a lot better than the stamped deck on the model you mentioned. Great Brand recognition = quality. While Toro uses an IronForged deck, Cub Cadets deck is made with 11-gauge steel. Of what Home Depot offers, what would you say is the best option under $4500? Johnss fluff-free How-to guides help homeowners fix lawnmowers, tractor mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, power washers, generators, snow blowers, and more. Single-cylinder engines are less efficient and typically very loud. The MX series is in between the TimeCutter and the Timecutter HD. The Toro Timecutter HD will handle the hills. Another possibility is to go back to a lawn/garden tractor. Theres no winner in terms of durability and maneuverability. Many repair shops carry a cheaper belt, although the same size, that is not designed for use on heat-generating engines. Its built like a tank, rides well and cuts very well. Would this be enough to see a difference? Personally, I use Mobil One in all my engines and Ive never had an engine failure on any of my gas powered equipment, cars or trucks. house/pond/etc) the cost for them vs. DIY justifies a new machine for the garage. Both are listed at the same price. More recently, he has been showing up with a Scag zero turn, with a slightly larger deck. I have it professionally serviced last July and informed them of the issue. The HD models have a significantly heavier frame and transmissions. Both mowers are ideal for residential homeowners. Anyone considering buying the new Gravely zero turns need to reconsider it. Planted a bunch of young 5-8 trees around the property. Its smoother than the 7000 series and has a larger air cleaner. 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? You can get it with the two lap bars but they also offer their Joystick Steering System. Will those help with preventing the deck from getting clogged? Unlike the Toro, the Cub lacks an engine guard, as well as fenders which keep the mower clean. I really wanted to see the deck engaged before making my choice between the two. Hi Jerry this suspension goes between your existing seat and the mounting plate. and 2. Its not the FX (commercial version) that everyone feels is the best engine on the market. It helps a lot to help you out. 1, Stihl iMow RMI 632 P handles up to one acre and is the best for design and installation. Hi Paul. I have 2 acres I mow Is this too much acreage for a mulch kit?i feel like Im shortening the life of the mower by stressing it. Both show it online so should be able to at least order the model I want. WorldLawn used to be Encore. I can spilt and mow separate days if need be. But, if you want the best cut, the best mulching, and the best bagging the stamped decks are the right choice. Thinking I have the wife talked into a ZRT but it would be from Lowes. These mowers are also quieter, but youll be paying for all these benefits. I have been a follower of your site for a few years now. Both have dealer support and both have the same sticker price. If you want the Cub Cadet I suggest looking seriously at the ZT2. It uses the same commercial deck they use on all the other models. The mower can go as fast as 5.5 miles/hour, and its engine is also safe from branches, rocks, and other debris because of a heavy-duty steel guard. Do you have any thoughts on how easy (or not) the Toros vs. the Deeres are to work on? Hi Clark, I loved the old Dixons but they had such a shallow deck that you couldnt use a high-lift/bagging blade on them so they had to use the blower to suck the grass out of the deck and throw it into the bagger. I reached out to you before on some suggestions. And with 2 larger diameter tires, it may have a higher center of gravity that I may not care for. I cut about 2.5 acres per week of mostly flat terrain, including some tough pasture grass. Q: What are your thoughts about transmissions with and without charge pumps? Theres a local Gravely dealer that seems reliable and good to work with. The choice seems tough here. That said, The Kawasaki FR engine you find on this price range of mowers is nothing special. You can check out my videos of the Toro Timecutter and Ariens IKON XD here: https://www.youtube.com/paulsikkema. Not so much focused on comfort. Toro TimeCutter MX Series MX5050 Zero Turn Rider 74774 (50): $3200 I mow our residential, flat, 1 acre yard with ~10 trees and fence in Pittsburgh, PA. I have 1 acre lot in which my home is 2200 sq ft. My yard is mostly flat in which it has been graded like a bowl. I am looking at Scag Liberty z 48 and Bobcat ZT2000 48, Both look fairly similar. Property: 4.5 mowable acres relatively flat, improved grassy land with new home build on pacific coastal high bluff in northern Cal. I really like how the deck sticks out the left side for trimming. About all Ive been able to do is get caught up in the paralysis of analysis. Unfortunately, the 50 inch is in high demand this year so you may have to go to a dealer to get it. I would like something in the 48 inch to 52 inch cut range. While the TimeCutter possesses wider traction tires in comparison to the Cub Cadet and is much noted for their rocking seat features to help you ease vibration whilst mowing, the ZT1 is built for slopes, bumps, and uneven terrains. (I grew up with International Harvester tractors so the Reb/Black paint scheme appeals to me too!). It will last the life of the mower. The smaller ones are top-heavy, wobble around on rough ground, can be very tippy and dont have good traction on rough ground or slopes. Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX Zero-Turn Mowers Better, Bigger, Badder! I am orderingI dont think I can live with the regrets Ill have if I pass on this and buy a $4200 Gravely/Hustler locally! Is this not the best value out there in commercial mowers? If . Was looking at Toro with myRide setup.. Hi Dave, the only choice is the MyRide. Later, if it gets harder to get on and off you can always add the step and hand bar. This article centers on helping you notice both brands distinct features to enable you to discern which machine is best for you. HD clutch,HD motors and hydraulics, and 30 to 37 HP engines. 1st time for ZTM. Everyone really likes this mower. Hi I was wondering what you thought about the new Riding ego zero turn 360 mower battery one Im looking at getting that maybe at the end of the year or next year Right now its a low too expensive for my taste. I personally have this deck and I like it a lot. My only question is on the new Cub Cadet ZT2 is it worth the extra almost 900 dollars for the serviceable transmissions for a residential owner mowing 2.5 to 3 acres once a week or week and a half? Its here where zero-turn, ride-on mowers are a tremendous help. When Sears and Husqvarna parted ways it looks like Husqvarna kept all the molds and just slapped the Jonsered name on it. Stepping up from there is the Ariens / Gravely APEX / ZT-HD 52. The steel bars featured at the rear of the Cub Cadet zt1 might be for overall fancy-fancy, but they are built for protecting the engine from any exerted force that could be damaging should you bump into obstacles whilst mowing in reverse. GREAT website. One con. The cut of my cub cadet is pretty good so I assume the ultima would be as well.