Good, Better, Best ZTR

[Leadslingingdaddy]

I see numerous CC Tanks on CL...If that says anything??

[cub123]

IMHO the tanks are ok, but they just are not as heavy built as many of the other commercial machines.

[jimbob200521]

Ferris makes a pretty good machine if you're willing to pay for it.

[Ohmboy]

I've been running a Snapper Pro all summer and have no complaints other than it's ride is a bit on the rough side. Thinking about getting an upgrade on the seat. Second choice was the Bobcat. Both offer a lot of mower for the money. That being said, neither are exactly cheap.

Just remember, all ztr mowers are ditch/pond magnets!

[Rescue11]

Best bang for your buck... Bush Hog, makes a great little ztr

[cubfan]

Ive had the C.C.Tank LZ, and after three years of use I can say it has been an issue free mower.Not saying its the best or worst but I dont have a single complaint.All zero turn mowers will have a rougher ride than a hood over type and will burn the turf or grass.I've talked to several landscapers about the turning issue and they all said, if you try to utilize the zero turn to its full capability it will burn the grass.Just my two cents.Good luck with which ever one you decide on.

[Ikea6e]

Thanks for all the input.

Probably stick with my Cyclops for now, it does a good job.

Thanks, Ike

[Leadslingingdaddy]

I mow 4 plus acres and had a Super (pic) with a 60 Haban and it mowed like a beast....Got a ZT with a 61 deck and what used to take me 3+ hrs I can do in half that and provides a great cut.

I am careful also when turning as to not burn the grass...Y turns...

If time is valuable A ZT is the way to go...Now granted a small postage stamp would not be the best place for a ZT.

Got an Orange tractor for the heavy stuff and to keep me tinkering I have the Cadet 80....

[CadetTommy]

Never had a bad experience with Exmark. My grandpa seems to think his is a bush hog and has mown pastures with 5 foot tall extremely thick grass and weeds, and his has withstood all of that abuse. It also leaves a very nice cut, although it still doesn't come close to my 1872.

[Cub Cadet 123]

I have had a Commercial Cub ZTR new since 2008. I, too, mow about an acre and a half. The only problem I had was the fuse fell out somewhere in my yard so I had to replace that, but otherwise, not a single issue. Everyone has mentioned heavy duty and quality ZTR's, so the brand is up to you. If your ground is mostly level, I cannot see benefit in spending big money for a super heavy duty zero turn. However, one thing to consider is size and that depends on your landscaping. If it is open field, then for every 4" more on your deck, you cut your time down by 20% (I'm not 100% sure on that fact, but it seems like that was what my research told me at the time I made my purchase). If you have trees/shrubs/etc. to mow around, most landscapers prefer a 48" deck for maneuverability. For what it is worth, mine is a 48" (which the comparison guide for cub ZTR's said that mine had the best features of all the ZTR's in 2008) and was $3000 and came with a 5 year warranty, so cost and warranty may be something else to consider. I asked why the 48" inch model had the better features (bigger front wheels, fabricated deck, etc.) and the salesperson told me that is the model that most landscapers want (for reason I mentioned above), so that was my choice for my mower. One more thing, it is a mower and just a mower. They make attachments for some of them (like they make a blade for mine), but with the small front tires I would not even give it serious consideration. Grasshopper seemed to make a honkin' nice snow blower for their models, which had larger front tires, but they seem to be quite pricey and my fiancee's dad has one and is having trouble with the transmission along with finding replacement parts. Hope this helps you out somehow.

Cub Cadet 123