I really appreciate your website, your keen insights, and all your help. At The Home Depot Toro TimeCutter MX5000 50 in. This feature aces in saving time and increases the general effectiveness of mowing. Thank you again! Exmark has its own decks and its tuned for the commercial operators who like to mow as fast as the mower will go. The quality control for many of those power sports engines is all over the map or non-existent. Would it be worth the extra money to go with the scag?Ive got a dealer 10 minutes from the house as opposed to a hour and a half for toro dealer. The TimeCutter machines are distinct for having a small compartment right under the seat in front of you to store little gems you might have found during your adventure on the lawn. My second choice is either the Toro or Cub Cadet 50 inch. Its just about commercial grade and only about $800 more. The second contractor uses a Walker mower. I will definitely take advantage of the discounts. We also have a gorilla yard cart and would like some thing with a hitch pin to pull around firewood or brush etc. It looked fairly safe and stable to mow this way. Have your readers commented on it one way or the other? Both are serviced by local dealers. It one of the best riding ZTRs on the market. I am used to walk behind operation / handling The mower will be used for residential 5 plus acres. And with over 40 commercial brands out there it may never catch on. 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 live in the Pacific NW, have an acre of level-to-slight hill to mow. I mow a little over 1/2 acre that is flat but not smooth or soft ground. Click on each item to see them at The Home Depot. Seems as though your recommended ZTRs come from Big Box stores, which I prefer to purchase from a dealer. 6. 2. Hi Paul you have a great site, easily the best reviews around! And remember dry ground this time of year can be just as slippery as wet ground. Beast. Change the oil, air filter, and the belts as needed. Any recommendations? I just think the Deere is a more refined machine, and it looks it. Im a big fan of the joystick steering and how tough the Boulevard is built for the price. But the Cub seems like more for the money.. Dealer did say he had a Gravely and looking back he doesnt understand why he spent so much more on it vs just getting a Cub. If the basic version of either mower model isnt enough for you, take comfort in knowing that a range of enhancing accessories can be purchased. To get a ZTR heavy enough to hang on that slope you need to be in the $6000 plus range. They own the Huskee brand name. A cheaper belt is a cheaper belt. Stamped Decks Inexpensive Mow well, bag well, and are great for smooth lawns. Kohler engine. When I first researched this a couple of years ago, I found your positive comments about the Husqvarna Rider mower, and thought that might be an option. Oh, Im 62, in reasonable shape, dont mind the exercisein fact, kinda keeps the joints lubricated (smile). The reality of it is, these are nearing the top of the consumer zero turns, but are still a skip away from commercial units. The Deere cuts well. Hi Paul, Thanks so much for the reply. which is more solid and reliable unit? 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. The joystick does seem nice, but I have no idea which one might be better for ride comfort, durability, etc. If your decision is down to the Exmark and Walker go to walker.com and request a demo. Scag Liberty Z with the Kawasaki engine 48 I suggest talking to the dealers and picking the mower you like the best from the dealer you like the best. I have around two acres to mow, with a lot of flower beds, a large flower/vegetable garden, two out buildings, two houses, two driveways, quite a few trees, fencing along a cow pasture, and a ditch along the highway. Thanks for your time The wider decks get done faster and make it easier to trim around stuff. 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. The only other thing I can think of is the deck shell is warped. By the way, the MX5050 compares to the Gravely ZT X. Charlie Victor. Hi Mark, Im not aware that Tractor Supply has a robotic mower. Hi Paul your opinion on a Bad Boy 54 Maverick I have a lumpy 2 acres and hilly and my back is not good. Its good for up to 1/2 acre and 25 degree slopes. Lowes in particular has a habit of just taking the mower out of the crate and NOT doing any of the adjustments for example moving the seat on the Ariens mowers. Walker Model R (local dealer) Thanks for all you do to help your readers. So, yes, if you are willing to spend the money its a very good mower for what you want to do. I researched and asked around about the engines and decided that all engines need good upkeep, and good clean air filtration is paramount. A lot of people complain about how the 42-inch deck on the Ariens doesnt stick out very far making it hard to trim around trees, etc. Go over your machine and make sure they assembled it correctly. For either of the above options, is a ROPS available? Hi James, The John Deere uses both the Intek and the ELS Briggs engines in various mowers. 3400 pumps, 23 tires, 7 gauge deck, 10mph, B&S Vanguard for $4200? Ive used a California trimmer reel mower for the past 6 years, but want less maintenance and speed. The seat is easy to move with just two knobs under the seat. Have I helped you? Please help! 2020 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, I dont have a problem buying through the Home Depot. The Toro also cuts exceptionally well but it wont stripe without a stripe kit. The brands are both built for heavy-duty and do not deliver any less than that. I want something that will last me a very long time. Since my post Ive started looking at the scab patriot 61 inch. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Let me know if Im completely out to lunch on this. If you have to sit on the seat to start the mower there is an electrical pressure switch inside the seat. All three cut very well. I am leaning toward toro and feel like the 50 has better features. (About $400 to replace) Im very nervous about recommending the Hustler Dash. Gravely ZT X 52 with Kawasaki engine $3499 What would you recommend? (Its been flawless) It also has a fabricated 42-inch deck. Paul a number of years ago I purchased a Craftsman 42 inch mower (T2200) that you recommended. 1st time for ZTM. The two best are Stihl and Husqvarna for the U.S. market. Hydro-Gear ZT 3100 transmission. I expect the Deere will be up to that task. Setting: No, it doesnt ride quite as smooth as the Toro MX5075 but rides well and is built stronger than that Toro. The best cut/mulching and the best ride is the Toro TimeCutter with MyRide suspension. 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. The ZT2100 transmissions are too light-duty to pull a leaf vac. 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). About to own 1.5 fairly flat property with some trees and become first time ZT owner, too. It should be durable while providing maximum comfort during mowing. Ill try and stop by to ask them if they are having the frames farmed out. My question is are the Ferris mowers worth it compared to some of these on your list? Another possibility is to go back to a lawn/garden tractor. The manufactures dont specify but Id guess 140-180 F. Hope youre doing well, great article by the way. Do you think I should go down to a 42, or stay with the larger engines and beefier decks that come with the larger mowers? Yes, here's how Do Mowers Have Titles? Consider the size and shape of your yard. Want the best bang for the buck, if I am going to spend 12 to 17 grand for a mower. With the mulch kit installed on the 48-inch deck its really only 6 inches wider than the 42-inch and will go through a 54-inch gate. I think I have a truly fun exercise for you with a varied list of contenders. Hi Deb, A year ago Bobcat the skid loader company purchased Bob-Cat mowers from Schuler Industries. We do have wet grass often in the spring. The cutting deck is the part of the mower which houses the blades. I am purchasing a zero turn mower for my husband as a surprise for his 50th birthday next year. We live in Maryland. Thanks Paul. The only Country Clipper dealer within 100 miles is 17 miles from my home, and he has 2 Boulevards in stock: a new 2018 and a used 2016 with only 38.5 hours on the meter. The 4-point deck doesnt bounce on rough ground and follows the wheels of the mower. 2. Hi iamdgw, My first choice is the Gravely/Ariens ZT-HD/APEX. 2. Im starting off this article with a list of my choice for the best zero-turn mowers for 2022. If you go any less than this price range and they ZTR will only last you a couple of years. The Tractor itself is good but they put a cheap Briggs Intek motor in it. It wasnt badits just that the email communication back and forth left me conflicted with information I was gleaning on the internetacross several manufacturers by the way. Hi Rob, Yes, there is a substantial difference between the Timecutter and HD models. I currently either mulch or side-discharge my clippings and will likely continue to do so. In reality, they both weigh the same. My budget is $6,000 or less. Do you recommend I go with a 42 inch or 50 inch deck zero turn? You will like it. The start sequence is enabled by a pressure switch from weight in the seat. Now, The commercial Kawasaki FS and FX are great engines. Matt loves to work with wood and stone, and landscaping is by far his most favorite pastime. It is more on the lush side in the spring and fall. Awesome site and comments. 10 years ago they were one of the best ZTRs on the market but today almost everyone else has passed them up for cut quality, service, etc. My craftsman mower that recently died on me did a far superior job with the mulching. My dad runs an old Wheel Horse, never had to rebuild anything on the motor or gear box and its going on 33 years. Out of the apex and mz61 which one would have the overall better quality and longevity and have the best cut quality. Without concern about the leaf vac, I was looking at the Cub Cadet ZT2 54-inch or the Toro TimeCutter 54-inch (75754) I judge those to be about the equivalent. (The lawn was wet both times that this happened.) Paul, our 1 acre lot in PA has some trees, and is a bit bumpy in spots. At 1350 pounds it weighs 50% more than a similar size residential mower. It has accessories for power deck lift and a mower jack for easy blade changes. Hes also fairly rough on equipment, (He killed an Exmark Lazer Z in 10 years) so the Ariens Apex/Gravely can put up with his abuse. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, 2022 The Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers Why Is, This article covers the EGO POWER+ 42 Z6, Ryobi Ryobi, Cub Cadet Lawn Tractors and Garden Tractors Good lawn tractors, Latest Deals at Cub Cadet Take 15% Off All PRO. Its very easy to work on and has an accessory front step and handrail so its very easy to get on and off of. Check them out here: Toro TimeCutter MX5075 with MyRIDE Suspension System 50 in. WorldLawn used to be Encore. 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? I meant the Z355E 48, not 335. I really like the cut of the fabricated deck on the Toro MyRide. Cub Cadet ZTS (steering wheel ZTR) 50 inch and larger can handle 20-degree slopes because the front steering wheels help to hold the mower on the slope. This will be handy for my open / flat areas 1. 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. Do not which one cannot be rebuilt or can for that matter. The Kubota is overpriced for what you get. Toro Titan (overkill) Costco always wants a product they can sell at a special price and this Jonsered is no exception. In general, stamped decks cut better fabricated decks are tougher and handle more abuse. Was curious your thoughts on a Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 vs brands in your top models? By far, the most important factor for me is the cut. Thanks again in advance! Most components are identical but the decks are slightly different. Any suggestions? I can get 10% off at HD or Lowes so I plan to buy from one of them unless I find other deals I cant pass up. Its maintenance free but expect to have to change the batteries every 5 years or so (about $200 times 4). What do you think? Thank you so much for the insight. The 48-inch deck will give you a better cut than the 54 inch and still get done quickly. (About $2999) If you husband is over 200 lbs I recommend the IKON. The Kohler Confidant is a commercial engine. I also am looking at the 46 inch cub cadet. Thanks again! Manage Settings Please rank or help me eliminate machines that would be overkill/over buy. Hustler fixed all the issues with the Raptor series with the new XD. I think I would prefer the new one. Have you heard of the transmission concerns? Im not sure what Sears is up to so Im not recommending their mowers until I know where the company is headed. If you let your orchard get more than 8 inches tall before you mow I strongly suggest a side discharge deck. Although, I really didnt want to spend that much. Paul, great article. I need something that will handle the cutting duties without leaving rows of grass clipping or mohawks. Thought kubota z421kw was nice. If you have ditches or slopes to mow never mow one that has a drop-off or pond at the bottom. They both cut well and will last you a long time. 7. Both Gravely and Toro will be around for parts and service for years to come. Have a wonderful day! It is developing a stellar reputation. I like the build quality of this mower, the cut quality, and I can easily recommend it for 2-3 acres. The Kawasaki in these mowers is the FR (residential) version. If you own a large patch of land, the Cub Cadet will serve you well for a long time. If they drop a name it most likely will be Poulan Pro. Its engine offers more power than the Cub Cadet mower and its fuel tank is larger than its competitor. They finally realized that their real mission was to make the best mowers for fewer people instead of making mowers for the masses. Speed is nice, but the landscape will keep me moving slow to stay in the seat. Im wondering if you think its best to 1. The Intek is a good motor for someone who has a flat lawn and mows about 1/2 acre a week, but for what you want to mow it will last long enough to just get past the warranty. I dont know how steep of slopes it covers. I like some of the stuff on the zt1, like the larger tires, the lights, my kids really like the looks of it, (they say it reminds them of bumblebee from the transformers movies), but Ive been reading about owners having problems with deck vibrations, so Im leery about getting it. You are using an out of date browser. 46 . So I spent about $450 at local dealership to replace drive belt, tune up, etc. The Cub Cadet ZT1 42 inch or 50 inch also cut well and the fabricated deck on the 50 inch is very rugged. Thanks a mil. None of those manufacturers will extend your ZTRs warranty in case your mower breaks using their leaf vac. The 52 and larger sizes cut as well as any other brand. He is a very good mechanic, but I want to help him with a proper mower. The Gravely ZT HD 48 991152 is the best zero-turn lawn mower. Hi Paul, have you looked at the new Scag residential zero turn yet? What would you suggest? Ventracs can handle 30-degree slopes ($25,000) The APEX is one of those mowers that it a solid step up from the MZ61. Hi Anthony, Serviceable transmissions are something the internet wants but in reality, these transmissions hold up well. I also understand Briggs parts are much cheaper than the other manufacturers, should I ever need them. The new model #991145 Gravely Compact Pro 44 Commercial mower is having many problems. When not in use, should the deck be kept at a specific height (all the way up or down)? 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. Theres no winner in terms of durability and maneuverability. This simply means you wouldnt need to bend over and grease now and then, and you also wouldnt experience any spindle problems with the Cub Cadet ZT1. 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. Ill look then up. The hauler is rated to carry up to 1,000 pounds. The offset deck sticks out more on the left of the mower making it very easy to trim around stuff. Any thoughts on Gravely ZT XL model versus a Toro for my situation? Any suggestions? Thanks for your help! Thank you for your diligence. 2. Ariens Edge 42. 3. Discussed this with the dealer. It cuts great and is built to last way more than 20 years.