Lawn Mower Recommendations

[carolinarider09]

I know, I am asking lots of questions.  But now is the time to make these decisions. 

I have about 8 acres.  Of that only about 1.5 acres is actually clear cut.  One area is where the septic tank drain field is located (yes its a big drain field).  The other is in front of my observatory (so I can see to the south. 

What i want is a riding lawn mower that will be able to cut over uneven ground.  The areas that are to be mowed are not planted with grass but allowed to grow with whatever grass wanted to grow there.  And I did try some wild flowers but that did not work out. 

Right now, the mowing is being done with my 1998 Massey Ferguson 1250 Diesel and a bush hog.  The problem is that the tractor has AG tires and does leave some ruts when I make turns, no matter how wide thy are it seems.  And the bush hog is good for doing just that but not so well suited for "lawn mowing" (remember no lawn grasses).

So, my wife suggested we get a riding lawn mower (maybe I can get her to use it    ).  Again, some of the areas to be mowed are not flat and smooth like a regular lawn.   I am not a real fan of John Deere for a couple of reasons (I did own one for 10 years).   

I am also not a real fan of gasoline engines for ag work, but there seem to be few "riding lawn mowers" that are diesel powered. 

So, I am looking for recommendations for a long lasting riding lawn mower that will be able to handle uneven terrain (well its not really that uneven but it has never been graded to make it like most lawns.  It was graded after they put in the drain field lines). 

[Oldfishguy]

1023 or 1025 JD's seem to be what you are talking about.

 https://columbia.craigslist.org/grq/d/brunswick-2018-tractor-package-1023e/7155748358.html

[Hook#3287]

You might as well ask what oil everyone uses  

Here's a good write up on zero turns.

https://yardthyme.com/best-commercial-zero-turn-mowers/

My buddy has a Husky and he loves it.

[h13man]

I've owned a Husqvarna 46"RZ ZTR for 6 yrs. and I'm not a big fan. Several ill engineered parts IMO. In comparison my 1992 46" Yardman lawn TRACTOR served me well for 22 yrs. w/o much out of the ordinary service. I suggest buying a unit with large tires for a smoother ride. In a lot a ways I wish I had bought a conventional mower but the ZTR has trimmed my mowing time down 30 mins. from 2 1/2 hrs. with the tractor.

[Patrick]

I like Kubota. Have been looking a zero turn model lately but keep talking myself out of it since I want to move pretty soon. But I think it would about cut the mowing time in half.

Since 1976 [bought it new] I've been mowing [ pretty much similar to you] with a small Kubota tractor. Because I bought a front loader a belly mower wouldn't work and could only use a 48" one anyway. So for mowing both lawn and field I use a larger 3 point PTO Woods 3 blade. Works fine for me. There are times when you can see the tire tracks though, the blades can't suck the grass up quick enough to cut it the correct height.

But anyway, if I were to buy a new mower it would be a 72" zero turn. And probably a Kubota.

[3fan4life]

The John Deere 700 series is available in 4wd and diesel engines.

https://www.deere.com/en/mowers/lawn-tractors/x700-series/

[hubcapsc]

There's a big difference between the "contractor grade" zero-turn$ and the ones at
Home Depot. I like the Dixie Choppers   just because of the name, but a whole bunch of
the different brands that have contractor grade mowers probably have ones that are
plenty good. Our grass is also the "whatever grew there" variety. I bushhog a lot of it
and Carolyn cuts the parts we consider our lawn with a Husky (made in Sweden)
"Rider"... it is a weird little thing, sturdy enough that we've had it for 15 or 20 years,
and the deck is made to flip up easily so that you can put on new blades or change
out shear pins if you hit a rock...



The above is a stock image, there's ours behind the bucket   ...



-Mike

[cookiedough]

 ;)I have not much real experience in any riding mower (have a 20 dollar bare bones 20" push mower and 100 dollar used toro 22" self propelled with bagger push mower)  but my neighbor has both a big hp JD regular riding mower and a fancy zero turn mower and he says sometimes in certain areas he gets stuck with the zero turn mower in wet or uneven areas much more so than his regular JD riding mower, but he likes the versatility of the zero turn and cuts mowing time down a lot of course which is what he uses the most.

NO idea why he needs 10 grand (or more) in 2 riding mowers for a city lot when he use to push like me a bare bones push mower for decades prior?  I guess retirement does that to a fellow since a few months ago he retired and likes to mow his grass twice weekly for something to do vs. me lucky to get done once per week or so.  

Although,  if you are into doing wheelies on them,  my kid figured out having mowed with big time diesel zero turn mower the K-12 school playground/baseball field area (2 pretty large open fields) while in high school,  if you are going uphill on city pavement in town he told me down at the gas station last year watch this:   he went full throttle uphill and dropped it into reverse ASAP and then again in full throttle forward again and watch the front wheels lift up a foot or so riding a wheelie for 10 feet or so...  

I did  use a few times my neighbors basic JD HOme Depot Kohler 17.5hp regular riding mower since he was too lazy to mow his own city lot with it so he asked me to mow his yard for him paying me 10 bucks.  It was o.k., but darn thing cannot get close to the house and other sharp near 90 degree angles. I would want a regular riding mower with 4 wheel steer if into tight areas.  Plus,  by the time I had to get out the push mower to go around bushes and close to house and patio, etc,  I might have just of well used his push mower to begin with did not save much time for a 100x100' lot with the house taking almost 1/2 of that space up.  

[carolinarider09]

I looked at the John Deere diesel, expensive at $11,000.  And its just a lawn mower (well it can pull a trailer and stuff). 

I looked at a Sub Compact Massey Ferguson tractor a few months ago (same price as the John Deere mentioned above).  Trying to get something the wife could drive and smaller than my MF 1250 allowing me to access some other ares on the properly down by the creek.  The dealer was not real keen on using an under belly mower and the mower he suggested was one that had wheels at the corners.  Better than my bush hog on the MF 1250.  Price is the same as the John Deere lawn mower.

My dad had Troy Built stuff (tiller) for many many years but I think their quality has gone down hill since then. 

Looked at the local dealers for the Dixie Chopper.   Closest one is Lugoff and Aiken.    Looks like the prices for the commercial version (Blackhawk) is about $8,000 and the residential version ( Zee 2) is about $4,000.   Which is within a reasonable price for a gas powered mower.   The only issue is that its single use.  I would have to have a long conversation with the dealer about my intended use and see if the device would work. 

I like the Husqvarna brand since I have used their chainsaws for many years now (on my second one).  The price for their zero turn mower is not bad, between $4,000 and $5,000, depending on the model.  Its also a zero turn.

[3fan4life]

Rural King has a pretty diverse line of tractors:

https://www.rktractors.com/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=rk&utm_content=nav

[Hook#3287]

I like the Husqvarna brand since I have used their chainsaws for many years now (on my second one).  The price for their zero turn mower is not bad, between $4,000 and $5,000, depending on the model.  Its also a zero turn.

Always liked Husky brand from dirt bikes, chain saws and I heard they make a mean sewing machine.

I bought a Husky 48" lawn tractor from Lowes just on the name.  Turns out to be nothing better than the other brands sold at the big box store.

Seems they sold out the name.  It's okay for my small yard.

I'm actually happy with the twin cylinder Briggs & Stratton.

There seems to be a big difference between the "Commercial" grade and the one's sold at the Lowes.

[carolinarider09]

I actually like the looks of the Rural King line, just no dealers in my state.  Only one in North Carolina and none in Georgia.  So.....   

And Hook you are right about the items sold at the big box stores and what we use to expect from some of those brands. 

I try to purchase things like this from "dealers" vs Lowes or Home Depot. 

[Patrick]

I like the Husqvarna brand since I have used their chainsaws for many years now (on my second one).  The price for their zero turn mower is not bad, between $4,000 and $5,000, depending on the model.  Its also a zero turn.

Always liked Husky brand from dirt bikes, chain saws and I heard they make a mean sewing machine.

I bought a Husky 48" lawn tractor from Lowes just on the name.  Turns out to be nothing better than the other brands sold at the big box store.

Seems they sold out the name.  It's okay for my small yard.

I'm actually happy with the twin cylinder Briggs & Stratton.

There seems to be a big difference between the "Commercial" grade and the one's sold at the Lowes.

I've heard that for years. The neighbor down the road that runs a small engine business says the same. The box store name brand mowers are not the same as the ones sold at the dealerships.

[luftkoph]

I’ve had a Dixie Chopper zee2 for 4 years, solid heavy steel, the hydros have spin on filters V2 Kawasaki engine, it is a heavy bugger(900 lbs) so I have some swampy areas I have to be careful. It sure did cut down on my mowing time, I’ve got a lawn,well that’s a loose term more like a hay field that I keep trimmed, so it is a rough ride,but fast

[sheets]

I have a 48" cut Husky ride-on - YTH 48LS (??).  Has a Kawasaki Vtwin engine. Purchased from a dealer. Has a heavy duty steel deck - shaped and welded steel construction, not "stamped" lightweight metal with rounded corners. I've been mowing my 2.5 acres of un-groomed non-landscaped native grounds, plus another 1/4 of an acre on highway R/W (fire prevention) for over 8 years. Has never failed me. Ran the original blades for 7 years, sharpening at end of season. This is the first summer I've mowed with new blades.  

[carolinarider09]

Question regarding the Zero Turn mowers, can you run them at moderate speeds.  Everything I see one as I drive down the highway it seems they are going "flat out". 

Is it safe to assume that the handles control the hydraulic drives in a linear way?  That is, all the way back full speed, half way back half speed? 

[f6john]

I bought a Scag 61” Turf Tiger with a fuel injected Kohler V twin engine in 2015. It was $10,500 out the door. Very heavy duty. Greasable driveshaft, blade housings and all moving adjustments on the deck. I believe it will outlast me. Over five years of ownership only expense has been oil, filters, and an extra set of blades. Has never failed to start and not having to deal with carbs and chokes has been a blessing. Hard to say if a zero turn is right for your situation. When you get in the $10k range most dealers will bring out a mower to demo which is the best way to know for sure.

A few brands of zero turn mowers have sprung suspensions that might keep you from suffering over uneven ground. The seat on my Scag is adjustable and takes up some of the shock loads of rough ground but it is very minimal.

Most mowers you see running full blast are in the business and time is money. You are correct about the use of the hydraulics.

[Patrick]

Question regarding the Zero Turn mowers, can you run them at moderate speeds.  Everything I see one as I drive down the highway it seems they are going "flat out". 

Is it safe to assume that the handles control the hydraulic drives in a linear way?  That is, all the way back full speed, half way back half speed? 

They can be ridden/driven slow if you so desire. The commercial guys are always in a hurry running flat out.  If I remember correctly I think you mentioned you would prefer diesel [ me too]. I've seen quite a bit of trouble with the Briggs twins [ and I usually like Briggs]

[cookiedough]

this place locally always advertises on the radio stations I listen to wonder if GRAVELY lawn mowers are any good.

of course they sell them but they say they are the best?   If going to spend 4-5K on up for a riding mower,  I would get somewhere local hopefully who can have parts and service them if need be. 

https://madison.craigslist.org/grq/d/dodgeville-gravely-zero-turns-44-to-60/7146527733.html

[Patrick]

Gravely made good products when Studebaker owned them. Can't say about now. 

[gordonv]

Whats wrong with a couple of goats/cows/horses?

Maybe invite a neighbour to bring a herd over once a week to mow the lawn.

You get varies bi-products from having them, based upon how much time you want to put in. Nothing like fresh milk. Then there is butter/cheese.

[carolinarider09]

That would mean I would have to build a fence to keep them or train a bunch of dogs I don't have to keep them where I wanted them. 

Actually I would not mind having a nice fence but .....   It would allow me to let Zoe (our Shepapoo) to run free and chase squirrels, rabbits, and whatever else she would find. 

[Pappy!]

One of the best out there is Exmark ! They have always made one of the best ZT mowers you can buy.
We own one and Lesa mows with it way more than I do. She loves it. While ours is not a diesel they do make them!

https://www.exmark.com/products/mowers/zero-turn/lazer-z/lazer-z-diesel

[Crackerborn]

I currently own a Cub Cadet that is more than adequate for my 3/4 acre lot. It replaced a 22 year old Craftsman that might still be running if the wife had not decided to mow in the middle of an oil change. There is little real grass on the lot since the mature oak, hickory and walnuts shade most of it. It does a remarkable job of keeping the honeysuckle and buckthorn cut even though it was not designed as a brush cutter. I just sharpen the blades often.
I seriously considered a subcompact Tyme, LS, Kubota, and others, all diesel, but could not justify the price for a small lot that once the improvements are finished will only need regular mowing. I really would have liked the bucket on the subs for winter snow removal though.

[carolinarider09]

Yes the bucket on the front of a sub-compact diesel tractor is very, very versatile.   In my case it would be used to move gravel (Crush-n-Run) when I re-invigorate my drive ways, among other things.   

[hubcapsc]

Yes the bucket on the front of a sub-compact diesel tractor is very, very versatile.   In my case it would be used to move gravel (Crush-n-Run) when I re-invigorate my drive ways, among other things.   

Stanley Steamer is an expert at running equipment like that. I've seen him do some tight
jobs (putting dirt through the door of a horse stall on uneven ground for example) that
make it very apparent. He has a small kubota and has to work long and hard to spread
40 or 80 tons of rock on my driveway. If I was running that equipment, driving it around
with the bucket filled with rock, I'd be at danger of getting crushed in a tip-over... I plan
to stick to getting "the man" to spread my rock...



-Mike

[hubcapsc]

Whats wrong with a couple of goats/cows/horses?

Goats would do a good job. Horses not so much. By the time you're
getting them to mow down all the different kinds of volunteer
weeds we get you're starving them... I've seen places that goats
have left real nice, all the way up to whatever they can strip
from trees by standing on their rear legs...

-Mke

[Jack B]

Simplicity has a full line of suspension mowers, tractor or zero turns.
 They are owned by Briggs & Stratton which has other brands with the suspension

[carolinarider09]

Ok,  I have sort of narrowed my potential choices down to the Dixie Chopper Zee 2 or the Husqvarna Z254 (??).   Both are zero turn mowers. 

For the Zee 2 there are three choices

2342KO with 42” cutting range and a Kohler engine
2348KO with a 48” cutting range and a Kawasaki engine
2354KO with a 54” cutting range and a Kawasaki engine

HP, fuel capacity and transaxles are the same on all three units. 

I have a Kohler powered emergency generator.  It seems to be a reliable engine.  I don’t have any experience with the Kawasaki engine. 

Since the difference between the three is the engine it makes one wonder.  I will have to look at the prices to see what might be different.

They all have a three year warranty (no hour limit).

Price appears to be in the $4,400 range for the 48” cutting range.

For the Husqvarna the Husqvarna Z254 cost $2,800 and has the same size engine.  This unit has a cutting weight of 54”.  It has a Briggs and Stratton 24 hp engine. 

So essentially the Husky is about half the price of the Dixie Chopper.  However a look the two seems to imply that the Dixie Chopper is made to be used and should last a long time.  The Dixie Chopper just looks tough, no frills. 

Looks like Kawasaki engines are made in the US  (Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing plant in Maryville, MO).

It appears that Briggs and Stratton engines are made outside the US. 

From what I just read the Kohler engines are still produced in the US. 

However there is a potential issue with the Dixie Chopper brand.  It has been sold twice but still appears to be producing quality products made in the USA.  Something to consider. 

I will be calling the two local vendors tomorrow to see what they might have in stock. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Mn8zNSkMM

[hubcapsc]

Look around the wheels and compare the $2500 mower to the $5000 mower,
I'd guess you'd see some stamped parts on the $2500 mower. Stanley Steamer
was telling me about the weaker clutches(?) that are at the heart of the
zero-turn mechanism on the less expensive mowers...



-Mike

[carolinarider09]

I think Dixie Chopper is the way to go.  As I said, major issue is finding a local vendor.

I can order one "on-line" but then I have to have a fork lift or loading dock to accept delivery.  I have neither here. 

Anyone knows of a vendor in the SC area, let me know. 

I will start making calls on Monday.

[hubcapsc]

I think Dixie Chopper is the way to go.  As I said, major issue is finding a local vendor.

I can order one "on-line" but then I have to have a fork lift or loading dock to accept delivery.  I have neither here. 

Anyone knows of a vendor in the SC area, let me know. 

I will start making calls on Monday.

Anderson and Aiken seem to have dealers. They had them at the tiny shop I got
my chainsaw worked on near me, but the old guy who ran it has aged out and
the shop is closed. It looks like they sell them just over in Athens too.

-Mike

[carolinarider09]

Yes I saw those shops but when you go to their websites or Facebook pages they never list them directly.  Its probably like the Speed Queen washers, you have to order one. 

However, I did see a few pictures at one of the local places that seemed to have one in the shop.  Will know more tomorrow. 

This is my current "lawn mower". 

https://youtu.be/sxe8Hel4EbU

[cookiedough]

Yes I saw those shops but when you go to their websites or Facebook pages they never list them directly.  Its probably like the Speed Queen washers, you have to order one. 

However, I did see a few pictures at one of the local places that seemed to have one in the shop.  Will know more tomorrow. 

This is my current "lawn mower". 

https://youtu.be/sxe8Hel4EbU

looks good to me!   

[f6john]

If I were you I would be very tempted to buy a set of turf tires for the tractor and a Woods or equal brand finish cut mower. Cost might be as high or higher but it would be more versatile and nearly bullit proof.

[Patrick]

Woods makes a good mower. Mine is 45 years old and has not had the easiest  life. Its the older big pulley/flywheel style, and, it will cut down about anything including 2" trees/brush and still make a nice smooth grass cut.

[carolinarider09]

f6john,

I had considered both of those options.  I just had the rear tires replaced this past december.  I stuck with the AG tires because they worked and there are some areas that I might have to go up hill in some wet conditions (not for mowing).

I found out they also make "industrial" (I think that is the type) tires which don't have the traction of the AG tires but have more traction then the Turf tires.  Maybe when I replace them again....  But since I only have about 600 hours on the tractor (and the tires I just replaced), it might be some finite time.   

And yes, that "bush hog" is a really old unit.  When I was looking at the smaller tractor, the mower I was considering had four wheels (one at each corner) that would keep the unit more level.   Unlike my present device which was not designed for what I am not using it for. 

[Patrick]

600 hrs on the tractor and the tires needed replacement ?  Wow. Heck that tractor is just broken in.

[carolinarider09]

Well it was new in 1998 so the tires were 20 plus years old and actually still had tread but, they had some sidewall issues.   

Probably from me not maintain proper tire pressure. 

[Patrick]

A lot can happen over 22 years can't it.