Viewing a thread - zero turn lawnmowers

Forums | Classifieds (67) | Skins | Language

You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

zero turn lawnmowers	View previous thread :: View next thread
Forums List -> Machinery Talk	Message format

briggsfm

Posted 6/5/2025 06:34 (#11249959)
Subject: zero turn lawnmowers

Scottville, 49454 Northwest Michigan

Anyone have an opinion of who makes the best zero turn lawn mowers?

thank you,

gordon

dodgetruck2

Posted 6/5/2025 06:45 (#11249967 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

SESD

mid deck or front deck, We've had grasshopper/woods mowers for over 30 years and they definitely get there moneys worth. If you want a mid deck I cant say as much, grasshopper makes one but I'm not familiar with it, my Grandpa has had a hustler for 3-4 years now pretty happy with i think, though i believe he regrets not getting a front deck. In my opinion on a farm or trees its almost a mandatory option, so you can stich that deck up under trees and equipment for a cleaner mow

I'm not sure if Woods/Grasshopper are still the same, they were in the 90s. We have two FZ28K, around that 2010 model year, mowers now and they look nothing like a grasshopper

Von WC Ohio

Posted 6/5/2025 06:49 (#11249972 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Could not be happier or more impressed with my JD Z930M 60" deck. Absolute tank of a mower, leaves a great finish and blows clippings across 3 passes with ease. Tall grass wet grass it handles it all. Suction blades, non mulching. Mow yards,ditches,fencerows, grass lanes. Must get the comfort glide seat. Beacon and mirror added for roadside safety while mowing.

Ron (Cen. IL.)

Posted 6/5/2025 06:49 (#11249973 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Central Illinois

Kind of a long video, pretty much don't skimp on the size of transmissions for the amount you have to mow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgChU-lN6Uo

tomnwoh

Posted 6/5/2025 06:50 (#11249974 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

curtice,ohio

I have a front mount grasshopper . Just mowed for my landlord yesterday with his center mount . I will stay with a front mount .

Rjf3166

Posted 6/5/2025 06:58 (#11249983 - in reply to #11249974)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Central Illinois

+1 on the Grasshopper front mount. We have the 725DT diesel.

BobNESD

Posted 6/5/2025 07:04 (#11249991 - in reply to #11249974)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

I have a 623 Grasshopper 52” front mount deck, got it new in 2021, seems to be really well built and holding up well. Main feature I bought it for is the power fold front deck, can’t beat it for ease of getting at the blades and cleaning out underneath, don’t think I’d ever go back to a mid mount again, if I did it would have to have the feature where it breaks in half to flip the deck up. But like the front deck for visibility and being able to stick it under pine trees. The Grasshoppers are stupidly expensive though, so if that’s a factor probably have to get something else.

WCWI

Posted 6/5/2025 07:19 (#11250014 - in reply to #11249991)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

I like our Ferris, easy to work on and does a decent job, front deck probably would be still nicer. Daughter mows for neighbor he has a smaller Hustler, she hates it, he also has a orange one, think maybe Ariens???? she likes it better. We got mom a Cub Cadet with a steering wheel, she gets along well with it, did not seem like she would get the hang of sticks, but I wish I would have worked with her more on it as that Cub is one miserable sob to work on.

Ken

Posted 6/5/2025 07:57 (#11250064 - in reply to #11250014)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

central Ia

On my 5th year with my Ferris, did add the suspension seat buy otherwise just change oil, sharpen blades and mow but thinking of different back tires, the one I have grip too well and tear up the grass around the trees

Edited by Ken 6/5/2025 07:58

havin’funfarming

Posted 6/5/2025 08:12 (#11250096 - in reply to #11250064)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

We have a Ferris also. I can’t remember the model but it’s a big commercial mower. Still the gas version though. It’s been flawless so far even with a couple of boys who drive it like they stole it. Maybe the payment for that is yet to come though.

We recently revived our old 525 JD zero turn mower for a yard in town. I decided to try it out and help cut the grass. It wasn’t as fast as I remember thinking it was 30 years ago. A kid doing 10 mph sure passes you fast when you are only doing 3 Mph. lol. I’m guessing at the speeds but it must have been something like that. That Ferris was one heck of an upgrade.

Edited by havin’funfarming 6/5/2025 08:14

jedeka

Posted 6/5/2025 14:33 (#11250538 - in reply to #11250064)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Boone, Iowa

Is your seat suspension similar to this picture?

(IMG_3864 (full).png)

Attachments
----------------

IMG_3864 (full).png (75KB - 57 downloads)

WCWI

Posted 6/5/2025 20:07 (#11250829 - in reply to #11250064)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Ken - 6/5/2025 07:57

On my 5th year with my Ferris, did add the suspension seat buy otherwise just change oil, sharpen blades and mow but thinking of different back tires, the one I have grip too well and tear up the grass around the trees

I put more aggressive tires on mine come to think of it,LOL, but we have a very hilly lawn, got to say I am very impressed with the blades, seem to really stay sharp is spite of hitting some decent sized stones/rocks. either very good steel or it is a function of the tip speed because the size of the deck IDK.

ManiaPlus

Posted 6/5/2025 12:01 (#11250348 - in reply to #11249974)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Delete

Edited by ManiaPlus 6/5/2025 12:03

alnciowa

Posted 6/5/2025 07:40 (#11250039 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

nw/nc iowa on the banks of West Buttrick Creek..

Took JD a long time to make a good deck but finally the z930 is outstanding. . Have one for home and one for hog buildings. Up to current their decks look like something MTD made. They are pricey but u won’t be disappointed.

HBL

Posted 6/5/2025 07:59 (#11250070 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

We have two grasshopper diesels with front mount deck. We like the front deck and the mowers have been very good quality. I will also say that John Deeres are very good.

Lone Cedar

Posted 6/5/2025 08:00 (#11250071 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

SW Iowa

Most brands build models for multiple price points... I think quality/longevity probably has more to do with what model you buy in relation to the amount you're mowing than the brand. Most brands use hydro gear trans units so if you look at specs you see which models between brands are equivalent drivelines.

I bought mine in 2021...not the best time to be mower shopping--dealers had stock but after COVID were scared they wouldn't get more. I ended up finding a trade in Kubota diesel with ~900 hours that seemed like it was priced right and it's been great so far. Being full commercial means wider/taller machine that's a little harder to get under / close to stuff, but everything is built heavy. I've basically just checked fluids and sharpened blades in 4 seasons.

roadranger82

Posted 6/5/2025 08:07 (#11250086 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Check out Bad Boy mowers.

pbutler

Posted 6/5/2025 08:10 (#11250091 - in reply to #11250086)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Macon, IL

I have a bad boy-built like a tank. Mower is great, but pay attention to the engine. I am not sure it rides as well as some of the competitors.

I got mine during covid panic and could not get the Yamaha or Honda and had to get Vanguard Vtwin-its been less than spectacular-good to have 38hp on a 60" mower but always little things going wrong. In < 200 hours we have had engine off two times.

Edited by pbutler 6/5/2025 08:10

roadranger82

Posted 6/5/2025 09:35 (#11250197 - in reply to #11250091)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Weve had 2, one had a yamaha motor, the other a kawasaki. no problems with either. Iam not a big Briggs n stratton fan

Some of them have suspension, including one mid level Bad Boy.

Get a suspended seat, no matter what mower you get

AGB

Posted 6/5/2025 08:18 (#11250103 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Mid-Michigan

I have a mid mount ferris. I bought because of the suspension. Very good mower. However my next mower will be a john deere front mount, rear engine with at least a 72 inch deck and a steering wheel. I hate bulldozer controls. Problem is I think my ferris is going to outlive me.

cyclones30

Posted 6/5/2025 08:22 (#11250115 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Iowa-ish

Commercial folks here are mostly JD zero turns. Z9xx with tweels or regular tires. Tweels for doing cemeteries and other places where flats would be common.

The Z997 is a beast of a diesel, would mow a pasture if you wanted it to.

Tomcat

Posted 6/5/2025 09:40 (#11250203 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Ludington/Manistee MI area

Go over to State Street Hardware in Big Rapids and get a Gravely

boog

Posted 6/5/2025 09:46 (#11250212 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

We'e on our 3rd Grasshopper frontmount. If you have a lot of trees to mow around / under the front mount is the only way to go. They're also easier to get on ? off if you're older or have leg issues. First was a 25hp/ 61" deck, second was a 30hp / 72" deck, & currently have a 25hp / 61" deck. If you go diesel be sure you clean radiator screen after each mowing or a couple hours of mowing, they collect a lot of debris. If going with a 72" mower you'll want pool table flat ground & they really windrow in heavy grass. Those two reasons was why I went back to a gas engine & 61" deack.

Son has a JD 9xx with a commercial grade deck. Never ran it but seems to be a good mower. I would consider one but my wife does most of the mowing & she cant get on it. Had a dealer bring out a Kubota midmount to demo, wife took one look at it & aid if I bought it I would be doing all the mowing. Told the dealer to load it back up & take it back as I don't like to mow.

As mentioned, whatever you buy get the suspension seat, well worth the money. First Grasshopper had the reguar seat. When I traded for the diesel it had a suspension seat on it, $800 at the time. I told the salesman to take it off & put the regular seat on it. He said to try it & if we didn't like it they would swap seats. Never swapped seats & last mower has the suspension seat. Next mower I buy will have one as well, worth the money at 2x the cost. I dont mind mowing so much anymore.

thefarmers

Posted 6/5/2025 10:49 (#11250277 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

We have a toro they call a commercial. Its been really good, not hardly a problem. Throws grass over 2 passes so you can mow back and forth. It has wheel motors separate from the pump which i think is probably superior to the units where the pump and motor are all in a combined unit. Also have a 11 year old husqarvana with something over 200 hrs that has been ok so far also. Think it has the hydro gear 3100 hydros. Toro has a kohler and husqarvana has a brigs. No engine problems with either one.

case

Posted 6/5/2025 11:04 (#11250285 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Central ND

Have a commercial ferris with a gas v twin briggs on it approaching 700hrs. Bought it used quite a few years ago, but it just keeps on going.

Edited by case 6/5/2025 11:06

panfisch

Posted 6/5/2025 11:12 (#11250296 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Brown county, mn

https://www.countryclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/2025XLTJoyAngleRig...

I like the country clipper with the single joystick control only style wife will drive

KFLAgri

Posted 6/5/2025 11:21 (#11250297 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

SW Ontario

I have a 725D Grasshopper with the front mount mower. It will be the last Grasshopper mower I own. Rear discharge deck lets the rad plug continually. Keeps burning up wire harnesses to the deck clutch. Weight transfer from the deck to drive wheels for traction on hills is a joke. Leaves a terrible shaggy cut even with new blades. Tin work so thin the hood cracked and fell off and now side panels are cracking too. Front castor wheel mounts flow around from excessive wear, castor wheel bearings are a joke. All with less than 1000hrs and well maintained. The castor wheel bearings are a known issue as my parts supplier buys them three cases at a time.

Next mower will be a Kubota or I may just build something myself that will last. The Ferris/Derby mower that this mower replaces was half the cost, cut a third more grass and all I ever did was change the oil and sharpen the blades.

Edited by KFLAgri 6/5/2025 11:22

JohnW

Posted 6/5/2025 11:32 (#11250314 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

NW Washington

My relative in the commercial lawn care business has used Hustler mowers for a long time.
https://www.hustlerturf.com/zero-turn-mowers

Trint

Posted 6/5/2025 11:34 (#11250320 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

North Central OH

Ferris and scag are most popular in this area, have a ferris the ride is great no problems with the mower so far. You won't want to go without suspension after using one with one. Which ever way you go there are commercial and residential grades on all of them, the commercial will last a lot longer.

Trint

Posted 6/5/2025 11:37 (#11250324 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

North Central OH

SFO

Posted 6/5/2025 11:38 (#11250326 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Findlay, Ohio

Got a JD974 60" disesel and it is commercial grade mower.

Fattires

Posted 6/5/2025 11:59 (#11250344 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

SW Ohio

briggsfm - 6/5/2025 07:34

Anyone have an opinion of who makes the best zero turn lawn mowers?

thank you,

gordon

I have used Ferris is2200 John Deere z930m and now have a Scag Turf Tiger II
The Scag is far and away my favorite. It's seriously heavy duty with separate pumps and motors, the velocity plus deck cuts great and cleans out well even in the tallest grass.
38hp Kohler with fuel injection has been good so far, the power is great.
The Ferris rode nice but the deck didn't clean out as well as the JD or Ferris.
If you have hills the Scag stays on way better than the Ferris.

wa grass seed

Posted 6/5/2025 12:00 (#11250345 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

East Central South Dakota

I just got a used gravely proturn 660 with 60” deck. Had 173 hrs on it. Has a suspended operator station which is nice riding, I don’t know how it compares to a suspension seat only. So far really like it coming from the 54” JD z655 which was a decent mower. The gravely is definitely on a different level however. I’d recommend a gravely, but don’t have a ton of hours yet.

The gravely seems to tear up a bit more grass when turning, which I don’t like. But appears to be a lot heavier machine (I haven’t looked up weight yet) so that could be why. I can’t just whip right around, got to be careful.

Edited by wa grass seed 6/5/2025 12:03

Max_Power

Posted 6/5/2025 12:28 (#11250385 - in reply to #11250345)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

marking

grower3

Posted 6/5/2025 12:43 (#11250407 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

NENE

Every time this subject comes up about every brand made is endorsed by someone. I'm convinced they all are good as long as you get into their commercial lineup

E718

Posted 6/5/2025 12:50 (#11250424 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Sac & Story county IA

Who is going to run it? I bought a zero turn with levers. No problem for me as I have lots of time running bulldozers, skid steer, armored personnel carriers. My wife had never driven anything that didn't have a steering wheel. We had driving lessons with me walking beside. It wasn't gonna work. I bought her a Kubota with steering wheel and front mount deck. I would rather run the Kubota.

grower3

Posted 6/5/2025 13:39 (#11250489 - in reply to #11250424)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

NENE

My wife loves our zero turn and she has never run a dozer or a skid loader. Give anybody a little time and space and they should figure it out pretty quickly

danaoh

Posted 6/5/2025 15:51 (#11250598 - in reply to #11250489)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

xenia ohio

Have a hustler super x here. Commercial grade. Can mow as fast as you can hang on and still gives a good cut.

Cliff SEIA

Posted 6/5/2025 16:12 (#11250612 - in reply to #11250424)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

I'd love to have a Kubota F3060 with a 72" rear discharge deck to supplement our ZTR.

TP from Central PA

Posted 6/5/2025 17:22 (#11250665 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

I find it amazing the only group who really sells the dream with Grasshoppers are Farmers..........................Everyone else has the same opinion as me that they are like sitting on a manuevering club. Used to take care of a bunch of them, so had to often run them to diagnose issues, etc, I hated running them and couldn't wait to get back to a mid mount deck, could run the mid mount tons faster and mow against things quicker with tons better precision than the grasshopper with that deck swinging around in the front, and the arse end swinging around in the rear. Commercial guys around me have all made a mass migration to Wright Standers, which for your use you probably would never want, those same guys have Scag's for large areas. I like Scag Turf Tigers, Gravely Pro machines are great, Toro Commercial used to be good(I have a Z-Master Diesel) but the newer offerings I am not so sure of, same for Exmark now which is same as Toro but different Deck. Deere is fine with a good dealer, higher end Kubota's are well built but I don't like the proprietary parts on those. I find Hustler's over rated as I do Cub Cadet Commercial...........They aren't nearly commercial enough IMO.

Either way, buy on feel and what you think would hold up the best for you...............Those vary from person to person.

Bigshot

Posted 6/5/2025 18:00 (#11250701 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

I'm confused!!!

Magnum 7140

Posted 6/5/2025 19:46 (#11250800 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Go with the Cub Cadet Pro z 72 had a john deere biggest junk I ever owned and if you notice nobody has a steering wheel like Cub that awesome feature.

sammyd

Posted 6/5/2025 20:11 (#11250832 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Stratford WI

bought a Gravely a few years ago and it was a very decent machine. It was the bottom of their professional stuff and it really held up to the punishment I put it through. We purchased a property owned by a hoarder and no matter how many time I cleaned things up I was always finding new things to run through the mower...even ate a t post that was bent over in some weeds. didn't bother it in the least.
However the Kohler engine decided to crap out this year and I bought a Ferris....same thing, lower end of the professional line...the ride is much better and the quality of cut is loads better as well. Goes about 2 mph faster too....

tommyw-5088

Posted 6/5/2025 22:18 (#11250982 - in reply to #11250832)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Texas

I have the bad boy thats the start model of the commerical line .

I hardly use it now , sand up on
the hill we live on does not grow grass .

One thing thats aggrivating is i went to start it the other day and its not getting fuel .

Its a kawasaki engine , got it brand new less than 10 hours on it .

probally my fault not putting fuel stabalizer in it .

DonC

Posted 6/6/2025 06:27 (#11251163 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Altoz mowers out of Minnesota.

oldbones

Posted 6/6/2025 11:41 (#11251628 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Floyd County, Iowa

Everyone has an opinion on what is "best". Whatever they have is the best. It gets brought up several times every single year. Just do a simple search here, and you will have many hours of reading.

Bigshot

Posted 6/6/2025 19:57 (#11252068 - in reply to #11251628)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

oldbones - 6/6/2025 11:41

Everyone has an opinion on what is "best". Whatever they have is the best. It gets brought up several times every single year. Just do a simple search here, and you will have many hours of reading.

...and you'll be more confused than ever! :)

RingneckGunner

Posted 6/7/2025 11:39 (#11252670 - in reply to #11249959)
Subject: RE: zero turn lawnmowers

Olivia, MN

eXmark? Have ran JD Z series, 915 and 950- good machines. Traded for eXmark. Pros and Cons to all Zero Turns. Have found new eXmark to have a better cut and smoother hydro.
Go with a Kawasaki motor whichever direction you go. Don't skimp on hp for farm use. 35hp Kawi EFi eXmark Lazer works great on farm.

Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

(Delete cookies)