What would you suggest? Its pretty common to go through a belt a year with the with MTD 42 and 46-inch decks made before 2015. Walker will gladly come out and demo one on your property. The mower has a stamped deck (like your Husqvarna) and the Toro engine. 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. My second choice is the Toro Timecutter HD 48 inch at the Home Depot. Thank you for your diligence. But that just wont be possible for under $3000. Hi Randy, The XT2 gives you taller wider tires, 2800 hydros, thicker handles, comfy seat, and a reinforced deck. Hi Rob, My first choice is the Ariens IKON XL at Home Depot. 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 dont think anyone has an IKON XL or a TORO 5075 MyRIDE for me to compare. There doesnt appear to be much difference between the two The Pro has slightly bigger transmission, 1 bigger rear tires and Kohler Confidant EFI Closed Loop EZT-740 engine with 12cc Hydro-Gear ZT 3400 transmission with charge pumps. Heres how the bodies of both mowers differ: The Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200S features a sturdy 10-gauge unibody steel frame, and the enginewhich is protected by a rear engine guardis situated directly behind the drivers seat. Paul, we have a rough 1.2 acre yard with some trees, beds, stumps, etc. Toro Vs Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Mower (2021): Comparing The Toro TimeCutter With the deck removed grab the ends of a blade and wiggle the blade side to side (up and down in relation to the deck) If it wiggles more than 1/16 of an inch tighten the spindle bolts. The Best Electric Riding Mowers, Lawn Tractors and ZTRs - TodaysMower.com 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. Costco always wants a product they can sell at a special price and this Jonsered is no exception. Thanks in advance for all your help! Toro researched and went with Loncin primarily because five years ago the quality control and warranty repairs for some of the other engine brands you recognize was becoming problematic. But the real market is Europe so not everyone is selling here yet. Opposite hand positions will turn the mower left. Hi Trent, Id buy a Bradley in a heartbeat if I needed another mower. In the end, I do not think you will be disappointed with either. John deere Z540M with the Kawasaki engine 48 Hi Scott, Thank you for your support! Hi Paul. The Toro has the SmartSpeed control so you can slow the top speed down when mowing on the slope but, they are both good mowers. The John Deere Z345R gives you one of the best cuts on the market but the mower is lightweight and has small front caters which makes it much rougher to ride on than the other brands. Just the Toro has that extra feature. Picture something you would use a brush hog for.. he was just able to do it a lot faster with a bobcat and an attachment. Thank you so much. 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. Im looking at the cub cadet ultima zt2, ariens apex and Toro timecutter all in 60 inch. Hi Sean, I really dont have a preference. The Ariens company also makes the Gravely ZT XL. Should I be considering someone/something else? 2. ), since Im hoping to do a bunch of that myself. If theres less than an acre to mow, a Toro will do just fine at delivering precision, efficiency, and comfort. I just think the Deere is a more refined machine, and it looks it. Ive got about two acres of mostly flat lawn at my house. Lots to still contemplate. YOU.AREDA.MAN!! Who Makes The Best Lawn Tractor or Zero Turn For You? I would like to upgrade from my 2000 dixon with a 50 deck and a 15.5 hp vanguard. In fact you can buy the new 2020 50 (127 cm) TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower (75750) for less money. I would check the belt you are using as a replacement. Zero-Turn Lap Bar. If you see a pulley bouncing up and down or an idler bracket wobbling replace it. Im looking at the Ariens Apex, Gravely ZT HD and Toro Titan all in 60 inch. Here is my review: Cub Cadet hauler Ill put a picture below. Loncin and the manufacture that makes MTDs Powermore engine are exceptions. Thanks again. DO NOT buy the Dash. In my opinion, this is the lowest price point you should go for what you want to mow. Toro does not offer tractor mowers, and so the best we can do here is attempt to compare Cub Cadets 54-inch tractor mower with Toros 54-inch Zero-turn mower. Or even a free tune-up this fall. It is more on the lush side in the spring and fall. What would be your advise for a mostly level 2 acre lawn but use to be an old farm crop filed that is pretty rough? I like them both and cant decide which would be best for me. 4. Many commercial operators go back to the 30-36 inch walk-behinds because the small standers just arent that great. You will like the cut of the John Deere a lot. In any case, heres a link to a video about the Turning Point Center shelter for the elderly homeless in Houston, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRAJIH0veOM so you can get an idea about the organization and how it runs. The wider decks get done faster and make it easier to trim around stuff. I need something that will handle the cutting duties without leaving rows of grass clipping or mohawks. I intend to keep my air filter well serviced. With Toro putting the MX5000 on sale right now it does make it the better deal. I have a little over an acre. John Deere Z530M (Local Dealer) A 900-hour machine is ripe for $300-$1500 of minor repairs. An issue during the transit process could damage the mower. The Radius E is the entry-level commercial Exmark. The Model R is a culmination of over 40 years of commercial experience. I use a bungee cord to lift the discharge cover. The Toro MX5075 will give you the best ride and a great cut. Remove the deck belt (you may want to remove the deck) spin each blade. Exmark radius E series 48 How do you feel about the Bradley and the way I am leaning? (Most commercial decks depth are 5-6 inches) Both are a lot more agile so you can go around obstacles faster. Im looking at the edge and ikon models. Toro Time Cutter HD: If you are rough on your equipment the deck and deck hangers on the HD are tougher than the Walker. Hi Robert, On paper, the Liberty Z meets all the criteria for a good $4500 ZTR. Have you any recommendations on those? Any suggestions? Toro with its smart speed control allows you to pull much heavier loads than all the other ZTRs. Build Quality/durability, cut quality including mulching ability, and ability to use for towing small items are my priorities in that order since price is equal. Toro TimeCutter vs Cub Cadet ZT1: Which is The Best? Ventracs can handle 30-degree slopes ($25,000) What do you think? I appreciate any suggestions that you can offer. By the way, Home Depot is not going to carry Ariens mowers. solid! My current tractor mower is a Husqvarna 46. Will the 42 suffice or should I get 46 or 48. Dont be surprised if your neighbors take videos just to show their friends how fast you are mowing . 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. There are Exmark, Hustler, John Deere and Toro dealers near me. Two small wheels are at the very front of the mower, and these always move in conjunction with the main wheels. Check it out here: Ariens Ikon 42. The next most important factor is a comfortable ride as my yard, although flat, can be a bit bumpy. I was looking at the exmark radius 48 but they dont offer the kawasaki engine with them, do you know anything about those engines that exmark is using in their radius mowers. Nov 16, 2020 #2 . Freshly cut lawns are not only visually appealing, as they feel and smell great too. The flip=up mid-mount deck is unique and works well. The Toro TimeCutter and Cub Cadet zt1 have models with different motors and capacities depending on the grade. You and Consumer Reports make me think the Toro MX5075 would be great. Thanks in advance! Finally, I am a little concerned that your local dealer cant get a CA compliant mower. Thanks again in advance! Want the best bang for the buck, if I am going to spend 12 to 17 grand for a mower. Hi Paul trying to decide between the Toro 75750 and the Ikon XD 52. Jonsered, Poulan Pro, and Husqvarna residential zero-turns are basically all the same. 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. Hi Joe, Im not a big fan of the 300 series Deere ZTRs. But, if you want the best cut, the best mulching, and the best bagging the stamped decks are the right choice. Ive been reading your articles and I want to get your help. 4. They are called the ZT XL and ZT HD. Great info. The 75746 in particular will mow 2-3 miles an hour faster and still give you a perfect cut. There are more parts to wear out on the Ferris and that bouncing can give you an uneven cut after a few years. This feature aces in saving time and increases the general effectiveness of mowing. While both mowers will cut grass a Zero turn is associated as you know with larger law areas. Other than this one hill the yard is primarily flat. The 2016 is $900 cheaper, and I would ordinarily be tempted, but it looks a little rough, including some tears in the seat. Hi Paul. He has 5 acres of farm lawn with a few steeper slopes. The Boulevard is one of the best-built residential mowers on the market. (About $400 to replace) Im very nervous about recommending the Hustler Dash. Are you kidding me? I suggest getting the Cyclone with the dual-wheel casters and the electric start engine. While Toro uses an IronForged deck, Cub Cadets deck is made with 11-gauge steel. never go flat front tires !!! Bradley Stander 36 (top choice because stander) The Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet ZT1 are the same mower except the Troy-Bilt has MTDs own good V-Twin, has a lever height adjust and doesnt have that racing bar over the engine. The 4-point deck doesnt bounce on rough ground and follows the wheels of the mower. 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. I believe youre right though on the 50 in for both. (More money) The 2019 JD Z740 and the 2019 Exmark Radius X. I cut 2+ acres with a some what rough ( lack of rolling the last two years ), A medium incline for a drain field. (I did cut the lawn once with a 21 walk behind mower took me 2 hours and 45 minutes, and walking the hillside sideways with that mower was really hard on my knees and hips. I wanted your opinion in general about the machine and specifically if it is strong enough to pull a leaf and lawn vacuum like the Cyclone Rake Z-10. A secret mowing steeper slopes. Ive done maintainance and repairs on both units and MTD is probably the cheapest unit out there today. Like using a sit-on zero turn to mow a customers 1/4 acre lot, they screw the grass up in spots where they gotta do a 180, need to use the weed wacker a bunch more because of the poor choice of mower.. . Keep the ZTR off slopes more than 15 degree and change the air filter every 50 hours or less and it will give you a long life. Owners need to know this! About all Ive been able to do is get caught up in the paralysis of analysis. Im looking to purchase a zero turn ride on and to be completely honest and am over the place with what I want to do. I am enjoying your site. But when you are comparing the Ariens models the new IKON XD compares closer to the Bad Boy Magnum. Hi Jeffery, I have no preference between the Kawasaki and Kohler. Toro Timecutter: (they have a fabricated deck or a stamped deck not sure which to get) Havent seen no negative comments on these. Is the ZT-2800 in the Titan (75312) comparable to the ZT-3100 because of the different drive modes available on the Toro? John Deere Z345R It has smooth-running V-Twin and bags well. If they drop a name it most likely will be Poulan Pro. Thank you! He mentioned and agreed but also suggested that the Cub and Toro will tow the same. Yard is level. To know more about the accessories that are commonly purchased for mowers, read this. Thanks Paul! Have they had problems? 2023's Top 10 Zero Turn Mowers: Reviews and Comparisons - Best of Machinery 4. Any suggestions? Fab 22.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed, Agri-Fab 44 in. (Since the MX5050 is an old model it should be priced in the $2500 range) My Deere dealer, on the other hand, is a large ag dealer and every time I go visit it feels like since I dont own a million dollars of farm equipment they arent that interested in developing the trust I expect. Ill list them in my opinion the best choices. DEWALT. I want to go the mulching route so that I can avoid so many grass clippings. Thanks Paul. A bagger is big, semi-permanent and expensive. Fabricated Decks Good value residential mowers Best for most people that want a mower that cuts well and will last. And I apologize for the somewhat mis-information. Looking for a new zero turn 54 and under $3500 and under from Lowes. I noticed you ranked Walker as the best mower. Hi Paul, have you looked at the new Scag residential zero turn yet? While purchasing a mower online is possible, its not recommended for the following reasons: All things considered, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 is a powerful, durable mower whereas the Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200S is great at delivering a refined mowing experience. The SS4225 is a good ZTR with Toros good single cylinder engine. Toro is consolidating their residential mower line and the new MyRide is selling faster than they can make them. If you want a one and done mower the Vanguard is definitely the engine to buy. Awesome site and comments. It side discharges and mulches very well. Your site has given me a good quick education. The most important thing to me besides the bagger is reliability. 1st time for ZTM. One forum post claimed to have tested and found that parts are interchangeable. You dont seem to mention Bobcat what are your thoughts on both of these machines? P.S. Have your readers commented on it one way or the other? Are there any inclines present? So many choices! In all honestly, there are so many different brands, it can be a challenge to keep track of them all. They will also mow that taller pasture with the mulch plate installed if you lift the deck up as high as it can go. Personally, Id go with the 48 inch but the 54 and 60 inch models will get you done faster. The dealer will do the tuneup and make sure everything is working perfectly. I am leaning toward toro and feel like the 50 has better features. I have 2 acres to mow and Ive most recently tried out a Ferris IS600z. My question is are the Ferris mowers worth it compared to some of these on your list? I am considering moving on from my 30 Dixon ZTR w/ the B/S 16.5 Intek engine. I really feel you are paying extra for the green paint compared to the Toro or even the Cub Cadet. Equipment. Paul, All three mowers ride well, cut well and will last. Its a nice heavy ZTR and with the smaller deck, it should have plenty of traction for the ditch. Its as heavy-duty as many of the commercial machines. One dealer is steering me toward the MZ Magnum, but I am concerned about its non-serviceable transmission and also think its not for two acres of mowing. Thinking about the Deere 345r but worried the bagger will just get plugged all the time. Unless you have a dependable, local dealer, Id stay away from it. The second contractor uses a Walker mower. How does the next step up Cub Cadet (ZTX4) stack up same tranny & engine I believe. Its not a manicured lawn but its not bad either. Hi Dave, All five brands are a great choice in that price range. The Smart speed is a lever that lets you reduce the maximum forward speed so you are not tempted to push the transmissions too hard when towing and it allows you to go slow when trimming so you dont bang into stuff as much. I bought the 42 inch because of a few tight landscaping spots but after having it for a few years I wish Id bought the 50 inch. Buy at Amazon. 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. 3. He has been learning and practicing different trades since he was a kid, and hes often the first one called when a friend or family member needs a helping hand at home. The Cub is $200 less, and has a (better) 3-year unlimited hours warranty vs 2 years/120 hours for the Deere. Hi Jack, for that much lawn I suggest a high-end residential or entry-level commercial mower. You can check out my videos of the Toro Timecutter and Ariens IKON XD here: https://www.youtube.com/paulsikkema. For the reason the cutting blades maintaining high rotational speed is applauded, there is a corresponding feature consisting of large wing-like spray blocking fenders to keep the grass from dowsing its landscaper with clippings. In front of the seat is a non-slip floor pan, and its here where one rests their feet while mowing. I only want to look at shaft drive, to reduce belts. agpro of new albany is the premier power equipment in the midwest ----- financing available, we take trades, delivery available -----only 191 hours----- ag pro is your premier equipment .