The best part is the price, the Toro is quite a bit cheaper than the Cub. They are rated for over 500 hours which for most people equals 2 hours a week for over 10 years. Freshly cut lawns are not only visually appealing, as they feel and smell great too. Not too worried about that because three of my neighbors have similar topography and mow with ZTRs. That said, the larger displacement of the Kohler (725cc) will give you more torque going up the hills with thick grass. 679 cc Fuel Injected (EFI) V-Twin Engine Dual Hydro Gas ZeroTurn Riding Mower with Steering Wheel Control. Enjoyed reading your article. Toro TimeCutter MX Mulch Kit. The Toro and Cub Cadet use different engines and transmissions, so these mowers hardly perform identically. Thanks for your time Thanks, I can spilt and mow separate days if need be. Step up to the ultimate all-around mowing experience with the Ultima Series from Cub Cadet. Seems like you get a overall better mower on the Cub than the Toro with the better transmission and extra features like the foot height adjustment, hour meter, headlights, etc. It appears everyone wants lap bar steering. Not because of serviceability but most of the other brands mow a lot better. The full suspension platform on the Radius would be really nice for mowing your rougher area. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 is more powerful and durable than the Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200S, but this additional strength makes the Cub more expensive than the Toro. Thanks again in advance! price is less of a concern for me than performance. Toro with its smart speed control allows you to pull much heavier loads than all the other ZTRs. On 2.5 acres you may only need to replace the blades every 3-4 years. Which One Is Best For You? 1. Great website and I love how you respond to everyones questions cause I actually browsed all your comments to help with my search and narrowed down my choices. If you try to pull too much the transmissions can overheat and if you do it often enough they will fail. I have about 5 acres with a few bumps but not too bad I will cut about once a week. Cub Cadet has been making ZTRs for just about as long but they didnt really get into the commercial market until 2015. 2022 hustler super z with hard to find 66 inch awesome cutting deck !!! But was is really important to me is finding a mower that will last as long as my JD LX280 has, one that is as safe as possible on my slopes, and one that has an awesome cut. What do you say? Great website and resource. If you let your orchard get more than 8 inches tall before you mow I strongly suggest a side discharge deck. Fabricated Deck 24 HP Kohler Pro 7000 Series Engine with Roll Over Protection Available at, Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX5 60 in. With the Walker, he was able to mow the hill mostly side to side, or on a diagonal, rather than up and down. Husqvarna has two brands, Poulan Pro and Jonsered, that they use for retail sales and if they dont want to overpopulate an area with Husqvarna dealers. 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. Make sure you idler pulley moves freely and that it spins freely. Anyone considering buying the new Gravely zero turns need to reconsider it. If you go lap-bar I STRONGLY suggest that you demo it on your yard to see if the mower will hold on your slope. Are Mantis Tillers Worth the Money? Looking around at other manufacturers They are all charging $800-$1100 for the ZT 2800 trannys over the ZT 2200. Nevertheless it was good convo back and forth. The Cub Cadet mower offers you a dual battery bay, meaning you can store another fully charged battery within the power bay. I prefer the Walker. Its not on my Top 5 list but it probably should be. Zero turns are excellent at maneuvering and at cutting laws efficiently. The Ikon XLs blades will last 3-5 years or longer and youll only need to sharpen them once a year. The only mention I find from a few owners with this deck is vibration at low RPMs. Thanks again! The FasTrac is more in line with the mowers we are discussing here though. Reasons: The 24.5 hp engine used in the Toro is essential the same as what I had in my Exmark Radius and it was both smooth and powerful. Either one will mow grass 8-12 inches tall in side discharge mode and give you a clean cut. Its being replaced with the Z560 https://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/zero-turn-mowers/z560/967929901/. Their side discharge decks get the grass out quickly so it cuts evenly and doesnt clump the grass. 4. Toros mower comes with the SmartStow, enabling you to fold and store it virtually anywhere. After I posted that I looked a little closer. Are they dependable? Unfortunately, the 50 inch is in high demand this year so you may have to go to a dealer to get it. My only problem with this feature is that there isnt a way to turn the lights off. I mow about 1 1/2 acre of old bumpy lawn every week and another 1 1/2 acre of former pasture every other week. -Do you think 50 is overkill? I am looking to purchase a 60 ztr to mow 3 acres of mostly flat yard. Thought kubota z421kw was nice. (You can raise the deck vertically once its on the trailer so it doesnt take up as much room.). Do you have an aftermarket blade recommendation for use with a mulch kit, other than the OEM blades that cub cadet sells? Hi Jonathan, Both are great machines and you wont mind the 50-52 inch decks once you get used to them. I know the Pro Z might be a little much for a residential mower but Im willing to pay $1400 more for the upgraded mower, providing the Kohler Motor is reliable and the transmission with charge pumps will add longer life to transmissions. It will last 10 years with normal maintenance for you. Red dirt sandy soil. Im looking to get something from Home Depot because I have A LOT of gift cards saved up. The Toros height adjuster is easy to use. Hi Kathy, I list ZTRs from the big box stores because many people today want to buy online (and I make a little commission off the sale) That said, You will get a better experience buying from a dealer. I dont necessarily want to mow the whole thing, but at least half of it. The large 30-inch deck will get your lawn mowed in half the time of a 22-inch machine. Nov 16, 2020 #2 . The decks are manufactured to incorporate aerodynamic force for a much more intentional distribution of clippings; to avoid clumping, stragglers, trailing, and improve the overall cutting quality of the deck. But none of them add another year warranty like Gravely does. Dealer did mention that Cub Cadet is the hottest mower they sell now, even though he had a Toro shirt on ha ha. I have been a follower of your site for a few years now. Thinking about the Deere 345r but worried the bagger will just get plugged all the time. I just noticed that the 48 Accel Deep deck is 10 gauge, that is nice. Two questions who made that mower for Sears and any idea if I was lucky with the Deere, thi is normal wear (typically 35-50 hrs per season) or this is an issue? I recommend only looking at the Husqvarna AUTOMOWER 430XH or the just introduced Worx Landroid L. These are the only robitic mowers that will mow the grass high enough (3-3.5 inches) so that you dont get soil erosion on that slope. My main concern is will the EZT hydros and B&S engine be OK? We are finally in the position to invest in a new mower and we are considering the 2020 Husqvarna Power Zero Turn Mowers Commercial M-ZT61 Kawasaki (967 17 70-08), $7,000. Fab 22.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed is over your budget. One significant difference between the two mowers is that the Cub employs an open-frame and hinged floor pan. Love the articles. Reason Im looking at this style of zero turn is stability on hills. Just so you know this is the last year for the M-ZT line. Doesnt the Toro have limits on towing to 85 lbs? So here is where Im at: my father in law suggested to go ahead and get something that will last instead of going with a steering wheel option i was originally thinking about. Ive noticed that they offer two different engines though. Q: Is Kohler EFI engine a reliable engine? Going to demo the Walker very soon and if I can manage to escape the seduction, Ill head down the road and pick up the Clipper saving a few bucks. Hi,Paul. The fully articulated deck hugs all the dips and bumps in your yards and does a great job of striping. So the real difference and apples to apples price comparison is the ZT X to the ZT XL. Lawn/Garden Tractor. Its a stand-on mower. 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. The offset deck sticks out more on the left of the mower making it very easy to trim around stuff. It gives a nice cut, and with the maneuverable front mounted mowing deck, he is able to follow the bed lines nicely. While zero-turn mowers do in fact turn, they get their name from their ability to turn in a full circle without ever exceeding the boundaries of their own footprints. Im wondering if you think its best to 1. Have I helped you? Toro TimeCutter MX Series MX5050 Zero Turn Rider 74774 (50): $3200 I decided Id get a ZTR this spring to replace my 15 year old, 42 Deere L110, Kohler 17.5hp, lawn tractor. 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. I intend to keep my air filter well serviced. Even the new MyRide MX5075 uses the 2200. My current seat does not have (that I can find) any electrical connections and a seated person is required to start the mower. 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. Unless you have a local dealer that will treat you well Id stay away from them. The Tractor itself is good but they put a cheap Briggs Intek motor in it. Hi Jerry this suspension goes between your existing seat and the mounting plate. Great machine! And to make your mowing experience even better, consider the tips in this post. Ariens XD (Which is best between Kohler or Kawasaki) I like this cause I heard these are the best engines for lawnmowers so Im sure they are reliable. The Toro commercial engine also has a great reputation. They are called the ZT XL and ZT HD. I also noticed that once you like their facebook page their advertising will start to show up in your regular news feed and a lot of those ads talk about sales. 3 Luglio 2022; dekalb regional medical center ceo; when did ojukwu and bianca get married . But, the price of Toro's zero turn mower is much higher than Cub Cadets. These mowers are also quieter, but youll be paying for all these benefits. Q: How hot do these transmissions get? I was thinking of the Toro Timecutter 75742. The yard is not what Id call perfectly evenprobably typical for the countrybut the man who mows says its not bad. Thanks again! In other words, with these three ZTRs cost is directly proportional to the life of the mower. The deck is tough but mows best on normal lawn. The 50-inch model is over your budget. 3. Paul, I purchased a 2018 Gravely ZTHD52 last spring. 4.8. Hey guys. The Ultima deck is a good deck but residential mowers, in general, dont like to mulch when cutting the grass at 2 3/4 inches or less. The two best are Stihl and Husqvarna for the U.S. market. The man who mows for me would like for the mowing to take less time and the mower to require less repair. Now, if you have no one around when you are mowing and have strict instructions with all the kids and adults in your neighborhood not to come on your yard when you are mowing you may try lifting the side discharge chute high enough so the grass clippings spread evenly. And which engine should I choose if I go with the edge? That stuff is not covered by Costcos guarantee. Hey Paul have you ever looked into Dixie Chopper or Bush Hog ZT products? There are a ton of accessories available for tractor mowers easily converting them from mower to workhorse. Paul HI Greg, I use the specs page at toro.com. Ive spent a bunch of time reading your site over the last week as Im looking to purchase a new mower. So let me go quickly through some of the options youve mentioned. i just need help deciding which mower to go for, i run my own gardening business of three years and its now time to upgrade to a ZT, I do a few commercial jobs which are about 1 acre in size and alot of smaller residencial properties with small gate access around 1/2 acre. Thoughts? Ive never been a Cub Cadet fan, however, their new Ultimata series seems pretty legit after research. Trying to decide between the Toro 42in Vtwin or Ariens Ikon XD 42. Very comfortable to mow with The cut is even no lines. The seat is easy to move with just two knobs under the seat. I would check the belt you are using as a replacement. Hi Kurt, Im always a little partial to the Exmark. This product is a high-performance gas-operated zero-turn mower that will suit the needs of both homeowners and professionals. Arm Rest Kit for Cub Cadet XT1 and XT2. Id go visit each dealer and buy from the one you trust the most. You get a better experience when you buy from a dealer. Yes they are expensive, but then I dont have the maintenance and cost to run. I visited the nearest Jonsered dealer today, and he said that Husqvarna has bought up several brand names and hasnt figured out how to deploy them in the marketplace. Remember What I think is the best may not be the best for you so please take the time and read the entire article before you buy your mower. Earl, Depends on the slope. I was able to steer it OK, and it handled the sloped areas with no problems. I had a Toro time cutter Z5035 model 74376 that lasted 10 years. 3. Seems like Im hung up on Toro because of the Ex-mark connection. Youll need to sharpen the blades twice a year and replace them every 2-3 years. Thank you!! They will have the latest sales info and you can ask them. Thoughts on a JD or Cuba Cadet? Q: What are your thoughts about Kohler vs Kawasaki quality? Hi Sean, If you are going to mulch all the time Im going to suggest the Toro V-Twin 42 at this time. Hi Paul, Thanks so much for the reply. But then again, I might like the lighter Deere better for my lawn. This Toro Timecutter 75755 zero-turn mower combines comfort with versatility, thanks to its seat suspension system, straightforward controls, and hassle-free maintenance. 1. My question is are the Ferris mowers worth it compared to some of these on your list? I will definitely take advantage of the discounts. I mow a little over 1/2 acre that is flat but not smooth or soft ground. All the other lap bar ZTRS will struggle if they can mow it at all. I know they are all about the same price but you are paying $1000 for the batteries in the Ryobi and $500 for the MyRide. Small ZTRS like the Ariens compact should NEVER be operated on any kind of slope. Thanks Paul! I prefer a mower where the operator (not the whole mower) has a suspension seat. They are both air-cooled engines so they dont have a water jacket to quiet the internal noises as a car engine does. If you want the best possible cut and a unit that will last you years I also suggest the Ariens IKON XL 52 in. If you want the mower and need armrests here are the right ones: Cub Cadet Arm Rests. You dont seem to mention Bobcat what are your thoughts on both of these machines? Run your fingers inside the grooves of the pulleys and make sure there is no debris or rocks stuck in them. Their lawn care contractor mows with zero turns, but they mostly back down the hill, and drive back up.). agpro of new albany is the premier power equipment in the midwest ----- * financing available . I just dont think I need a heavy duty mower, but maybe the heavier Cub would last longer. If you dive into the specs, there are a few small differences but none of which will make a difference in your cut. It's not to say that they will not perform well, or that they will not last a long time, it's just that you are not paying for anything that has been built or designed to take any abuse. (Since the MX5050 is an old model it should be priced in the $2500 range) Commercial ZTRs 60 inches or wider are also rated for 15 degrees but because of the weight, a few can run on 20-degree slopes. But it only has lightweight EZT transmissions so using it commercially I would not expect it to last more than 3-5 years. Considering the lack of step and handrail, would the Boulevard still be your first choice for me? 2. Here's why I wouldn't 24 HP 725cc KOHLER 7000 series V-twin automatic OHV engine. Gravely ZT HD 52: $5100 You are paying quite a bit extra with the Toro to get the suspension platform. The Z-force SX 48 has the 24 HP professional-grade Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin OHV engine. If your lot is very rough and you want to mow parts of it only a few times a year its the best choice. I need a ZTR that can perform well on slopes. Ill give you links at Amazon for two sizes. I know they arent the best for hills but it isnt that hilly, gradual slope. The Ariens Apex and Zenith both have good, soft seats and large wheels so they will ride smooth. Trimming with the Model R is unbeatable. This makes for less mowing time depending on the size of your yard. Fab 24.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed, https://www.toro.com/en/homeowner/riding-mowers/timecutter-mx5000-74775, https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=Jonsered, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRAJIH0veOM, Toro TimeCutter HD with MyRIDE 48 in. I went and looked at it last Saturday and got to drive it around the parking lot. The next most important factor is a comfortable ride as my yard, although flat, can be a bit bumpy. If you cant get the Kaw I highly recommend the Toro. My third choice is the 52 inch Ariens IKON XD/Gravely ZT X with ZT2200 Trannys. The Toros controls are further back than the Country Clipper. While the ZT2 would last much longer, my boss decided to go with the Jonsered tractor and its Costco guarantee even though Costco does not guarantee any product past the manufacturers warranty. It is a step up from the Titan in ruggedness. Yes, there are many good ZTRs when you get up in the 6K price range. I think I have narrowed my choices to the Toro MX5075 and the Ariens IKON XL. The cheap ones ($20 or more now) dont have vents so it takes forever to fill the tank on your lawn tractor. An issue during the transit process could damage the mower. 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. Because of that brand recognition today the dealer can charge more (and make more profit.) 1. Also, do you know anything about the toro engine compared to the Kawasaki. In this case, though the Kawasaki is a residential engine. But its biggest advantage is the mower will hang on slopes because the front wheels steer and both transmissions drive all the time. Hey Paul, If you have a local dealer to service it I have no problems recommending a Bush Hog. That Craftsman Pro is made by MTD. It has a deep-set 42-inch deck and a long-lasting dual, 22 HP engine. Personally, Id go with the 48 inch but the 54 and 60 inch models will get you done faster. $4399 $3499 = $900. Both mowers run smoothly, and both are equipped with top-notch structural components. The easiest way to explain the cost difference is: If the Cub Cadet Ultima lasts 5 years without any major issues mowing 10 acres the Toro will go 7 years and the Ariens 10 years. Appreciate all the help and insight. Ive been a regular reader of your sites for several years, and have found a lot of valuable information in them over the years. I also have balance challenges and some minor fine motor control issues (mild multiple sclerosis). The Ariens IKON X is last years model. They finally realized that their real mission was to make the best mowers for fewer people instead of making mowers for the masses. The 48 48SC-BS24 is on sale for $4207 at sleequipment.com which seems to make it the best value of the 4 Bradley Stand on options. The Toro fab deck cuts better and the Toro will also pull more but overall the Cub Cadet is one of my top choices for a 42-inch ZTR. I would I just need a residential as opposed to commerical. In addition, there is an optional jack for it so you can quickly raise the front of the mower to work on the deck. (33) Synchro-Steer technology offers 4-wheel control and provides unrivaled stability for straight-line mowing on hillsides and slopes up to 20-degrees. 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. What are your suggestions for my yard .35 acres, flat land, no trees in the back but I do have 3 in the front and on the side. I never recommend paying extra for the Kawasaki name. The Kubota is overpriced for what you get. Ariens Ikon X 52 is my mower than! Starting with the most important facts and how the brands compare. 3. Im looking to buy my first zero turn. If you are fine with buying from the box store and then finding a dealer if you have issues to save $200 then go that way. Hi Adam, The ZT2800 is considered high-end residential the ZT3100 is considered low-end commercial. Ariens IKON XD with Kaw engine $3299. The new model #991145 Gravely Compact Pro 44 Commercial mower is having many problems. The Toro also makes use of precision steering. I suggest mowing at 4 inches and then mow in the late afternoon. Paul, I need to buy my first ZTR. And to know which is bettera Toro or a Cub Cadetread through this guide! What Im looking for: Reliability, ease of maintenance, attaching and detaching bagging and mulching kit, cut, easy to handle, one user, 42 deck, budget around $3k and willing to spend around $1k for accessories (mulch kit and bag) Being a small yards I doubt I would benefit much from features or comfort so thats not important. The cost difference is around $1200 between the two. Which would you recommend? Skaggs has a good blade change system, for no lift style. Johnss fluff-free How-to guides help homeowners fix lawnmowers, tractor mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, power washers, generators, snow blowers, and more. The Toros select speed control is also the best for pulling loads without worrying about your transmissions. It cuts well and is built like a tank. Hi Thomas, The Big Dog Alpha is a Hustler Raptor painted red. The Gravely ZT XL is also the same mower with the next larger transmissions and a 4-year warranty instead of 3 years. He is very hard on the mower (over 150 trees to mow around) and its held up very well. They seem comparable but I like the Hydrogear 3100 transmission on the Kubota and the John Deere Kawasaki engine. The lap bars are very adjustable to fit your driving style. You are right that the dealer can often make the difference, and the one I got mine from is awesome!