What are the best Zero Turn mowers

JumperJack

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Oct 30, 2002
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I know the Paddock never mows its' own yard, but who can recommended one with at least a 52'' cut, for about an acre lot.
If not the best, then which are garbage?
 

80 Proof

Heisman
Jan 3, 2003
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The best is debatable, but names like Ferris, Skag, Exmark, and Toro are what you usually see the pros use.

My dad just got a new 60" john deere that we mow about 4 acres with and so far I love it. Thing is fast, rides well, and mows great.
 
Jul 19, 2012
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the ones being used by undocumented cheap labor so you don't have to mow your own yard or pay a hefty price to have some snotty teenage kid wanting contracts and guaranteed payment plans.
 

dgtatu01

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Sep 21, 2005
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the ones being used by undocumented cheap labor so you don't have to mow your own yard or pay a hefty price to have some snotty teenage kid wanting contracts and guaranteed payment plans.
Definitely like the one my guy uses a lot. Not sure what brand it is though.
 

Dig Dirkler

Heisman
Nov 20, 2015
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I know the Paddock never mows its' own yard, but who can recommended one with at least a 52'' cut, for about an acre lot.
You're wanting a 52" ZTR for an acre lot? Are you friggin' kidding me? Get off your *** and use one of these dude...

 

qwesley

Heisman
Feb 5, 2003
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Nothing sold at a big box store
Good name with local dealer support
Warranty
Kawasaki motor
 
May 10, 2002
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Nothing sold at a big box store
Good name with local dealer support
Warranty
Kawasaki motor
Agree with this generally. The Deeres sold at the big box stores are mostly made overseas while the local dealers will carry the U.S.-made models. One exception to this is the Hustler brand. Excel (Hustler's manufacturer) just launched a residential version sold in Lowe's called the Raptor. It's smaller than the commercial models, and has a Kohler engine, but they are well-built and made in Kansas.

https://www.hustlerturf.com/products/raptor
 

slick rick.ksr

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Mar 28, 2009
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Agree with this generally. The Deeres sold at the big box stores are mostly made overseas while the local dealers will carry the U.S.-made models. One exception to this is the Hustler brand. Excel (Hustler's manufacturer) just launched a residential version sold in Lowe's called the Raptor. It's smaller than the commercial models, and has a Kohler engine, but they are well-built and made in Kansas.

https://www.hustlerturf.com/products/raptor
Scag
TigerCat, Cheetah, and Turf Tiger are the pro models of the Scag line with Turf Tiger being the top but you're looking at 8 to 15 k depending on width and type of engine, gas or diesel.
Scag uses larger cast spindles on the blade drives, has a heavier gauge deck, and uses top hydraulic and drive components. They make a residential line also that has a lower price point.

Exmark makes a good mower in their top of the line models. Walker is another good make but has spotty distribution. Grasshopper is also a very good brand. When it comes down to it, the dealer and the service they offer is a huge part of it.
 

We-Todd-Did

Senior
May 2, 2007
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I can't believe that we live in a world with GMO corn and Topsy-Turvy tomatoes but scientists have yet to develop a grass that stops at 3". There hasn't been any major innovations in lawn technology since this guy 30 years ago.
 
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Wildcat22Fan

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Dec 14, 2005
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Also I've been hearing great reviews on the snapper pro. Compared to other commercial zero turns they are much less expensive but guys are putting 2500+ hours on them. Never used one but might be perfect for 1 acre. I think they are around 7k.
 

Xception

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Apr 17, 2007
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Tough to answer without a price point but the top two are most likely the scag and exmark , I've owned the scag cheetah and currently the exmark lazer z . Both are great , the differences don't make one superior to the other . As for going cheap try to avoid a stamped deck if possible , tall order since this feature is common among more affordable mowers .
 

Chuckinden

All-American
Jun 12, 2006
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I bought a Husqvarna at Lowe's 3-4 years ago. After one season, the left hydraulic transmission wouldn't pull. Fortunately, I bought the warranty, which I never do, because I was leary of the product. They had a contractor pick it up and it was 6 wks before I got it back. Now the same left side transmission is showing symptoms of not pulling well and the warranty has ran out.

I will run it until it completely dies and look to change the transmission myself or take to the flea market and sell it and get something else.