5. I think theres always 100.00 off to new card members for their first purchase. This mower also comes with the best dealer service network and support of the three mowers in this article. The small front casters will make it ride rougher than many of the other mowers in that price range. Also, can you still find the Husqvarna articulating mower? Thoughts? Just wanted to mention a few things the Apex is currently $300 off, making it a very good deal. Toro Titan (overkill) I am used to walk behind operation / handling Its really interesting how the Internet can get facts turned upside down. Cub Cadet ZT1 42E zero-turn mower will mow up to two and a half acres on one charge and the lithium-ion battery can be quickly charged to any amount if you have "just a little more" lawn than that. My choice though is the IKON XL 52. The TimeCutter machines are distinct for having a small compartment right under the seat in front of you to store little gems you might have found during your adventure on the lawn. I purposely did not expand on my Toro dealer experience. Fab Deck 24 HP Kawasaki FR V-Twin with Roll Over Protection and Front Wheel Suspension Available assembled and delivered through, Ariens APEX 60 Kawasaki Model 991163 60 Cutting Width Kawasaki FR730 engine 24 hp/726cc. 2022 HUSTLER SUPER Z 60RD For Sale In NEW ALBANY, Ohio Owners never complain about grass build up under the deck. I researched and asked around about the engines and decided that all engines need good upkeep, and good clean air filtration is paramount. The wider decks get done faster and make it easier to trim around stuff. The bolt-in mulch kit is easy to take in and out for fall cleanup. Hi Adam, The Apex is comparable to the Cub Cadet Z-Force in price and features. Appreciate you help. A 22 HP/725cc Kohler 7000 series V-twin OHV engine delivers high-performance power and exceptionally smooth, quiet operation. They dont have enough traction and the center of gravity is too high. When you increase the rpms to mowing speed the vibration goes away. Hi Shane, Yes, Deere has made a lot of improvements in their decks in the last 10 years. While the Cub wont be as nimble around the lawns as the Toro, it does offer other benefits. One or two tree stumps, some large anthills. Join the discussionPaul, what is the blade speed on the Cub Cadet Ultima? Look forward to your suggestions. Very comfortable to mow with The cut is even no lines. I am orderingI dont think I can live with the regrets Ill have if I pass on this and buy a $4200 Gravely/Hustler locally! I love the battery idea, just wondering about battery life. The Toros height adjuster is easy to use. Trimming with the Model R is unbeatable. I would like something in the 48 inch to 52 inch cut range. Walker will gladly come out and demo one on your property. Id go visit each dealer and buy from the one you trust the most. The 50 inch Model 75750 will go through your gates with the side discharge up. The cut was great and the ride was pretty comfortable for a not so even yard. 60 inches. From what Im reading here the Ariens is better built but is it worth the few hundred dollars? In general, if your yard is or greater than 1/3 of an acre, a residential zero-turn mower will work great. Hi Paul, great website! I suggest buying the size so that you dont keep more than a month of fuel around the house. Might be able to get an entry level pro machine for the regular price of a consumer unit though. Its a very dependable and well-built mower. Im not familiar with Husky but the Husqvarna decks are not as good. The deck couldnt handle the bumpy ground. 22 HP Kohler V-Twin Zero Turn Mower Model# ULTIMA ZT1-42. If you have a local dealer to service it I have no problems recommending a Bush Hog. thanks for your great reviews. Have they had problems? The Toro mower includes many pro elements like a canister-style air filter, a commercial drop pin, and a rubber chute. The Ryobi is holding up well and the owners like it a lot. Would this be enough to see a difference? The only real difference is the deck. Their side discharge decks get the grass out quickly so it cuts evenly and doesnt clump the grass. Thank you for your diligence. ), The first contractor I hired used some kind of walk behind mower with a 36 cutting deck, and he mostly rode on a sulky while mowing the hill side to side. Just remember, if you mow that way your mower deck can throw a baseball 600 feet so make sure all debris, kids toys, rocks, and garbage are picked up before you mow. The 52 Vanguard is $4800 at SLE, but it only gives you 4 more deck.. He is a very good mechanic, but I want to help him with a proper mower. What about bushes, trees, lawn furniture, and other outdoor fixtures? I dont know if they have CA versions. Now it just keeps throwing the belt off. Take, for example, the Cub Cadetits powerful engine is one of its most appealing qualities, and without it this mower would be a shell of its current self. I just noticed that the 48 Accel Deep deck is 10 gauge, that is nice. I have about 5 acres with a few bumps but not too bad I will cut about once a week. I also like the fact that the Ariens has a center anti-scalp wheel which will help with scalping on my uneven ground. 4 Rough hilly acres to mow. Any thoughts on which way I should go? 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 have the Mulching kit installed but I cannot keep the deck from getting gummed up with clippings. Hi Brad, All three have transmissions capable of mowing slopes. They are mulching blades made for mulching they work wonderfully with mulching kits. If you have a problem holding a gas can the SureCan is a great can. They will have the latest sales info and you can ask them. Hi Daron, If you do a lot of towing the Toro TimeCutter is the best choice in that price range. So let me go quickly through some of the options youve mentioned. While Toro uses an IronForged deck, Cub Cadets deck is made with 11-gauge steel. 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. 2. Hi G Sandler, That model, M-ZT61 Kawasaki (967 17 70-08) is a good mower with a good reputation. 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. 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. I am looking at zero turns and I feel like I can spend $3,000 or less and get a great mower. One significant difference between the two mowers is that the Cub employs an open-frame and hinged floor pan. My land is rough and still with the frequent stump and small Yaupon bushs still popping up in east Texas. Great point about the extra torque for hills. My only problem with this feature is that there isnt a way to turn the lights off. Hi Sean, I really dont have a preference. Hi K.C., I never recommend buying used unless you are very mechanically inclined, have engine and transmission expertise and get such a good deal that you can fix all the little things that will go wrong. The Compacts (all brands) are only for small residential flat areas that have gates you have to deal with. They are one of the hidden gems of the mowing industry. 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. Im looking at the cub cadet ultima zt2, ariens apex and Toro timecutter all in 60 inch. Toro Timecutter: (they have a fabricated deck or a stamped deck not sure which to get) Havent seen no negative comments on these. Hi Paul, Im looking at zero turns for hilly and bumpy terrain. Which would you recommend? I like them both and cant decide which would be best for me. https://www.toro.com/en/homeowner/riding-mowers/timecutter-mx5000-74775. Better transmissions and better controls. Im going to suggest the Ariens IKON XL 42 in. If you cant get the Kaw I highly recommend the Toro. For about $500 more you can get the MX4200. Hi Paul, I think my earlier attempt at a reply went astray. Discussed this with the dealer. But that just wont be possible for under $3000. Most people are finding out that a good up front price ends up costing them later with this guy. Home Depot sometimes runs a 10% off special if the HD Credit card is used. Hi Jerry this suspension goes between your existing seat and the mounting plate. The organization gave it a 92 overall score, ranking it ahead of mowers like the Toro MYRIDE TimeCutter 75755 and the John Deere Z515E. About half the lot is sloped from 11 13.7 degrees (measured with angle finder phone app calibrated with a level). But the Cub seems like more for the money.. Dealer did say he had a Gravely and looking back he doesnt understand why he spent so much more on it vs just getting a Cub. If you let your lawn get over 10 inches you may have to go back over areas to get a clean cut. So that leaves Toro. They side discharge and mulch better than all the other brands. Much appreciate the insight. (It also has to do with the weight of the ZTR, the weight of the average operator, and how much downward weight the transmissions axles can handle). As an aside, I purchased my snow blower based on your recommendations (Ariens Platinum SHO with EFI). $4399 $3499 = $900. In fact, I strongly suggest you NEVER get near a ditch with a sit-down ZTR. Looked at: Ariens, Walker, Ferris, Skag, Toro, ExMark, JD, Husqvarna, Hustler, Gravely, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Bad Boy, and Snapper maybe a couple others losing count. Consider the size and shape of your yard. Oddly enough I was just at the Home Depot and looking at both and wound up talking to a commercial lawn care guy. I considered the battery-powered Ryobi briefly for its quieter operation, but as of now I think Ill wait to ensure the battery technology is up to par, and save on the upfront costs. Hi Paul, If you dont want to go through the Home Depot your local Gravely dealer sells the same mower under the Gravely brand. However, in a different post you stated you werent a fan of the John Deere 300 series so wasnt sure about this lawn mower. Seems safer on slopes can easily step off in the event of a problem (try this on a ZTR) Considering that I dont seem to need the step-handrail, do you still consider the Boulevard my best option? Both mowers run smoothly, and both are equipped with top-notch structural components. The Toro has the Smartspeed and is great for trimming, hauling, and learning how to drive the mower. What are your thoughts. 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. Heres what I like about the Bradley (link below): ZT3400 drives / 23 rear tires. Both brands are good. 2023's Top 10 Zero Turn Mowers: Reviews and Comparisons - Best of Machinery 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. Of course, Im always partial to Exmark. It will easily last through your sons learning stage and go on to last you years. Paul, If would you like to buy from your local dealer or store but still want to support TodaysMower just click on this link and buy anything you need. Thanks in advance! In the end, I do not think you will be disappointed with either. Thank you. They make a good flaunt of their 11-gauge fabricated decks, which are highly dependable. They are priced well especially compared to the Kubota and Hustler SD. I really did love the Hustler Raptor Limited, but its around $4200. The orange AUTOMOWER Model 535 AWD 967 85 34-66 is their commercial version. We do have wet grass often in the spring. By the way, Home Depot is not going to carry Ariens mowers. Toro TimeCutter HD with MyRIDE with the Kawasaki 48. Opinion please. Cleaning both cutting decks is a breeze. 4. And remember dry ground this time of year can be just as slippery as wet ground. What model should i be looking at for a rough and hilly yard? I noticed you ranked Walker as the best mower. You dont seem to mention Bobcat what are your thoughts on both of these machines? Nz is slowly importing a few US mowers. It has baffles under the deck for mulching so it will take about 30 minutes to switch from mulch to bag. Ariens Apex (overkill) Jeff. Other thought was to get the 75742 then add the Rop Shop suspension seat but at that point Im only a couple hundred from the 75755 so probably not worth it. Mike C. Thanks Paul! Toro vs. Cub Cadet: Which Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Is Better? There are over 400 different Zero-Turn Mowers available for your residential lawn. The Kohler Confidant EFI is the state-of-the-art in engine tech right now. That said. Hi Daron, There is no difference in the mower just the service after the sale. Do you have an opinion on these two units or recommend a mother brand in the same price point? Hi Tommy, My first choice for mowing one acre and pulling a cart is the 42 in. Im spending days with my edger to get under the fences and around trees. Hi Paul, I have 1 acre of land, flat, with fenced backyard and trees on the side in the front yard. While its a good mower a rough lawn will shake it apart sooner than all the others Ive mentioned. Thanks again for the information! The best cut/mulching and the best ride is the Toro TimeCutter with MyRide suspension. Or Bagger for 42 inch Stamped Deck. house/pond/etc) the cost for them vs. DIY justifies a new machine for the garage. (my 13 yr old shares the mowing with me, hes getting better but still does some bumping with the deck). From poor structural design to poor deck hangers that break and the fact that they have changed the mower from having 10 rear tires to 8 rear tires causes the mower to slide more easily, even on dry ground. Yard is pretty flat with a little slope to get down to that wooded area.. but i also want to ask u if its safe for the mower to cut back in that stuff. One, Keep the mowing speed to no more than 5-6 mph. HI Greg, I use the specs page at toro.com. Im also showing that Lowes is not going to carry most models in stock. The name is an old, well-respected name in the industry. I like the flip up footplate, the Kohler, and the rear engine guard on the Cub Cadet a lot. The ZT1 42 zero-turn mower features a 22 HP/725 cc Kohler 7000 twin-cylinder engine that delivers high-performance power for a consistent cut. The best riding lawn mowers in 2023. I would prefer one with mulching capacity that doesnt bog down, create mohawks, or leave grass clumps on my lawn or, worse, my sidewalk and driveway. Ive been looking at Walker and some higher end Hustler and have up to $15000 New Zealand dollars budget ($9500 USD). 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. Some of the mowers you recommend are not sold by dealers in my area (or at least highly recommended dealers), only big box stores. Hi Paul, This is one of the best 42-inch mowers on the market because it mows well, bags well, and mulches well. I just had a ..make my day Clint Eastwood moment but in a good way (smile). But I dont know if Id like the lighter Deere better than the heavier Cub, or if the heavier Cub would hold up and work better??? I rate products differently than most sites. The seat is easy to move with just two knobs under the seat. It uses the same commercial deck they use on all the other models. (You can raise the deck vertically once its on the trailer so it doesnt take up as much room.). If I went with the Toro, I would probably purchase it from Home Depot online. The Toro TimeCutter and Cub Cadet zt1 have models with different motors and capacities depending on the grade. It is fairly rough ground and has two moderately steep areas. p.s. My Exmark Quest 42 which is the same as the MX4250 has the ZT-2200. The Ariens Apex and Zenith both have good, soft seats and large wheels so they will ride smooth. Hi Wilson, Wow, what a wonderful list to work with! Cutting Width (in.) For the Toro, the following are popular accessories: For the Cub, these accessories are often bought: To know more about the accessories that are commonly purchased for mowers, read this post. So at least Ive narrowed it down to 4 potential brands. Cub Cadets commercial stuff is awesome but its going to take a while yet before it catches on with the commercial guys. Thanks for the feedback! In this post, well look at both companys mowers in a little more detail. I like 60-inch decks but the 52-inch deck is plenty big for your lawn. The two best brands are the Grasshopper and the Walker. (Home Depot Link) this mower mows well and will handle the ditch. Also, Id consider the CC RZT42S. I suggest stopping in to a local dealer and see what they have in the $6000-$9000 range. Zero turns are excellent at maneuvering and at cutting laws efficiently. Post author By ; impossible burger font Post date July 1, 2022; southern california hunting dog training . All of these machines seem to be comparable to each other but of course theyre a lot of money and I definitely want to make the right choice. Even on the Cub Cadet website they advertise it with a Kawasaki engine. Home Depot doesnt seem to carry the Apex models anymore, nor does Lowes, and none of my local dealers have any Apex models in stock. The track widths (side to side wheel spacing) seems similar. Youll be able to mow your whole property in about four hours. Hes also fairly rough on equipment, (He killed an Exmark Lazer Z in 10 years) so the Ariens Apex/Gravely can put up with his abuse. If you use them with side discharge the work most of the time but if your grass is wet, long or the stringy (like some Fescues) they wont cut the grass into little pieces and throw it out the discharge. In my area, Home Depot is still showing delivery April 30. Kawasaki slowly increased the price but because of the brand acceptance the owners kept buying them. Looking for my first zero turn. When we need parts and service, I imagine we may end up going to Tractor Supply well see. Our current home is a new construction home with approximately 1 acre of flat yard with about 6-8 mature trees in our yard to cut around. The Gravely ZT HD 48 991152 is the best zero-turn lawn mower. heavier deck, and stronger transmissions. Is it okay to buy from BB stores if you take good care of the machine? I live in the Pacific NW, have an acre of level-to-slight hill to mow. But he also has the commercial Toro. I live in Wisconsin and surely like to support the local manufacturers. For example, I like my local Toro Dealer a lot. Fuel Stabilizer: When I go to the gas station and buy fuel I always put fuel stabilizer in the storage tank. MTD went through and fixed all those small irritating issues last year and the 2020 Cub Cadet is a better choice today: 42 in. The 375 gives me the R package, a 54 deck, and the 25 HP ELS engine. never go flat front tires !!! 24 hp jaw. 2. Ive compared the MZ Magnum and the ZT Elite to the Raptor SD and SDX and read many positive and negative reviews. factory warranty !!!! Both Gravely and Toro will be around for parts and service for years to come. 3. The Deere you are looking at uses the Intek. 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. Contenders must have serviceable trans with decks less than 50 to possibly wiggle through a large walk gate. You might have decided to give your knees a break and invest in a riding mower, maybe you have fantasized about slashing the time and turning on a dime with a zero-turn, or are you seeking to try out a new brand? I managed to ride it up and down the hillside a couple of times before it died on me. With occasionally pulling a small cart of wood/ mulch, should I go with the 2800 transaxle over the 2200 transaxle? Everything opens up for cleaning, inspection and belt replacement. This Cub Cadet is in second place only because the Toro 75742 has the Smart Speed Control. JavaScript is disabled. Both Cub Cadet and Toro offer many feature-rich zero-turn mowers. None of those manufacturers will extend your ZTRs warranty in case your mower breaks using their leaf vac. In terms of the engine, although Cub Cadets engine displacement is higher, the 24.5 hp power makes Toros zero turn mower stand out. The other local Toro dealer is Ace Hardware. Many thanks to you and for your website! I am 6 and over 200 pounds but my wife is much smaller frame, so something that fits different body types is ideal. They made a few improvements and painted them white. The cheap ones ($20 or more now) dont have vents so it takes forever to fill the tank on your lawn tractor. As an old fart who has been using ZTRs since they were introduced in the early 90s Im going to tell you a secret no one else will tell you today. Pretty set on a Kaw engine. The common range of accessories include trailers, sweepers, snowblowers, aerators, scarifiers, rollers, feeders, sprayers and the list goes on. Please Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Please Note:If you click on most of the links in this article and buy any product I will make a small commission from that sale. These have the better tranny with the ZT-3100 but I feel like I read on your site that for towing a leaf vac maybe even more would be required? That said, the larger displacement of the Kohler (725cc) will give you more torque going up the hills with thick grass. Given what I pay to have the lawn mowed, I think I could justify spending $3-4,000 on a mower and do it myself. It has a deep-set 42-inch deck and a long-lasting dual, 22 HP engine. Best budget riding lawn mower: Troy-Bilt . I was suggested to get a zero turn with steering wheel but I am hearing those are being discontinued and then another dealer told me to get the lap bars. I would greatly appreciate your advice regarding the best mower for my needs. If you only have 10-degree slopes and you are not planning on pulling a lot of heavier loads with the ZTR then Id stay with the Ariens IKON XD or the Gravely ZT X. As always, if you have any questions please ask them in the comment section at the end of this article. It has a very low center of gravity and I believe you can adjust the weight of the deck to give it even more traction if needed. Take care. Thanks. Its a few dollars more than the Ariens, but I like having a local dealer in case anything goes wrong. The powered bagger uses a blower to suck the leaves out of the deck and blow them into the bags. (Its been flawless) It also has a fabricated 42-inch deck. Having a really hard time deciding between the two if I make the jump from a 42 to the 50/52. You simply mow and tow, and mow again forgetting the existence of a spindle. I have an Exmark Quest with the same fab deck as the 42 inch Toro. Hi Scott, Thank you for your support! Instead, move up to the $4000-4500 heavy-duty ZTRs with ZT2800 or ZT32OO transmissions. I have videos up of the Ariens Edge and will have videos up of the IKON XD soon. Hi Jon, Wow! 5. All the other lap bar ZTRS will struggle if they can mow it at all. Yes, It rides well and mows OK but for commercial users, the shaft drive doesnt hold up as well as belts. Inasmuch as I know that Im going to buy a 42 steering wheel zero turn; my question is do you have any idea why the Toro SW4200 and the Exmark Front steering machines are no longer being made? Dont use one from the local hardware store. You may find the following posts helpful: John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com. Thank you! The dealer I prefer carries both Toro and Ariens, so that is not a factor. I am considering a Kubota z231 BR-48 and a John Deere Z530M-48. Residential ZTRs are rated for no more than 15-degree slopes. Cub Cadet: The Cub Cadets 725cc professional-grade KOHLER 7000 V-twin engine is a lot larger than the Toro 452cc, and this mower can reach 7 miles/hour. Instead, they shred the grass into little cotton balls That leave a mess on your lawn. You must log in or register to reply here. It is a step up from the Titan in ruggedness. The 50-inch model is over your budget. For reference, I am mowing one acre, with some moderate slopes, trees, and landscaping. So unless you can think of anything else I need to consider that might change my mind, I think Ill be going with the green and yellow Z-TRAK to start my ZTR experience. It helps a lot to help you out. He is a riding mower lover and has been active in the industry for years. Perennial Rye and Tall Fescue have a lot more moisture in the stalk than Bluegrass, especially in the spring. Want the best bang for the buck, if I am going to spend 12 to 17 grand for a mower. The HD models have a significantly heavier frame and transmissions. The Walker Model R actually comes with the Kohler KT620 engine. 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. Exmark and Toro are made in the same factory. If you have inexperienced operators a fabricated deck will hold up better to them banging it against foundations and trees. I just want to make the best choice I am not stuck on any one brand. Hi Larry, There is nothing wrong with the Toro or ExMark except the sales didnt meet Toros expectations. Im now looking to replace that mower with another last mower. There is one close to your price range and I do highly recommend it. Street price: Hey Paul! 35 HP Kawasaki FX1000v (999cc) engine and 16cc Parker HTG transmission 60" triple-7-gauge fabricated steel cutting deck with top, bottom and side reinforcements 3-year limited commercial warranty (no hour limitations) and 5 year / 1,750 hour limited deck construction warranty You're shopping available inventory from Trailers N More, LLC I like both of them a lot. With that being said, treat whichever machine you get with respect and be meticulous about maintenance.