Zero turn mowers

[INP8riot]

I have come to the conclusion that my current mower (Husqvarna Z254F) is not enough for what I am mowing. I have cleared some areas and I'm now around 2 acres and I'm wanting to maintain a path around another field that I won't attempt with the one I have. It worked and still does work good, but I'm needing something a little more commercial/"prosumer".

My local dealer has Kubota and Dixie Chopper. Specifically the Kubota z422 vs the Dixie Chopper Blackhawk HP for what I would like in a 60" deck.

I like that Dixie is made very locally to me for part availability and their deck is 7ga steel.

The Kubota has a nice wide stance, but the deck is 9ga steel.

Both have the Kawasaki engine, but the Dixie seems to have a better transmission geared towards commercial. Both are around the same price.

Thoughts or experiences with either?

I would really like one of those 2 brands because thats what my local dealer carries.

 

[indyblue]

I like the Dixie's but I think they are expensive for what they are. A friend of mine had a mowing business for a few years and he had some local IN company's equipment. They were well built machines, but when problems did occur he had much trouble finding parts/service for them outside of the mfgr. and would sometimes need to wait weeks for them to supply oem parts & service.

I'm not familiar with the Husq, I just know to look for fabricated decks vs stamped and the taller mulching decks are more durable and forgiving of harsh treatment and gives a better cut without clumping/clogging.

IMO I would stick with the larger mfgrs as parts are mass produced and more readily available. I have a Hustler 54" for my 1.8 acres and can mow it in ~45 minutes but I am only mowing lawn grass. If you are mowing fields with thick tall grass or sprouting trees you will want something more durable.

 

[Tradesylver]

I went with a Scagg, from https://www.richardssmallengineinc.com/

 

[Magyars]

I went with a Scagg, from https://www.richardssmallengineinc.com/

Scag here too. It's around 15 years old. Serviced every two years and always gets the job done!

 

[Craigh]

Which ever one you get, I highly recommend getting a suspension seat. Makes a world of difference in rough ground.

 

[duanewade]

I've got a Gravely zxt52(?) and have it for 6 years. We mow approximately 3 acres and have never had any issues with it. I went with Gravely because the drives were the best then. I also opted for the Kohler motor because at the time the Kawasaki motors were having problems with the crank bolt breaking on the main pulley. We have 2 Gravely dealers within ½ hour of our place.

 

[Shadow01]

Go big or go home

Ferris 5902064 60" ISX3300 Zero Turn Mower 40HP Vanguard Big Block (Instant Rebate)

The Ferris ISX3300 (5902064) is a zero turn mower featuring a 60 inch deck with iCD™ cutting system and a powerful 40 horsepower Vanguard Big Block EFI-ETC engine. The ISX3300 mower comes with dual commercial Hydro-Gear ZT-5400 Powertrain transaxles and Hercules™ II cast-iron spindles.

sleequipment.com

 

[blain]

Here's a vote for the Dixie Chopper Blackhawk HP

 

[snapping turtle]

Spartan mowers. The RZ pro sounds just like what you need

 

[blain]

Which ever one you get, I highly recommend getting a suspension seat. Makes a world of difference in rough ground.

Yes, yes and Oh Yes.
Lots of mowers are comfortable, "brand new". But mowers with seat suspension systems really show their worth as time goes by.

 

[INP8riot]

Which ever one you get, I highly recommend getting a suspension seat. Makes a world of difference in rough ground.

Oh I know it! The Dixie Choppers has an adjustable suspension seat and also have suspension front forks available which will be an immediate upgrade

 

[Brandon]

I think either will be great for what you want.

 

[bobzilla]

Here's a vote for the Dixie Chopper Blackhawk HP

Plus one. I’ve had their “residential” mower since 2008. It’s a beast. The deck and spindles are the same as their commercial line. Dads had commercial grade Dixie’s since 2007. All of his were bought used and they are tanks.

 

[wcd]

Just to throw something out there, what about a subcompact tractor?

 

[Hoosier Carry]

If I was up for a new one it would be a Dixie.


Or another bob-cat.

 

[Bugzilla]

We had a Bad Boy. Was built like a tank. Only used it a season and went back to a subcompact tractor. Too many trees and hills and the need for a front end loader.
Edit; Mow around 2 acres and have an additional 5.5 acres of woods.

 

[INP8riot]

Just to throw something out there, what about a subcompact tractor?

I had thought about that when I first bought my property, but I have around 4 tillable acres. I would need atleast a compact like a Kubota B2601 and that may be pushing that machine. That's over $25k at that point. A subcompact just wouldn't get it done for me and I couldn't spend north of $10k knowing it would be a sub par lawnmower to boot. I have used my ATV and some pull behind equipment to plant a small food plot. Not ideal, but no monthly payments either.

 

[BiscuitsandGravy]

Scag Turf Tigers here. A 52" and 61". The 61" gets all the use now that my sons are gone. Its over 20 years old and keeps on ticking. Had to replace the deck clutch once. Usual service w/ belts, blades and oil changes. Dual taper roller bearings on the deck spindles and the deck being 100% welded was important. YMMV.

 

[ljk]

Find local dealers which would bring demo units to you. How often do you mow, how rough is the ground, terrain, slopes, types of grass, all these are important factors.

If I were in the market, I would get one with suspensions(seat or frame) no matter what.

 

[rhamersley]

Find local dealers which would bring demo units to you

If you can find enough dealers, you can schedule one for each week of the summer and not have to mow until next year...