Zero turn mowers

[txfireguy2003]

So the wife and I recently purchased a house with a couple of acres. This is a big move for us, coming from a house in town with a yard I could push mow in under 20 minutes for the front yard, and about 40 for the back yard, mainly because I would always let the back get out of hand before mowing it. We have a much bigger house with room for all our stuff, house guests and a potential rug rest at some point in the distant future. I have a storage building AND a workshop for my protects plus a garage conversion for my archery/gun work. The dogs have a huge back yard to run in, and visiting kiddos have a tree house/jungle gym to pay on, complete with tube slide, rock wall and zip line. It's GREAT, exactly what we've been looking for.....except Spring is here, and all I have is a cheap push mower....Not gonna cut it, no pun intended.

So, who makes a good zero turn mower? I grew up on a similar sized yard, mowing with the tractor style mowers, and it would literally take most of a day, so I'm pretty much set on a zero turn. I know Scag, Gravely, Hustler etc make great mowers, but they are HIGH, even on the used market. I've found a few used Husqvarna and other non-commercial brands for reasonable prices, but I'm just not sure of quality, figured somebody here would have some insight. Obviously, I'd like to have the biggest cutting width possible to save time unless there is some reason I should opt for smaller (I've got plenty of gate width), as much HP as possible, etc. If I have to finance to get into quality I will, but I'd prefer to pay cash, that just limits my budget.

I do not plan to ever turn this into a part time job, as I seriously dislike mowing. It was my job growing up, and I hated every minute of it. I'd be sick for days after mowing, itchy etc. It's lonely my least favorite chore of home ownership, but I've used a couple of zero turn mowers and they make it bearable and much quicker.

[westtexducks]

You thought about just hiring it out? Be cheaper than buy a mower and lots less headache and gives you time to fiddle with other stuff you want to fiddle with while they are mowing your yard.

[texanatrv]

Bad boy zero turn mowers are good . I have around 7 acres to mow and it does a good job

[AggieBowHunter09]

I second the bad boy. Wife and I bought the one with the big Kawasaki and that sucker will now anything

[mchildress]

I have a Kubota ZD326. The kids loved it they didnt have to mow the yard anymore.

[TxDispatcher]

I'm a big fan of Kubotas ZD series (zero turn, Diesel engines) I took ours swimming in the lake a few years ago, and it's still running strong simply changed filters and fluids and went back to cutting like a champ

[the-butcher]

Hustler raptor sd ..love mine. Has the kawasaki on it.

[fbchunter]

I have an Exmark mower and it has been good for four years and 200+ hours. Most of the quality zero turn mowers will be comparable in price. Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples! Most of the big names will have a Kawasaki, kohler, or briggs engine. They are all good. Also the wheel Motors are mostly the same also, hyrogear brand i believe. The decks are a little different but not by much as long as you are comparing similar grade mowers. I would probably go with a Scag if I ever do it again just because the deck is shaft driven. Good luck

[Bowtech38]

Come by wc tractor by bucces on 35, we sell hustler and bad boy mowers. Ask for Cory or josh. I work in the shop in th back.

[fbchunter]

Also want to add I have a couple neighbors who bought the big box store brand zero turns, and while they last a few years they start breaking down much sooner with small things.

[mchildress]

Also want to add I have a couple neighbors who bought the big box store brand zero turns, and while they last a few years they start breaking down much sooner with small things.

^^^x2 get a commercial rated one. Will be a lil more but you will come out ahead in the long run.

[BrandonH]

I've had several Scags and they were great. I now own a Bad Boy Outlaw XP that has been just as good at a little less $. I've heard the smaller Bad Boys are good as well, but not sure about price.

[Baker95]

Scag are by far the best. Just the power that they have separates them (Especially the Diesel) but Husqvarna, hustler, Kabota all make good ones.

[Pineywoods]

My next one will be a bad boy or a hustler...but now i have a 5 yr old Troybilt Mustang 50" zero turn now that mowed 3 acres for a few years and has been mowing 2 acres for a couple years. It is holding up well so far.

No personal experience with them but have seen enough people with major issues to stay away from Cub Cadet.

[Lungbustr]

I would bite the bullet and go scag. The two we have are great.

One thing to keep in mind is to get the most out of them you need smooth ground to be able to mow at high speed. So that could mean getting some dirt or sand in and doing a lot of leveling before you can really reap the benefits.