Its a few dollars more than the Ariens, but I like having a local dealer in case anything goes wrong. I think you made my decision much easier! Its a stand-on mower. I cant decide between the Ariens Ikon XD 42 or the Toro Time Cutter 42 with My Ride though my comfort is not the issue, I just want to best cut. I would also want to avoid overly sensitive control bars. I was looking at this one from Home Depot: This machine was a beast. We do also have a local Hustler dealer, but Im not familiar with what theyve got. You dont tell us which units you are looking at or the type of conditions it will be operating in, but my belief is that the Toro will easily outlast the Cub. 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. I have compiled the best of both worlds, pointing out their highs and lows to assist you in weighing your options. The deck independently rides over bumps, dips, and follows the contour of your lawn exactly. My first choice for slopes is the Ariens IKON XD 52. For instance, the low-grade smaller deck mowers in question will have relative engines that generate 22 horsepower, and the high-grade with wider decks, 24 horsepower delivering a velocity of 7 8mph. They are one of the hidden gems of the mowing industry. Additionally, I dont have to do the mowing which is hard to quantify. Yard is about 1 acre. In addition, the easy access deck makes it very easy to clean and allows you to do your own maintenance on the blades. How do these compare to the new Ariens? It cuts better and will last longer without any minor or major repairs. The Ariens Apex is the mower I would buy for my father. Yes, I like the Ariens but if you put the Ariens and Country Clipper side-by-side youll go with the Clipper. They both have heavy-duty trannys, thick, fabricated decks, and very strong frames. Check them out here: Toro TimeCutter MX5075 with MyRIDE Suspension System 50 in. We are looking for something with good construction and good cut with reasonable price point. I live in the upstate of SC, have a mixture of cool season and warm season grasses, and I try to control the crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. These models also ride well but they dont mulch quite as well as the Toro or John Deere. The only Country Clipper dealer within 100 miles is 17 miles from my home, and he has 2 Boulevards in stock: a new 2018 and a used 2016 with only 38.5 hours on the meter. To compare apples to apples (by price) my first choice is the Gravely ZT HD/Ariens APEX. Hi Paul, really enjoyed reading the article and comments I feel so much more informed now. I suggest buying the size so that you dont keep more than a month of fuel around the house. They also have the traction to get up that slope. Are Spartans dependable and here to stay? Hi James, The John Deere uses both the Intek and the ELS Briggs engines in various mowers. The new 2018 Boulevard would be $400 more than a 2019 Ariens IKON XL 52 (I cannot find one locally to test, but I havent given up yet). I had to yell to be heard over it. The Ferris bars seemed OK, but I remember trying a ZTR in a dealer parking lot about 20 years ago, and I couldnt keep it in straight line after 15 minutes of practice. If you are inexperienced with standons check out this article: Spartan. Anyways wanted to ask your thoughts before purchasing as you seem to be incredibly knowledgeable in this area, MyRide worth the extra money or are there other mowers out there that are a better deal in your opinion? This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Hi Shane, I like the Ariens IKON X a lot for a one-acre yard. Its being replaced with the Z560 https://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/zero-turn-mowers/z560/967929901/. Yes, there are after-market manufacturers that make pull behind leaf vacs but that doesnt mean you should be putting one behind your zero-turn. Not so much focused on comfort. IronForged Deck 24.5 HP Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower, Toro 60 in. Exmark, Hustler, John Deere and Toro all make standon ZTRs. I would I just need a residential as opposed to commerical. I have a rather small yard no more than 1.5 acres but I have a serious spinal cord injury that causes a very painful condition and constant mind numbing back pain so I probably shouldnt cut grass at all but I enjoy it and it allows me to feel productive which is something I miss ever since someones carelessness left me disabled about 4 years back. We have about an acre of lawn with a lot of pine trees, We store towels, medicine, toiletry supplies, first-aid gear, massage devices, facial steamers, spare Painting your garage is a great way to improve the look of the space and make the walls easier to clean. Lowes in particular has a habit of just taking the mower out of the crate and NOT doing any of the adjustments for example moving the seat on the Ariens mowers. Theres no winner in terms of durability and maneuverability. Im always partial to the Exmark though many contractors also like the Scag. Theyve always made the best commercial mowers. In in the market for a zero turn and im not sure which one to go with. I have 2 acres to mow and Ive most recently tried out a Ferris IS600z. The list: Also when it comes to brands, I see a lot of high praise here for Ariens Ikon. To know more about the accessories that are commonly purchased for mowers, read this. If thats way out of your budget comfort zone an alternative is the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 in. Also, the price for their 1 time leaf collection last year easily justifies a better solution there. For reference, I am mowing one acre, with some moderate slopes, trees, and landscaping. Im not sure on that. My yard is fairly flat and less than an acre. I got 1/3 acre to mow with not much obstacles in the way (4 trees). If you have the experience, a 60 inch or larger stand-on is the best choice for slopes. If you have any questions or problems your local dealer will be glad to help you. Hydraulic belt tensioners so your drive belt lasts 10 times longer than the other brands. The mower is, however, equipped with two LED headlights, which are absent on the Toro. Best For Rough Lawns Toro 50 in. Hi Mike, The Ariens APEX and Gravely ZT HD are the same mower (just different paint) so if you have a Gravely dealer you may get a better price than the Ariens. Once again thank you for all the help and insight into the ZTR world! 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. Gravely ZT XL 52 with Kawasaki engine $4399 The Toro is an efficient, easy-to-operate mower thats fitted with most of the components the Cub utilizes. Q: What are your thoughts about Kohler vs Kawasaki quality? Cub Cadet Ultima 42 in. 22 HP V-Twin Kohler 7000 Engine Dual The owners really like how it mulches with the Toro mulch kit installed. Lastly, $3.5K $5.5K or thereabouts would be presentable to the Queen Beejust sayin. A friend says I should get a Kubota that will last the rest of my life. Both have the same Kawasaki engine and appear pretty similar on the surface. RYOBI 42 in. The Intek is a good motor for someone who has a flat lawn and mows about 1/2 acre a week, but for what you want to mow it will last long enough to just get past the warranty. So, well see if they last. I dont think anyone has an IKON XL or a TORO 5075 MyRIDE for me to compare. There is one mower that is designed for this type of work. I have 15 acres of grass with voles holes/tunnels, berms, bumpy grass and fences. I just noticed that the 48 Accel Deep deck is 10 gauge, that is nice. The Toros controls are further back than the Country Clipper. They are very intense about quality and never compromised by making residential models for the masses. The track widths (side to side wheel spacing) seems similar. The mower can go as fast as 5.5 miles/hour, and its engine is also safe from branches, rocks, and other debris because of a heavy-duty steel guard. Thanks for all your informative responses. Thanks so much for your guidance Paul, much appreciated! The rest of the time I doubt youll have more than 3-400 lbs in the cart and the heavy duty ZT2800 transmissions can handle that easily. The hauler is rated to carry up to 1,000 pounds. As stated before, Husqvarna tractors are designed to tackle heavy-duty mowing . The Toro Timecutter HD will handle the hills. But when you are comparing the Ariens models the new IKON XD compares closer to the Bad Boy Magnum. Mowers in the price range are built tough enough to handle a sapling or 2-inch stump without damage but again thats not what they are designed to do. You will like it. I realize that I wont be towing all of the time and more of a nice to have when I need it. In addition, some companies want their own exclusive brand so they dont have to price match another retailer. I plan to go look at the other 2 brands but have no clue if they are even in that range (scag, exmark). Leaning towards the 42 that you specified above with the forged deck and smart speed. None of those manufacturers will extend your ZTRs warranty in case your mower breaks using their leaf vac. Zero-Turn Lap Bar. I like the fully welded frame on the Cub Cadet but on the other hand, you never hear of frame cracking on the Deere either. Instead, move up to the $4000-4500 heavy-duty ZTRs with ZT2800 or ZT32OO transmissions. So with proper care anything will last a lifetime. I sat on the Cub and found my right knee may hit the lap-bar when using the deck-lift peddle even though the bars adjust. What about bushes, trees, lawn furniture, and other outdoor fixtures? Yes, here's how Do Mowers Have Titles? Is an electric mower better than a gas-powered mower? Believe it or not, I didnt have to replace the blade belt but about two years ago. In this case, though the Kawasaki is a residential engine. Well, Ive found two brands that work great! Yes, the operators manual says you can go on a slope up to 15 degrees but as you found out even 15 degrees can be dangerous with the tall/narrow ZTRs. Just wondering if you know if and when Ariens will be having a sale or promotion going on? I would not expect any other issues in the next 1500 hours. Hi Frank, I wrote an article comparing it to the Ryobi and Cub Cadet here: 42-inch Electric Zero Turn Mowers Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? These are one of the best engines in the industry and Ive seen them go over 2500 hours before they needed to be rebuilt. A mowers engine and transmission are two of its most important components. When checking online pricing for the Z930M I found many of them with over 2000 hours still being sold. 1. What are your thoughts. I was able to cut some grass at an ariens dealer with the Ikon x 52. The Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet ZT1 are the same mower except the Troy-Bilt has MTDs own good V-Twin, has a lever height adjust and doesnt have that racing bar over the engine. If you let your orchard get more than 8 inches tall before you mow I strongly suggest a side discharge deck. Pull the lap bars together in front of you, as this will disengage the parking brakes. Q: How hot do these transmissions get? The Cub Cadet tractor mower sports a heavy-duty AeroForce deck and rear diff lock to ensure optimal performance in hostile conditions. The Apex with the commercial style 5.5 deep deck and ZT3100 drives will last longer, cut better and mow FASTER, especially in demanding conditions like tall or wet grass.it will also be more comfortable over your mixed 10 acres, it has 22 rear tires, and weighs 853 lbs.,compared to the ZT2 at 640 lbs. Kohler, Cub Cadet, LCT, Yamaha, and Toro all have newer, more fuel-efficient designs. Im looking into a 48-52 mower. Toro spent a lot of time designing a long life engine and so far no one has had any issues with it. Heavy Duty Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Outdoor Power For Sale in OHIO - 988 The blocking fenders offer good coverage from the unruly clippings during mulching and mowing on your lawn or land. Also deciding between the deck size 54 ( 52 Exmark ) and both have a 60. Its the same mower as the IKON XD with the serviceable ZT2800 trannys. The blades can be sharpened many times before they need to be replaced. Im now looking to replace that mower with another last mower. It uses the ZT 2200 transmissions BUT, with the one-inch axles, the way the Walker is designed, the center steering, and the low center of gravity you will never have problems with them. I dont have an issue with the Cub Cadet ZT1 42. It looked fairly safe and stable to mow this way. Spent the last couple months searching for a ZTR. Jul 19, 2020 Messages 2,205. Single-cylinder engines are less efficient and typically very loud. If you have a very thick lawn you may wish you went with a V-Twin engine. 2. He did, on two occasions, lose traction at the steepest part of the hill and took short sleigh ride into the flat portion at the bottom of the hill. I know you really like the Toro units. Unless your grass is wet from rain they will work well for you. But at the end of the day its irrelevant the Bradley looks more than durable enough on its own,. The clipping gets everywhere into your lungs and mower engine for a good measure. (and may be included). You do get what you pay for when you move up to the XT2: Larger Front and rear tires. Looking for my first zero turn. The smaller ones are top-heavy, wobble around on rough ground, can be very tippy and dont have good traction on rough ground or slopes. Go visit them and see which dealers you like. My budge is around the $6000 mark, It will ruin your engine! Would I be perfectly happy with the Toro for my very average small lawn? Fab 22.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed is over your budget. Hi Thomas, The Big Dog Alpha is a Hustler Raptor painted red. Run the proper tire inflation or 2 lbs less in the rear and it will ride well. The unit features mowing speeds of up to 7 mph and is easy to operate. All the best to you and your granddaughter. 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. Appreciate you help. Join the discussionPaul, what is the blade speed on the Cub Cadet Ultima? Hi Jon, I have no preference. The Cub Cadet has slightly larger tires so it will ride a little better and have a little more traction than the Deere. It has a deep-set 42-inch deck and a long-lasting dual, 22 HP engine. I have a one acre lot. Troy-Bilt + View All. My local Country Clipper only has a new 2018 Boulevard and a used 2016 Boulevard with 38.5 hours on the meter. heavier deck, and stronger transmissions. Find Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Outdoor Power from CUB CADET, FERRIS, and JOHN DEERE, and more, for sale in MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN The 4-point is also strong enough that you can step on it to get on and off the tractor. 3. Its smoother than the 7000 series and has a larger air cleaner. Can ride or flip up foot stand and convert to walk-behind (NICE) In fact, I strongly suggest you NEVER get near a ditch with a sit-down ZTR. I recommend staying with a 48-54 inch deck. Because it has a Smart Speed control that lets you pull carts without damaging your transmissions. Hi Daron, There is no difference in the mower just the service after the sale. I like the ZT XL 52. I prefer the Walker. The Kohler Confidant is a commercial engine. Use the side discharge until June or so. Whats your thought on the John Deere Z355E? On 2.5 acres you may only need to replace the blades every 3-4 years. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Thanks for your help! Hi Paulwhat is your opinion on the Walker ZTRs vs the Exmark ZTRs? Was more of a general question. The Boulevard costs about $300 more than the Ariens, and about $400 more than the Toro. 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. If your decision is down to the Exmark and Walker go to walker.com and request a demo. I am considering an after-market DonBar to help me get on and off. 2022 hustler super z with hard to find 66 inch awesome cutting deck !!! Yes, Husqvarna does have two new models that will handle hills. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Tractor itself is good but they put a cheap Briggs Intek motor in it. The Cub utilizes a similar tire setup, with the only difference being the 20 x 8-inch rear tires. I am enjoying your site. Ariens, Toro, Cub Cadet, and Walker have all made major improvements in their ZTR lines. Turning downhill can cause the mower to lose traction and slide down the slope. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Paul, And to make your mowing experience even better, consider the tips in this, link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. The Cub Cadet mower offers you a dual battery bay, meaning you can store another fully charged battery within the power bay. Fab 24.5 HP V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower, Toro TimeCutter MX6050 60 in. If the basic version of either mower model isnt enough for you, take comfort in knowing that a range of enhancing accessories can be purchased. 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. Both have deep 42 stamped steel decks 12 gauge on the Deere and 13 gauge on the Cub, and they both pretty much have the features I want, except the Cub doesnt have arm rests. 1. The ZT 3100 is the entry-level commercial tranny. ), 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. 5. 3. The full suspension platform on the Radius would be really nice for mowing your rougher area. I want to go the mulching route so that I can avoid so many grass clippings. Is Your Yard Suitable For a Zero-Turn Mower? agpro of new albany is the premier power equipment in the midwest ----- financing available, we take trades, delivery available -----only 191 hours----- ag pro is your premier equipment . The zero-turn mower market has grown quite competitive. The JD dealers seems good and I looked at the Z700 series. I also like the toro my ride and ariens ikon x john deere and cub cadet ultima. Hi Brad, All three have transmissions capable of mowing slopes. The 52 and larger sizes cut as well as any other brand. I especially like the price around $4300. Red or Yellow. I will not be towing with it. The 48-inch deck will give you a better cut than the 54 inch and still get done quickly. My second choice is the Ariens IKON XL. With that said, which of these mowers or maybe one I didnt mention that is on your mind, that you would recommend? They both use a collection of Kawasaki, Kohler, and in-house engines (for the Toro TimeCutter) to function effectively. Based on your article, I am considering the Toro MX5075 MyRide and the Arins IKON XL 52. Now I am contemplating having them rebuild transmission which I believe will cost me about $1500 or maybe just get a good used or new zero turn. The Gravely ZT XL is also the same mower with the next larger transmissions and a 4-year warranty instead of 3 years. I just think the Deere is a more refined machine, and it looks it. We do have wet grass often in the spring. In my opinion, it will be faster than a DR leaf vac plus you dont have to mess with that extra engine The small front casters will make it ride rougher than many of the other mowers in that price range. But, like most mowers made by MTD in that time-frame (2012-2015) many of them had problems with the deck drive belt coming off a lot. ), good speed, would like towing capability (limited I suppose), and riding comfort (albeit, reliability is more important to me). powerful 35hp v-twin kawasaki engine !!! Yes, the Joystick does take a little practice but its actually a lot easier to use than lap bars and not as tiring. He can get parts for the Jonsered and many of the parts he has on the shelf for the Husqvarna tractors and ZTRs will fit. Hi Daron, Would you please point me to where you read or heard that Toro only has a tow limit of 85lbs? Thanks for taking the time to answer. Loncin and the manufacture that makes MTDs Powermore engine are exceptions. The IKON XL and the Toro MyRide are much better choices. Im also not a big fan of mowers where the whole mower uses the suspension (like your car) because the deck can bounce up and down.