Both mowers are ideal for residential homeowners. It is one of the best engines for fuel economy and is instantly responsive to heavy loads. My only question is on the new Cub Cadet ZT2 is it worth the extra almost 900 dollars for the serviceable transmissions for a residential owner mowing 2.5 to 3 acres once a week or week and a half? Any advice you can give on each for a residential lawn? It helps keep the fuel fresh and some stabilizers also clean your carb and fuel system without messing it up. They are mulching blades made for mulching they work wonderfully with mulching kits. Ive been looking at Walker and some higher end Hustler and have up to $15000 New Zealand dollars budget ($9500 USD). Dont use one from the local hardware store. I live in NZ and have been reading reviews on Zero Turn mowers, checking specs against each other etc, etc,etc. They wanted an engine that would last and one where they could do their own warranty approvals. I have been using a Troybuilt TB30 but it slips and the drive wheel spins a lot as well the cut tends to be uneven. If you have the experience, a 60 inch or larger stand-on is the best choice for slopes. I cant really understand why Bad Boy wants to charge you $600 more for the Kawaski FR 630. Equipment. The ZT 3100 is the entry-level commercial tranny. Build Quality/durability, cut quality including mulching ability, and ability to use for towing small items are my priorities in that order since price is equal. 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. I know I want a fabricated deck. Im also very impressed with the Worx LANDROID L 20V (4.0AH) CORDLESS ROBOTIC LAWN MOWER W/ GPS. It appears everyone wants lap bar steering. May 28, 2020 / Cub Cadet ZT2 or Toro Timecutter #4 They are both priced roughly the same, have similar specs and both carry 3 year unlimited hour warranties. never go flat front tires !!! Hi Mark, if you would like to go to a 54-inch deck tractor and have slopes you will need to move up to a garden tractor. Im already beginning to spend some coin having local vendors mow (3x now). If I recall correctly, Bradley actually had a stand-on before Bob Cat. Trust me all the compacts will slide into the ditch and most likely turn over. Pushing both bars forward makes the mower go forward, while pulling back makes the mower reverse. With occasionally pulling a small cart of wood/ mulch, should I go with the 2800 transaxle over the 2200 transaxle? 10 years ago they were one of the best ZTRs on the market but today almost everyone else has passed them up for cut quality, service, etc. You didnt say how much you are mowing but for example, 10 acres 25 times a year is only 60-75 hours a year. A 34-44 inch just doesnt have the proper weight distribution, not to give you issues with traction. Calculator tells me (for my peace of mind) that I ought to be looking in the 50-60 range if I dont want to spend much more than a few hours doing my lawn every other weekend. Ive owned them over the years and my neighbor has one thats almost 20 years old it runs just as good now as it did new. I would I just need a residential as opposed to commerical. Father in law says he believes i could take a 60 inch back there with no problem and just lift the deck to avoid any small stumps etc that was left over from the guy clearing. So, well see if they last. That said, I dont recommend it for rough bumpy lawns and especially not areas like your 1 1/2 acres that you dont mow every week. (I grew up with International Harvester tractors so the Reb/Black paint scheme appeals to me too!). Anything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated. The owners really like how it mulches with the Toro mulch kit installed. Here are my questions: if i am willing to spend between 6-7k.. what would you say is the best mower i can get (residential/commercial). The only reviews I can find about the Cub Cadet ZT1 state the vibration is only at low rpms. People like their Scag commercial mowers and owners really like how well this one bags but to me its just another middle-of-the-road mower. Both mowers make use of 42-inch steel cutting decks, but the Toro has two front rollers while the Cub has two front and two rear rollers. When I first bought the property, the previous owner left me an old (and basic) Craftsman riding mower, which he had used for mowing. Thanks again. I simply have lost all confidence in residential quality mowers after my previous experience. If you really want serviceable transmissions Ariens sells the Gravely ZT XL. Without concern about the leaf vac, I was looking at the Cub Cadet ZT2 54-inch or the Toro TimeCutter 54-inch (75754) I judge those to be about the equivalent. Bradley Stander 48. Do you have a local dealer who can get those parts for a Jonsered? So let me go quickly through some of the options youve mentioned. If you dont have the experience get a 36-44 inch walk-behind and use that until you get the experience. Youve done an excellent job of researching and then going through all the features that you like and dislike. Its good for up to 1/2 acre and 25 degree slopes. Hi Paul, great website and very informative. It has a very small, cheap engine. I know you really like the Toro units. I bought a Hustler FasTrack thinking it was going to be my last mower. If you want a heavy-duty mower and its the last one you ever want to buy then the ZT HD is a good choice. It side discharges and mulches very well. https://www.toro.com/en/homeowner/riding-mowers/timecutter-mx5000-74775. The toro has the smart speed technology which allows me to tow but with a bigger engine would the Ariens struggle to keep up? It fills the bagger full all the time. The wider decks get done faster and make it easier to trim around stuff. This will be handy for my open / flat areas I am considering a 60 inch deck Ariens Ikon XD 23 HP. Husqvarna Z254F Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower. You can get the HD without MyRide and be close to your budget: Toro TimeCutter HD 48 in. I appreciate your suggestion, and I am going to check out the Gravely ZTRs this week, at my local dealer. Im starting off this article with a list of my choice for the best zero-turn mowers for 2022. Whats your thought on the John Deere Z355E? It wasnt badits just that the email communication back and forth left me conflicted with information I was gleaning on the internetacross several manufacturers by the way. Freshly cut lawns are not only visually appealing, as they feel and smell great too. I think they would have to be ordered. Ive been looking at the Ariens Ikon XD 42 which seems well reviewed. I've worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how. My main priorities are ride comfort, ease of service, and durability. Hi Adam, When the Husqvarna MZ came out 10 years ago there were very few ZTRs in the high residential/entry level pro category but today there are many more that have stronger frames, better cutting decks and ride better. Speed is nice, but the landscape will keep me moving slow to stay in the seat. Also I heard ztr tear up your grass, is this user error or do I need a feature to prevent this? The Briggs is the base Intek and the Kohler will have a longer life. They own the Huskee brand name. Thanks Paul! You can also check out these videos: And with 2 larger diameter tires, it may have a higher center of gravity that I may not care for. Hi Mike, If you want shaft drive you have to buy a Grasshopper or Kubota front deck mower. You have to move up to an Edge to get that option. I suggest buying the size so that you dont keep more than a month of fuel around the house. 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. Hi Daron, The differences are so minor between the 50 inch Cub Cadet and the 50 Toro that it almost boils down to Which color you do like? If you are used to a mid-mount ZTR and then use the Walker for an hour youll never go back to the mid-mount. In my opinion, this is the lowest price point you should go for what you want to mow. Of the 40 or so mowers from the different brands in this size range, its average. It uses the residential grade ZT2200 transmissions so if you mow a lot, have hills or need a heavy duty mower I suggest moving up to the Alpha MP or larger. There are a several dealers not too far from my location near AA so I will go and see what they are like. That mower should be in the $2700 range and the fact you have to spend an EXTRA $160 for a hitch is ridiculous. P.S. My main concern is will the EZT hydros and B&S engine be OK? My personal first choice is always a stand-on but I dont recommend stand-on mowers smaller than 40 inches. Thanks for your time. Beast. Im looking for a new mower to handle about an acre of gently sloped (about 10 degrees in spots) yard and am seriously considering going for a ZTR mower. ft. Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper. Hence, Cub Cadet 60 Volt Max 21 Signature Cut Push Walk-Behind Mower emerges as the clear winner in this segment. Id like to stay cost conscious but I am willing to pay more for an exquisite end result. Hi Charlie, Is the dealer getting some in or will your local Ariens Dealer order the mower? You also have the Ariens XL 60 and the Hustler SD 60 at around the ZT2 price. Toro Titan (overkill) I did not want to step into the $4000 price class to get something like the Hustler SD w/ ZT2800s (the Ikon XL lacks 13 tires). I think I have a truly fun exercise for you with a varied list of contenders. Warren, RI, Hi Mike, I knew you would like it! GREAT website. With the Radius X you can easily cut over 5 acres an hour with it and have a perfectly level cut. Cutting Width (in.) Hi Adam, The Patriot is going to give you a suspension seat and a commercial-grade engine. Read more here: How to Support TodaysMower.com, I will list below three different types of residential zero-turn mowers. Hi Paul your opinion on a Bad Boy 54 Maverick I have a lumpy 2 acres and hilly and my back is not good. Also do i need 2 worry about popping one of those front tires with the small stumps i have around? (about $2699) This is a great, inexpensive mower and I know it will last years: Check it out here. Hi Paul, I really ran across this URL of yours [I think]as a matter of the odds of just browsing, at times, painfully. Your review the other day was spot on. The steel bars featured at the rear of the Cub Cadet zt1 might be for overall fancy-fancy, but they are built for protecting the engine from any exerted force that could be damaging should you bump into obstacles whilst mowing in reverse. Chris, Walker Model R: If you want the best possible cut I suggest the Walker Model R with the 48-inch deck. Thank you so much Paul. My problem is that most dealers are out of stock right now, so I need to make a choice without actually testing one myself. ), 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. Id also like the ability to pull a dethatcher. If you have ditches or slopes to mow never mow one that has a drop-off or pond at the bottom. One of the signature traits of the Toro TimeCutter is the ease of getting on and off; theres a little gap right at the front edge of the footplate for you to place your foot in for a step. You mentioned that there are more than 500 models of mowers out there, so it would be impossible to review them all, but I would like to see what you have to say about the Ultima ZT2 50 compared to the two Jonsered riding lawn mowers sold by Costco https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=Jonsered. Hello Paul. (Most commercial decks depth are 5-6 inches) And to make your mowing experience even better, consider the tips in this post. The 50-inch decks are two of the best cutting decks on the market right now. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. What Im looking for: reliability, ease of maintenance, easy to handle, budget around $3k and comfort (I can see him spending A LOT of time on it). Its being replaced with the Z560 https://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/zero-turn-mowers/z560/967929901/. Agri-Fab Sweeper. 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. I have some areas where Its nearly a football field long! Q: What are your thoughts about Kohler vs Kawasaki quality? I only want to look at shaft drive, to reduce belts. I am not reading about anyone having the EZT hydros die early on. Only the Timecutter has it. Hi Travis, The armrests are worth every penny! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Home Depot has both the MX5075 and MX6050 available in CA compliant models. My local Exmark dealer has hundreds of them out mowing lawns every day and the owners love the engine. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, 2022 The Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers Why Is, This article covers the EGO POWER+ 42 Z6, Ryobi Ryobi, Cub Cadet Lawn Tractors and Garden Tractors Good lawn tractors, Latest Deals at Cub Cadet Take 15% Off All PRO. Do you have any thoughts on how easy (or not) the Toros vs. the Deeres are to work on? Hi Clark, I loved the old Dixons but they had such a shallow deck that you couldnt use a high-lift/bagging blade on them so they had to use the blower to suck the grass out of the deck and throw it into the bagger. Love the articles. I followed the company since the 90s and their equipment has always been built very strong for the price. We have a dealer here that undercuts the prices, but their service and customer relations is poor. Seems safer on slopes can easily step off in the event of a problem (try this on a ZTR) 2. The deck is tough but mows best on normal lawn. I read several of the links about trying to decide which one to get and after your expertise I recently purchased a TORO Time Cutter 75760 60. Hi Rob, Lets start with the Toro. I have a 1 acre lot of which 80% is mowable with a lot of trees and landscaping. The Cub Cadet is the hottest probably because he gets a little more profit so he pushes the sale a little harder 1. But achieving a lush, vibrant lawn can be tough work, especially if theres a lot of ground to cover. 1.5 plus acre yard, mostly flat but bumpy enough to hammer 3 lawn tractors to death in 20 years. Its a nice mower but I have been having issues with cut quality. I also am looking at the 46 inch cub cadet. In particular, I noticed the engine on the Deere was much louder than my lawn tractor. I also believe all Exmarks now have foam filled front tires so punctures are not an issue anymore. Hi Paul, The Toro has the SmartSpeed control so you can slow the top speed down when mowing on the slope but, they are both good mowers. My initial thought on an attached bagger is that it wont hold the volume that the DR will (which has a 27 or 43 cu ft capacity) and you will be constantly emptying it. I recommend the Cub Cadet Z-FORCE S 48 as your cheapest option. Do you think one would last longer than the other, or be more durable, or function better, or offer better traction? Hi Paul, like Mark, my mower seems to eat the blade drive belt. Recap: willing 2 spend 6-7k. Hi Paul, I have a 1 acre with about a 10 to 12 degree slope in the backyard. The two biggest problems for the Briggs Intek is slopes and dirt. Have the dealer do the 1st annual tune-up? If theres less than an acre to mow, a Toro will do just fine at delivering precision, efficiency, and comfort. Pull the lap bars together in front of you, as this will disengage the parking brakes. Hi Brian, Thats a tough choice. A zero-turn is the same way, Too much weight on the rear hitch will cause the front end to be light and even lift off the ground going up a hill. I intend to keep my air filter well serviced. (and may be included). My understanding is he was originally a part owner in Bad Boy mowers he didnt like the direction Bad Boy was heading so he started his own brand of ZTRs. 2020 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, I dont have a problem buying through the Home Depot. Both riding mowers help you fit between flower beds, but Kubota has a 48" deck which measures in at 2" larger than its foe. 22.5 hp Toro Commercial V-Twin 708cc w/Self-Cleaning Air Filter Housing, 3-Year, Unlimited Hour Residential Limited Warranty, Brushless DC 60V Battery L324 (6.0ah, 324 wh), 54 IronForged Fabricated 10 ga. High Strength with Bull Nose, 13 x 6.5 6 Front, 22 x 11 10 Rear, 3-year Unlimited Hours (Includes Powertrain). I think theres always 100.00 off to new card members for their first purchase. The wider deck will allow you to trim around obstacles easier than the 42 inch model below. Fuel Stabilizer: When I go to the gas station and buy fuel I always put fuel stabilizer in the storage tank. Going green The Best Electric Riding Mowers, Lawn Tractors and ZTRs. 6. That Craftsman Pro is made by MTD. Gator Blades the mulching blades with the teeth on the back will just shred the grass and leave little puff balls all over your yard if you try to side discharge with them. Expect 500-800 hour engine life. The Toro also makes use of precision steering. Any ideas? No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can (CARB Compliant), Universal Suspension SEAT KIT for Lawn Mowers, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-42-in-22-5-HP-TimeCutter-Commercial-V-Twin-Gas-Dual-Hydrostatic-Zero-Turn-Riding-Mower-with-Smart-Speed-75742/310836498, 2020 50 (127 cm) TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower (75750), https://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/zero-turn-mowers/z560/967929901/, 2020 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 42 in. The APEX is one of those mowers that it a solid step up from the MZ61. And to know which is bettera Toro or a Cub Cadetread through this guide! You are using an out of date browser. They both cut well and will last you a long time. Deck Vibration: Its very common that a mower deck will have a harmonic vibration at certain RPMs. 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. This is because the spindles are sealed properly to prevent impurities from getting into it, staving off the potential of wear and tear by 99%. The Tractor itself is good but they put a cheap Briggs Intek motor in it. Its very easy to switch from mulch to bag to side discharge. Expect it to last at a minimum twice as long as a Kaw FR. Yes, The Boulevard is a great choice and I have no issues suggesting that it is the best choice especially since you have a local dealer. There are two companies that make good flip-up deck mowers. Thanks in advance for your response! Your site here and responsiveness is some of the best I have seen in my researching journey. Hi Dave, All five brands are a great choice in that price range. You will like the cut of the John Deere a lot. I have been using a Husqvarna 48 lawn tractor and have been very satisfied with it. Appreciate it. A little more than half of it i would consider wooded. The Walkers best feature is its agility when trimming. Prices all seems around the same $2,900 to $3,200 locally. Another option is one of the zero turns with a steering wheel, either a Toro or Cub Cadet. 2. Enjoyed reading your article. The seat is easy to move with just two knobs under the seat. What would you suggest? . I know they arent the best for hills but it isnt that hilly, gradual slope. Two small wheels are at the very front of the mower, and these always move in conjunction with the main wheels. Everything opens up for cleaning, inspection and belt replacement. Hi Randy, The XT2 gives you taller wider tires, 2800 hydros, thicker handles, comfy seat, and a reinforced deck. Thanks in advance! I dont think youll be happy with Husqvarna 254 over the years. 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. The Toro Titan with MyRide is the best riding residential mower on the market. Pretty set on a Kaw engine. Both are good engines. 22 HP Gas Dual Hydrostatic. Of those 400 there are actually quite a few good zero-turn mowers on the market right now. Thanks in advance. I couldnt be happier and you gave me some good advice last year, so thanks for that. Howdy Paul. Blower has a steel blade. The ZT2100 transmissions are too light-duty to pull a leaf vac. Im looking to get something from Home Depot because I have A LOT of gift cards saved up. Who Makes The Best Lawn Tractor or Zero Turn For You? Hi Art, Good comment! 2022 LawnMowerForum.com. A homeowner doesnt need a commercial-grade zero-turn mower, as these are intended for very large areas. I mow our residential, flat, 1 acre yard with ~10 trees and fence in Pittsburgh, PA. You and Consumer Reports make me think the Toro MX5075 would be great. Cub Cadets commercial stuff is awesome but its going to take a while yet before it catches on with the commercial guys. While it is possible to purchase durable air filters to prevent the problem, its a little inconvenient nonetheless and because of that, the Cub Cadet wins this round with their powerful and durable engines. It all seems easy enough for me to do it, but its got a 3 yr warranty so what is the best practice? The Toro Timecutter HD will handle the hills. There is a huge selection to pick from including Cub Cadet ZT2, Toro, Ariens etc. Will those help with preventing the deck from getting clogged? 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. He did a great job and cut down a lot of the smaller trees etc. The only real difference is the Toro has a slightly thicker deck, the automatic parking brake, and the smart speed control. Any insight on the Toro V-twin vs the Kohler V-twin 7000 series? I have 15 acres of grass with voles holes/tunnels, berms, bumpy grass and fences. So I spent about $450 at local dealership to replace drive belt, tune up, etc. Also deciding between the deck size 54 ( 52 Exmark ) and both have a 60. Looking for a new zero turn 54 and under $3500 and under from Lowes. Do they really ride that much better? They just run the snot out of them and once the lease is up buy another new one. Thanks for all you do ! We do also have a local Hustler dealer, but Im not familiar with what theyve got. Instead, they shred the grass into little cotton balls That leave a mess on your lawn. The Cub is $200 less, and has a (better) 3-year unlimited hours warranty vs 2 years/120 hours for the Deere. I think a 42 is the right size for me but this late in the season nobody has one in stock right now and can get he 50 for lesser price. Other than that I dont have a preference. In terms of riding stability and safety (making turns) on a 15 degree slope, would a 46 zero turn with a steering wheel be more stable than a lawn tractor with a 46 deck? The Toros controls are further back than the Country Clipper. Loncin is one of the worlds largest engine manufactures and their quality is legendary. It will easily last through your sons learning stage and go on to last you years.