Ive been watching for auctions and yard sales as the snow melts around here, hoping to find a good deal on a used ZTR mower for the 5 acres we will have to mow next summer in our new place.
Now Sears went and did a huge sale, chopping huge amounts off all their yard and garden mowers prices. Im guessing the economy is scaring dealers and none of them want inventory sitting all spring and summer long. Found out that in addition to their huge sale price discounts online and in flyers in the paper, this Sat. is another 10% off the prices. All of a sudden the new ZTR by Craftsman is looking very reasonable. Around $2700 for 26HP Koehler twin cyl. powered, 50" wide cut unit. It also runs around 6-8 MPH on the open grass fields like we will have, as compared to 3 mph of a tractor type mower. Id rather go faster and get done. It has elec start, cup holder :) Hydrostatic running gear system and the deck is motorized for up and down, no handles to lift or pull to adjust. I wonder if it can lay rubber in the driveway?
Might just pull the trigger on Sat.
:D

http://www.carsbyjim.com/storage/House/ZTR%20Sears.jpg

5 Acres!

You need a real tractor, with a 12 foot wide tow behind deck!

Seller gave his big tractor and PTO mower deck system to his nephew so Im on my own for this, :) I figured about 2.5 hours for the 5 acres and then some closer trimming around the pine trees in the plantation. There are around 200 spruce and jack pine trees, all about 5-6 feet tall growing there now. About 5' apart so I can cruise the rows and keep the grass down around them all so more rain gets to the trees themselves. :thumbsup: The ZTR will zig zag around those pretty nicely.
http://www.carsbyjim.com/storage/House/AerialEbinger.jpg

The ZTR's are nice. I have 2 neighbors with them. The Craftsman isn't going to be near as heavy duty as a commercial one, but it should last long enough to get into a better one. The engine will last forever...:D I have a 20hp Kohler twin in my Toro tractor and it's powerful. Takes me about 1.5 hours to cut 1.25 acres of lawn and weave around 3 dozen trees. Mine is supposed to reach 4 mph and I've got my foot holding the hydro pedal on the floor the whole time.:yes:

I think you would be much better off with a used commercial unit. Something like Scag, or Exmark. You can get used mowers for close to the Craftsman's price that are much better machines.

Jim, fwiw, most guys I've known (most, not all) that have owned Craftsmen riding mowers have said they'd never buy another one. I have a friend that bought a Z (but I think it's by Toro...or someone else) for nearly 5K about 6yrs ago. This included the "stand behind platform" too, which was his choice for flying across the 8 acres he had to cut. It was commercial grade and about as cheap as you could get back then.

Hell, my neighbor across the street has a new "Z looking" mower., but I don't know what brand. It's yellow? All I know is that our bermuda grass is barely coming out of dormancy and that SOB was cutting his yard AGAIN today :D. This is at least the 3rd time in 2 wks, ans I haven't needed to cut mine once! I think he just likes riding on the damn thing, lol. I'll try to ask him about it tomorrow if I get a chance....just to see what brand/cost.

Jim, I have a Hustler super Z mower with a 27hp kohler 60" deck. We mow a
17 acre parcel every week with it. It will cut at 15 mph if you can stay on
it over the gopher holes. We beat the crap out of this thing and it still has been
running great after 3 years. Try to find a commercial one like this, maybe smaller.
They sell smaller models for home use, will last years.

Steer clear of the stamped steel decks and look for something with enough tire to absorb the dumps and grinds of the ride.
I have both a 61" Great Dane (Dane Skag after he sold Skag to someone else) with a 26hp Kohler and a 61" Grasshopper (Diesel). Both are commercial grade and make mowing an enjoyable trip.
A friend bought a 36" ZTR from Lowes to do a property with limited access and it will beat you to death.
Many places are now giving you the opportunity to try it before you buy.....Take advantage of that. This is a long term purchase and looking at how long a good mower can last and the numbers of hours you will spend on it, get something you can justify and enjoy.
Hey......put that ipod to use. I love the Bose sound-defeating headphones and mowing 3 acres. It's not always about how FAST you can do it. Having a cupholder is only good for water......anything else goes flat after that first circuit.

ss

Goats are good for mowing.

Jim, fwiw, most guys I've known (most, not all) that have owned Craftsmen riding mowers have said they'd never buy another one.

Yup, that's what I was hinting at. I started with a Craftsman here and it was OK for three years before I could make the jump to the Toro, but it was already falling apart.:( Consider it an "ARM" level mower. You're gonna be upgrading in 3-5 years.:yes:

Goats are good for mowing.

Sheep too and they both provide free fertilizer....:thumbsup:

Yup, that's what I was hinting at. I started with a Craftsman here and it was OK for three years before I could make the jump to the Toro, but it was already falling apart.:( Consider it an "ARM" level mower. You're gonna be upgrading in 3-5 years.:yes:

I bought a MTD Yard Machine (B&S 14.5 OHV, I/C Quiet, 42", 7spd) just over 9yrs ago. I've only replaced the battery once (I think), and the belt once! I only have to cut approx 1 acre of sodded lawn, but I have some rough areas and I beat the crap out of this thing, chewing up junk on the wooded edges. In fact, the only problem I ever had was that the front end/casing had a bunch of bolts fall out from vibration and rough, fast riding. An easy fix that took less than 1/2hr.

The brand I had before this? Another MTD that I bought used for $400 when it was 10yrs old. Unfortunately....I blew the motor :). Anyway, if the current one ever breaks....I'll be buying another MTD.

I'll be buying another MTD.My choice of manf. Three MTD's before, Craftsman now, can't wait.

My choice of manf. Three MTD's before, Craftsman now, can't wait.

Craftsman is made by MTD, but to Sears specs. That's why I originally bought my craftsman for less money, but I don't think they are as well built as the MTD.

I bought an Ariens ztr about 5 years ago no problems at all. The only thing I would advice is to get one with the deck under where you sit so it doesn't blow dust and grass back at you. My buddy bought one with the deck out front and he takes a dust bath every time he mows. you notice more when its hot and dry [ie late summer]

Craftsman is made by MTD, but to Sears specs.

Now that you mention it, I believe MTD makes a boatload of such products that other companies sell under their own label.

I see MTD makes Troy and Cub Cadet among others, so many options but with limited grass budget I have to consider the Chevette style first before I move up to the Cadillac later :D still looking at all local dealers. John Deere here also sells Hustler but those are more expensive than JD.

Whatever you get Jim, I'd go the extra distance (cash) for the best you can truly afford. My buddy never regretted spending 5K on his Z. Before he got it, every day at work he'd say, "I gotta go home and cut the last third of the 8 acres." Because of the time consumption, he could only cut so much each evening, so he was practically always cutting some portion of it. The Z made it almost fun for him, as he said it was like riding and ATV :D

I have to consider the Chevette style first before I move up to the Cadillac later :D .

Admitting you know of the Chevette is "aging" yourself.....:D

Ferris makes a great machine. I prefer the three wheel version with the deck in the front because you can put it up under trees with low lying branches like the pine trees you are looking at mowing around. Also the deck has a hydraulic lift which pivots the front deck up and makes it super easy to remove blades for sharpening and for cleaning. They are more of a commercial lawn mower but will last longer than the homeowner models. My Dad's neighbor has gone through a homeowner grade lawnmower every 3-5 yrs mowing about 5 acres and Dad's Ferris made it 17 years before the engine finally went south. He even traded in his 17 year old Ferris with a blown motor on the new one, try doing that with a homeowner model. The Ferris is not a cheap mower but it is definatly a heavier built machine that will outlast the craftsman.

http://www.mytscstore.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home_10551_10001

Demo Days and no interest, no payments for 12 months. If you have a TSC nearby, it might be worth a visit.

ss

Ive been watching for auctions and yard sales as the snow melts around here, hoping to find a good deal on a used ZTR mower for the 5 acres we will have to mow next summer in our new place.
Now Sears went and did a huge sale, chopping huge amounts off all their yard and garden mowers prices. Im guessing the economy is scaring dealers and none of them want inventory sitting all spring and summer long. Found out that in addition to their huge sale price discounts online and in flyers in the paper, this Sat. is another 10% off the prices. All of a sudden the new ZTR by Craftsman is looking very reasonable. Around $2700 for 26HP Koehler twin cyl. powered, 50" wide cut unit. It also runs around 6-8 MPH on the open grass fields like we will have, as compared to 3 mph of a tractor type mower. Id rather go faster and get done. It has elec start, cup holder :) Hydrostatic running gear system and the deck is motorized for up and down, no handles to lift or pull to adjust. I wonder if it can lay rubber in the driveway?
Might just pull the trigger on Sat.
:D

http://www.carsbyjim.com/storage/House/ZTR%20Sears.jpg
I would highly recommend you spend the extra $$$ now, or it will just cost more later when you are forced to buy a commercial grade mowerr. I know it seems ridiculous to pay upwards of $5K for a mower, but you do get what you pay for.

You may also want to go to www.lawnsite.com (http://www.lawnsite.com) or www.lawnforum.com (http://www.lawnforum.com) and research zero turns before you buy.

Also if you look at Hustler, Exmark, etc most are offering 36mo @ 1.9%, which makes it a little easier to afford a better machine.

Jim, I have a Hustler super Z mower with a 27hp kohler 60" deck. We mow a 17 acre parcel every week with it. It will cut at 15 mph if you can stay on it over the gopher holes. We beat the crap out of this thing and it still has been running great after 3 years. Try to find a commercial one like this, maybe smaller. They sell smaller models for home use, will last years.
The is an awesome mower and would take care of a 5 acre lot in no time and last for years!

ITs hard to bet a old ford tractor with a sheader behind it
http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/a20088.jpg

I am sure the Craftsmen ZTR will be a step up from a garden tractor and you will enjoy mowing a little more. The steering can sometimes be tricky on the ZTR with the two levers, but I think it is something you will get accustomed too over time. Good luck with whatever mower you decide on.

I would suggest the Exmark or Toro. I have the Toro, wonderful machine, built to last.

Ok guys thanks for all the input. I checked out every brand mentioned in this thread. I spent hours combing the internet and talked to the local dealers. Some of the brands mentioned dont have local dealers so they are out, I only buy locally for service reasons. A few of the others are commercial grade and while built heavier they are also alot more money, not just a little. On my budget for this, I had to stay within my checkbook.
Warranty and repairs are a big thing on my list since I dont want to haul a mower anywhere, they are all between 750 and 900 lbs.
I settled for the Craftsmen ZTR shown in the photo I posted.
They have 4 local repair men that are on contract with them at Sears, if anything breaks from manf. defect in 2 years, they come to my home and do repairs onsite. That is a big issue for me. Also, after talking to the sears Rep, (they also handle Swisher).. we figured that with only mowing May through October, it leaves 6 months that it sits idle. If I was in the south, mowing year around I think I would make a different decision, since Id be using the mower year around.
After doing the pro and con list, the Mrs. and I decided on the Craftsman with the Kohler engine, quieter muffler system Im told.
For only $2888 it has all the features we will need and local service and grand opening for the new Sears store also saved us another 10% on Sat.
They wanted $60 to deliver it but I said, no, deliver it free, its only 5 miles away. They agreed and it will be delivered April 25th to my farmsite garage for storage there.
If I get 10 years out of it before I need to trade or upgrade, thats only $288 a year to have it, right?
Again, thanks for the input, I did read and research every brand mentioned and learned alot about ZTR mowers too.
Im glad my lawn is flat, and hope to have some fun driving it in May.
:thumbsup: thanks guys :beers:

Doesn't sears ship their mowers for repair. I dont think they do it in the store anymore

They contract with local service dudes in vans that drive around and service onsite for warranty work issues. :) Nothing done in store anymore.

Guess I'm too late to post this, but you could still get one and pull it behind!!
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200311307_200311307

No goats?

Good luck! my wife does have a 18-hp tractor w/42" cut and it has maybe 50 hrs on it and its doing good.

I looked at the pull behind units before I went for ZTR. Those are not as manueverable around all my 200 pine trees and they are a 2nd motor running burning gas, as well as wear and tear on my 4wheeler which is ancient and probably would need a $1000 overhaul to pull that unit. They seem to be good for certain applications, but not mine :) thanks tho :D