Buying a zero-turn lawnmower

after much research i decided on Big Dog Alpha years ago for most reasons you have listed.

You want what is a prosumer series.
At this price point you have a lot of choices and all of them are decent. Bad boys have issues with deck belts flying off so stay away from them. Most bigger names have decent units husqvarna, Cub z force, snapper pro, hustler, toro, and gravely are your bigger boys that will be around to provide parts down the road.

Kawasaki remember if you buy a used one they had problems with metal on valves a few years back. Around 300 hours or less they snapped.

Kawasaki and Kohler command are decent engines.

Typically a prosumer unit should have
Steel spindles
Hydro gear ZT series transmission over an EZT transmission
- this what I worry about and most expensive part of the mower.

Engine toss up Kawasaki, Kohler, or some Briggs it just depends on brand and dealer.

If you wanted to save money and found a prosumer unit at a service center which they warranty and it is a reputable dealer go for it.

If you find a new one at a dealer who you feel will service you that a plus also just cost you more money.

I would stay away from a big box store that sells a so called prosumer unit. You will not get the service that a local dealer or service center will give you.

Guess what they all break!

My customers in and out 1 to 7 days depending on if I have the parts.
Big box 3 to 4 weeks as I always put my customers first.

I'm in the same boat. Tried out a Kubota the other day and loved it. Not sure what we're going to go with yet, as I haven't done all the research I need to do. Glad you started this thread.

Why would anyone want a mower that doesn't turn? Seems like a waste to me.

toro

This time of year the dealers should have specials. I sold out my inventory and getting ready for snow blower sales, tuneups, and service.

In Louisiana the dealers probably have trade in's and deals on prosumer units. $3k to $4k most dealers can get you in a prosumer unit all day long.

Now in flat land areas people do not see a need for riders.
I sell a lot of the cub cadet XT3's with drive shafts at my stores with areas with hills. They also have electric PTO's for accessories such as blades, small disc, and snow blower. In these areas they will out handle a zero turn. Flat surface a zero turn is faster.

I bought a Scag Freedom Z and it was great. Before that I had a Toro ZTR (their consumer line) and it fell apart after a couple of years. I bought the Toro from a local hardware store and when something broke, it would take them 3-4 weeks to get it fixed.

I purchased the Scag from a dealer that caters to the pros and they can turn around repairs in next to no time.

Bought a Deere Z997R Diesel 72" for the farm a couple of years ago. It has been rock-solid so far. Neighbor bought a comparable 72" Kubota diesel around the same time, and he's been pleased with it as well.

Price for either one is a little steep, but we picked up our Deere from the dealer as a 2015 closeout for under $20K.

Only advice I can give you re: Deeres is stay far far away from the ones sold at the big box stores.

Now is the perfect time to pick up a quality low hours machine.

Check around for small lawn services who thought they could "make money" with only 20 properties. You have these upstarts who have been working all summer and haven't made the money they thought they would be making.

Liquidation time is now for the newbies. They know if they hold on too much longer, the market demand will be gone. For some, it already has.

Check their other equipment. You can tell those who have taken good care of their stuff.