Zero Turn Mower vs Small Compact Tractor

My grandpa has what you are talking about

Clipper, grooming mower, blade etc

And then a small ztr for the immediate yard

35hp John Deere

I have a compact Massey Ferguson with front loader. Attachments include box blade, harrow, disk, sub-soiler 5' bush hog, 5' finish mower, and auger. Oh and... ratchet rake, spade and forks for the bucket.

A zero turn mower will cut much faster, but no way would I trade. There is just so much you can do with it... Very impressive for it's size. Plus, it runs damn near forever on 5 gallons of diesel!

I cut some trails this past weekend with it... the ratchet rake makes quick work out of thick privet hedge and I uprooted numerous 4" diameter or so trees.

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Sounds like what I would need. What HP and model do you have? And how long does it take to cut your grass?

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MF2300 22hp 3 cylinder diesel. It takes probably 1.5 hours to cut 3 acres, but I have a lot of trees and the field is bahia grass which takes a while to cut. I use a regular mower for the lawn area around the house though.

Like I said, a zero turn will cut MUCH faster, but that's all it will do... And you can get one much cheaper. That tractor was $8000 used and you can get a great ZTR for much cheaper.

Go with the tractor and get a front end loader. You never realize how much you can do with the loader until you get one. I have a 27 hourse kubota and pull a 6 foot finishing mower. Push mow rigt around the house and roundup the rest.

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870

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tank

One time I took off in 4high with the engine revved on accident

rolled on 2 wheels about 30 yards

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The market is full of used john deer 870-1070 tractors

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I use an older (1998) JD 870 with rear finishing mower for the yard (almost 2 acres).

Comes in handy for roto-tilling the garden, bush hogging, and other chores.

Yeah, ZTRs are fast, but a 5 foot RFM makes short work of my front yard.

LC