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Zero Turn Mowers?

Posted on 8/18/22 at 7:41 am
Posted by RetiredSaintsLsuFan
NW Arkansas
Member since Jun 2020
2002 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 7:41 am
Due to my age I am thinking of getting a small zero turn mower for the 1/2 acre lot I have. It is slopped some (7' over 100'). I found several brands that have either a 34" or 36" models, but I can't find any locally. They are Ariens, Snapper and Hustler. The Hustler has only a 10hp motor where the others have 19 or 20 hp motors. I would get a 42" at the last resort. I don't think a regular riding mower will work as good as a zero turn will with the shape of my yard and obstacles in it.

Any recommendations?
Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
430 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 7:48 am to
ZT's downfall are slopes. Depending on how severe your slopes are, you may want to stick with a tractor style mower.
I would purchase a ZT with a welded deck, one with the largest motor, and widest tires.
Posted by LSUtigerME
Walker, LA
Member since Oct 2012
3894 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 7:51 am to
Hustler and Ariens/Gravely are two I would recommend of those options. If you’re looking at the Hustler Dash, step up to the XD or the Raptor for a more powerful engine.

I’d avoid the typical box stores for these types of mowers and find a local dealer. However, for such a small yard and small use, honestly a box store is probably fine.

I’d also suggest looking into some of the electric options. You’re not cutting much and it may be a good option.
Posted by viv1d
Member since Aug 2017
1712 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 8:25 am to
Since you didnt mention price, I would get a Hustler Super S 36" stand up mower and lie to your wife about the price.
Posted by RetiredSaintsLsuFan
NW Arkansas
Member since Jun 2020
2002 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 9:34 am to
quote:

Since you didnt mention price, I would get a Hustler Super S 36" stand up mower and lie to your wife about the price.


I know I will most likely pay between $2,800 (Hustler Dash) and $3,500. A stand up mower won't work being it is my legs that I am have trouble with more as I get older (71).
Posted by cardoin
Member since Mar 2018
127 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 10:27 am to
These may be just what you are looking for. I've had one for 10+ years with zero trouble. Worked on a steep hill behind my home in Ga. before moving back to La. where I mow 2 acres. LINK
Posted by Beef Tips
Member since Jan 2013
2877 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 10:29 am to
Bought a hustler after moving to a new house a few years ago and seeing several of my older neighbors with them.

Im glad I copied.
Posted by RetiredSaintsLsuFan
NW Arkansas
Member since Jun 2020
2002 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 12:59 pm to
What is the concern about slopes? If my math is correct I have a 7% slope 7' over 100').

The Cub Cadet 42" was one of the first one's I researched.
This post was edited on 8/18/22 at 1:00 pm
Posted by STATigerFan
St. Amant, LA
Member since Sep 2019
182 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 2:19 pm to
I’d get the biggest one your budget and gates will allow. If a 42” fits through your gates and is within your budget that’s what I’d get. I have a little over a half an acre lot and I have a Hustler Raptor 42” with a 22hp motor. Take me about 35 minutes to cut the entire yard. Then 15-20 to trim, edge and blow off the cement. Under an hour and I’m done. Smaller mowers will take longer of course, especially with a smaller engine.
Posted by BiggerBear
Redbone Country
Member since Sep 2011
3088 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 3:31 pm to
quote:

Zero Turn Mowers?
What is the concern about slopes? If my math is correct I have a 7% slope 7' over 100').


It's one of issues you have to deal with when you ask advice about zero turn mowers and your post has the word "slope" in it. As you described your slope, it will not be a problem.

Welded v. stamped deck is also not an issue. Get one with a thick deck. The fabrication method is meaningless.

For a 1/2 acre yard, you don't need more than a 42" deck. If the Hustler Dash fits the bill, I wouldn't worry too much about the horsepower (unless you routinely let your grass get high before mowing or plan to mulch with it). Hustler makes a good product. Just make sure you can get it serviced locally.
Posted by dgnx6
Member since Feb 2006
79732 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 3:34 pm to
I cut five acres with just the lowest john deer model. Works great.

Z300 series

And they are in your price range.
This post was edited on 8/18/22 at 3:38 pm
Posted by Ikneauxnuffin
da bayou
Member since Dec 2019
735 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 4:03 pm to
My mom just bought the Dash XD with the 15 hp Kawasaki and the 34” deck, it’s damn good lil mowing machine.
She has about 1/2 acre as well, she’s very satisfied with it.
Posted by GrizzlyAlloy
Member since Aug 2020
2581 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 7:09 pm to
The ariens I have is well made for the price. Would buy again.
Posted by RetiredSaintsLsuFan
NW Arkansas
Member since Jun 2020
2002 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 8:03 pm to
A local Bobcat dealer sells and services the Hustler brand mowers.
This post was edited on 8/19/22 at 6:43 am
Posted by RetiredSaintsLsuFan
NW Arkansas
Member since Jun 2020
2002 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 8:06 pm to
quote:

The ariens I have is well made for the price. Would buy again.


I looked at some Ariens models today at Lowes. They were the 52 and 60 models.
Posted by WilsonPickett
St Amant, LA
Member since Oct 2009
1677 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 8:59 pm to
The only Gravely ZTR with a 34” deck is the Compact Pro and it’s $7500. The Hustler Dash has been out of production for most of the year. The 34” Dash XD’s have been avail but usually sell quickly when they show up. They’re around $3300 and are really nice machines.
Posted by BiggerBear
Redbone Country
Member since Sep 2011
3088 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 9:55 pm to
Well, Bobcat does make mowers.
Posted by AUjim
America
Member since Dec 2012
3708 posts
Posted on 8/18/22 at 11:10 pm to
I wanted so much to like the Ariens that i bought...but its fatal flaw was that it had no scalp wheels. The 42 IKON model has them, the 42 Edge did not
Posted by Will Cover
Davidson, NC
Member since Mar 2007
39513 posts
Posted on 8/19/22 at 6:25 am to
quote:

a small zero turn mower for the 1/2 acre lot I have


I own a Scag Liberty Z 36". Purchased from Gautreaux's in Gonzales.

I do all the maintenance. About 4 years old, no issues whatsoever.

Solid manufacturing. Kawasaki engine.

This post was edited on 8/19/22 at 6:27 am
Posted by RetiredSaintsLsuFan
NW Arkansas
Member since Jun 2020
2002 posts
Posted on 8/19/22 at 6:56 am to
quote:

I wanted so much to like the Ariens that i bought...but its fatal flaw was that it had no scalp wheels. The 42 IKON model has them, the 42 Edge did not


Thanks for that info. I did not notice that and I want the anti-scalp wheels.

I guess the Hustler Dash & Dash XD models are coming out on top. A local dealer has them in stock. Do these ever come on sale?
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