Best entry level residential ZTR?

Get as much HP and deck size as you’re willing to pay for.

I have a Hustlee raptor 52in with kohler no choke engine…

Been great for 6 years (knocking on wood)..

Did have to change out the solenoid, and I have a tire in have to keep airing up.

But good other then that…

The box stores require/ask the manufacturers to meet a lower price point, and in order for the manufacturers to do that, they have to use thinner gauge steel, cheaper non-sealed spindles on the front wheels and everything else cheaper. So yes, do not buy from a big box store thinking you are getting the same quality as the more expensive rig from a mowing shop.

OP, do you have gates to all of the homes you're mowing large enough to accommodate a zt? I assume if you're mowing them with a rider currently, then you do, but might check gate sizes and maybe tree spacings to make sure something too big isn't going to create a bigger hassle for you.

Another something I learned from the lawn mower outfit I bought my ZT at, is to look at the blade spacing and overlap. The guy said that the 48" Gravel ZT used the same blades as the 42" and that there wasn't much overlap between the blades on the 48". So stubborn grass can squeeze between blades easier. On the 52" deck, they increased the blade size adding more overlap to the blades. I would have never thought of that if he hadn't told me.

quote:

---

Gravely ZTX with the 21.5 hp Kawasaki. Decided to step up from the lower model to get better deck,seat, bigger engine,etc

---

Just bought the same one in 42” deck. Love it so far

Gautreaux’s Sale

quote:

---

Whatever you decide to buy, don't but from a big box store.

---

Dealer is the only way to go. The warrantee work, the parts, and just a person to call with questions is worth infinitely more that the little bit you would save.

Is Tractor Supply considered a "big box" store?

quote:

---

The box stores require/ask the manufacturers to meet a lower price point, and in order for the manufacturers to do that, they have to use thinner gauge steel, cheaper non-sealed spindles on the front wheels and everything else cheaper. So yes, do not buy from a big box store thinking you are getting the same quality as the more expensive rig from a mowing shop.

---

I get all of that, but why does someone that uses their lawn mower once a week for 20-30 minutes for 8 months out of the year need to spend $4500 on a Hustler or $4300 on a Gravely, both 42" deck with 21hp Kawasaki motor from a dealer, when they can spend $3200 on a Toro 42" with a 21hp Briggs and Stratton mower from Lowes? Is it really that big of a deal that i get this fabricated deck? I had a stamped deck on my cub cadet for 10 years. It did just fine once a week for 30 minutes for 10 years.

Don't be an idiot when using it (like flying over roots), do standard maintenance routinely to it, keep it clean, and the big box store one will do just fine and last a long time.

He said he cuts other yards also. I wouldn't buy a big box store mower if I cut more than my yard. They don't last, I know from experience. I have a Gravely ZT X 42 residential grade with a Kohler and welded deck. I cut my yard plus a few others. It's been great.