Zero Turn Mower Rec's

The big box stores will use lighter gauge steel and their front spindles on the front tires will be unsealed units and the spindles for the blades will be lighter grade. Basically, if you hit anything in the ground you don't see it'll bend and flex the metal. Really suggest looking at the steel around the front wheel spindles to make sure they're relatively beefy. I also have the Kawasaki motor on my Gravely ZT52 (residential unit). I've had my mower for about 8 years and all I've done is the routine maintenance and replaced the battery. I have no complaints about my mower. One thing I will look for on my next mower is a suspension seat. I have 2.5 acres and my back is a wreck after I mow for 2 or 3 hours on my mower.

Lots of threads on zero turn recommendations. It’s really about preference and potentially accessibility of parts/service.

In general, avoid a big box store and use a dealer. This will help ensure you get what you need.

Too many people default to the “get a commercial grade mower”, which is completely unnecessary. Certain aspects of each mower are more important than others. For 1 acre of residential use, you’ll get a ton of usage out of just about any level machine.

Gravely, Hustler, Bad Boy are some of the most common. I have a Gravely HD and owned a Hustler Raptor SD before.

Key features would be obviously deck size, but also gauge. Kawasaki engines are generally considered better than others. Serviceable transmissions and spindles aren’t that critical compared to just being “heavy duty” enough for use.

I’ve bought all of mine used with <50 hours. The Gravely only because it was during COVID and inventory was non-existent. Looking to go to a 60” soon, but likely not for another year or two. I’ve had good luck buying used, then selling a few years later for a newer model.

Stihl has come out with Zero turn mowers,looked nice with pretty good price.Actually had shocks which I wish I had.I have a Scag with Kawasaki engine.Solid mower but is rough riding.

Local Hustler Dealer has a promo on the Raptor XD 48's for $4900 out the door coming up. Found comparable low unit mowers on FB for $3.5k ish.

Will give Gravely a call tmrw when they open

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Will give Gravely a call tmrw when they open

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I looked at the scag 36 as well. I have a 100x150 lot with zero trees or stumps and it was too much for me as far as commercial vs residential. Actually the gravely is probably too much but the price was better

My Scag (Kawaski engine) has been rock solid in my 6 years of ownership. It costs a little more, but it stays out of the shop.

for a 1 acre lot and no plans to use the machine commercially then a Hustler raptor would be more than adequate. I had a raptor for almost 12 years without any issues until the end..I had over 800 hours on it..I was going to buy another until I found a Scag liberty z on marketplace with less that 50 hours on it for a little less than a new raptor would cost so i bought it..same size machine. the liberty z is scag's "residential" mower and I can tell you it cuts better, is faster, and is overall better built but if bought new it would have been alomost 2k more than the raptor...Its definately a better machine but not 2k better..The raptor will serve you just fine, as will the gravely ztx or just about any other at that pricepoint

Going on my 3rd year with a BadBoy ZT Elite, zero issues. Just started it up first key turn for my first cut Monday after sitting outside under my covered barn since Oct/Nov.

I bought a 50" Toro Myride last summer from a dealer for a 1 ac. yard. It's been good thus far and easy to do routine service. I bought it to ease stress on my knees and hips, but more so to have a link with a company that services what they sell. Not saying it's the best mower, but it works for me.

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In general, avoid a big box store and use a dealer.

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Welded deck, not stamped

Go bigger than you think you need