I really wanted to see the deck engaged before making my choice between the two. Its good for up to 1/2 acre and 25 degree slopes. Looks like the Cub has a stronger transmission than the Toro with the ZT2200 and the Toro has the ZT2100. Dont really care for the gravely dealer. 42-46 inch Fabricated Deck 1/2 to 1 1/2 Acres, 42-46 inch Heavy-Duty 10 ga Fabricated Decks, You can find a lot more information on the 42-46 inch ZTRs here: 2022 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 48-52 inch Stamped Deck Up to 2.5 Acres, 48-52 inch Fabricated Deck Up To 3 Acres. I am very new into this arena and have always cut with a walk behind. The used one would be $900 cheaper, but it actually looks a little rough to me, including seat tears. Almost everyone else including Honda, Deere, Cub Cadet, Toro, etc, is getting into robotic mowers. I normally keep a zero-turn about 3 years. Ariens IKON XD Mowing Review. You get a great mower at an honest price. I never had this issue with a prior John Deere. I just want something that will give me the best cut on slopes. Solid, Paul. Hi Rob, Yes, there is a substantial difference between the Timecutter and HD models. But he also has the commercial Toro. Both mowers make use of 42-inch steel cutting decks, but the Toro has two front rollers while the Cub has two front and two rear rollers. Im thinking its ok to go stamped since I dont commercially mow. You have to move up to an Edge to get that option. Will look to get something off the website too to help you!! Hi Paul, Thank you for this info, it has been a tremendous help to me. I dont think anyone has an IKON XL or a TORO 5075 MyRIDE for me to compare. The most recommended dealer for service in my area sells mainly Hustler ZTs in my price range. Paul, Hi Adam, The Patriot is going to give you a suspension seat and a commercial-grade engine. In my opinion, the Iron-Forged deck cuts a lot better than the stamped deck on the model you mentioned. So now I am wanting to look for a machine that is between 42-60 inches, floating deck, deck lifts up for easy blade replacement/clean and performs well for lawn cutting/orchard. And with my analytical mind, I go back and forth and change my mind on many of these. Toro is offering a $300 discount on the 2000 series so check to see if you can stack that with the $1000 discount. Also I wonder if they all have 2200 axles, I thought I read that the toro had 2800s. Charlie Victor. In any case, heres a link to a video about the Turning Point Center shelter for the elderly homeless in Houston, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRAJIH0veOM so you can get an idea about the organization and how it runs. Its a nice mower but I have been having issues with cut quality. With the Walker, he was able to mow the hill mostly side to side, or on a diagonal, rather than up and down. When not in use, should the deck be kept at a specific height (all the way up or down)? If you want the Cub Cadet I suggest looking seriously at the ZT2. Toro TimeCutter MX4200. The engines generate about 22 to 24 horsepower also depending on the grade of the model. Flat-out, straight-line mowing its faster than the Walker. We store towels, medicine, toiletry supplies, first-aid gear, massage devices, facial steamers, spare Painting your garage is a great way to improve the look of the space and make the walls easier to clean. The manufactures dont specify but Id guess 140-180 F. Hope youre doing well, great article by the way. Are they dependable? Hi Randy, All have the EZT2200 axles. I have about 1 acre of mowable grass. This product is a high-performance gas-operated zero-turn mower that will suit the needs of both homeowners and professionals. Hydro Gear ZT-2100 and ZT-2200 Transaxles on the SS and SW and Hydro Gear ZT-2800 Transaxles on the MX and SWX and Hydro Gear ZT-3100 Transaxles on the Timecutter HD. If you go any less than this price range and they ZTR will only last you a couple of years. I see that a local dealer and Home Depot have the same mower for this. I noticed right away the Deere appears to have a lighter frame, which I liked, so it weighs less. I havent been able to see much on the cut quality of the apex and if its worth the extra $1000. Hi Wilson, Wow, what a wonderful list to work with! ), since Im hoping to do a bunch of that myself. I do like the 42 inch Toro over the 46 inch Cub Cadet. I am strongly leaning toward a DR Leaf and Lawn vac for fall and spring clean up and am concerned with weight of that being pulled by the mower. It has a heavier deck, heavier transmissions, and heavier frame. Kohler engine. I have both brands and I use them all the time. So inclined to think the Cub might be better overall for towing. My main concern is will the EZT hydros and B&S engine be OK? 5. Ariens Edge 42. I also have balance challenges and some minor fine motor control issues (mild multiple sclerosis). In general, stamped decks cut better fabricated decks are tougher and handle more abuse. In addition, the easy access deck makes it very easy to clean and allows you to do your own maintenance on the blades. If she plans on being at her job for a while ask her to cost-justify the Ultima compared to the Jonsereds. John Deere. Trying to decide between a 54 Magnum MZ ztr Bad Boy and a Ariens Ikon X 52, any words of advise? For fall cleanup, Ill either bag or mulch and sweep. My main concerns are maintenance, longevity, baggers/mulching. For reference, I am mowing one acre, with some moderate slopes, trees, and landscaping. Electric Riding Mower Lithium-Ion and Lead Acid Battery- 10 Best Tips. If hill is wet I can walk behind to have more control The ZT2100 transmissions are too light-duty to pull a leaf vac. 2022 Hustler SUPER Z for Sale | Farms.com Of those 400 there are actually quite a few good zero-turn mowers on the market right now. Hi Jon, Wow! ), good speed, would like towing capability (limited I suppose), and riding comfort (albeit, reliability is more important to me). My land is rough and still with the frequent stump and small Yaupon bushs still popping up in east Texas. Guys wear them out by trying to mow on hills greater than 15 degrees, pull carts full of dirt and gravel, mow side hills or ditches over 15 degrees and dont keep the outside free of grass and debris (overheating). Machines are only as good as the person standing behind them. A lot of people complain about how the 42-inch deck on the Ariens doesnt stick out very far making it hard to trim around trees, etc. In fact, I have that deck on my Exmark and I use that deck as my reference cut for most of my videos when Im demoing other mowers. I really appreciate your website, your keen insights, and all your help. Will definitely refer people to this sight if they ever in need of some good honest knowledge. Fab 24.5 HP V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower, One final item. Thanks again in advance! Bagger never gets plugged. Seems like a few people I have talked to during my research have all said to not get Cub and go with the Toro. Regarding the gator blades, I have heard opinions that they should not be used with mulching kits. Finally needed work done on the trannys. Hi Rob, All of the current name-brand zero-turns are a lot easier to drive than the models made 20 years ago. agpro of new albany is the premier power equipment in the midwest ----- financing available, we take trades, delivery available -----only 191 hours----- ag pro is your premier equipment . What model should i be looking at for a rough and hilly yard? Thoughts. Thanks again! Gravely ZT HD. Nevertheless it was good convo back and forth. Cub Cadet has no plans to discontinue their Z-Force or Pro steering wheel models. Hi Dan, I may ramble on a bit because buying a mower from Costco for a commercial application is a bad idea. 2. What do you think? YOU.AREDA.MAN!! If you have the experience, a 60 inch or larger stand-on is the best choice for slopes. My dad owns a Cub GT 2042 and I borrowed it recently and was really un-impressed with the mulching. 6. Plastic breaks and metal bends, so the inclusion of plastic isnt the end of the world. I appreciate your suggestion, and I am going to check out the Gravely ZTRs this week, at my local dealer. It one of the best riding ZTRs on the market. Fab 22.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed, Toro TimeCutter HD 48 in. Feel free to keep asking questions until you are comfortable buying the right mower for you. What do you think of this mower, and who makes it? Change the oil, air filter, and the belts as needed. I suggest buying the size so that you dont keep more than a month of fuel around the house. The price is $5k which is within my budget and about what I would probably spend on a new 60 mower. Do you think one would last longer than the other, or be more durable, or function better, or offer better traction? The Ultima is getting all the advertising this year but the Troy-Bilt is basically the same mower for a little less money. John Deere probably had the most mixed reviews of all, either people loved them or hated them. Hi Paul your opinion on a Bad Boy 54 Maverick I have a lumpy 2 acres and hilly and my back is not good. Im neutral about the Liberty Z. I have 2 acres to mow and Ive most recently tried out a Ferris IS600z. Its not a popular brand and I dont know anyone who actually owns one meaning I dont know enough about it to tell you if its good or bad. Want to do most maintenance myself, easy blade change etc. You would have to go up to the Bad Boy ZT Elite to get the same heavy-duty machine as the Ariens/Gravely. Thank you for your diligence. Ive owned them since 1997 and they have never let me down. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, 2022 The Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers Why Is, This article covers the EGO POWER+ 42 Z6, Ryobi Ryobi, Cub Cadet Lawn Tractors and Garden Tractors Good lawn tractors, Latest Deals at Cub Cadet Take 15% Off All PRO. You might have decided to give your knees a break and invest in a riding mower, maybe you have fantasized about slashing the time and turning on a dime with a zero-turn, or are you seeking to try out a new brand? They do look VERY similar. Great machine! If your lot is very rough and you want to mow parts of it only a few times a year its the best choice. Based on your article, I am considering the Toro MX5075 MyRide and the Arins IKON XL 52. Hi Kathy, I list ZTRs from the big box stores because many people today want to buy online (and I make a little commission off the sale) That said, You will get a better experience buying from a dealer. 679 cc Fuel Injected (EFI) V-Twin Engine Dual Hydro Gas ZeroTurn Riding Mower with Steering Wheel Control, https://service.webec.husqvarna.net/documents/HUSO/HUSO2020_NAen/HUSO2020_NAen__1141841-95.pdf, https://service.webec.husqvarna.net/documents/HUSO/HUSO2020_NAenNAesNAfrLApt/HUSO2020_NAenNAesNAfrLApt__1140537-38.pdf, Toro Timecutter HD 48 inch at the Home Depot, Toro TimeCutter MX5075 with MyRIDE Suspension, Toro TimeCutter MX5075 with MyRIDE Suspension System 50 in. Cant go 50 because of my gate. Always use the John Deere or Briggs & Stratton Yellow Oil Filter and change the oil at the recommended intervals. (33) Synchro-Steer technology offers 4-wheel control and provides unrivaled stability for straight-line mowing on hillsides and slopes up to 20-degrees. Mind you he has like 10 acres he cuts.. so he has a commercial grade Scag with EFI and all that good stuff. If theres less than an acre to mow, a Toro will do just fine at delivering precision, efficiency, and comfort. Though this might seem minor, have you ever tried mowing a very wet lawn? And with over 40 commercial brands out there it may never catch on. I managed to ride it up and down the hillside a couple of times before it died on me. Ive been hearing good things about the g5 gator blades but havent found a fit for the new ultima models. You get the heavier trannys and a reinforced deck. My terrain is hilly and bumpy with just a little bit of flat land. The gray AUTOMOWER 435X AWD Model 967 85 33-66 is the homeowner version. It all seems easy enough for me to do it, but its got a 3 yr warranty so what is the best practice? I would like to upgrade from my 2000 dixon with a 50 deck and a 15.5 hp vanguard. Most people are finding out that a good up front price ends up costing them later with this guy. John deere, gravely, bob cat, toro, exmark. The Deere probably looks a little better to me too, but my mower doesnt need to be pretty, as long as its not ugly and it mows well and has adequate service support if needed. I like 60-inch decks but the 52-inch deck is plenty big for your lawn. Browse a wide selection of new and used Heavy Duty Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Outdoor Power for sale near you at TractorHouse.com. Hi Dave, All five brands are a great choice in that price range. Hi Sean, If you are going to mulch all the time Im going to suggest the Toro V-Twin 42 at this time. Hey Paul, Very informative article! My first choice is the Toro Model 75742. Read more here: How to Support TodaysMower.com. I only want to look at shaft drive, to reduce belts. Hi Paul, A 50-52 inch mower has a wider stance so youll feel more comfortable on your slope. Hi Paul, Husqvarna Z254F Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower. My craftsman mower that recently died on me did a far superior job with the mulching. Or Bagger for 42 inch Stamped Deck. I went and looked at it last Saturday and got to drive it around the parking lot. However, Im wondering if either of these would be substantially easier to work on for basic maintenance (oil/filter changes, blade sharpening, etc. Hi Jeffery, I have no preference between the Kawasaki and Kohler. What do you recommend? Home Depot has both the MX5075 and MX6050 available in CA compliant models. Gravely also offers this mower with the heavier ZT2800 transmissions The Gravely ZT XL. While the Cub wont be as nimble around the lawns as the Toro, it does offer other benefits. Mostly flat land. A garden tractor has a heavier duty transmission so it wont burn out after a few years. Metal, however, can be straightened out after bending, whereas broken plastic is useless. I know you mentioned before that the Toro is better for any sort of towing because of the Smart Speed. While Toro offers stability with the 8 rear wheel, Cub Cadet offers better grip with the 11 rear wheel. 48-52 inch zero-turns will typically travel faster than 42-inch models and some models will cut grass as fast as 9 MPH! My personal first choice is always a stand-on but I dont recommend stand-on mowers smaller than 40 inches. We have a dealer here that undercuts the prices, but their service and customer relations is poor. Finally, check out my youtube channel. Toro TimeCutter SS4225. This makes the TimeCutter machine prone to overheating and wearing out quicker than it should. Will those help with preventing the deck from getting clogged? By the way, the Kawasaki in the MZ is a residential grade engine. Pushing both bars forward makes the mower go forward, while pulling back makes the mower reverse. But you are saying that isnt the case? Finally, I am a little concerned that your local dealer cant get a CA compliant mower. What would be your advise for a mostly level 2 acre lawn but use to be an old farm crop filed that is pretty rough? I have read a lot of articles that seem to prohibit the use of a ZTR on any slope greater than 15 degrees. Sorry for the long post but I have NO EXPERIENCE at all with any of this. Q: How hot do these transmissions get? Yes, most people dont see the advantage of the steering wheel so Toro is discontinuing it. Hi Paul, have you looked at the new Scag residential zero turn yet? Mostly everybody has said stay away from any of the John Deere! Without concern about the leaf vac, I was looking at the Cub Cadet ZT2 54-inch or the Toro TimeCutter 54-inch (75754) I judge those to be about the equivalent. My second choice is the Ariens IKON XL. The Toro and the Ariens will both mow your entire 2 acres in less than an hour so you can always just mow it all every week . Zero-Turn Stand On. Thats good to know. Since you will buy this from a dealer ask a mechanic to show you how to level the deck. Ariens Edge 42 Hi Jeff, There are NO ZTrs under $4000 that will handle that steep of slope. Hi Carrie, 22.5 HP Toro TimeCutter. Although, I really didnt want to spend that much. Hi John, Sorry, I too busy with movingsnow.com and helping my daughter move into their new house. 10 gauge deck, commercial ZT3100 drives, and huge tires will help this mower cut well, ride well and last a long time. EZT transmissions will hold up to regular mowing on normal slopes. While this feature makes operation a little more demanding, it helps ensure a smooth mowing process. For the other two brands, you really should limit your towing to 200-250 lbs. cub cadet vs toro zero turn 2020 - jamiemcatee.com You can buy an Arm Rest Kit for Cub Cadet XT1 I cant decide between the Ariens Ikon XD 42 or the Toro Time Cutter 42 with My Ride though my comfort is not the issue, I just want to best cut. I like the flip up footplate, the Kohler, and the rear engine guard on the Cub Cadet a lot. Do you have an opinion on these two units or recommend a mother brand in the same price point? I will be cutting about 3.5 acres with a few rolling hills. Since I can get the zt2 for only $300 more than the zt1, do I take my chances on it and hope the deck is good? Bagger, tow behind, sweeper, or blower. A 34-44 inch just doesnt have the proper weight distribution, not to give you issues with traction. Whats your take for a small zero turn for my under 1/2 acre yard? That said, You can get armrests for the XT1 and install them yourself. Help me choose a zero turn. | Bob Is The Oil Guy Its a heavy-duty mower but the Deere will have more options available like baggers and mulch kits. Am I right Im thinking that the Toro MX5000 has the Hydro Gear 2800 and the Ariens Ikon X has the smaller Hydro Gear 2200? Heres how the bodies of both mowers differ: The Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200S features a sturdy 10-gauge unibody steel frame, and the enginewhich is protected by a rear engine guardis situated directly behind the drivers seat. They make small batches and keep the price very affordable. Id like to stay cost conscious but I am willing to pay more for an exquisite end result. By Paul Sikkema. The MX5075 is a good choice because of the suspension seat butIn this case, they add the suspension but to keep the cost down they use a normal ZT2200 residential transmission. Check it out here: Ariens Ikon 42. Owners never complain about grass build up under the deck. The Ariens Apex and Zenith both have good, soft seats and large wheels so they will ride smooth. It will last the life of the mower. My current tractor mower is a Husqvarna 46. Will the 42 suffice or should I get 46 or 48. I read everything you wrote about ZTRs, heck I even created a spreadsheet that shows, brand, model, engine, HP, transmission, deck type, deck size, and price. Check Out The Cut & Clean TV MERCH!https://teespring.com/stores/cutandcleantvBest Residential Zero Turn Mower | Ariens IKON X vs Cub Cadet ULTIMA ZT1 LawnTha. Its not the FX (commercial version) that everyone feels is the best engine on the market. For the Toro, the front tires are 114 inches and the large rear tires are 18 x 7.5 inches. The offset deck sticks out more on the left of the mower making it very easy to trim around stuff. Stay away from the $3000 TRs with 54-inch decks the ZT2500 transmissions will also fail. I currently cut with a CC 54 lawn tractor. -I have a Ferris IS3200 mower with wide cut. However, Im not sure how comfortable I am going to feel on that hillside. Although the engines are mostly of the same company, the air filter system of the Toro TimeCutter is a little down the chart in quality as compared to the Cub Cadet. The ZT 3100 is the entry-level commercial tranny. I have looked at the Ariens Ikon 52, Bad Boy Elite, Skag Liberty Z 52, and Toro Timemaster with Soft Ride Suspension. It cuts great. The cutting height is fully adjustable. It looked fairly safe and stable to mow this way. The other local Toro dealer is Ace Hardware. The Cub is designed with a more open engine compartment so maybe the sound will be dispersed outwards better. Walker Model R. Either the 42 or 48-inch deck but the 48 will give you the best trimming capabilities. I have been using a Husqvarna 48 lawn tractor and have been very satisfied with it. JavaScript is disabled. The XT2 should give you 10 years of service if you do the normal maintenance on it and dont let teenagers try and wreck it. Ive narrowed it down to the Deere Z345R w 22hp Briggs for $2899 or a Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 w 22hp Kohler for $2699 from TSC. One last question: is fabricated deck better than stamped? But I dont know if Id like the lighter Deere better than the heavier Cub, or if the heavier Cub would hold up and work better??? The Deere cuts well. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-42-in-22-5-HP-TimeCutter-Commercial-V-Twin-Gas-Dual-Hydrostatic-Zero-Turn-Riding-Mower-with-Smart-Speed-75742/310836498 They side discharge and mulch better than all the other brands. Great website and I love how you respond to everyones questions cause I actually browsed all your comments to help with my search and narrowed down my choices. Of the 40 or so mowers from the different brands in this size range, its average. It uses the residential grade ZT2200 transmissions so if you mow a lot, have hills or need a heavy duty mower I suggest moving up to the Alpha MP or larger. In the past week, I have talked to a few local dealers; Cub Cadet, Toro, and Gravley/Ariens. In addition, ANY ZTR under 48 inches will have traction issues like sliding even on dry ground. My current seat does not have (that I can find) any electrical connections and a seated person is required to start the mower. Inasmuch as I know that Im going to buy a 42 steering wheel zero turn; my question is do you have any idea why the Toro SW4200 and the Exmark Front steering machines are no longer being made? Other than engine choices there is no difference between the 2018 model or the 2020 versions (including the 2020 Apex) I have no problems recommending the Gravely especially if you can save a few bucks buying last years model. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 is more powerful and durable than the Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200S, but this additional strength makes the Cub more expensive than the Toro. Hi Mark, Im not aware that Tractor Supply has a robotic mower. My five is in engine, transmutation and durability with Max cut height in mind. Here is the Gravely sales page: Gravely Mow The Distance Sale. These two machines are different and have a different range of skill sets. He has 5 acres of farm lawn with a few steeper slopes. What are your thoughts about those in comparison to the other. The 5 Best Riding Lawn Mowers in 2023 - Insider Both have an excellent reputation. The Toro engine is not as well-known as the Kawasaki FR but has better reliability. I will definitely take advantage of the discounts. The best cut/mulching and the best ride is the Toro TimeCutter with MyRide suspension. The only other thing I can think of is the deck shell is warped. If you have a very thick lawn you may wish you went with a V-Twin engine. Now I have a cub cadet rzt 50 inch to mow about 3 acres. You get a better experience when you buy from a dealer. The Toro has the smart speed and a 3-point deck.