Just bought a new house and wanting to get a new mower. I’d love some recommendations for best riding mower. Performance and value. Lot isn’t huge, around 3/4 acre, but the yard is a big part of it.
Thanks!
Thanks!
NonDawg Riding mower recs
- Thread starter Arsenal24
- Start date
Hustler zero turn.
Dad had an Exmark for a number of years, switched to a Walker which is a little different but been a great mower for us
Really depends on budget. A good zero turn is going to start around $5k. If you’re looking more for value, I love my cub cadet xt2. It has been great and I have about the same amount of yard as you. My biggest recommendation is to avoid box box stores and go straight to the dealer (or authorized dealer). JD, cub cadet and other make specific models for big box stores and they’re shit compared to their regular line.
I have a Gravely Z-34. Set me back $2500 with mulching kit added. I love the Kohler engine and so does the commercial outdoor shop from which I purchased it. They also sell Toro and other high-end units, but for my 1/2 half acre, the Gravely works great. If on the other hand you are looking at more functionality (tractor stuff), a zero turn may not be for you. Beware that zero turns can also easily mark your yard with tire ruts on turns if you are not careful.
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We just researched it for my son who is in the same situation. We went for a zero turn from either toro or john deere depending upon pricing. Both for a 60" cut are around $4000.
I think a 60" is probably too big for that size yard, especially if has any slope or not flat. Maneuverability will be key.
I have a Scag zero turn and I'm very pleased with it.
I second this. My yard is about the same size as yours. Just bought the 42” eXmark E-Series. The only thing I’m not a fan of is that it didn’t come with an hour meter so I would know when to change oil, service, etc.... I had to order it. But so far best decision I’ve made. Should’ve done it years ago.
Anyone have a stand on?
Lots of people swear by Bradley, and the pricing is very good.
Lots of people swear by Bradley, and the pricing is very good.
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For 3/4 of an acre, I would just get a decent standard riding mower. You dont need a commerical grade zero turn. It will take you less than 20 minutes to cut 3/4 of an acre. I would recommend that your mower have a Kawasaki engine. Those are superior to Kohler or Briggs and Stratton.
Dont get a Cub Cadet. I bought a 48in deck Z series Zero turn 3 years ago to cut my five acres (mostly flat with trees lining the edge of the property). That thing stays in the shop. The drive belt gets untracked all the time by pine cones and gumballs. I have heard good things about Bad Boys and Dixie Choppers, but they are expensive. My next mower will be a commercial grade ZT mower, that much I know.
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John Deere zero turn. Had mine 15 years not one dime spent on it other than maintenance!
Yall are some big ballers. The commercial exmark with the smallest deck starts at 10K. F that noise.
Shag no question is the best.
Scag Power Equipment: Commercial Lawn Mowers and More
Shop all Scag products including zero-turn riding mowers, wheeled blowers, walk-behind mowers, truck loaders, spreaders, sprayers, and more. Made in the USA.
Hire a landscape company to cut and edge everything. Time you buy a mower, weed eater, edger, you can pay for a lot of cutting and not have to house the equipment, buy the fuel, keep them running, plus you won't have the wife supervising. Think about it.................you know I am right!!!
I have a Gravely ZT-XL 48in deck. Love this mower and my yard is just over an acre. Kawasaki engine is a big plus.
As a former owner of a landscape company, don't buy anything but Scag. My first ZTR was a 2000 model Tiger Cub. Retired it to home duty in 2008ish. 2300 hours later, purrs like a kitten. Operated quite a few others - ExMark, Ferris, John Deere, Kubota, Toro, Hustler, Grasshopper, Gravely, etc. - and Scag is a step above others. Kubota is close, but that's it IMO.
I would recommend a good used, well-maintained and serviced Scag over a new residential grade commercial mower. Lotta cheap metal and plastic in those.
I had an ex mark for 10 yrs and always had problems with hydraulic leaks - guy finally told me at dealership ....we have this problem a lot - now that was a 2010 model that I finally traded last year - I just couldn’t get the leak to not eventually reappear
2 goats. And 5 chickens. Will save you a few hours every week. And come November you can host the DawgVent Cook Out.
If your yard has slope, get a standard riding mower. I have 2 acres of lawn and would love a larger deck zero turn but slopes just don't work with them. I paid a lawn service my first year in the place and they left cut marks, bald spots and high spots every time. Takes me 1.5 hours on my standard JD which has required nothing in 4 years.
