Zero Turn

#28
#28
WallyBalls said:
I'll second the Kawasaki powered Hustler.
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I've had Kohler and Kawasaki engines on my 48 walk behinds, kawasaki is definitely the better of the two. Exmark would be my choice for around 5k used Lazer Z. The gravely Pro-Turn would be my pick if i was buying a new one.
 
#29
#29
So, avoid a residential mower? Even though by definition that's what I would gravitate towards? I was looking closely at a Hustler Raptor SD and a JD Z535M.
 
#30
#30
UT_Dutchman said:
I've had Kohler and Kawasaki engines on my 48 walk behinds, kawasaki is definitely the better of the two. Exmark would be my choice for around 5k used Lazer Z. The gravely Pro-Turn would be my pick if i was buying a new one.
Click to expand...


My JD F725 has a Kawasaki on it as well. All original engine. It has over 7,000 hours on it. Nothing was done to it except basic maintenance and a new starter.
Kohler is my second choice of gas engines.

All my big machines had diesels though. Much more efficient.
 
#31
#31
TDTennessee said:
So, avoid a residential mower? Even though by definition that's what I would gravitate towards? I was looking closely at a Hustler Raptor SD and a JD Z535M.
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The residential big name mowers are probably ok. They just are not built to the standards of commercial machines
UT Dutchman made a great recommendation on the used lazer. They can be had around here from 2500-4000 bucks.
 
#32
#32
Obsessed said:
My JD F725 has a Kawasaki on it as well. All original engine. It has over 7,000 hours on it. Nothing was done to it except basic maintenance and a new starter.
Kohler is my second choice of gas engines.

All my big machines had diesels though. Much more efficient.
Click to expand...
My Walker has a B&S Vanguard, and the Simplicity Legacy has a liquid cooled Kawasaki. No problems ever with either.
 
#33
#33
Does anyone have trouble with their zero turn mowers sliding on steep grades.

I'm interested in zero turn but I have some steep grades to mow.
 
#34
#34
goldenvol said:
Does anyone have trouble with their zero turn mowers sliding on steep grades.

I'm interested in zero turn but I have some steep grades to mow.
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Yes. Takes some learning to know the machine's tendency. I have steep grades and cannot now them if grass is wet. Even when dry I have found it best to go straight up and back it down.
 
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#35
#35
That's basically what a buddy said about his. He said he doesn't attempt to go sideways on a hill. Only up and down.

I was just curious if it was a common zero turn problem or specific to his brand of mower.
 
#36
#36
MId mount machines will go “forward” when going up a hill. Front mount deck machines will back up them.


When on a slope and mowing side to side, always keep the left side of the deck to top side of the slope.
It’s the heaviest side of the machine and will reduce the chances of the machine turning over.
 
#37
#37
Obsessed said:
MId mount machines will go “forward” when going up a hill. Front mount deck machines will back up them.


When on a slope and mowing side to side, always keep the left side of the deck to top side of the slope.
It’s the heaviest side of the machine and will reduce the chances of the machine turning over.
Click to expand...
My Walker is very stable on hills sideways, but it is unusual. It has a very low center of gravity and you can actually stop it going downhill. It backs up a hill, like you said. Just curious, why is the left side heavier? I assume you are talking driver's side?
 
#38
#38
1972 Grad said:
My Walker is very stable on hills sideways, but it is unusual. It has a very low center of gravity and you can actually stop it going downhill. It backs up a hill, like you said. Just curious, why is the left side heavier? I assume you are talking driver's side?
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Walkers do carry a lower center of gravity. I think the operator actually sits in a lower position on them as opposed to the other commercial machines

Yes, I’m referencing the drivers side. It’s the closed side of the deck, hence more steel and it also sticks out farther past the machine than the discharge side
(This applies to old school riders as well)

I mowed 11 state parks along with 22 school properties. I dealt with various terrains and obstacles.
I kept some front mount ExMarks for the camping areas/playground areas and 4 John Deere 1445’s for the wide open and steep grades.

Here’s a pic of one. Mine had 4x4 and tractor tread tires on all 4 corners. I mowed some places that had anywhere from 45-60* angles.
 

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#41
#41
Obsessed said:
Walkers do carry a lower center of gravity. I think the operator actually sits in a lower position on them as opposed to the other commercial machines

Yes, I’m referencing the drivers side. It’s the closed side of the deck, hence more steel and it also sticks out farther past the machine than the discharge side
(This applies to old school riders as well)

I mowed 11 state parks along with 22 school properties. I dealt with various terrains and obstacles.
I kept some front mount ExMarks for the camping areas/playground areas and 4 John Deere 1445’s for the wide open and steep grades.

Here’s a pic of one. Mine had 4x4 and tractor tread tires on all 4 corners. I mowed some places that had anywhere from 45-60* angles.
Click to expand...
I see that mower has its deck sticking out further on one side. On my Walker, the 48" deck sticks out the same 6" on each side of the machine.

Also, the cutout for the deflector is reinforced around the opening with heavy steel on the fabricated deck, and the chute is of heavy steel. So, on mine, I see no difference which side is up the hill.
 
#42
#42
1972 Grad said:
I see that mower has its deck sticking out further on one side. On my Walker, the 48" deck sticks out the same 6" on each side of the machine.

Also, the cutout for the deflector is reinforced around the opening with heavy steel on the fabricated deck, and the chute is of heavy steel. So, on mine, I see no difference which side is up the hill.
Click to expand...

I think walkers lower center of gravity helps it

But as a general rule, left side is the heavier side of the deck.
 
#43
#43
Obsessed said:
I think walkers lower center of gravity helps it

But as a general rule, left side is the heavier side of the deck.
Click to expand...
Are a lot of them offset with more deck on the left side? If you could see mine, the weight looks very evenly distributed side to side. The side with the discharge looks like there is just as much weight over there, and the deck is perfectly centered.


You are right about the center of gravity being lower. You aren't sitting over the deck. Mine is a Model MB. Look it up.


Mine is the early model with the metal chute and gas tank on the driver's side, but it's only 3 gallons. I guess that is 25 more pounds on that side if it's full.
 
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#44
#44
Smokey X said:
Love my Gravely pro turn 460 commercial. But the 5K won't get it.

They make a variety of other mowers worth looking at.
Click to expand...

I bought a Gravely 52" five years ago when I got a 5-acre property for my business (warehouse/lab/office). Kawasaki engine, 3 blades. Have to replace the blades every year because the soil is so sandy it abrades them to nubs, but other than that and replacing the belts and oil it's needed nothing. I love it but even 5 years ago it cost me close to 5 grand.
 
#45
#45
Obsessed said:
My JD F725 has a Kawasaki on it as well. All original engine. It has over 7,000 hours on it. Nothing was done to it except basic maintenance and a new starter.
Kohler is my second choice of gas engines.

All my big machines had diesels though. Much more efficient.
Click to expand...

Diesel is more powerful, but more expensive to maintain.
 
#46
#46
Obsessed said:
I think walkers lower center of gravity helps it

But as a general rule, left side is the heavier side of the deck.
Click to expand...

That's the truth Ob, my left tires are replaced at a 2 to 1 ratio verses the right. But nothing cuts like a walk behind. imo.
 
#47
#47
Obsessed said:
Walkers do carry a lower center of gravity. I think the operator actually sits in a lower position on them as opposed to the other commercial machines

Yes, I’m referencing the drivers side. It’s the closed side of the deck, hence more steel and it also sticks out farther past the machine than the discharge side
(This applies to old school riders as well)

I mowed 11 state parks along with 22 school properties. I dealt with various terrains and obstacles.
I kept some front mount ExMarks for the camping areas/playground areas and 4 John Deere 1445’s for the wide open and steep grades.

Here’s a pic of one. Mine had 4x4 and tractor tread tires on all 4 corners. I mowed some places that had anywhere from 45-60* angles.
Click to expand...

Ventrac or GTFO.


(I’m kidding).
 
#48
#48
I've got a 50" Dixie Chopper with a 24 hp Kohler. Love it......but hate mowing. Nice heavy machine.
If you mow steep grades U might want to change from "turf tires" to a more "cleated" tractor tire. Wont slide as much.
 
#49
#49
barknoxbrawler said:
I own a hustler limited. 52” cut with a 28 hp Kawasaki on the back. Absolutely love it. Stripes straight, it has a fab deck over a stamped deck and mows my 3 acres in 45 minutes. Cost me $3,200 last spring.
Click to expand...

Love hustlers. I think I heard they've stopped putting kawasakis on then, and started using just kohler, though.
 
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