Riding Lawn Mowers

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Lawn tractor or 'Z'ero Radius Turn Mower?

There are a number of factors to consider before purchasing a 'Z' mower. These questions are part of how we quiz our customers, to ensure they know what they want, and why.

1. Are you adept enough to be able to run one of these machines?  Some people don't like change at all. Others are adventurous and jump at the very word 'different' !  It is not a male/female issue at all, but rather a question of adaptability. Personally, I think it makes mowing fun!
   In driving a 'Z', 2 sticks replace the steering wheel, forward and reverse control, and brake; all at the same time!  They do take some time to get used to, but for most people, you can easily get the hang of it... just start mowing in the back.

2. What is your terrain? You will find in most operator manuals for lawn mowers, that 15 degrees is the maximum recommended angle of mowing. This is even more true for Z mower, because your rear wheels are the drive, steering, and brakes all at the same time.

3. What is your goal? Are you looking to save time and mow fast like the pros do?  If you are, remember this: a consumer 'Z' generally can only mow about as fast as a tractor. Your time savings will be in maneuverability.  If you want a pro looking cut, or zip around fast, the better consumer units perform nearly as well, just not as fast. If you simply want to get the lawn done as fast a possible, and have it looking great, then you have to buy what the big boys buy.  Remember: you can't do what they do, unless you got what they got.

Can you still convince your wife that mowing the lawn is hard work?  I find that mowing with a 'Z' is actually fun. (Mowing, fun?) I'd even go so far as to say it's therapeutic!  But don't tell her, or she'll be mowing the lawn, and you'll never get another chance.

Commercial 'Z' for Homeowners

If you have a larger lawn, or just want to get the job finished more quickly, you need to look at 'near pro' , or 'full pro' level machines. 

Lawn tractors are intended for mowing and light chores. Great for yard cleanup with a trailer, etc. They are certainly stronger for pulling things around the yard than a 'Z'.  Bear in mind that true garden tractors are almost obsolete because of their price tags, (over $5000). Not to say that they are not worth it, but that North Americans generally do not like to spend that much for a lawn tractor.

Today most lawn tractors are equipped with a 42" or larger deck.  Often times a 20+hp engine.  (Like they need that much horsepower!)  Unfortunately, if you need something narrower to mow with or store in your garage, you may need to rethink your options; likely in the 'Z' realm, since they start at 36" widths.

Zero-turn mowers generally have at least one advantage... maneuverability. Instead of maneuvering a 6 point turn around a tree, you can go around it in one fell swoop. The same with yard plantings, gardens, and more. I've seen people cut their mowing time in half, just by switching to a consumer level 'Z'. This is why Toro calls their model a Timesaver©.  By the same token, I've also seen people cut that time in half again, switching to a commercial level 'Z'.

What is the difference between the various levels of Z mowers?  'Homeowner' Z mowers are built for a 'normal' homeowner with .5 to 1.5 acres.  The deck is stamped, the engine and drive are applicable to the weight it is designed to carry.  'Heavy duty homeowner' will often times have a fabricated deck, stronger frame, Kaw or Kohler engine, and better drive systems.  'Commercial' grade Z will have a fabricated deck, even stronger frame, and supports, even better drive systems, and the commercial grade Kaw or Kohler engines.  As you move up the ladder, each machine can actually mower faster for at least 2 reasons: the drive improves (faster ground speed), and the mowing quality improves (faster blades).

The difference between consumer and commercial would be:

• Usually separate pumps and motors, or the new Hydro Gear process ZT3400 on the smaller commercial Z's. You need a stronger, more reliable, and predictable drive... cheap drives just don't last. They also handle hilly areas better, and ground speed is greatly increased.

• Heavy duty frame that holds up better over time.

• High lift deck and blades sucks the grass blades up before they are cut, and discharges them further and more uniformly after they are cut.

• Higher blade tip speeds add to the suction factor. Also allows you to mow successfully at higher speeds.

You can get quite a bit of machine for the buck many of the new machines built for heavy duty homeowner, or lighter application professional use of units such as the Toro Titan, Bobcat Fastcat, or the Gravely 100i series.

The more economical Toro Timecutter holds up very well, and mows nicely.  Never had anyone complain about quality of cut or durability. But those other machines, often purchased thru big box stores, are often less than satisfy with their mower's performance. We won't name names.  The Toro Timecutter starts at such a reasonable price, that there is absolutely no reason to go to a big box store to find a 'deal'.  

Keep in mind that when you buy from us, we make sure you are buying the right mower for your needs. We assemble the unit and adjust as needed.  We put in some fuel, top it off with oil, and run it to be sure everything works fine.  We dispose of the huge cardboard box.  And we can deliver it for minimal pricing. Why go to a big box store, spend the same amount, but get absolutely none of the value that you deserve?

Bottom line; buy a reputable machine brand from a reputable dealer.  You can't go wrong.

Our Thoughts:
Short of hiring a goat, I try and make my mowing experience as pleasant as possible. If that means better equipment, then so be it. Because in the long run, I save money because I don't have to replace the machine nearly as often. I save time because I don't have to run around trying to find parts or service from a product purchased at a big box store that barely supports their product.