Zero Turn vs Garden Tractor

[mark123]

Originally Posted by jklawncare ... And thanks mark..the one i tested the cut on actually was a 40" grandstand so thats probably why i didnt like it..I wonder why that is..Id be going for a 36" grand stand if I went the Toro route. or the 36" hyrdrodrive if i went with Ferris.. maybe a wright stander even..Oh well..thats a subject for another thread.. I think the 36" grandstand has the smaller deck (it's not as tall) and you are going to want the taller deck (I think it's 5" versus 5.5" in depth"). I'd suggest a 48" or a 52" if you can swing it. If you're going with a 36" I'd suggest a Walkbehind with a sulky (jungle wheels). Try the 36" GS out though, it may surprise you! I do agree with picframer. ZTR is for mowing only. I am looking for something that can handle hauling a top dresser but probably won't go for it until next year. I'll probably look into something like a Steiner.

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Boughter's Lawn Care Services Mowing and Fertilizing in New Castle, PA

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Last edited by mark123; 04-03-2011 at 05:48 PM.

[jklawncare]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by mark123 I think the 36" grandstand has the smaller deck (it's not as tall) and you are going to want the taller deck (I think it's 5" versus 5.5" in depth"). I'd suggest a 48" or a 52" if you can swing it. If you're going with a 36" I'd suggest a Walkbehind with a sulky (jungle wheels). Try the 36" GS out though, it may surprise you! I do agree with picframer. ZTR is for mowing only. I am looking for something that can handle hauling a top dresser but probably won't go for it until next year. I'll probably look into something like a Steiner. eh..you can attach alot of attachments onto a ztr but your limited as to where if you had a commercial tractor it has a broader range.. and as far as deck size..i really want to stay away from larger decks for two reasons, lawns around here (even the bigger ones) look weird with the huge stripes and lots of people like seeing smaller machinery..i push mow and alot of my customers love that..because theres no ruts and it dosnt tear it up.. also because i want to fit between gates..

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[mark123]

Originally Posted by jklawncare

eh..you can attach alot of attachments onto a ztr but your limited as to where if you had a commercial tractor it has a broader range..

and as far as deck size..i really want to stay away from larger decks for two reasons, lawns around here (even the bigger ones) look weird with the huge stripes and lots of people like seeing smaller machinery..i push mow and alot of my customers love that..because theres no ruts and it dosnt tear it up..

also because i want to fit between gates..

Yes, definitely equip to fit the locality. I also don't like the huge stripes but there's not much difference between a 36" and a 48". As you say though, you're not going to get a 48" through a gate.

[picframer]

Originally Posted by mark123

You're talking a $14,000 mower though. This cat's talking about saving a few bucks compared to a $2,000 ztr.

I was addressing your feedback and opinions on Garden tractors, not the cost difference between a ZTR and Garden tractor. Cost is a factor when buying equipment, in my case thr return on investment is the deciding factor, a ZTR would take me two years, as with other locations lawn mowing is very, very competitive which is why I focus on services other than mowing, thus a X749, based on the two I own, payed for themselves in a few months, the first one only 4.

[mcleargrounds]

Originally Posted by mark123

Yes, definitely equip to fit the locality. I also don't like the huge stripes but there's not much difference between a 36" and a 48". As you say though, you're not going to get a 48" through a gate.

I have been tossing around what size deck to get. I sounds like I should have more than one mower. I have limited funds - and have about 12 contracts so far for mowing (none have gates) estate size lots 100 x 200, trees and uneven terrain. I was looking at a 54" commercial mower and possible a cheaper non-commercial craftsman 36" till I get more $$. Do you think I should just go with a good 36" walk behind - and save the cash for emergencies?

[Steve]

Do you think I should just go with a good 36" walk behind - and save the cash for emergencies?

I would think that was a prudent plan. Sounds good.

[mark123]

Yes, for someone starting out a 36" walk behind, a weed whacker and a backpack blower is a perfect setup. I use this setup with no trailer, just two curved ramps (better than straight). You must get a set of ramps that have safety straps or else they'll kick out and you'll turn your mower over on it's head. (How do I know this you may ask ... )

When you grow enough to need a bigger mower and a trailer, the 36" can be moved to backup and small lawn/gated lawn duties.

For the 36" get a sulky. I prefer Jungle Wheels. I ran my entire first year without. I walked everything. Longest year of my life. I did lose some weight though.