DuckSouth.com

I'm in the market for a zero turn for a 2-acre yard. My idea is to spend a little more money to buy a light commercial model, thinking it will hopefully last a long time, with the relatively light work that it will do for me. The model I'm looking at seems to be the lowest price for the features and size I want of any of the big names.

If I maintain it well, could it last me 10-20 years? Should I save a couple grand and buy a lighter duty version and expect the same longevity?

I have heard lots of good things about the brand though I don't have any firsthand experience.
And they look badaz$ to to boot.

Don't know anything about that brand.

I've had both residential and commercial types. The commercial mowers are worth the extra $ and it's not even close.

Get the 50" cutting deck or bigger for 2 acres.

The look like great mowers. I have a gravely and love it.

I like them, too. think I missed a good deal on Gravely closeouts at a dealer close by.

It's all about what you like, most of the ZTR are basically similar depending on the grade level you buy , deck thickness and your spindle shaft size are the work horse of the mower, I own a Big Dog, bought it for the comfort of the upgraded cushion seat, looked hard at the Bad Boy because of the deck and bracing but the seat was just a molded plastic cushion, sitting on one for 2 hours at a time makes the difference to me.. Did not have a dealer close by to compare these with Dixie Chopper.

Recommend you get one with the Kawasaki engine whatever you buy. The drive pumps are also another factor to consider. Good luck

Look long and hard at the Spartan mowers. They are built like tanks and are thousands less than the big brand mowers, scag, exmark, etc...

I actually have considered the Spartans. There is a dealer close by in Woodville. They are by far the best looking mower out there. Drawbacks are lack of Kawasaki engine, fixed ROPS, and I'm a little wary of newcomers, when I'm wanting to have service for over a decade. I'll probably check em out, though.

Up2Early wrote:Get the 50" cutting deck or bigger for 2 acres.

Only if your yard is smooth / well graded. If it is bumpy the bigger the deck the more noticable you will see gouges and high spots.

And RNail brings up a good point about the deck. I bought the cheapest John Deere model out and I bent the deck the first time mowing the yard. Took it to camp the other day and bent the crap out of it. Had to pry on it for an hour to get the deck out of the blade. Pay for a welded deck, not a stamped one you'll be happy to never know the pain of fixing a bent deck.

Might wanta 2 blader instead of the 3...better cut fewer moving parts $.02

I just bought a Kubota diesel 60" it was a 2011 model with less than 100hrs for half of what a new one costs. I was in about the same boat as you and saw some used diesels that were low hours and decent prices. After talking to the service manager at the local Kubota shop he was telling me he routinely sees the diesels come in with 4-5K hrs on them. After that I started watching craigslist and if your willing to drive 4-5 hrs to get one they will show up from time to time. Just have to be ready to go when one comes up for sale.

60" mowers won't gouge if you can read the ground right and "feather" the deck with the foot peg (the foot assist lift). All we run in our company is 52 and 60's. 60 will give you as good a cut as any other size mower

Just buy a Murray and be done with it.

BBR12 wrote:I just bought a Kubota diesel 60" it was a 2011 model with less than 100hrs for half of what a new one costs. I was in about the same boat as you and saw some used diesels that were low hours and decent prices. After talking to the service manager at the local Kubota shop he was telling me he routinely sees the diesels come in with 4-5K hrs on them. After that I started watching craigslist and if your willing to drive 4-5 hrs to get one they will show up from time to time. Just have to be ready to go when one comes up for sale.

Yeah. That would be an ideal situation. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to pick up and go look at anything that looks attractive. I have the worst luck with anything with a motor, so warranties are important.

what I found on line, descent price:

http://sleequipment.com/dixie-chopper-2 ... ohler.html

http://sleequipment.com/dixie-chopper-2 ... -turn.html