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Message
Advice on buying zero turn mowers
Posted on 5/9/23 at 7:06 am
Posted on 5/9/23 at 7:06 am
Zero turn mower companies are using the same business model as bicycle companies.
They all get the same components from a few manufacturers and then package them into their mower lineup.
There is only 1 company that builds the hydrostatic transmissions (Hydro-Gear) used by every mower brand, and you know there are like 3 motor manufacturers that they all use (Kohler, Kawasaki, Honda).
Hydro-Gear builds various types and sizes of transmissions, but there are only 2 which are packaged for residential buyers.
ZT-1800 is most often used by mower companies in their residential line.
It is not serviceable, but tends to last 10 years on average. This is the transmission in 80% of all residential zero turns.
ZT-2800 is the step up. It is serviceable. However, mowers with this are considerably more expensive. You can tell mowers that have this transmission, because the mower will have larger tires & wheels than ZT-1800 equipped units.
Most companies have moved away from stamped decks, but there are variations of welded decks and they’re all generally pretty good.
Also, the pulleys used by all companies are manufactured by only a couple of builders.
Really, the only advice there is to give is this; don’t focus so much on the mower brand. Just find the best value in the engine & transmission package, and some warranties may be a little better.
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 (54") Kawasaki Zero Turn uses the ZT-2800 transmission and is usually at a pretty attractive price point. You can probably get this mower for the same price as a Gravely with a Kohler and ZT-1800 (not that there’s anything wrong with this combo).
Look around.
Compare packages.
Don’t get caught up in brand.
They all get the same components from a few manufacturers and then package them into their mower lineup.
There is only 1 company that builds the hydrostatic transmissions (Hydro-Gear) used by every mower brand, and you know there are like 3 motor manufacturers that they all use (Kohler, Kawasaki, Honda).
Hydro-Gear builds various types and sizes of transmissions, but there are only 2 which are packaged for residential buyers.
ZT-1800 is most often used by mower companies in their residential line.
It is not serviceable, but tends to last 10 years on average. This is the transmission in 80% of all residential zero turns.
ZT-2800 is the step up. It is serviceable. However, mowers with this are considerably more expensive. You can tell mowers that have this transmission, because the mower will have larger tires & wheels than ZT-1800 equipped units.
Most companies have moved away from stamped decks, but there are variations of welded decks and they’re all generally pretty good.
Also, the pulleys used by all companies are manufactured by only a couple of builders.
Really, the only advice there is to give is this; don’t focus so much on the mower brand. Just find the best value in the engine & transmission package, and some warranties may be a little better.
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 (54") Kawasaki Zero Turn uses the ZT-2800 transmission and is usually at a pretty attractive price point. You can probably get this mower for the same price as a Gravely with a Kohler and ZT-1800 (not that there’s anything wrong with this combo).
Look around.
Compare packages.
Don’t get caught up in brand.
This post was edited on 5/9/23 at 7:13 am
5
Posted on 5/9/23 at 7:18 am to Eli Goldfinger
quote:
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 (54")
Those look out of stock or out of production
Posted on 5/9/23 at 7:18 am to Hu_Flung_Pu
I think I’ve seen a couple on the lot at my local L&G shop.
Posted on 5/9/23 at 7:23 am to Eli Goldfinger
HG isn’t the only transmission option. TuffTorq also a major option.
Posted on 5/9/23 at 7:26 am to PoorOtis
I wouldn’t say major
Posted on 5/9/23 at 7:29 am to Eli Goldfinger
Interesting. I have a SCAG. I've gotten pretty good last repairing mine. And that's because if I take it in in the summer they tell me I'll get it back four to six weeks later. Two weeks ago I changed the stator because the Kohler no longer charged the battery. And that Kohler has had some other issues. But it's all good now.
When it is time to replace my seven year old SCAG, I'm going to hire a lawn service. I'm getting too old and infirm to mow my somewhat large hillside lot.
When it is time to replace my seven year old SCAG, I'm going to hire a lawn service. I'm getting too old and infirm to mow my somewhat large hillside lot.
Posted on 5/9/23 at 8:25 am to Eli Goldfinger
I agree with not getting caught up on the brand. I compared the brands that were available at dealers closest to my house and the specs were all very similar. What ultimately made my decision was the customer service and location of the dealer.
Posted on 5/9/23 at 2:14 pm to GoldBlooded
quote:
customer service and location of the dealer.
Agree with this. I have a cub cadet tank sz60 that I purchased in Va. The dealer was close to my house. Moved to Prairieville and the closest dealer is in Watson or Baker. The mower is a conventional steer zero turn that's great around ponds and canals. Only issues I've ever had has been with the Kawasaki engine. Luckily there are plenty of folks close that can service those. Oh and a PSA, if you have 3 or more acres go commercial.
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