agpro of new albany is the premier power equipment in the midwest ----- * financing available . They are a little higher priced than what you have listed in this article for Residential ZTs but I have heard good things about them. Whereas some mowers utilize reinforced plastic cutting decks, the Toro and Cadet alike employ all-metal cutting decks. The deck independently rides over bumps, dips, and follows the contour of your lawn exactly. Its smoother than the 7000 series and has a larger air cleaner. Available at CubCadet.com, The Home Depot, Local Dealer Best All-Around: Toro 42 in. Another possibility is to go back to a lawn/garden tractor. 2. Would a front deck do big berms? I would like your thoughts on my situation if you will, I live in rural eastern NC where the soil tends to have a lot of clay and its necessary to have drainage ditches for storm runoff. Either way, you have the Toro TimeCutter and Cub Cadet zt1 to the test with a spot for the best combatant. Both are good dependable mowers. The only other thing I can think of is the deck shell is warped. Dump Carts There are cheap, good carts and expensive, bad carts. Also some of the areas gets fairly dusty if we go a couple of weeks without rain. A cheaper belt is a cheaper belt. I too am a stand-on guy so I really like your list. The deck wont lift up for transport or going over curbs. Which One Is Best For You? I enjoy mowing regularly (so Im looking forward to the fun of a ZTR). They have less lift than regular blades so they dont cut as evenly. Hi,Paul. Thank you again! Thanks for your time I think they would have to be ordered. It side discharges and mulches very well. The powered bagger uses a blower to suck the leaves out of the deck and blow them into the bags. For example, I like my local Toro Dealer a lot. My current seat does not have (that I can find) any electrical connections and a seated person is required to start the mower. They are designed for nice lawns so the deck height is a little harder to adjust. The Gravely has the best deck for cutting longer grass and it will handle the hills. Want to do most maintenance myself, easy blade change etc. Take, for example, the Cub Cadetits powerful engine is one of its most appealing qualities, and without it this mower would be a shell of its current self. Both are serviced by local dealers. The fully articulated deck hugs all the dips and bumps in your yards and does a great job of striping. If I stay with a 50 Im trying to decide between the toro mx5000, the zt1 50, or the ikon x 52. It is straightforward and simple to use. Cub Cadet: The Cub Cadets 725cc professional-grade KOHLER 7000 V-twin engine is a lot larger than the Toro 452cc, and this mower can reach 7 miles/hour. Having a really hard time deciding between the two if I make the jump from a 42 to the 50/52. Looked at: Ariens, Walker, Ferris, Skag, Toro, ExMark, JD, Husqvarna, Hustler, Gravely, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Bad Boy, and Snapper maybe a couple others losing count. To steer right, pull back the right bar while keeping the left bar pressed forward. 5. My suggestion is to see what dealers are in your area. Hi K.C., I never recommend buying used unless you are very mechanically inclined, have engine and transmission expertise and get such a good deal that you can fix all the little things that will go wrong. You can also check out these videos: Why? I want to try a ZTR mainly because I feel like Im wrestling the steering wheel constantly and I have to back up and pull forward too much at the corners of the yard. What is your experience with robotic mowers? A lot of people complain about how the 42-inch deck on the Ariens doesnt stick out very far making it hard to trim around trees, etc. Well scratch my last replythe more I talk to my neighbors with riding mowers the more I hear that they wished they wouldve gone with a bigger deck even for our small 1/3 to 1/2 acre yardsIll hear that around 50 is what people think is enough/wish they wouldve gotten. Very comfortable to mow with The cut is even no lines. Good to know that their ZTRs dont have the issue. My main priorities are ride comfort, ease of service, and durability. Its a very tough mower and with the suspension seat you can mow up to 10 acres a lot faster than the three you mentioned. Thanks in advance! Please Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Please Note:If you click on most of the links in this article and buy any product I will make a small commission from that sale. People like their Scag commercial mowers and owners really like how well this one bags but to me its just another middle-of-the-road mower. 22.5 hp Toro Commercial V-Twin 708cc w/Self-Cleaning Air Filter Housing, 3-Year, Unlimited Hour Residential Limited Warranty, Brushless DC 60V Battery L324 (6.0ah, 324 wh), 54 IronForged Fabricated 10 ga. High Strength with Bull Nose, 13 x 6.5 6 Front, 22 x 11 10 Rear, 3-year Unlimited Hours (Includes Powertrain). Paul. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 has a similar build. The Boulevard costs about $300 more than the Ariens, and about $400 more than the Toro. The $2k difference from high to low seems like a lot but the dealer was pushing the $5100 one. Both Toro and Cub Cadet Walk-Behind mowers are classy and durable. Considering that I dont seem to need the step-handrail, do you still consider the Boulevard my best option? In your case I suggest the Gravely. Bradley is a small Midwest company thats been around for years. 3400 pumps, 23 tires, 7 gauge deck, 10mph, B&S Vanguard for $4200? The Challenger adds the option of a Deluxe seat, which I might need to smooth my rough yard, but the Edge and Challenger are probably out of my price range. I only mulch, and as often the case in the NW , the grass here is damp. The name is an old, well-respected name in the industry. Also I wonder if they all have 2200 axles, I thought I read that the toro had 2800s. Our turn-tight craftsman mower has been OK, but I really think that a zero turn would improve our efficiency cutting this yard. The only reviews I can find about the Cub Cadet ZT1 state the vibration is only at low rpms. Hi Dan, I may ramble on a bit because buying a mower from Costco for a commercial application is a bad idea. They have two that I recommend. Which one is better and is it worth the money to get the ikon xl? Are Mantis Tillers Worth the Money? They offer free set up and home delivery. Hi Mark, Im not aware that Tractor Supply has a robotic mower. I have compiled the best of both worlds, pointing out their highs and lows to assist you in weighing your options. Thanks Paul, thats great that you drove this and would buy one. Do you have a suggestion for the engine choice, Toro twin 24.5 hp or Kohler 22hp? Trying to decide between the Toro 42in Vtwin or Ariens Ikon XD 42. I am considering moving on from my 30 Dixon ZTR w/ the B/S 16.5 Intek engine. The Toro is the same engine that My second choice is either the Toro or Cub Cadet 50 inch. The Ariens Apex and Zenith both have good, soft seats and large wheels so they will ride smooth. Suburban house in CT 0.3-0.5 acres, small slope, about 3 trees to mow around and my backyard has oak trees bordering the edge so tons of leaves ALL THE TIME lol. 600 hours later the Honda v-twin 20hp had a $700 hickup and then 6 months later one of the Hydrogears self destructed and apparently Hydrogear no longer makes a replacement so off to the scrap yard. But the biggest problem is to find one that works. We have John Deere, Hustler, Bad Boy, Kubota, Husqvarna, and Grasshopper dealers, as well as stores such as Lowes, Home Depot, and Tractor Supply which carry other brands. I also bought my snow blower through your recommendation. John Deere Z345M 42 in. Nationwide we are very early in the season ( I still have 2 feet of snow on the ground) so Im fairly sure that there is plenty of stock. I have about 5 acres with a few bumps but not too bad I will cut about once a week. Hi Trent, It will finish mow at 8 mph and if you dont need a perfect cut it will mow at 10 mph. Ariens, Toro, Cub Cadet, and Walker have all made major improvements in their ZTR lines. (Im in Arkansas, and I think the closest place for Toro service is 50 miles away.) The shelter for the elderly homeless (where I live and work) has about 2 1/2 acres of mostly flat, open land to mow. I like the fully welded frame on the Cub Cadet but on the other hand, you never hear of frame cracking on the Deere either. I appreciate any suggestions that you can offer. Yes, Id stay away from the Husqvarna mowers. The smaller deck may let you trim more areas of your woods also. John Deere Z530M. While purchasing a mower online is possible, its not recommended for the following reasons: All things considered, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 is a powerful, durable mower whereas the Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200S is great at delivering a refined mowing experience. Its a very dependable and well-built mower. Hi Rob, Lets start with the Toro. The toro has the smart speed technology which allows me to tow but with a bigger engine would the Ariens struggle to keep up? 10 gauge deck, commercial ZT3100 drives, and huge tires will help this mower cut well, ride well and last a long time. The did replace a pulley but the problem is persisting. The difference between 10 ga (9/64 inch) and 11 ga (1/8 inch)is less than the thickness of a sheet of paper. Hi John, Sorry, I too busy with movingsnow.com and helping my daughter move into their new house. never go flat front tires !!! The owner is the type that likes to jump into a market, disrupt it, and move on to something else if he cant make a fortune. Titan IronForged Deck 24.5 HP Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower with MyRIDE, Cub Cadet Ultima ZT3 60 in. I recommend the Cub Cadet Z-FORCE S 48 as your cheapest option. The tire size somewhat justifies the extra $40 you pay for the Cub Cadet mower. Im spending days with my edger to get under the fences and around trees. The ZT 3100 is the entry-level commercial tranny. Hi Paul, I have 1 acre of land, flat, with fenced backyard and trees on the side in the front yard. A lot of deck designs have a harmonic vibration at certain speeds. SO, you really did make my day today. Thank you for your time! John By the way, is that cub cadet engine in a ZT1 it must be a previous year because this years model has the Kohler 7000 series (also a good engine) Personally if I have a choice Ill pick the Kaw first and then the Toro engine. The Toro engine is developing a stellar reputation. By the way, the MX5050 compares to the Gravely ZT X. I would like something in the 48 inch to 52 inch cut range. I like the optional front flex forks for rough lawns. Toro is the only one using the 2100 and they have been using them for years. The Deere probably looks a little better to me too, but my mower doesnt need to be pretty, as long as its not ugly and it mows well and has adequate service support if needed. The Gravely ZT XL is also the same mower with the next larger transmissions and a 4-year warranty instead of 3 years. Ive got about two acres of mostly flat lawn at my house. If you go any less than this price range and they ZTR will only last you a couple of years. I noticed right away the Deere appears to have a lighter frame, which I liked, so it weighs less. Toro TimeCutter SS Mulch Kit. Consider the size and shape of your yard. 2. Gator Blades the mulching blades with the teeth on the back will just shred the grass and leave little puff balls all over your yard if you try to side discharge with them. No one else has this type of control because Country Clipper has the patent but its by far the best zero-turn steering on the market. If you want the mower and need armrests here are the right ones: Cub Cadet Arm Rests. The wider decks get done faster and make it easier to trim around stuff. Seems the Toro deck is 10 Ga and the Cub is 11. The John Deere 345r and the new Cub Cadet Ultima mowers are the best right now for bagging. Always use the John Deere or Briggs & Stratton Yellow Oil Filter and change the oil at the recommended intervals. I am used to walk behind operation / handling Since Cub Cadet is the newest and they tried to hit all the consumer pain points which includes noise, Ill have to guess the Cub Cadet is quieter. Troy-Bilt + View All. The wider deck will allow you to trim around obstacles easier than the 42 inch model below. So many choices! Thanks for your help! My neighbor let me try his Ferris IS600 to test the ride without actually mowing. Cub Cadet vs Husqvarna Zero Turn | Which is Better? I know you mentioned before that the Toro is better for any sort of towing because of the Smart Speed. I recommend staying with a 48-54 inch deck. Given what I pay to have the lawn mowed, I think I could justify spending $3-4,000 on a mower and do it myself. They both use a collection of Kawasaki, Kohler, and in-house engines (for the Toro TimeCutter) to function effectively. (I did cut the lawn once with a 21 walk behind mower took me 2 hours and 45 minutes, and walking the hillside sideways with that mower was really hard on my knees and hips. Ariens has really upped their game this year and the Ariens upgraded IKON XD is one of the best mowers out right now. Zero-Turn Lap Bar. I know they are all about the same price but you are paying $1000 for the batteries in the Ryobi and $500 for the MyRide. If you let your orchard get more than 8 inches tall before you mow I strongly suggest a side discharge deck. You get a better experience when you buy from a dealer. Please help! Hi Thomas, The Big Dog Alpha is a Hustler Raptor painted red. The choice seems tough here. Beast. Perennial Rye and Tall Fescue have a lot more moisture in the stalk than Bluegrass, especially in the spring. Both have dealer support and both have the same sticker price. And because Ive had good luck with my Deere/Kohler and I feel less enthusiastic about the Briggs, Im leaning towards the Cub. I suggest that you dont mulch until your lawn growth has settled down. Its been good but Id like to upgrade. Thanks, Hi Pam, They are both very high-quality machines. I easily say that this mower is thru and thru a Walker and will probably be the last mower you ever buy. Both show it online so should be able to at least order the model I want. The 48 48SC-BS24 is on sale for $4207 at sleequipment.com which seems to make it the best value of the 4 Bradley Stand on options. The body of a zero-turn mower is important for several reasons. When you are looking at the price of the Deere just remember the hitch is $150 additional! Sorry for the long back story, but I thought it was important to provide as much detail as possible. I am considering a 60 inch deck Ariens Ikon XD 23 HP. It all seems easy enough for me to do it, but its got a 3 yr warranty so what is the best practice? DO NOT buy the Dash. They are also very heavy for their small tire size and can groove a lawn quickly if you are not pattern mowing. Paul, I think I like the idea of a lighter, more nimble mower, but perhaps the heavier one is better for most general applications. The best mower in that price range for ride, cut quality, cutting speed and long life components including the drive belts is the Exmark Lazer Z X-Series. The small front casters will make it ride rougher than many of the other mowers in that price range. Do they really ride that much better? Buy genuine and aftermarket Cub Cadet parts and accessories for lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, snow blowers, utility vehicles, garden tillers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, log splitters, chipper shredders, vacuums, string trimmers, edgers, trenchers, and pressure washers. My boss stumbled across the Jonsered 54 ZT Commercial Riding Mower at Costco, and she recently ordered the Jonsered 46 Tractor Mower. Cub Cadet ZT1 42E Electric Riding Mower. The usage will be 2-5 acres Texas Gulf Coast, mostly flat, no big slopes but some shallow ditches, some trees/obstacles, mostly turf grasses but with some rougher stuff. And with my analytical mind, I go back and forth and change my mind on many of these. The Kohler is the latest design and most fuel-efficient. Thanks for all your informative responses. I like the build quality of this mower, the cut quality, and I can easily recommend it for 2-3 acres. Hi Kirk, if you want the best cut possible get the Deere. The only way Id recommend it is if you really, really liked the dealer. This feature is mostly overlooked, but its highly important if you mow obstacle-filled lawns to ward off the possibility of damaging any important part in an accident. Any thoughts on which way I should go? Paul Any recommendations? So now I am wanting to look for a machine that is between 42-60 inches, floating deck, deck lifts up for easy blade replacement/clean and performs well for lawn cutting/orchard. They just run the snot out of them and once the lease is up buy another new one. Not sure if there is a limit on the amount or not. The stronger hydros on the ZT2 will last much longer for you. I suggest mowing at 4 inches and then mow in the late afternoon. With the belt loose wiggle the pulley on the electric clutch up and down (on the bottom of the engine) there should be no play. Hey Paul, Very informative article! I researched Zero Turn mowers. You can manage your mowing speed while maintaining the standard blade rotational speed on your lawn. Yes, Toro is discontinuing their steering wheel models. If you use them with side discharge the work most of the time but if your grass is wet, long or the stringy (like some Fescues) they wont cut the grass into little pieces and throw it out the discharge. Its a nice mower but I have been having issues with cut quality. If you only have 10-degree slopes and you are not planning on pulling a lot of heavier loads with the ZTR then Id stay with the Ariens IKON XD or the Gravely ZT X. A little more than half of it i would consider wooded. I have 1 acre lot in which my home is 2200 sq ft. My yard is mostly flat in which it has been graded like a bowl. Most components are identical but the decks are slightly different. If theres less than an acre to mow, a Toro will do just fine at delivering precision, efficiency, and comfort. Im looking to buy my first zero turn. Make sure you idler pulley moves freely and that it spins freely. I sat on the Cub and found my right knee may hit the lap-bar when using the deck-lift peddle even though the bars adjust. Everyone really likes this mower. Fabricated Deck 24 HP Kohler Pro 7000 Series Engine with Roll Over Protection Available at, Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX5 60 in. He mentioned and agreed but also suggested that the Cub and Toro will tow the same. That Cub did have the same exact engine. If you could help me, I would be so very grateful. It has Toros great V-twin engine. I am 6 and over 200 pounds but my wife is much smaller frame, so something that fits different body types is ideal. And which engine should I choose if I go with the edge? The new Toro Titan and the Cub Cadet XT2 will give you a much longer life.