I've had an old John Deere Steering wheel lawn mower for a VERY long time. It broke a belt yesterday morning and I went to town to buy a belt. While in town I started looking at zero turn mowers and after about 20 minutes the salesman had me talked into it. I bought a new Hustler Raptor XDX, Ran home and got my trailer and went back and picked it up. I got home and did my first mowing job with a Zero turn and had a smile on my face the whole time. I'm just not sure how I made it all those years without a Zero turn. you are right when you said once you use one you won't go back. My old steering wheel mower is now in the shed(still with a broke belt) It is now retired. Good video wish i would have found it sooner but only started searching Zero turn video's after buying one so I did it backwards. God Bless.
You got a great mower in the Hustler. I did the same thing with the belt coming off of my old mower and ended up with a Hustler 60 inch XD. I had been looking for about 4 or five years but being disabled was scared of going back in debt. As far as name brands go I just went with who has the best service reputation in my area as most zero turn mowers use the same parts. Serviceable hydros and Kawasaki engine was my criteria. Buy once cry once.
I bought my bad boy because I was tired of working on my xt1 cub cadet every season just to get the first mow in. So, I removed the cub cadet deck, replaced the drive belt, and gave it to my 11 year old for his first “tractor”. He pulls the trailer and picks up the limbs and trash out of the yard and hauls it to the burn pile. And after I get done mowing, he pulls the sweeper and picks up the clippings. And I bought a linear actuator and fabricated some mounts, so that he can dump the trailer and the sweeper bag from the tractor. He loves it, and I get some help in the yard!
I went to lowes and got a troy bilt distroyed it less then two yrs then went to greenway equipment and got a deere now going on 5 yrs mowes awesome one blade change
Cut mine yesterday. Last year had a misfire sound after about 10 minutes of cutting. 23 HP Kohler. Bought a head gasket kit and took apart. Thought I might have a blown head gasket but it came to a bad valve. Replaced both valves and sleeves along with the head gasket. Improved power and nice sound. Bought a new battery yesterday and it fired right up. New gas and drained tanks.
Had to watch your video. In my garage sits a brand new Toro Timecutter Model 75747- a 42" zero turn with "My Ride" suspension system. I don't have a farm, just 2 acres, about .75 of it I mow- the rest is "woods". This replaces my old Toro Z4200. It had a stamped steel deck, which I blew a hole in after running over a fallen tree branch. That won't happen with the new one... I made sure that the next machine I bought had a fabricated steel deck, and I'm so glad Toro started making them for the homeowner models. It has a twin cylinder 22 HP 7000 series Kohler, and the seat suspension is quite incredible- you just "float" while you mow. And of course a cup holder for my mint julep. You are 100% right. Once you own a Z-mower, you'll never go back. Thanks again for the fun video, I so look forward to mowing the first time with mine, which will probably be tomorrow. Oh... by the way, Toro does not put hour meters on my class of machine. I had to buy one a install it "aftermarket". Shows RPM, hours, and when to service (all programable) I really don't understand why Toro doesn't put a meter on a $3600 machine. Anyway... take care and happy mowing on the farm!
If that is your first time operating a ZTM you are a natural. Nice looking mower, lots of nice features. And good advice on buying at a dealer, not TSC, lowes, etc.
Great thing about a zero turn is manueverability. If you have a lot of landscaping - trees, bushes, flower beds, etc. You can do loops much faster than with a lawn tractor. Plus, they're just plain fun.
I love watching my neighbor try to back up his little garden trailer with his zero turn. Always good for a laugh. Can't wait for the video of the snow blower attachment install.
I bought a Husqvarna 42", 22HP a couple months ago. I love the zero turn mowers for its speed and zero turn maneuverability. However, zero turn mowers have few cons - you cannot attach accessories such as de-thatcher, aerator, etc. It's not steady on a hill. Keeping the Zero Turn mower's cons in mind, I went in for a residential tractor with hydrostatic transmission. With my Husqvarna tractor mower, I attached a Brinly-Hardy Lawn aerator and aerated my lawn comfortably.
I'm actually shopping for a zero turn so appreciate the information Josh! The tractor and finish mower are great for wide open spaces but I really need something for smaller hilly areas and next to the house, about like you have. Thanks again, Wooooo!
Just bought the titan max havoc edition running that with my 2005 z master 72” to cut my 17 acre driving range.. it’s my 4th year in and built this place up from scratch so money was the big issue for buying a $30k new mower .. I must say it’s actually a beast and I run it prollly hr to two per day and love it
I’ve had a 2018 titan hd 2000 series for a few years now, the machine has been reliable and easy to maintain. You are spot on with everything! The sound is awesome too!
No. Just very rural and being prepared is good for the soul. I could be living in a rough neighborhood but it seems if one is carrying arma there is a lot of peacefulness and no conflict.
BB is such a great company. I have one of their Box Blades I use on my channel. I want to get more of their equipment over the next few years. I hear they are in development for a sub compact tractor as well.
Same here and it has the same kohler engine this mower being presented. The feature I do appreciate on this mower is the oil plug connector allowing a tidier change. Other than that I will be faithfull to the bulldog of mowers.
I bought a kubota z231 42" back in Dec. We only have a 1/3 acre so it meets our needs. I picked it up brand new for $4300 after tax and I just happen to look them up again today and they are retailing for $4,799 now. I bought it at the right time.
I have a titan max myself and I've used it for normal yards and mowing fields on a 14 acre hobby farm. It's a tank! I don't think I've ever heard the engine bog, it just eats!
Josh....Good video, I have been using a Zero turn for over about 25 years, they are the only way to go. I started out with a Yazoo, then Woods, Toro, Hasqvarna, Kubota, and finally Ferris. I have had 3 major back surgeries and purchased the Ferris because of the front shocks and the smooth ride. I've had my 61" Ferris for about 4 years and love it. We mow 4 plus acres and the machine does an incredible job, check it out before you buy.
Great video, nice mower. In the hunt for one right now, minimum of 5-7 acres to cut. Your flag pole needs a topper. The farm is coming along. As always, thanks for all the great videos and information.
I like the look of that mower. It also appears someone was thinking when they built it keeping not only comfort in mind but ease of servicing. 🚜-Woooo!!
I just bought a Spartan KG XD with Michelin Tweel wheels and full suspension. Vanguard 37 efi engine, Stand on with a seat, it's so cool. I looked at a Titan but wanted a more commercial machine. Great video!
lol...get ready to regret the yard ripping teeth jarring tweal. Have you been happy with it so far? I hear "not so good" things about the tweals....since they have no sidewall....they're quite stiff. If you've got a suspension it may not be an issue. You liking it? You're talking about a $20k mower right? Nice!
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer I'm loving it so far. That Vanguard 37efi is no joke! Most power I've ever had in a mower. The Spartan KG-XD lists for 11,600.00 with the Tweels. After tax etc.... it was about 12,600.00 or about twice my last mower! lol... It's surprisingly good on gas for a big motor too, a pleasant surprise. Have a good one friend.
I like my FJ Dynamics autosteering mower. I don't need to spend my time on lawn mowing because my mower can do it for me automatically. Really well done
I use the Gravely ZT-42. First bought a ZT-40 {15 HP Kohler} which lasted 11+ years, then went to the ZT-42 {22HP Kohler) which has lasted for 6 years so far and no problems. Neither of mine had the ROPS bar and I was glad of it. Kubota made me buy the ROPS and it is useless down here in Texas. Your mower is impressive (except for the ROPS)
Thanks for taking the time to put the video together and share with us Josh. I'm in the market for a zero turn so real interesting to see the Toro in action. Looking forward to seeing some more farm action soon. Thanks again 👍 Wooo 😉
@@michaelmactavish4445 no they don't, they have Kawasaki petrol across the range and unfortunately no hydraulic deck lift..I'd really like that feature.
@@littlemogocreek no and yeah id go with kubotas zds or f series at least they have hydrulic lift on them plus kubotas has build in jack on zd to change blades or something happends in middle of mowing and front mounts just pull pins and deck flips up in the front wich kubotas are pretty well smart design plus comes with heated and ac cabs optional with radio
I’ve had two Zero Turn Mowers. One is a Kubota 54 inch and the other was a Gravely. Unfortunately both had Koehler motors. Things I like best about zero turns is they are very maneuverable, fast cuttings, driving and cut nicely with great power. What I hate is that where I live in Florida and our grass sits on sand. I have several acres to cut and sod is only around the house. The rest is mixed we’d,grass and sand. When cutting the mower blows debris everywhere not jut out the side discharge. By the time I’ve finished I need a shower because of the dirt and grit. I wear classes but I need goggles on mowing day. I like a zero turn but just know what you’re getting. I also have a small Kubota BX tractor with a finish mower behind it. I love that cause it’s much cleaner but slower cutting.
I also live in Florida and I have 5 acres. Here are the things I don't like about the Toro zero turn I bought. It does a terrible job of cutting Bahiagrass and it's so much heavier than my husquavarna that it leaves deep tire tracks during the rainy season. Also, having a belt breaking situation right now that we can't figure out. $57 a pop is getting old. Honestly, I regret the purchase.
This video shows a guy that is very experienced in using a Z/T mower. If you buy one of these machines it will take you 3 to 4 hours to get a bit of a handle to use it anywhere near an obstacle such as a fence or a garden border. This Toro machine is a good mower but is an entry level commercial unit used by contractors. I have recently bought a Husqavana Z/T which has a a first class Kawasaki 21hp engine and would easily handle the needs of Stoney's grass. I have 15 acres to manage with a small tractor slasher and a good mower. Yes go to a proper mower shop and push for a good deal because they cannot get big stock on hand at the moment. Freedom from Australia. ilia
takes a little bit to get used to a zero turn...lol "a guy"....well that's simply me.....and I agree...start out in an open area and learn the mower. Some folks jump right on and get it...others take alot longer. Some never get it...I've tried to give one of these to my parents...they simply won't have it! Takes them hours to mow their lawn when it could take minutes....so fun and maneuverable ...once you go zero turn it's hard to ride a lawn tractor and not be frustrated at the time it consumes
I really like it but there's a lot to go wrong and the expense I'll probably get one next but my Airens yard tractor 22 Briggs is gonna have to bite the dust bought in 13 it's showing no signs of giving up but it will eventually but it's simple to work on , these zero turns are pretty complex
I'd say a zero turn is much easier to work on than a lawn tractor.....basically all it is is an engine and 2 pumps v/s a transmission, rear end and all that internal gearing in a lawn tractor. You'll flip out when you see how much easier and how much time it saves ya running a zero turn!
I've got the Toro Titan HD2000 and got rid of the turf tires and went to bar tires. Makes a big difference and you won't get stuck in slightly damp grass. In fact that mower in the video looks almost identical to the one I have that I bought in 2017.
Got a DUI in the USAF and they made me mow the sides of the road and runway pads for a while on a Toro. LOL I loved the punishment's. It was a blast driving the thing. Like a tank they are. Crazy things can haul butt.
Ugh....hard labor is rough...I knew a Master Sgt in the USAF that got hard labor as his sentence ...he was forced to pound railroad ties out on the tracks on base....not cool and a horrible punishment for a very nice man. I knew him personally.
I agree Toro is the best! After 11 years on Golf Course maintenance, Toro is the besr all around machines! We tried them all Toro always out of the park THE BEST!
5 to 6 years!!??? Is that all!?? If you take care of it then it should last you 15 years easy. I have a Hustler and mow 6 acres with it and l have had it 6 years now and it keeps on going strong BECAUSE I take care of it. I personally wouldn't have chosen a Toro but it does look like a great machine. Glad that it's doing well for you! Remember to clean out under the deck EVERYTIME you use it. 🙂
Like you I thought I would never go back to a standard mower from a zero turn, then I bought a sears 26 HP tight turn 54 inch deck yard tractor. I find that I mow faster with this unit than I did with my zero turn.
Altoz has a Front Suspension and a Bright Color scheme, and can mow wide open on tall grass and dual Fuel tanks. Altoz is the only Mower in the Industry with a Tracked Zero Turn
Are you sure your not related to Pete Kanaris founder of Green Dreams because the passion you displayed in laying out a potential Dream Scape is out of this world. Ironically the reason I stumbled onto your estate is because I am looking into buying Toro Z Master 6K Series. This machine is definitely a game changer in the Lawn Maintenance business. I especially love the reviews you gave this machine, the enthusiasm you depicted speaks volumes. Thank you for shining light on a splendid mower that gives the owner pride.
That's a nice mower for smaller yards like you said. 3-5 acres. However if you do any kind of commercial mowing where your seat time is all day, that mower will beat you up since it has no suspension system. All the wheels are rigidly mounted to the frame. I opted for an independent suspension and it makes a world of difference on uneven or rougher terrain. With a shock at each wheel it makes for a much smoother ride.
Never shut off an engine without letting it ide to cool down! I was lucky and got an older Husky zero turn a few years ago for less than $700. Works great for me.
If you keep doing circles around a tree or a bush like Josh did at 1:00 you will leave a dirt circle In about 6 weeks. Wiggle about half way around the bush go down turn and on the way bock wiggle around the other side. Every week mow a different direction so you don’t turn on the same spot each time. Looks like a great mower, also looks like a bunch of money! I removed the rubber chute and mad a flip over flap out of a heavy duty mud flap I operate ti with a handle on a rod with a 3/8 drive socket universal joint. I flip it when I don’t want to discharge anything and open when I’m cutting in open areas. The factory chute leaves windrows when it’s down.
I wasn’t given mine and it’s currently sitting at about 7.9k hours. Never had any issues outside of basic maintenance. Go buy one. Feel better now Karen?
Man, I wish you were closer. I’d let you take my Ferris for a spin. A suspension seat, as well as front and rear suspension make for a nice smooth ride.
Hey Josh. I've owned many battery charger I know about cheap trickle charger just burn the lead core. Third time buddy, try the ChumacherSC1280 runs about $54-60. You won't be disappointed.
Once you have used a zero turn you can't go back to a lawn tractor. On my rural property I use mine to trim up the areas that are awkward to mow with the tractor. I paid a premium to get the fuel injected Yamaha engine on my Bad Boy. I've tried to buy all equipment with fuel injection to avoid the problems with carburetors, particularly at the beginning of mowing season.
I have never tried the Toro and I know you mentioned 26hp and as far as I. Concerned that's fine for small acreage but after running lots of zero turn mowers I would not go under 30 hp on any of them, it looks ok for a homeowner but for real mowing and possibly price I would just go into a quality commercial mower and you won't be disappointed, I have a badboy 30 hp with 3300 hours I use weekly, other then sharpen blades, a new belt and oil changes it's been trouble free since new and is now 15 years old ,so going with a heavy duty mower and spending more up front will actually save you money down the road so the Toro looks ok and time will tell how it holds up and if it's worth the money
Great video. I have to say I sold my JD tractor to buy a zero turn then went back to the tractor. Those front wheels were tearing up the lawn. It was fun to use though
I have a 42'' Toro Time Cutter 465cc i bout second hand here in Australia . i own it for about 5 years now and it 28 years old i also build a trailer for it ,, Best mower ever it a Awesome machine i do my own services and look after it .. What surprise me it has not have a hour meter on it ,, O well still Awesome , Cheers for sharing yours ..
lol...well ....that's fantastic...not sure why folks wanna dislike a zero turn..but I'll never go back to a lawn tractor unless something changes in the lawn tractor world...I'll run circles around a lawn tractor with this machine
Loving your videos I just bought a new John Deere 930M I am a green guy and a new 865R is arriving in August your videos make me smile and your farm is beautiful thanks for sharing lets do 930M review :) whooooo :) btw loved your 865R review so much fun.
I have a Toro Titan 50" cut zero turn that is 11 years old. It has over 1200 hours on it and runs like a top. never uses oil. Only mechanical issue I have had is to change a solenoid one time which was a piece of cake. you are correct, once you get a zero turn you will throw rocks a your tractor lawnmower.
1st - I have the same Seiko watch you have...good choice...my good old "army" service watch! but 7 k new? the competitors never sleeps, Husqvarna, John Deere..
I like toros,had 5 or 6 of em. I still got the first 1st. I got 20 years ago give or take,2 decks(my negligence bcuz a tree fell on shed and never got another so it sits outside 😥)and 12,634.4 hours later,and I had milage unhooked for couple years so ad another 2 or 3 thousand or so.
I have the Toro Timecutter with easy ride seat now starting 4th season with 1000hr on the clock I have made one mod , Put grease a nipple on each blade spindle , doubles the life of the bottom bearings i all so use Gator G6 blades based in UK
I believe 10th generation farmer RU-vid channel got one delivered to him as well , but he has to wait a little longer for his grass to grow befor he can do his trial with an review as well .. nice looking machines they have for sure !!
Another thing that is a pain is when switching to a bagger you have to take a bunch of stuff off and add some other stuff and then you can’t use the side chute because there is nothing to attach it to.
bagger: Bag up your grass clippings (nitrogen and carbon rich) and spread petroleum based fertilizer.....I don't bag my clippings because they feed my lawn my brotha
I'm not sold on the Kohler engine. I've just seen too many issues. But I'm leaning more of the zero turns with the Kawasaki engine. And most use that 2200 drive system. Just saying. And I currently have two John Deere's.
Try a Ferris if you get a chance. I cut a 6 acre field with mine three days ago, with far more cedars, white pines, and small white oaks than you just cut with your Maschio flail. And I did it in just over 2 hours. It's a beast, and it's not the top of their line. IS2100Z. Weighs 1,300 lbs, and has power to spare. I call it my riding brush hog. Sprung suspension on all four corners with shocks too. Super nice ride, but the best part, is that it sips gas. I couldn't believe how little fuel it uses. Try one. You'll be hooked.
This is the exact mower I've been thinking about buying. I currently use a six foot finish mower with my Kubota L3800. Even if it is twelve inches narrower it would be faster than the tractor. Let us know how you like it after you've got some more time on it.
Hey neighbor. I’m just up the road from you. In Franklin county. Awesome Machine you have. Invest in some good radio head set and have John Boy and Billy in your ears lol . Take care and enjoyed the video.
This is the third Zero turn mower you've shown in about a year. It would be interesting to hear how these compare. Are they comparable in capability and performance? How about price? Do you still have any of the others or were they demo units, and if you still have any of them how have they aged?
What about a timecutter 50" for the price of only $3200? Is this a great option for the price or is smaller ones for the price better? 50" (127 cm) TimeCutter® Zero Turn Mower (75751)
Twenty-five years experience using a zero turn mower. As with all mowers you want to look at the ease of annual maintenance. i.e. the mowing deck blades, spindles and belts. How convenient is it to get to those blades does the deck swing up or are you removing the deck from the mower. Are the spindles easy to replace and are they affordable and one piece rather than two for bearing access. Is this unit engineered for mulching with enough power for full speed in heavy thick grass. Many are under powered when mulching heavy wet grass.
I have a 13 year old cub cadet lawn tractor style with the 26 hp kohler and 54" deck. It's been a good mower but a zero turn definitely cuts down on mowing time. Found that out when mine finally had to go to the shop and I borrowed my brothers toro. Next mower purchase......zero turn!
