[AT] ztr

[Mark Greer]

I think the whole reason for owning a ZTR is the time factor. They are WAY
faster than any sort of rider and most of us would rather be doing something
else besides the mowing chore. If I don't have to spend my evenings and
Saturdays mowing I'm free to go to old iron auctions or go fishing which are
both more fun than mowing. As for longevity, a commercial ZTR used to mow
your own lawn will probably outlast you. The commercial machines are built
to run 60 hours a week and see more hours in a single summer (used
commercially) than you will ever put on one mowing your yard in a lifetime.
I just got a ZTR last summer (a used Hustler Shortcut) and had been using a
48" Exmark gear drive walker since '93. The Exmark was 5 years old when I
got it and had been used commercially but well maintained. The Exmark cut my
mowing time from 6-7 hours with a Wheel Horse/48" deck to just over 3-1/2
hours. The ZTR is 54" and knocked another hour off what the Exmark walker
will do. Bottom line-buy a new commercial ZTR (NOT one of the cheapie
homeowner models that have appeared on the market in the last year or so).
Maintain it and it will last you a lifetime and you'll have a lot more spare
time to boot. Been there, done that.
Mark

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Britton" <c.britton at worldnet.att.net>
To: <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 7:49 AM
Subject: [AT] ztr


> >From: "Dean VP" <deanvp at att.net>
> >Subject: RE: [AT] OT - zero turn mowers
> >I too became all enthused about zero turn radius mowers until I learned
> >about a couple of their shortcomings. And the shortcomings are pronounced
> >, if you have
> >uneven traction on the rear wheels, maintaining the desired direction
> >becomes a real problem. This problem is exacerbated by mowing on side
hills
> >where there is much more weight on the downhill side rear wheel.
>
> I've seen this also.  If it's raining anywhere in fl.. I see alot of lawn
> care people on ZTR's chewing up grass, on very simple slopes.
>
> They are also a dedicated piece of equipment.. just a mower.  I understand
> they aren't even really designed to pull a lawn cart.. like a regular
> lawnmower could.. etc.  Lotsa money to spend on something that can only do
> one thing.. etc.
>
> Seems like for the money, you could buy a mid-large rider mower.. good
> brand.. say.. huskie or cub cadet. and an add on trail mower.. and still
> come out a grand less than the least expensive ZTR... and cut a wider
swath
> at one time.
>
> Soundguy