[AT] ztr

[David Bruce]

Having never used a ZTR I can't comment on those but with the front 
mower machines the same is true.  The greatly increased agility as 
compared to a "regular" rider or a tractor mounted mower is significant. 
  I do most of my mowing with a JD commercial front mount and it is 
truly amazing how agile it is (I can cut as small a an 11" circle with a 
54" deck) and this makes for very little trimming needed.  For me, as 
compared to using a 72" rear mount mower on my MF 35 the time factor is 
cut in about half mostly due to the agility.  While I like to mow with 
the tractor set-up, the time savings with the front mount and the ease 
of operation of the unit makes for a mowing experience that is even more 
enjoyable.
I will also second your comments about commercial as compared to 
"homeowner" models.  I bought my front mount used from a JD dealer for 
about have the going price for a new unit and it'll probably outlast me 
(and I'm not the easiest on equipment).
I've also got a 28" Areins rider that is about 15 years old - I liked 
the unit but it is just too small for what I'm mowing now and there is a 
Wheel Horse tractor in need of restoration that I may get to eventually 
but the front mount mower is (and will probably remain) my main mowing unit.

David

Mark Greer wrote:
> 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
>